Football 2012

Denton Record-Chronicle

Local coaches lead Denton programs in ...

New Directions Inside:

UNT preparing for C-USA

Ryan moves up, Guyer down

Denton welcomes Atkinson

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DRC Football

August 30, 2012

KICKOFF

FOOTBALL 2012

5

ON THE COVER

New directions About the section The Denton Record-Chronicle’s 2012 football preview section focuses on the new directions several of the area’s programs are headed in. North Texas is preparing for its move to Conference USA in 2013, Ryan is moving up to Class 5A, Guyer is dropping to Class 4A and the rivalry between Argyle and Sanger has ended after the schools moved to separate districts.

Section credits The football helmets on the team pages are courtesy of Texas High School Helmet Project. The cover of the magazine and the section introduction pages were designed

by Carolyn Martin.

Contents North Texas Preparing for C-USA . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-8 Highlights of Sun Belt era . . . . . . . . . . .9 Derek Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Four downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Sun Belt preview . . . . . . . . . . . . .14, 17 Aaron Fortenberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 UNT roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Marcus Trice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-21 City high schools Teams head in new directions . . . .23-24 Ryan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25-28 Denton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29-32 Guyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34-37 State polls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 I-35E pedestrian bridge, UNT gameday Visual tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41-50 Area high schools Argyle, Sanger rivalry on hold . . . .53-56 All-area team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57-58 Lake Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59-61 Argyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62-64 2011 district standings . . . . . . . . . . .64 Aubrey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65-67 Krum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68-70 Sanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71-73 Pilot Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74-76 Ponder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77-79 Liberty Christian . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80-82 Calvary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83-85 2011 review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86-87

Section staff Director of sports Larry McBride . . .lmcbride@dentonrc.com Section editor Brett Vito . . . . . . . . .bvito@dentonrc.com Photographers Al Key . . . . . . . . . . . .akey@dentonrc.com David Minton . . . .dminton@dentonrc.com Staff Writers Adam Boedeker . . .aboedeker@dentonrc.com Ben Baby . . . . . . . . . . .bbaby@dentonrc.com Patrick Hayslip . . . . . .phayslip@dentonrc.com Special contributors Randy Cummings, Dave Rogers, Steve Gamel, Michael Clements, Mike Mezeul II Copy editors Matthew Zabel, Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe

Brett Vito SECTION OVERVIEW

Area teams see change on the way

O

ne of the historic shifts in the history of North Texas athletics is less than a year away. The Mean Green will leave the Sun Belt Conference for Conference USA in 2013.

That change alone would make the next year on the local football scene a monumental one.

What makes this season even more noteworthy is UNT’s move is just one of several that will see nearly every local program heading in a new direction.

Guyer was a state power in Class 5A and is now the favorite to win a state title in Class 4A after dropping down in the latest University Interscholastic League realignment. That same realignment sent the Wildcats’ cross-town rival Ryan up to Class 5A to compete in the state’s strongest classification.

Denton is also undergoing a change in its program with the arrival of new head coach Kevin Atkinson.

Regional rivals Sanger and Argyle are entering a time of transition as well, one that will end their heated rivalry. The two schools that are separated by just 19 miles will be in separate districts for the next two years.

The combination of those storylines paints a clear picture when it comes to the upcoming football season. It will be a time of noteworthy change.

The Denton Record-Chronicle’s sports staff set out to document the journey of those teams in its annual football preview magazine.

The fact UNT will be on the move in 2013 makes this season all the more important. The Mean Green can pick up momentum that could help the team cap-

David Minton/Denton Record-Chronicle

Denton head coaches (clockwise from top left), Dan McCarney of North Texas, Kevin Atkinson of Denton, John Walsh of Guyer and Joey Florence of Ryan will lead their respective programs in new directions this season. McCarney will prepare UNT to move to Conference USA in 2013, while Guyer will move down to Class 4A and Ryan will move up to Class 5A. Atkinson is entering his first season as Denton’s head coach and will try to lead a turnaround in the Broncos’ program. italize on joining a league with Rice, Tulsa and UTEP right away.

UNT head coach Dan McCarney said there would be no better way to prepare for that move than to win and build on a 5-7 season in 2011. Five wins might not sound like much, but it’s more games than the Mean Green has won in a season since 2004.

Ryan has been a winning program for years under head coach Joey Florence, who has led the Raiders to two state titles.

Ryan will look to build on that history of success while playing in the state’s highest classification.

Guyer will face high expectations in Class 4A, where the Wildcats will have a chance to break through and win a state title.

Atkinson and Denton will have more modest goals this year, when the Broncos will try to lay the foundation to a rise to prominence. The Broncos won just one game last season.

If there is one game that fans looked forward to in the area the last few years it was the annual Argyle-Sanger showdown that usually determined a district champion.

Last season that game was televised and featured two of the top quarterbacks in the state in Sanger’s Dane Evans and Argyle’s Austin Aune.

This year that game won’t be played at all, at least not in the regular season.

There are plenty of other storylines to follow, though. That’s what will make the 2012 season an intriguing one in the Denton area.

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August 30, 2012

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COVER STORY

UNT aims to leave SBC on high note

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Dozens of people crowded into a small room on the fifth floor of Apogee Stadium in May, waiting for the official announcement of the biggest news in the recent history of North Texas athletics.

After nearly a decade of courting a league it viewed as the best possible home for its program, years of inviting league officials up from their offices in Irving and playing up all the school has to offer, UNT finally had been invited to join Conference USA. UNT won’t share a league with Louisiana-Monroe or Arkansas State — schools that sparked little interest in the program — any longer after joining a conference that contains traditional regional rivals like Rice, UTEP and Tulsa.

“We don’t have to talk about where we need to go, because we are where we need to be,” UNT athletic director Rick Villarreal said that day in front of a backdrop plastered with UNT and C-USA logos.

The move was a cause for celebration that day, and a reason to look forward to one of the more critical seasons in recent program history.

UNT has one last year in the Sun Belt Conference to prepare for the jump to what is widely considered a higher-level league. How the school fares on and off the field this fall — from becoming more competitive to increasing attendance — could go a long way toward determining whether UNT enters its first season in CUSA with momentum on its side.

That would be the best scenario for UNT, which is aiming to capitalize on all the league has to offer and avoid the alternative: limping into its new conference while continuing to look for a way to turn around a football program that hasn’t posted a winning season since 2004.

C-USA has seven bowl tie-ins this season, while the Sun Belt has two. The added bowl opportunities are just one benefit of changing leagues. Villarreal estimated that UNT’s revenue distribution from C-USA will be $400,000 more than what it receives from the Sun Belt.

UNT officials are confident that they have the facilities and coaches in place to make the school’s final season in the Sun Belt a good one. They also acknowledge it won’t be easy to leave the Sun Belt on a

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton

North Texas head coach Dan McCarney walks on the sideline at Apogee Stadium last season. McCarney will lead UNT in its final campaign in the league, which it joined in 2001. How UNT fares will go a long way toward determining how successful the program will be during its first few seasons in Conference USA, which UNT will join in 2013. high note.

“The challenge with this season is that every one of your coaches and teams wants to leave the conference with a win,” Villarreal said. “A team wouldn’t look at it any other way. But the teams in the Sun Belt don’t want to see you walk away with the conference title in your last year. That is the real challenge — maintaining our focus on the Sun Belt, which has been good to us, and let next year get here when it gets here.”

That time can’t get here soon enough for UNT, despite what has been a highly productive stay in the Sun Belt.

UNT had suffered through six straight losing seasons when it joined the Sun Belt in 2001 and had not posted a winning campaign since returning to the Football Bowl Subdivision level in 1995.

The Mean Green immediately won four

straight conference titles and played in four straight New Orleans Bowls, a run that helped usher in one of the greatest eras of growth in the history of UNT athletics.

UNT built a new athletic center, a whole new athletic campus, an academic center and Apogee Stadium, a $79 million venue that is the crown jewel of the school’s athletic facilities.

The challenge for UNT as it prepares for its move to C-USA is finding a way to improve other aspects of the program.

UNT has posted an 18-65 record since winning the last of its Sun Belt titles in 2004.

The school set a total attendance record for home games last season, when 113,186 fans were in the stands for six home dates despite the fact the Mean Green was headed toward a seventh straight losing

season.

The record was an important milestone, but UNT’s per-game average of 18,864 fans last season ranked ninth out of the 12 teams that will be in C-USA when its new lineup takes effect.

Charlotte, which will be the 13th member of C-USA, is still in the process of building its program.

C-USA officials took a look at UNT’s issues, the school’s potential and the progress it has made and were convinced the program is headed in the right direction before extending an invitation to the league.

That decision was telling considering UNT was a candidate to join the conference in 2004, only to be passed over.

UNT has improved what it has to offer in See COVER STORY on 7

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COVER STORY

From Page 6

The following is UNT’s record and where it has finished in the Sun Belt Conference standings since 2001, its first year in the league: Season Record (SBC) Finish 2001 5-7 (5-1) First (tie) 2002 8-5 (6-0) First 2003 9-4 (7-0) First 2004 7-5 (7-0) First 2005 2-9 (2-5) Seventh (tie) 2006 3-9 (2-5) Seventh 2007 2-10 (1-6) Seventh (tie) 2008 1-11 (0-7) Eighth 2009 2-10 (1-7) Eighth 2010 3-9 (3-5) Sixth (tie) 2011 5-7 (4-4) Fifth

terms of facilities and successful programs — including a men’s basketball team that has been to the NCAA tournament twice since 2007 — since its first attempt to join C-USA. “Their infrastructure is impeccable,” CUSA commissioner Britton Banowsky said. “From the president all through the university, they have great leaders with a dynamic vision. At the end of the day, it is about the people. You can have the best facilities and be in the best market, but if you don’t have the people with administrative leaders and coaches, you can’t be successful.”

While UNT has more in place than ever before, those who know the school best say that there are several challenges that lie ahead for the program this season.

How UNT handles addressing those issues will impact the program’s immediate future and its long-term prospects.

There are not many coaches in college football who have a better perspective on how to take a struggling program and steer it in a positive direction than Dan McCarney, who is entering his second season at UNT. McCarney helped turn around Wisconsin as an assistant coach under Barry Alvarez in the 1990s. He then took an Iowa State team that went 0-10-1 in the season before he arrived in 1995 to five bowl games in six seasons beginning in 2000.

That experience paid off in his first season at UNT last fall, when the Mean Green finished 5-7, matching its win total from the previous two seasons combined.

To McCarney, what UNT needs to do to build on that finish and get ready for the move to C-USA isn’t complex at all.

“I don’t want to oversimplify things, but we need to win more games and be more competitive in every game,” McCarney said. “We have a daunting, daunting nonconference schedule this year. On the road at LSU, Kansas State and Houston — are you kidding me? We can cry about it and make excuses or go get our program ready to go compete with those teams. When you can do that, talk about capturing the attention of the country.

What would happen if we go and upset one of those teams or get into the fourth quarter with a chance to win one of those

7

SBC ERA Season records

Cover story

Challenge No. 1: Have a good final year in the SBC

August 30, 2012

RECRUITING Rating talent

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton

North Texas wide receiver Brelan Chancellor catches a pass in front of Louisiana-Monroe sophomore safety Isaiah Newsome last season at Apogee Stadium. UNT finished 5-7 last year, including a 4-4 mark in Sun Belt Conference play. a target on its back. games?

“There is definitely that feeling,” “Everyone in America would be talking Western Kentucky tight end Jack Doyle about North Texas.”

Reaching that goal might not be as sim- said of UNT being a team other Sun Belt squads will be particularly motivated to ple as it sounds.

UNT hasn’t been a serious contender play, at Sun Belt media day. “It could get for the Sun Belt title since 2004 and will some guys going.”

Veteran Sun Belt coaches Larry have just three returning defensive starters available at the beginning of the Blakeney of Troy and Rick Stockstill of season, after losing three key players in Middle Tennessee said they don’t foresee the off-season. Cornerback Freddie UNT being more than just another conWarner was lost until at least October due ference opponent for Sun Belt teams this to a knee injury he suffered in spring season. McCarney doesn’t think UNT will practice. Starting defensive tackle Ryan be a target either and has continued to Boutwell will miss the first two games of speak highly of the Sun Belt and its coachthe year with a torn pectoral muscle, and es.

Doyle isn’t alone in thinking that UNT McCarney decided to redshirt linebacker Mike Stojkovic so that he can deal with will face some added pressure this year, though. Louisiana-Lafayette head coach off-the-field issues.

Lance Dunbar, who broke UNT’s Mark Hudspeth also anticipates UNT career rushing record, graduated after last facing a tough road.

“That’s just a natural feeling that other season, leaving the Mean Green without teams and other universities might have its top offensive player from a year ago.

UNT was picked to finish eighth out of when a team says, ‘Hey, we are leaving the 10 teams in the Sun Belt in the presea- your conference,’” Hudspeth said of teams being motivated to win their last conferson coaches poll.

Facing a tough schedule in what one ence game against UNT. UNT’s players acknowledged that they could argue is a rebuilding season will be a challenge. What could make that task will have to prepare for the challenge of even tougher is that the Mean Green getting every team’s best shot in their final enters its final season in the Sun Belt with year in the Sun Belt.

The following is a look at where UNT’s recruiting classes have been ranked nationally the last five years by Rivals and Scout, two websites that cover recruiting: Season Rivals Scout 2012 99 109 (tie) 2011 102 113 (tie) 2010 98 117 2009 104 116 (tie) 2008 86 68

“We probably do have a target on our backs, but we are not worried about that,” UNT linebacker Zach Orr said. “We can only control what we can control, and we are in the Sun Belt for 2012. We are trying to win that conference.”

That will be a huge challenge for UNT, which hasn’t finished higher than fifth in the league standings since 2004.

McCarney has set high expectations anyway and has spoken openly about contending for the Sun Belt title.

Orr is among several UNT players who have considered the impact that kind of season would have, especially considering the alternative — an eighth straight losing season.

“Having a winning season would bring more fans out,” Orr said. “It would help us land better recruits.”

Challenge No. 2: Improve the team’s talent level

One of the telling signs of the issues that UNT faces is the makeup of the preseason All-Sun Belt team that was released on media day this summer.

UNT had just two players named to the team: offensive lineman Cyril Lemon and See COVER STORY on 8

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August 30, 2012

SUN BELT HISTORY

From Page 7

C-USA 2011 attendance

Cover story punter Will Atterberry.

McCarney has said since he took over the program that he needed to improve the talent level of a team that he didn’t believe was up to Division I standards when he arrived.

UNT has barely had time to address that problem and now will have to quickly ratchet up its talent level another notch to compete in C-USA. The challenge is one that Tulane head coach Curtis Johnson and several other coaches in C-USA said they believe UNT can meet.

“It would be a big jump from the Sun Belt [to C-USA] for a school that does not have that recruiting base,” Johnson said.

“Texas is so good as a recruiting base that it will be business as usual. If they were in Maine, it would be different.”

UNT has more to sell to recruits now with its new stadium and pending move to a C-USA. Rivals.com and Scout, two websites that cover college football recruiting, have rated UNT’s recruiting class better than 98th nationally just once in the last five years. In 2008, Scout.com had UNT’s class rated 68th and Rivals had it ranked 86th.

Rice head coach David Bailiff said that he can see the improvements UNT has made to its facilities, combined with the announcement that the school will join CUSA, paying off in terms of the players who are showing interest in playing for the Mean Green.

Rice, which has beaten UNT twice in the last four years, is recruiting several of the same players. UNT will have to sign more of those higher-level players over the next few years if it hopes to compete in C-USA. McCarney landed a few players who fit that profile in his 2012 recruiting class, including nationally ranked center Boone Feldt of Buda Hays, and said he could see the improvement in the talent level of his team this fall.

“If you look at levels where the teams in the Sun Belt and Conference USA recruit, there is a difference,” said Jeremy Crabtree, a longtime college football recruiting analyst who is a senior recruiting coordinator at ESPN. “It’s going to be a challenge switching leagues. They are not going to be able to walk right in. They are moving up a level from a recruiting standpoint.”

DRC Football

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton

North Texas fans stand and watch the video replay screen at Apogee Stadium.

UNT is aiming to build its attendance as it prepares to move to Conference USA.

Challenge No. 3: Build a larger fan base One of the biggest benefits of UNT’s move to C-USA is that it could help the school address what has long been one of its biggest issues — building its fan base.

UNT has invested heavily in its program over the last decade, from building Apogee and the Mean Green Athletic Center to raising coaching salaries.

McCarney’s base salary and guaranteed incentives total $545,000 under his original contract at UNT, a number nearly 85 percent higher than predecessor Todd Dodge.

UNT has seen those moves pay off in terms of attendance, which has continued to climb despite the program’s lack of success over the last seven years.

The crowd of 28,075 fans for UNT’s game against Houston to open Apogee Stadium last season ranks third in program history for an on-campus game.

Seven of the top 10 crowds for on-campus games at UNT have been for games played since 2005.

UNT officials believe that the school’s fan base and attendance will grow quickly if the program improves, especially following its move to C-USA. “We will have local rivalries, and we also have a long-term contract with SMU in place,” Villarreal said. “That will help with ticket sales. We will have Southern Miss, Rice and Tulsa coming here. We have seen that we attract great crowds when those teams come here.”

Those rivalries could help UNT address some of the problems that are apparent when one looks closely at the program’s history.

McCarney set a goal to sell out the first

game at Apogee when he took over at UNT and spent the summer promoting the team, only to see more than 2,000 empty seats at the 30,850-seat stadium for the Houston game.

The program’s attendance average of 18,864 in 2011 also represented only a nominal increase over previous seasons.

UNT averaged more than 17,000 fans per game in three of the four seasons before Apogee opened.

Of the 12 teams scheduled to play in CUSA in 2013, only Rice, UAB and Florida International averaged fewer fans per game last season.

The new rivals UNT will face in C-USA should help the program address that problem.

Of the top 10 crowds UNT has drawn for on-campus games, three were for games against future C-USA opponents Tulsa and Rice. Only two of the crowds in the top 10 were not for games against Texas schools or Tulsa. Both were for games against service academies that have large national followings.

McCarney said the bump in attendance last season helped UNT in a number of ways, including in recruiting. He listed the atmosphere at home games as one of the bigger selling points for recruits.

Bob Furay is among the longtime UNT fans who expect that atmosphere to improve as the program makes the transition to C-USA. “The bottom line is the rivalries,” said Furay, who has been going to UNT games since he enrolled at the school in 1970.

“We have more of a connection with Rice, Tulsa, Louisiana Tech and Tulane.

Playing those teams will bring more people to the stadium. Those are teams peo-

The following are the 2011 home attendance averages for the schools that will be members of C-USA in 2013: School Games Attendance East Carolina Six 50,012 Texas-San Antonio Six 35,521 Southern Miss Six 28,400 UTEP Six 26,498 Marshall Five 25,874 Tulsa Six 22,541 Louisiana Tech Five 21,518 Tulane Six 19,726 North Texas Six 18,864 Florida International Six 18,411 Rice Five 17,329 UAB Five 16,579 * Charlotte, which will be the 13th member of the C-USA has yet to field a team.

UNT Top home crowds The following is a list of the top 10 crowds for North Texas home games both at Fouts Field and Apogee Stadium.

Opponent Season Attendance Baylor 2003 29,437 Baylor 2000 28,318 Houston* 2011 28,075 Navy 2007 26,012 SMU 2006 25,231 Rice 2010 23,743 Army 2009 23,647 Tulsa 2005 23,112 TCU 2001 22,837 Tulsa 2008 22,785 SMU 1990 22,750 * Game played at Apogee Stadium

ple can relate to.”

Boosting attendance also would bolster one of UNT’s key revenue streams, ticket sales, during football season.

“Selling tickets helps the bottom line and gives you extra things that you can do,” Villarreal said. “We don’t do without a lot, but there are always extra things you can do. But more than anything, it’s about building a following.”

UNT’s players are well aware of the benefits that would come from increased attendance and want to do their part.

“We are going into the second season in a new stadium, which will help,” UNT running back Brandin Byrd said. “But the key to it is for us to win games like we are supposed to. If we do that, we will be able to bring more fans out.”

That’s just part of the challenge UNT faces as it prepares for arguably the most anticipated and important move in the history of its athletic program.

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August 30, 2012

SUN BELT HISTORY

9

Sun Belt years full of memories for UNT

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

SBC ERA Other milestones

The end of an era in North Texas history is just weeks way.

After its 12th season in the Sun Belt Conference this fall, UNT will head to a new home in Conference USA, a place where the Mean Green will enjoy rivalries against Texas schools it now lacks.

UNT has spent the weeks and months since the announcement in May that it had accepted a bid to join a league that will include Rice, UTEP and Texas-San Antonio looking forward to the 2013 season and a new beginning.

But before UNT closes a chapter in its history, it’s also worth taking a look back. There were plenty of highs, and a few lows as well, during Villarreal a time of unprecedented growth for the program in the Sun Belt.

UNT opened Apogee Stadium, its $79 million football stadium that is just a year old, and went to four straight New Orleans Bowls beginning in 2001 while playing in the Sun Belt.

The Mean Green reached several other milestones along the way, including having back-to-back national rushing champions in Patrick Cobbs and Jamario Thomas.

The Sun Belt helped make it all possible.

“The Sun Belt gave us a tremendous platform to play and display who we were,” UNT athletic director Rick Villarreal said. “We went to four straight bowl games right out of the box. Without those bowl games, I don’t know that we would have had the momentum we needed to build this athletic center. That was the impetus for a lot of other things we have done here.

“That step from the Big West [UNT’s previous conference] to the Sun Belt, I don’t know if people realize how big it was. It was very instrumental in the progress we made and the step we are getting ready to take into Conference USA.” UNT still has a year left and an opportunity to create a few more memories to go along with those from the school’s first 11 years in the Sun Belt.

UNT tops Cincinnati in New Orleans Bowl I Mean Green finished off one of best seasons in recent history with 2002 bowl win.

UNT beats MTSU to begin turnaround I Middle Tennessee was 5-0 with a win over Vanderbilt heading into a 2001 game against UNT, which was trying to recover from an 0-5 start. UNT won 24-21, sparking a five-game winning streak that led to its appearance in the 2001 New Orleans Bowl, the Mean Green’s first bowl appearance since the 1959 Sun Bowl and the first of four straight.

UNT hires Dan McCarney as head coach I UNT landed an experienced coach who guided Iowa State to five bowl games in six seasons from 2000-2005.

UNT ranks among nation’s elite defenses I Mean Green allowed just 14.8 points a game in 2002, despite playing Texas and Alabama on way to New Orleans Bowl.

Spencer selected in the NFL Draft I UNT linebacker began solid NFL career by being selected in the sixth round by the Oakland Raiders.

Fitzgerald leads the nation in receptions I Casey Fitzgerald, a former walk-on, leads nation in receptions with an average of 9.42 per game in 2008, sparking UNT’s spread offense.

File photo

North Texas players, from left, Don McGee, Craig Jones and Cody Spencer join head coach Darrell Dickey in lifting the championship trophy following a 24-19 win over Cincinnati in the 2002 New Orleans Bowl in the Superdome.

Here are the best of those memories so far:

1. Sun Belt winning streak/bowl run Winning a conference title is an important milestone in the history of any program.

Winning it twice is even more impressive, but doing it four straight times and being perfect in the process is nearly unheard of in college athletics.

That’s what made UNT’s four-year reign in the Sun Belt so impressive. The Mean Green lost its first Sun Belt game in 2001 and then didn’t lose a league game again until after it had won 26 straight, not to mention four league titles.

UNT received a $1 million donation from Houston businessman Jim McIngvale that helped fund construction of a new athletic center, had Cobbs and Thomas grace the cover of USA Today together after winning their rushing titles and experienced unprecedented growth during that winning streak.

UNT struggled in nonconference play, largely because of a brutal schedule, but there is no denying the Mean Green wouldn’t be where it is today without that run of success.

Villarreal credited that bowl run for raising the profile of the program and helping make fundraising easier.

“Any time you are in a bowl game, all of

the sudden you are in every newspaper for two weeks and on TV commercials,” Villarreal said. “All of the sudden people know who you are. When you do that once, it has an impact. When you do it twice, the impact gets bigger. When you do it four times in a row, then people say, ‘Hey, wait a minute there is something going on there.’”

There was something going on — one of the best eras in program history.

2. The move to Apogee from Fouts When it comes to long-term impact, there might not have been a bigger event at UNT during the Sun Belt era than the addition of Apogee Stadium.

UNT’s $79 million venue was years in the making and immediately injected life into a program in need of an upgrade in terms of facilities late in the Fouts Field era. UNT started playing in Fouts in 1952 and rarely invested in its upkeep.

By the time UNT played its final game at Fouts in 2010, it was clearly the worst college football venue used by a Football Bowl Subdivision program in Texas.

One could make the argument that Apogee is among the best in the state now, even though it is far from being the biggest.

UNT’s final game at Fouts Field against Kansas State and its opener at Apogee were an emotional and historic time in program history.

3. Cobbs, Thomas win rushing titles

UNT made national headlines in 2003 and 2004 when Cobbs and Thomas sparked the Mean Green’s runbased offense under head coach Darrell Dickey.

Cobbs powered through opposing defenses in 2003 and won the national rushing title by averaging 152.7 yards a game. The fact that UNT hammered Baylor 52-14 and won the Sun Belt title only increased the attention the Mean Green received during Cobbs’ record season.

Cobbs was injured early in 2004, forcing UNT to turn to Thomas in the third game of the season. The former Longview Spring Hill standout scored on a 57-yard run on his first carry at Colorado, rushed for 200 yards in five straight games and won UNT’s second straight national rushing title.

UNT was squarely in the national spotlight a year later when both returned, marking the first time in college football history that two national rushing champions shared the same backfield.

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August 30, 2012

DRC Football

NORTH TEXAS

Thompson stepping into a larger role

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Derek Thompson knew the challenge he faced was pretty simple heading into his first full season as North Texas’ quarterback last year.

The instructions from offensive coordinator Mike Canales essentially came down to a basic task: Don’t mess it up.

UNT had a star running back in Lance Dunbar, a proven guy backing him up in James Hamilton and an experienced offensive line.

As Thompson prepares for his second year as a starter, the situation has changed.

He still has to manage UNT’s offense effectively. He just needs to do so while also being UNT’s leader.

How Thompson handles that change could determine how UNT fares. “It was a learning experience for me last year, but I grew as a quarterback,�

Thompson said. “I’m ready to step into that role as the leader of this offense. I’m not shy about it and expect big things as far as being an offensive playmaker this year.�

Thompson showed that ability near the end of last season when he threw for 331 and 332 yards, respectively, in wins over Troy and Louisiana-Monroe. Those performances helped the former Glen Rose standout rack up 1,759 passing yards on the season, despite missing one game, playing only sparingly in another and handing the ball off over and over in season-ending win over Middle Tennessee in which he only threw seven passes.

The experience Thompson gained should help him develop into the player UNT needs during a season in which it will have to break in several new skill position players. The Mean Green lost Dunbar, who rushed for 1,115 yards and Hamilton, who added 406.

The pair helped make the play-action passing game, in which Thompson excelled, work.

UNT will need Thompson to continue to play well without those players behind him and manage the game. He finished with an 11-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio last season. “Derek is tough and knows what we

NORTH TEXAS: A NEW DIRECTION

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton How Derek Thompson would fare in his first full season as a starter was one of the biggest questions North Texas faced heading into last season. Thompson played well, but will have to do even more this season for the Mean Green after the departure of several key skill position players, including record-setting running back Lance Dunbar.

expect,� UNT head coach Dan McCarney said. “He’s got a great arm and good feet.�

Thompson’s teammates believe he is more than prepared to take on added responsibility, both as a player and leader. “We feel good about Derek,� said Brelan Chancellor, UNT’s leading returning wide receiver. “He’s been doing well this summer. We have been getting our timing down during 7-on-7. We are comfortable with him. We know where the ball is going to be and he knows where we want the ball and how to get it to us.�

Thompson believes that is all he needs to do. “I don’t need to do too much,� Thompson said. “[Canales] has taught me that. You just have to be a distributor of the football.

I don’t have to be the playmaker and make all the plays myself. I just have to take care of the football.�

Thompson takes that role just as seriously as he does that of being a team leader.

UNT lost several players who filled leadership roles last season, including Dunbar and offensive lineman Matt Tomlinson.

Chancellor and running back Brandin Byrd credited Thompson for helping fill the void. “Derek has been a leader this whole summer,� Chancellor said. “He got us out there to play 7-on-7 even when we didn’t want to or were tired. He keeps us going.�

That’s a new role for Thompson. So far, it’s one McCarney and his teammates think he is handling well.

MEAN GREEN Quick facts Conference: Sun Belt 2011 record: 5-7 (4-4 Sun Belt) Coach: Dan McCarney (5-7 in one season at UNT; 61-92 in 13 seasons overall) Returning starters: Nine on offense, six on defense Key players: QB Derek Thompson, OL Cyril Lemon, OL Aaron Fortenberry, DE Brandon McCoy, LB Zach Orr, WR Brelan Chancellor Returning lettermen: 35 Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 School enrollment: 34,155 Stadium: Apogee Stadium

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13

FOUR DOWNS Keys to a historic season SURVIVE EARLY-SEASON SLATE

The early stages of the season are historically a tough time for UNT due to a schedule that often includes showdowns with major conference competition.

This season won’t be any different with games at LSU and Kansas State, not to mention Houston, in the first six weeks.

What will make this season even more chalBoutwell lenging for UNT is the fact it lost seven defensive starters and was hit by the injury bug in the offseason. Starting cornerback Freddie Warner is out until October with a knee injury and starting defensive tackle Ryan Warner Boutwell will miss at least the first two games of the year with a torn pectoral muscle.

The schedule lightens up considerably halfway through the season. The key for UNT is to get to the midpoint of the season and still have a realistic shot of reaching six wins and becoming bowl eligible.

FIND NEW PLAYMAKERS

One of the main storylines of spring practice and the off-season in general was finding new playmakers after the departure of several top skill position players.

UNT’s career rushing leader Lance Dunbar and backup James Hamilton graduated after rushing for 1,115 and 406 yards, respectively. UNT’s leading returning rusher other than quarterback Derek Thompson is Brandin Byrd, who postChancellor ed 83 yards last season.

UNT’s top three wide receivers return in Brelan Chancellor, Chris Bynes and Ivan Delgado, but the three players listed as the top backups on the depth chart combined for one catch last season.

Byrd “We have players who are just as good as last year at running back and the receivers that we have with me, Delgado and Bynes, we can play with anybody,” Chancellor said. “I think we will still be able to produce as an offense.”

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton

John Skladany will be North Texas’ third defensive coordinator in three seasons. Skladany was head coach Dan McCarney’s defensive coordinator at Iowa State, which could help him make the transition to guiding the Mean Green’s defense that will have several holes to fill this fall after the graduation of key players.

QUICKLY ADJUST TO JOHN SKLADANY, UNT’S THIRD DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR IN THREE YEARS UNT has had no continuity when it comes to leadership on the defensive side of the ball over the last three seasons, when the Mean Green has had three different defensive coordinators.

Former Central Florida defensive coordinator John Skladany became the third coach to step in during the off-season and will face an immediate challenge.

Skladany will not only have to replace Clint Bowen, who left for Kansas, he will also have to find a way to rebuild a unit that allowed 30.7 points a game and lost

seven starters.

Skladany joined UNT’s staff before the beginning of spring practice and has been happy with the progress the Mean Green has made heading into the season.

“I thought we made some strides in the spring and the players had a good summer in terms of their conditioning and strength,” Skladany said. “They seem eager and ready to go.”

One factor that could help UNT is the background Skladany and head coach Dan McCarney share. Skladany was

McCarney’s defensive coordinator for a decade at Iowa State.

“When you spend a decade together and accomplish what we did and then get a chance to reunite at a place John loves to come to work in a town and a community he likes, it’s a lot of fun,” McCarney said. “He has made adjustments in games and knows how to teach. He knows there are going to be highs and lows and to not get too high or too low. It’s a great feeling of security for me as a head coach to know that he is with me.”

CAPITALIZE ON HAVING A STRONG OFFENSIVE LINE THAT INCLUDES FOUR RETURNING STARTERS Arguably the strength of UNT’s team is its offensive line. UNT has four starters returning, including center Aaron Fortenberry, who has 21 career starts, more than any player on the team.

Other than punter Will Atterberry, sophomore guard Cyril Lemon was UNT’s only player on the Preseason AllSun Belt Conference team.

UNT head coach Dan McCarney and

offensive coordinator Mike Canales have said during the off-season that the Mean Green also has more proven depth than it had last season.

UNT will need its Lemon offensive line to provide stability in a season in which it will be breaking in a series of new running

backs.

Protecting quarterback Derek Thompson, who has a history of serious injuries, will also be critical.

UNT will have a much Fortenberry better chance to post a winning season if its line lives up to expectations.

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August 30, 2012

SUN BELT PREVIEW

DRC Football

Sun Belt features top returning QBs

By Brett Vito

SBC Coaches’ poll

Staff Writer

When Louisiana-Lafayette head coach Mark Hudspeth looked ahead to the 2012 season this summer he saw a lot of familiar faces when it came to quarterbacks in the Sun Belt Conference.

There’s Arkansas State’s Ryan Aplin, last season’s Sun Belt Player of the Year, and Troy’s Corey Robinson, who led the league in passing, not to mention his own quarterback Blaine Gautier, who led the Ragin’ Cajuns to a thrilling win over San Diego State in the New Orleans Bowl.

And those players are just the beginning of the story this season in the Aplin Sun Belt, where nine of the 10 teams in the league, including newcomer South Alabama, return a quarterback with extensive experience as a starter.

“I would put our quarterbacks up there with Robinson any conference in the country,” Hudspeth said.

“Our guys are proven and have big-play ability.

Our quarterbacks could play anywhere in the country.”

How they fare this year in the Sun Belt will Jakes go a long way toward determining how what is expected to be a tight league race shapes up. The Sun Belt had three teams play in bowl games last season — ULL, ASU and Florida International — and a fourth with seven wins passed over for a bowl bid in Western Kentucky.

All four of those teams have their quarterbacks returning.

“I’m definitely impressed with this year’s lineup,” Gautier said. “Right here in our conference, we have guys who can go play on Sundays. They are going to have great seasons.”

That expectation is one reason four teams received first-place votes in the Sun Belt’s preseason coaches’ poll. ASU, ULL and WKU, which returns Kawaun Jakes at quarterback, all received firstplace votes.

The following is the Sun Belt Conference’s Preseason Coaches’ Poll. First-place votes are in parentheses: 1. Florida International (5) . . . . . . . . . .92 2. Arkansas State (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 3. Louisiana-Lafayette (2) . . . . . . . . . . .81 4. Western Kentucky (1) . . . . . . . . . . . .70 5. Troy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 6. Louisiana-Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 7. Middle Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 8. North Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 9. Florida Atlantic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 10. South Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

SBC All-conference team The following is the All-Sun Belt Conference team as selected by the league’s head coaches and select media members:

Associated Press/Brody Schmidt

Louisiana-Lafayette quarterback Blaine Gautier, right, eludes Oklahoma State defensive end Jamie Blatnick last season in Stillwater, Okla. Gautier is one of several experienced quarterbacks returning in the Sun Belt this year.

SUN BELT QUARTERBACKS Returning starters Nine of the 10 teams in the Sun Belt Conference have quarterbacks with extensive starting experience returning this season. The following is a look at each: Arkansas State — Ryan Aplin led the Sun Belt in total offense with an average of 321.2 yards a game as a junior and was named the Sun Belt Player of the Year.

Florida Atlantic — Graham Wilbert threw for 1,459 yards as a junior and recorded six of his seven touchdown passes during Sun Belt play.

Louisiana-Lafayette — Blaine Gautier set ULL records for passing yards (2,958), passing touchdowns (23) and completion percentage (62.8) as a junior.

Louisiana-Monroe — Kolton Browning finished with 2,926 yards of total offense, just 40 yards short of the school record as a sophomore. He threw for 2,483 yards.

Middle Tennessee — Logan Kilgore threw a 33-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds left to give MTSU a win over in-state rival Memphis and posted 2,231 passing yards as a junior.

North Texas — Derek Thompson threw for more than 250 yards in three of the last five games of the season as a sophomore and finished with 1,759 passing yards, despite missing nearly two full games due to injuries.

South Alabama — C.J. Bennett threw for 1,640 yards as a freshman for Sun Belt newcomer USA. Troy — Corey Robinson led the Sun Belt with an average of 284.2 passing yards a game, threw 21 touchdown passes and posted more than 300 passing yards in seven games as a sophomore.

Western Kentucky — Kawaun Jakes threw for 1,854 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior, when he posted 231 yards and three touchdowns in a win over UNT.

The only team in the conference that does not return its starting quarterback is FIU, which was picked to win the league.

The Sun Belt’s coaches expect the league race to be a fight to the finish, just

like it was last season.

“It can be a really good year for the Sun Belt,” North Texas head coach Dan McCarney said. “You see the teams that went to bowl games. They are going to be really good again and you see some of

OFFENSE Ryan Aplin (Arkansas State, Sr., QB); Kedrick Rhodes (Florida International, Jr., RB); Alonzo Harris (Louisiana-Lafayette, So., RB); Josh Jarboe (Arkansas State, Sr., WR); Javone Lawson (Louisiana-Lafayette, Sr., WR); Eric Thomas (Troy, Jr., WR); Jack Doyle (Western Kentucky, Sr., TE); Zack McKnight (Arkansas State, Sr., OL); Rupert Bryan (Florida International, Sr., OL); Caylin Hauptmann (Florida International, Sr., OL); Leonardo Bates (Louisiana-Lafayette, Sr., OL); Cyril Lemon (North Texas, So., OL) DEFENSE Isame Faciane (Florida International, Jr., DL); Tourek Williams (Florida International, Sr., DL); Tony Davis (Troy, Sr., DL); Quanterus Smith (Western Kentucky, Sr., DL); Winston Fraser (Florida International, Sr., LB); Kanorris Davis (Troy, Sr., LB); Andrew Jackson (Western Kentucky, Jr., LB); Don Jones (Arkansas State, Sr., DB); Jonathan Cyprien (Florida International, Sr., DB); Melvin White (Louisiana-Lafayette, Sr., DB); Brynden Trawick (Troy, Sr., DB) SPECIAL TEAMS Brett Baer (Louisiana-Lafayette, Sr. K); Will Atterberry (North Texas, Sr., P); John Evans (WKU, So., Return Specialist) Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Ryan Aplin (Arkansas State, Sr., QB) Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Tourek Williams (Florida International, Sr., DL)

the up-and-coming teams that are showing improvement. There are some of us that are going to be sold short. It makes for a really good race.”

The quality of quarterback play in the league could make it even better.

DRC Football

August 30, 2012

15

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ARKANSAS STATE RED WOLVES Coach: Gus Malzahn (first season as a head coach) Team: 52 lettermen, six offensive starters, four defensive starters, no specialists return from a 10-3 team (8-0 in Sun Belt, first place), 26 lettermen lost.

Key player: Senior quarterback Ryan Aplin was named the Preseason Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 2,246 yards last season.

Outlook: ASU made a splash Malzahn in the off-season by hiring Gus Malzahn after Hugh Freeze left for Ole Miss.

Malzahn was the offensive coordinator for three seasons at Auburn, where he helped lead the Tigers to the 2011 national championship. The impact of Malzahn’s hiring was evident when ASU signed what was widely considered to be the Sun Belt’s best recruiting class. The key to ASU’s season could be how much help that class provides a defense with just four returning starters.

FLORIDA ATLANTIC OWLS Coach: Carl Pelini (first season as a head coach) Team: 46 lettermen, seven offensive starters, eight defensive starters, two specialists return from a 1-11 team (0-8 in Sun Belt, ninth place), 16 lettermen lost.

Key player: Senior linebacker David Hinds will return to lead a rebuilding project at FAU. Hinds finished with 110 tackles on the season and ranked second in the Sun Belt with an average of 9.2 stops a game.

Outlook: FAU finished winless in Sun Belt Conference play last season, which turned out to be the final chapter in the Howard Schnellenberger era.

Hinds The longtime FAU coach announced his retirement before the end of the season and handed the program over to former Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini. FAU’s new head coach will face a huge challenge. The Owls didn’t have a player named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt team.

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL GOLDEN PANTHERS Coach: Mario Cristobal (24-38 in five seasons at FIU) Team: 51 lettermen, eight offensive starters, 10 defensive starters, two specialists return from an 8-5 team (5-3 in Sun Belt, fourth place), 12 lettermen lost.

Key player: Tourek Williams was named the Preseason Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year after finishing with 13 tackles for loss last season.

Outlook: Cristobal has turned what was a floundering FIU program into a Sun Belt power Williams and turned himself into a hot coaching commodity in the process. FIU went 012 in 2006 and 1-11 in his first season at the

August 30, 2012

SUN BELT PREVIEW school in 2007. Cristobal led the Owls to a win over Toledo in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl three years later and had FIU in the Beef O’Brady’s Bowl last season. Pittsburgh and Rutgers tried to lure Cristobal away, but he elected to return and has 18 starters back.

LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE RAGIN’ CAJUNS Coach: Mark Hudspeth (9-4 in one season at ULL; 75-25 in eight seasons overall) Team: 39 lettermen, nine offensive starters, four defensive starters, two specialists return from a 9-4 team (6-2 in Sun Belt, third place), 21 lettermen lost.

Key player: Blaine Gautier threw for 2,958 yards and ranked 14th nationally in passing efficiency with a rating of 153.6 last season.

Outlook: Hudspeth had a remarkable first season at ULL, taking a team that went Hudspeth 3-9 in 2010 to a 9-4 finish and a win over San Diego State in the New Orleans Bowl. The Ragin’ Cajuns return almost all of their key offensive players, including preseason All-Sun Belt picks in running back Alonzo Harris and wide receiver Javone Lawson. The Ragin’ Cajuns could contend for the conference title if five incoming junior college recruits pan out.

LOUISIANA-MONROE WARHAWKS Coach: Todd Berry (9-15 in two seasons at ULM; 38-75 in 10 seasons overall) Team: 41 lettermen, eight offensive starters, five defensive starters, two specialists return from a 4-8 team (3-5 in Sun Belt, sixth place), 19 lettermen lost.

Key player: Kolton Browning threw for 2,483 yards to go along with 443 rushing yards last season.

Outlook: ULM will look back Browning at last season with a tinge of regret after losing close games to Arkansas State (24-19), Western Kentucky (31-28 in overtime) and Louisiana-Lafayette (3635). Wins in two of those games would have made the Warhawks bowl-eligible. ULM returns most of its key offensive players and could make a run at becoming bowl-eligible.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE BLUE RAIDERS Coach: Rick Stockstill (35-40 in five seasons at MTSU) Team: 40 lettermen, six offensive starters, six defensive starters, one specialist return from a 2-10 team (1-7 in Sun Belt, eighth place), 27 lettermen lost.

Key player: Logan Kilgore threw for 2,231 yards and 18 Kilgore touchdowns last season and should be the Blue Raiders’ top offensive player.

Outlook: MTSU suffered through a stunning fall

from the top of the Sun Belt after consecutive bowl appearances in 2011, when the Blue Raiders finished 2-10. MTSU has six starters returning on each side of the ball, but could have a tough time bouncing back. The Blue Raiders didn’t have a player named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt team.

SOUTH ALABAMA JAGUARS Coach: Joey Jones (23-4 in three seasons at USA; 26-11 in four seasons overall) Team: 44 lettermen, five offensive starters, nine defensive starters, one specialist return from a 64 team (first year in Sun Belt), 20 lettermen lost.

Key player: C.J. Bennett threw for 1,640 yards in his second season as USA’s starting quarterback.

Outlook: USA is not bowl-eligible as it continues to make the transition to playing at the Football Bowl Subdivision level, but the games it plays Jones against other Sun Belt schools will count in the league standings. How the Jaguars fare this year will indicate how long they might need to be competitive in the Sun Belt.

TROY TROJANS Coach: Larry Blakeney (164-91-1 in 21 seasons at Troy) Team: 49 lettermen, 10 offensive starters, six defensive starters, no specialists return from a 3-9 team (2-6 in Sun Belt, seventh place), 23 lettermen lost.

17

Key player: Corey Robinson led the Sun Belt with an average of 284.2 passing yards a game and finished second in touchdown passes with 21.

Outlook: Troy’s five-year run of winning at least a share of the Sun Belt title ended last season, when the Trojans crashed to a 3-9 finish. Troy has several of its key players back, but its destiny will depend on Blakeney whether it can improve defensively after allowing 33.7 points a game n 2011.

WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS Coach: Willie Taggart (9-15 in two seasons at WKU) Team: 48 lettermen, 10 offensive starters, eight defensive starters, one specialist return from a 7-5 team (7-1 in the Sun Belt, second place), 10 lettermen lost.

Key player: Quarterback Kawaun Jakes completed just 55.4 percent of his passes for 1,854 yards and threw more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (10). Jakes must be better for WKU to contend in the Sun Belt.

Outlook: WKU was passed over Taggart for a bowl berth despite finishing with seven wins last season and could be poised for a run at the postseason this year. The Hilltoppers must replace star running back Bobby Rainey, but have three Preseason All-Sun Belt picks.

— Brett Vito

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August 30, 2012

Former walk-on now a key player for UNT Fortenberry finds home as anchor of solid offensive line

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

TROPHIES T N U O E C TC. S I D

UNT O-LINE Career starts North Texas has four starters returning on its offensive line this season. The following is a look at each and how many career starts they have heading into the year: C Aaron Fortenberry, Sr. . . . . . . . . . .21 RG Cyril Lemon, So. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 LG Mason Y’Barbo, So. . . . . . . . . . . . .12 LT Antonio Johnson, So. . . . . . . . . . .11

in addition to being a second-team pick as a defensive lineman.

MSU was one of the only schools to recruit Fortenberry. It’s where he would have ended up had Leftwich not come in and offered him an alternative.

Fortenberry had to wait two years before earning a scholarship. He became an impact player at about the same time.

He shared the Phillip Armour Award given to UNT’s top offensive lineman with Kelvin Drake and Esteban Santiago following his sophomore season.

Fortenberry will enter his final campaign at UNT with a team-best streak of consecutive starts and games started overall at 21.

“Aaron is a guy I have tremendous respect for,” senior offensive lineman Coleman Feeley said. “He came from a tiny school and weighed 235. He started and played at four positions on the offensive line before he even was on scholarship. He is the classic walk-on story. He walked on, gained weight and got big. In my opinion, he’s the best offensive lineman we have.”

That compliment carries weight considering UNT has several experienced linemen. Lemon and Mason Y’Barbo have started 12 games in their careers, while Antonio Johnson has started 11.

“I have seen them playing better right now than at any time last season,” McCarney said of his offensive linemen.

Even Fortenberry is amazed at the path he took to join that group.

“It’s pretty ridiculous coming from a 1A high school to becoming a starter at a Division I program,” Fortenberry said. “I always had a lot of people help me, and I worked really hard. I had to gain a lot of weight. It was a lot of eating. Coach Leftwich told me after every practice to get to the cafeteria and drink Muscle Milk.”

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The course of Aaron Fortenberry’s life, not to mention his football career, changed on a nondescript weekday night during practice — basketball practice — back in 2008.

Fortenberry was a multisport standout in Era, a tiny town former North Texas assistant coach Spencer Leftwich visited often to see family.

Leftwich stopped by Fortenberry the gym that night and saw something in Fortenberry, who had committed to sign with Division II Midwestern State and looked nothing like a major college offensive lineman.

Fortenberry weighed just 235 pounds.

“He offered me a preferred walk-on spot,” Fortenberry said. “I always wanted to play [Division I]. My dad convinced me to do it.”

Those humble beginnings seem like a long time ago now for Fortenberry, who has developed into one of UNT’s best linemen. The 6-4, 306-pound senior is entering his third year as a starter and is expected to anchor UNT’s offensive line that should be its biggest asset this season.

Fortenberry is one of four starters UNT has returning on its offensive front, including sophomore Cyril Lemon, a Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference pick.

“He is a communicator and a leader,” UNT head coach Dan McCarney said of his starting center. “I really have high hopes for him. No one talks about him when they talk about preseason all-conference teams. I have a feeling that he is going to have a really special senior year. He has it in him to be an all-conference player.”

The fact that Fortenberry is playing on the Football Bowl Subdivision level at all is something of a surprise.

There were only 137 students at Era when Fortenberry was a senior, including 22 in his class.

Fortenberry thrived in that small school environment and was a first-team all-state selection as an offensive lineman

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MEAN GREEN Roster No. Player . . . . . . . . . .Pos. . . Ht. 1 Andrew Power . . . . . . .TE . . 6-5 2 D.Q. Johnson . . . . . . .DB . 5-11 3 Brelan Chancellor . . .WR . . 5-9 4 Mark Lewis . . . . . . . .RB . 5-10 5 David Busby . . . . . . .DB . 5-11 5 Andrew McNulty . . . . .QB . . 6-1 6 Jordan Gill . . . . . . . . .QB . . 6-0 6 Hilbert Jackson . . . . . .DB . . 6-1 7 Devante Davis . . . . . .DB . 5-11 7 Derek Thompson . . . .QB . . 6-4 8 Cooper Jones . . . . . . .TE . . 6-4 8 Marcus Trice . . . . . . . .DB . . 5-8 9 Carlos Harris . . . . . . .WR . . 5-8 10 Ivan Delgado . . . . . .WR . . 6-2 11 Brent Osborn . . . . . .QB . . 6-4 11 Will Wright . . . . . . . .LB . . 6-2 13 Mike Stojkovic . . . . . .LB . . 6-2 14 Chaz Sampson . . . .WR . . 6-5 15 Mike Marshall . . . . .DB . . 6-0 15 Darius Terrell . . . . . .WR . . 6-3 16 Derrick Teegarden . .WR . . 6-0 17 Kevin Maduka . . . . .DB . 5-10 17 Lynrick Pleasant . . .WR . . 6-2 18 Jamal Marshall . . . . .DB . . 6-3 19 Brandon Allen . . . . .DB . . 6-0 19 John Dodson . . . . . .QB . . 6-0 20 Jeremy Brown . . . . . .RB . . 5-8 20 Rex Rollins . . . . . . .DB . . 6-1 21 Freddie Warner . . . . .DB . 5-10 22 Antoinne Jimmerson .RB . . 5-9 23 Willie Hubbard . . . .WR . 5-10 23 Zac Whitfield . . . . . .DB . . 5-9 24 Brandin Byrd . . . . . .RB . 5-10 25 Xavier Kelly . . . . . . .DB . 5-11 26 Ty Miles . . . . . . . . . .DB . . 6-1 26 Dimitri Wilhite . . . . . .RB . . 5-8 27 Lairamie Lee . . . . . .DB . 5-10 29 Spencer Cowley . . . .DB . . 6-1 29 Brock Squier . . . . . .DB . . 5-9 30 Jarrian Roberts . . . . .LB . . 6-2 31 Kenny Buyers . . . . . .DB . 5-11 31 Zach Paul . . . . . . . . . .K . . 5-9 32 Jamarcus Jarvis . . . .RB . 5-10 34 Reggie Pegram . . . . .RB . . 5-9 35 Zach Orr . . . . . . . . . .LB . . 6-0 36 Brandon Davis . . . . .LB . . 6-0 37 Joseph Igboeli . . . . .DB . . 6-2 37 Zach Olen . . . . . . . . . .K . 5-10 38 Brendan Campbell . .LB . . 6-2 38 Bryan Monroe . . . . . .RB . . 5-8 39 Konockus Sashington RB . . 6-1 40 Blake Macek . . . . . . . .P . . 5-9 41 Will Atterberry . . . . . . .P . 5-11 42 Chad Polk . . . . . . . . .LB . . 6-0 44 Aaron Bellazin . . . . .DE . . 6-2 45 Jeremy Phillips . . . . .LB . . 6-3 46 Brad Horton . . . . . . .DE . . 6-6 47 Dustin Clark . . . . . . .LB . . 6-1 48 K.C. Obi . . . . . . . . . .DE . . 6-2 49 Daryl Mason . . . . . . .DE . . 6-3 50 Kaydon Kirby . . . . . .OL . . 6-3

. .Wt. . .Cl. .265 . .Sr. .185 . . .Jr. .183 . . .Jr. .217 . .Fr. .189 . .Fr. .202 . .So. .180 . .Fr. .187 . . .Jr. .167 . .Fr. .226 . . .Jr. .224 . .Fr. .197 . . .Jr. .173 . .Fr. .209 . .Sr. .224 . . .Jr. .221 . . .Jr. .211 . .So. .191 . .Fr. .203 . .So. .220 . . .Jr. .187 . .So. .170 . .Sr. .200 . . .Jr. .193 . .Fr. .183 . .Fr. .186 . .Sr. .180 . .Sr. .195 . .Fr. .176 . .So. .219 . .Fr. .170 . .So. .180 . .Fr. .216 . . .Jr. .165 . .Fr. .195 .Unk. .203 . . .Jr. .189 . .So. .190 . .Fr. .194 . .Fr. .238 . .Fr. .174 . .Fr. .175 . .Fr. .203 . .Fr. .215 . . .Jr. .223 . . .Jr. .215 . .Fr. .180 . . .Jr. .228 . . .Jr. .201 . .Fr. .192 . . .Jr. .214 . .So. .180 . .Fr. .200 . .Sr. .226 . .Fr. .244 . . .Jr. .223 . .Sr. .240 . .Fr. .202 . .Fr. .251 . .Sr. .233 . .So. .300 . .Fr.

UNT Schedule Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 at LSU 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 Texas Southern 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Kansas State 6 p.m.

Sept. 22 Troy* 6 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Florida Atlantic* TBA Oct. 6 at Houston 6 p.m.

Oct. 16 Louisiana-Lafayette* 8 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Middle Tennessee* 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 Arkansas State* 4 p.m.

Nov. 10 South Alabama* 4 p.m.

Nov. 17 at Louisiana-Monroe* TBA Nov. 24 at Western Kentucky* Noon * Sun Belt Conference game 50 51 52 53 54 56 57 58 60 62 63 64 65 67 68 69 70 70 71 72 74 77 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 91 92 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 98 99

Robert Lewis . . . . . . .LB . . 6-0 Boone Feldt . . . . . . .OL . . 6-3 Derek Akunne . . . . . .LB . . 6-0 Kendall Washington . .LB . . 6-2 Blake Dunham . . . . .LB . . 6-1 Malik Dilonga . . . . . .DE . . 6-4 Mason Y’Barbo . . . . .OL . . 6-2 Tony Johnson . . . . . .OL . . 6-1 Aaron Fortenberry . . .OL . . 6-4 Cyril Lemon . . . . . . .OL . . 6-3 Nicolas Summerfield .OL . . 6-1 LaChris Anyiam . . . . .OL . . 6-4 Micah Thompson . . .OL . . 6-4 Bo Keane . . . . . . . . .OL . . 6-3 Grant Shaw . . . . . . . .OL . . 6-5 Joe Astorga . . . . . . . .DT . . 6-1 Coleman Feeley . . . .OL . . 6-5 Sir Calvin Wallace . . .DT . . 6-2 Antonio Johnson . . . .OL . . 6-5 Ryan Rentfro . . . . . . .OL . . 6-4 Cam Feldt . . . . . . . . .OL . . 6-5 Travis Ellard . . . . . . . .OL . . 6-3 Connor Trussell . . . . .OL . . 6-5 Darnell Smith . . . . .WR . . 6-1 Chris Bynes . . . . . . .WR . . 6-1 Nick Schrapps . . . . .WR . . 6-3 Carl Caldwell . . . . . .WR . 5-10 Marcus Smith . . . . . .TE . . 6-4 Roderick Lancaster .WR . . 6-2 Drew Miller . . . . . . . .TE . . 6-1 Brett Renger . . . . . .WR . 5-11 Tanner Smith . . . . . . .TE . . 6-3 Daniel Prior . . . . . . . .TE . . 6-2 Ryan Boutwell . . . . . .DT . . 6-3 Michael Ladner . . . . .TE . 5-11 Austin Orr . . . . . . . . DT . . 6-4 Raymond Burks . . . . .TE . . 6-3 LaJaylin Smith . . . . . .LB . . 6-0 Brandon McCoy . . . .DE . . 6-2 Mustafa Haboul . . . .DT . . 6-0 Alexander Lincoln . . .DE . . 6-2 Tevinn Cantly . . . . . . .DT . . 6-4 Richard Abbe . . . . . .DT . . 6-4 Jarrod Lynn . . . . . . . .TE . . 6-0 Dutton Watson . . . . .DE . . 6-3 Dylan McDorman . . .DT . . 6-2

.217 . . .Jr. .277 . .Fr. .238 . .So. .220 . .Fr. .215 . .So. .248 . .Fr. .309 . .So. .210 . .Fr. .308 . .Sr. .321 . .So. .276 . .Sr. .296 . . .Jr. .308 . .So. .255 . .Fr. .302 . .Fr. .272 . .So. .287 . .Sr. .308 . .Fr. .311 . .So. .309 . .Fr. .299 . .So. .285 . .Fr. .295 . .Fr. .208 . . .Jr. .215 . .Sr. .202 . .Fr. .169 . . .Jr. .238 . .Fr. .200 . .Fr. .260 . . .Jr. .202 . .So. .234 . .So. .240 . .Sr. .269 . . .Jr. .250 . . .Jr. .268 . .Fr. .255 . .Sr. .228 . .Fr. .257 . . .Jr. .241 . .Fr. .266 . .So. .333 . .Sr. .315 . . .Jr. .235 . .Fr. .261 . .Fr. .302 . .Fr.

August 30, 2012

19

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August 30, 2012

DRC Football

NORTH TEXAS

Trice ready to make presence felt

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Marcus Trice first showed signs of developing into a key player for North Texas last fall, when few people other than his coaches and teammates were around to notice.

The way Trice directed traffic in the secondary, made plays on the ball from his safety spot and encouraged the young players around him made an impression on head coach Dan McCarney, even though the former Mesquite standout was only serving as a scout team player after transferring from Oklahoma.

Trice had to sit out a year and wait to become eligible at UNT. The 5-8 junior’s first chance to make an impact for the Mean Green will come this fall when he is expected to start and serve as the voice of experience for a young secondary that is among UNT’s biggest concerns heading

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton

Safety Marcus Trice is known for more than his trademark dreadlocks at North Texas. Since transferring in from Oklahoma, Trice has developed into a leader for the Mean Green and will play a key role for the team this season.

See TRICE on 21

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DRC Football

NORTH TEXAS

From Page 20

Trice into its season opener at LSU. The job is one he takes seriously.

“It is great to be playing and exciting to have responsibility,” Trice said. “You have it on the scout team, but it’s not the same.

It’s going to be exciting to go out there and help my team win.”

How Trice — and UNT’s secondary — fare will be a key storyline for the Mean Green, especially early in the season.

UNT lost seven of the eight players on its two-deep depth chart in the defensive secondary for its season finale a year ago to graduation, and then suffered a serious blow in the off-season when Freddie Warner went down with a knee injury in spring practice.

Warner, UNT’s top returning cornerback and the only player on the roster to start a game in the secondary last year, is out until at least October.

New defensive coordinator John Skladany said UNT’s coaches have spent the off-season trying to get a host of young players ready to play.

Trice has helped throughout that process.

“I want to be a part of a lot of wins. That’s what I came here for.”

— North Texas safety Marcus Trice

“He already has [become a leader],” McCarney said. “You can already can see that he wants to put those DBs under his wing, ‘Follow me, follow my work ethic, my attitude and my physicality.’ I have tremendous respect for him and think he has a chance to be one of the bright shining stars of our program the next couple of years.”

Trice seemed destined to be that type of player when he was a senior at Mesquite.

He was rated among the top 250 players in the country by just about every recruiting service and was also a second-team selection on Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine’s Super Team consisting of the top players in the state as a cornerback.

Trice signed with Oklahoma and played for the Sooners as a backup safety in addition to contributing on special teams, but never secured the major role he envisioned filling on the college level.

Trice decided to transfer and ended up

at UNT, partly because of the close friendship McCarney has with Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops.

Stoops gave McCarney a shining endorsement of Trice as a person and player.

McCarney said Trice has been everything UNT’s coaches hoped he would be when he joined the team. He has also made an impression on his teammates.

“Marcus is a good leader and pushes us,” said D.Q. Johnson, a cornerback who transferred to UNT in December from Iowa Western Community College.

“When I came in, he helped me out a lot with the transition from junior college.

We are going to need him to set the tone.

He has that enthusiasm and energy.”

Trice has been looking for an opportunity to fill that type of role ever since he graduated from Mesquite.

He feels like he will finally have that chance this fall following a two-year stint at Oklahoma and a year on the scout team with the Mean Green.

“No matter what program I chose out of high school, I wanted to become a guy my teammates relied on and become an impact player and a playmaker,” Trice said. “I want to be a part of a lot of wins.

That’s what I came here for.”

August 30, 2012

21

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton

North Texas safety Marcus Trice waits for the snap during the Mean Green’s spring game. Trice will start this season and has found a home after transferring from Oklahoma.

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DRC Football

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Denton high schools Guyer, Denton, Ryan face ...

A time of change

24

August 30, 2012

DRC Football

COVER STORY

Local programs head in new directions Atkinson aims for turnaround with Broncos

ON THE COVER

By Adam Boedeker Staff Writer

New Denton head coach Kevin Atkinson was recently working on a request for more football equipment because he didn’t have enough for everyone who had come out for fall workouts.

The old thought at Denton might have been something along the lines of “woe is me” or “here we go again.”

But in this case, Atkinson, in a way, is thrilled.

In his first season at Denton after 10 seasons as the head coach at Keller, Atkinson has 200 kids out for football — give or take a few — a far cry from the program’s recent past which hit an all-time low in 2008. That season, the Broncos suited up somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 players, depending on who’s asked, for a game against Guyer, a miniscule number for a Class 4A program.

Now, with the season on the horizon, the Broncos have numbers in their program, and much of that credit can be given to the new blood Atkinson has injected into the once-proud program.

“We have a lot of kids out, and hopefully they’ll all stick and find a home here,” said Atkinson, who also spent two seasons as Ryan’s offensive coordinator in the Raiders’ early-2000s glory years. “It’s a really exciting time.”

Atkinson is employing many tactics to raise interest levels that have waned in recent years when former head coach Randy Patzkowski finished his seven-year tenure with a 12-59 record and one playoff appearance.

One of those tactics is the incorporation of successful Denton players into his current program, as Atkinson has brought in former decorated players such as Emilio Gonzalez, Ian Gaines and current assistant coach and former NFL player Mark Behning to speak to his players. He also brought in Denton ISD middle school athletic coordinator Russ Reeves, who coached at DHS as did his father during

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton

Guyer defensive back John Schilleci, left, Denton offensive lineman Gage Hoadley, center, and Ryan wide receiver Xavier Gray will all star for teams headed in new directions this season.

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton

Kevin Atkinson moved into his new office and locker room in the off-season, when he took over as Denton’s head coach. All three Denton programs will be heading in a new direction this season. some of the more successful seasons at Denton’s oldest high school.

“Most of our kids right now have forgotten about those teams,” Atkinson said.

“The last seven years haven’t been real successful. You count back as a sophomore and that’s like third grade. You kind of grow up and there’s nothing positive you can really speak about, but really DHS has a great tradition. In the early 90s, when I was at [Flower Mound] Marcus, that was a battle. You didn’t like playing those guys. They got after it.

“I just wanted to remind these kids that there is a rich tradition here, and we can get back to that.”

Gonzalez, a former Marine who is now the general manager of a semi-pro team

called the North Texas Fighters, graduated from Denton in 1987 and was an alldistrict and all-area cornerback on a team that went 10-1-1. He played his final football game in Texas Stadium in front of 20,000 people and made a point to let the current Denton players know what got he and his teammates there.

“I just told the kids that we didn’t have any superstars on our team,” Gonzalez said. “The reason we were successful was because we worked hard and we worked together. The main thing I remember was a sign in our locker room that said, ‘The desire to win is useless without the desire to prepare.’”

Atkinson is not the only head coach in Denton ISD heading in a new direction,

but the other two are heading up established programs heading into new territory.

At Guyer, John Walsh is entering his seventh season as the only head coach in the program’s history. And while Guyer had some lean years of its own, going 1-19 in 2006 and 2007, the Wildcats have taken off since.

Guyer made two straight Class 4A Division I state semifinal appearances before being bumped up to Class 5A. At the state’s largest classification, the Wildcats went to the 5A Division II state championship game in 2010 before a second-round playoff exit last season.

Now, Guyer is back in Class 4A and the Wildcats enter the season as the No. 1 team in Texas according to the Associated Press preseason state poll. That’s not a concern for Walsh.

“We kind of expected the expectations that are out there,” Walsh said. “We’ve talked to our kids about it already.

“We talk about winning state championships and we do every year, and that’s not changing. Just because people are picking us No. 1 doesn’t mean we’re going to warn against it.”

Across town at Ryan sits the DISD coach with the most skins on the wall, See DISD on 56

DRC Football

August 30, 2012

RYAN

25

Ryan hoping team-first motto pays off

By Ben Baby Staff Writer

There’s an aura surrounding the Ryan football program, an aura built by its head coach and by the players he’s coached over the last 12 years.

High on the wall above Joey Florence’s desk are the five medals from the five state championships he’s been to with Ryan, framed with the signatures of his players, and displayed in all their glory.

Last season, Ryan had rolled through the first two rounds of the playoffs and the Raiders seemed primed for their second straight appearance in the Class 4A Division I state championship game.

Ryan had five Football Bowl Subdivision players on its roster, didn’t allow an offensive touchdown to Waco Midway and yet the Raiders still lost in the 2011 Class 4A Division I regional semifinals. The talent and stars brought media hype from all over the nation and a lack of cohesiveness in the locker room.

Coming into 2012 and one of the toughest seasons Florence will have faced, the shift in the program’s mindset may be as big a story as the move up from 4A to 5A. The motto for this season is “others before self,� the gospel of Florence being indoctrinated into his players and repeated daily. The edict comes from a coach who doesn’t read blogs or recruiting sites but reads the newspaper and his Bible daily, all while he’s out to dispel the false prophets who hype unproven young men every fall. “I’ll be honest with you, the reason I’m still [coaching] right now is I think there’s a need for old-school coaches who are still trying to show kids not to be selfish, that it’s not about them, that it’s about playing for each other,� Florence said. “I just think there’s a need for that.

I think we’re living in an entitlement society, and what a great way to teach kids.�

Leading Ryan’s charge into this season is junior quarterback Mitchell Bridges,

RYAN: A NEW DIRECTION

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton Reynal Caldwell, left, and Mitchell Bridges will both take on new roles for Ryan this season. Bridges will be in his first year as the Raiders’ starting quarterback, while Caldwell will move from running back to wide receiver. Ryan will look to the pair to lead the way as it moves up from Class 4A to Class 5A this fall.

who stands 5-9, weighs around 185 pounds and might be the shortest quarterback in the district. Bridges played in some short-yardage situations last year and played through a torn labrum for much of the season.

Bridges, along with wideouts Xavier Gray and Reynal Caldwell, will lead Ryan’s offense through what Florence said is the toughest schedule Ryan’s played in the last 12 years. The Raiders will open against Corsicana and Wichita Falls Rider, games that will surely endanger Ryan’s 24-game regular season winning streak which dates back to 2009.

Ryan’s coaching staff has told Bridges it’s his turn to play the role of leader and

build on last year. Bridges said last year’s locker room became divided, and that some players wanted the state championship, while others played for themselves. “Everyone knows their role,� Bridges said. “This is not just about them, it’s about the team. If we’re going to make a run for it, everyone has to put everything into it and do what the coaches need them to, which is what everyone seems to be doing.�

Last season, Caldwell filled in at running back after Jerrick Harvey suffered a season-ending knee injury. This season, the coaching staff asked Caldwell to

RAIDERS Quick facts District: 5-5A 2011 record: 12-1 (6-0, District 4-4A) Coach: Joey Florence (136-29 in 12 years at Ryan) Returning starters: Five on offense, two on defense Key players: WR Xavier Gray, QB Mitchell Bridges, WR Reynal Caldwell, DL Desmond Oliver, DL J.T. Williams, OL Matt Griffin, K Mark Orozco, DE Sekou Clark Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 School enrollment: 2,125 Stadium: C.H. Collins Athletic Complex

See RYAN on 28

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DRC Football

August 30, 2012

Ryan Raiders Varsity 2011 Football Schedule

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August 30, 2012

DRC Football

RYAN

FOUR DOWNS Keys to a historic season PROTECT THE BALL

WIN KEY GAMES AT HOME

Turnovers cost Ryan dearly last year in their Class 4A Division I regional semifinal loss to Waco Midway. Losing a game while not allowing an offensive touchdown might be one of the most demoralizing ways to lose. Junior quarterback Mitchell Bridges will take over as the starter and can’t afford to throw interceptions. Bridges is more likely to tuck the ball and run before forcing a throw, a habit Ryan will value.

Ryan head coach Joey Florence had a tough time scheduling games for nondistrict play, and was forced into scheduling some tough 4A teams in Corsicana and Wichita Falls Rider. The Raiders are also only playing nine games instead of 10. But six of those nine Florence games will be at home, including three of five district games.

Winning at home will set the Raiders up for a good seed heading into the playoffs.

OVERCOME LACK OF DEPTH

Ryan returns Desmond Oliver and J.T. Williams to its defensive line and adds Sekou Clark, meaning the Raiders will once again have a formidable defensive front. The offensive line will be built around Matt Griffin. But being a small 5A school, Ryan Oliver lacks the depth on the lines that other schools possess. The lines must remain strong in order to compete with the likes of Hebron and Coppell.

Staff Writer

There’s one play from last season that shows you everything you need to know about Ryan junior quarterback Mitchell Bridges.

Fourteen days after he suffered a torn shoulder labrum, a secret he kept from Ryan’s coaching staff, the Raiders found themselves in double overtime against Bridges Mesquite with the score tied at 22 and Ryan’s regular-season win streak on the line.

Two yards away from the goal line, Bridges took the snap, faked a handoff and spun out to his right, running into an oasis of turf and a seemingly easy touchdown.

He leaped for the touchdown and was

No. Player

Ht. Wt.

Yr.

1

Xavier Gray

Pos.

WR 5-10 170

Jr.

2

Shomari Cann

DB 5-8 140

So.

3

Robert Conner

WR 5-8 150

Jr.

4

Dayvon Sanders

DB 5-6 145

Sr.

5

J.T. Williams

DL 6-2 240

Jr.

6

Tyrone Williams

LB 6-1 190

Jr.

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B.J. Floyd

DB 6-3 190

Sr.

8

Randalle Williams

DB 6-0 150

Jr.

9

Mitchell Bridges

RYAN Schedule Date

Opponent

Aug. 31

Corsicana 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7

Wichita Falls Rider 7:30 p.m.

Wylie East 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28

at McKinney 7:30 p.m.

Oct.4 Flower Mound Marcus* 7:30 p.m.

Oct.12

Hebron* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 26

at Lewisville* 7:30 p.m.

QB 5-9 185

Jr. Sr.

Nov. 9

11 Daniel Telaneus

WR 6-0 185

Sr.

*District 5-5A game

12 Marc Orozco

K/P 5-9 180

Jr.

13 Kyeem Turner

DB 5-9 150

Sr.

HELP THE DEFENSE

14 Jarrett Jackson

DB 5-6 140

Sr.

Defense has historically been Ryan’s strong point, but the Raiders’ offense must be productive and give the defense some cushion. Bridges, Xavier Gray and Reynal Caldwell will be the focal point of the offense, along with running back A.J. Anderson. Junior kicker Mark Orozco has a college-caliber leg and will be huge on special teams. But if the offense doesn’t find a way to score points, it could be a long season.

15 Devante Thomas

DB. 5-7 150

Sr.

16 Preston Compton

QB 6-0 180

Jr.

met in mid-air by two Mesquite players.

His body resembled a helicopter propeller as he spun in the air before crossing the goal line and earning Ryan the win.

Now as Ryan’s starter, he’ll need to do more than a little bit of running in shortyardage situations, and the Raiders’ offense will need to do more than it has the last couple of seasons.

“Mitchell’s a winner,” Ryan head coach Joey Florence said. “I’ve known Mitchell since he was a little kid. We’re going to play the best player at quarterback. But I don’t doubt Mitchell at all. I believe in Mitchell Bridges.”

Bridges won the starting quarterback spot in the spring and takes over an offense without the same weapons available last season. The guy he won the spot from was his best friend and current wide See BRIDGES on 38

10 Kevin Ray Jr.

17 Nolan Robinson

DL 6-1 190

Jr.

18 Alex Funches

DL 6-2 195

Jr.

19 Reynal Caldwell

WR 5-8 150

Sr.

20 A.J. Anderson

RB 5-9 200

Jr.

21 Trent Willis

WR 5-10 200

Jr.

22 Sekou Clark

DE 6-4 230

Jr.

Time

Sept. 14

WR 5-10 150

Ryan turns offense over to QB Bridges

By Ben Baby

RAIDERS Roster

Nov. 1

Coppell*

7 p.m.

at Flower Mound* 7:30 p.m.

38 Yareth Ugarte

WR 5-11 170

Sr.

40 Hunter Rickert

DL 6-1 150

Sr.

42 Arian Burdge

K 6-0 160

Sr.

43 Tederick Williams

DL 5-11 230

Jr.

44 Jovanta Williams

DL 5-11 230

Sr.

50 Jordan Lamb

OL 5-11 230

Sr.

52 Maurice Arterberry

OL 5-10 250

Jr.

55 Tucker Cross

OL 6-3 290

Jr.

56 Reilly Martinez

OL 5-10 190

Jr.

OL 6-2 235

Jr.

23 Reese Strait

LB 6-2 240

Jr.

57 Kody West

24 Zac Black

DB 5-10 145

Jr.

58 Anthony Young

OL 5-10 190

So.

OL 5-6 240

Sr.

OL 5-10 230

Jr.

25 Corbin Forest

DB 6-1 180

Sr.

62 Austin Coker

26 Danny Meza

WR 5-9 165

Jr.

63 Reuben Acton

28 Maurice Gordon

RB 5-10 170

So.

65 Matt Griffin

OL 6-3 290

Sr.

OL 5-10 240

Sr.

OL 5-11 300

So.

29 Jonathan Jackson

LB 5-8 190

Sr.

68 Jake Hays

30 Carson Beard

LB 5-10 175

Sr.

73 Tristan Brown

31 Rashaad Traylor

RB 5-3 120

Sr.

75 Will Parlett

OL 6-5 240

Sr.

76 Dakota Laws

OL 6-4 270

So.

32 Elijah Allen

DB 5-10 150

So.

33 Amir Mohamed

LB 6-2 190

Jr.

77 A.J. Ballard

OL 6-2 260

Sr.

OL 6-3 300

Sr.

34 Damien Green

DB 6-1 180

Sr.

78 Danny Molina

35 Justin Grisham

DB 5-9 170

Sr.

81 Alec Burton

WR 5-9 150

Sr.

37 Michael Luckett

DB 5-6 150

Sr.

94 Desmond Oliver

DL 6-1 250

Sr.

From Page 25

Ryan transition from running back to wide receiver, making way for A.J. Anderson.

Caldwell accepted the change without hesitation.

The change comes easily and effortlessly for someone who has bought into what the coaches have been preaching, a message the congregation has heartily accepted.

Caldwell said this year’s team is out to prove a point, out to top the 12-1 overall record and spotless district record set by last year’s team.

“Even though we lost all the [Division I]

players, we’re still going to win, and we’re still going to be the Denton Ryan Raiders that everybody knows,” Caldwell said.

Florence knows jumping up to 5A and its increase in competition will be challenging. Still, Florence remains firm in what his team expects for the season.

“We still want to go win a state championship,” Florence said. “If you come together, play together and get lucky, it’s certainly possible. But we’re not going to kid ourselves. It’s going to be a tough road ahead. It’s a tough league.”

DRC Football

August 30, 2012

DENTON

29

Running back combo to power Denton

By Patrick Hayslip Staff Writer

They go by Thunder and Lightning.

Sophomore Tre’Von “Thunder�

Jackson prefers to run inside the tackles, while junior Deavonte “Lightning�

Doucet likes to get into space.

The combination of running backs is one new Denton head coach Kevin Atkinson hopes will spark his new spread offense and help the Broncos return to their successful ways now years in the past.

Denton finished 1-9 last year and didn’t win a district game. “I think that’s something that I kind of tagged them with,� said Atkinson, who is entering his 11th season as a head coach. “They liked it, and they easily knew which one was ‘Lighting’ and which one was ‘Thunder.’�

Both Jackson and Doucet are among Denton’s players thrust into different roles. Those changes, along with a switch in head coaches, led to some low expectations.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football projects the Broncos to finish in the eighth and last spot in Distinct 5-4A. Doucet took exception to the ranking and plans on using it as fuel for the fire. “We expected the rankings to be close to where they were,� Doucet said, “But last? We shouldn’t be last. That just makes me want to prove to them even more that we are more than what we were last year. Last year was way in the past.�

Guyer is projected to win the district, but Jackson said he has circled the showdown with the Wildcats on his calendar. “I’m looking forward to beating our rivals and winning more games,� Jackson said. “The coaches want us to win more and they have high expectations for us.

Everybody is going to get used to the new coaches, and we are going to win more games.�

Doucet, who is a cousin of Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Early Doucet, will also play the wide-out spot in the new spread formation, which should allow Denton to utilize his quickness and versa

DENTON: A NEW DIRECTION

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton Running backs Tre’Von Jackson, left, and Deavonte Doucet will step into critical roles for Denton this season while splitting time at running back under new head coach Kevin Atkinson, who left Keller to take over the program in the off-season. Denton’s hopes to improve on a 1-9 record last season will rest largely with the duo.

tility. “It feels pretty good knowing that I’m going to be a part of something that’s about to be really big,� Doucet said. “I’m just excited to see what we are going to do.

I want to turn people’s heads. We are ready for anything and everything.�

Doucet said he can tell this season will be different by the resistance the defense provides for him during practice. “Just taking it from my experience, last year it wasn’t as hard to get by my defense,� Doucet said. “Now, I have to play [harder] to get by my defense. That’s good because they are making me better and I’m making them better. At the end of the day, both offense and defense are going to perform how they should.�

Atkinson has instituted a motto for this year’s Bronco squad called “win the day.�

The abbreviation “WTD� is displayed on each player’s helmet as a reminder for how the players need to go about their work.

When asked what the motto meant to him, Jackson described it as a way of life. “Take everything seriously and do everything like a champion,� Jackson said.

Atkinson thinks if his team can work off of that motto and improve little by little throughout the year, the Broncos will be where their head coach wants them to be at the end of the season.

The 2011 season is in the past to

BRONCOS Quick facts District: District 5-4A 2011 record: 1-9 (0-6 in District 4-4A) Coach: Kevin Atkinson (First season at Denton, 51-54 in 10 seasons overall) Returning starters: Three on offense, two on defense Key players: OT Gage Hoadley, Deavonte Doucet, RB Tre’Von Jackson, QB Cy Ward, LB Ryan Duggan, LB Kyle Hubbert Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 School enrollment: 1,851 Stadium: Bronco Field

See DENTON on 32

!"

H4

DRC Football

August 30, 2012

Denton Broncos Varsity 2011 Football Schedule

SPORTS MEDICINE 3000 North I-35 Denton, TX 76201 1-877-THR-WELL texashealth.org

Date

Good Luck This Season!

31

Opponent

Aug. 31 Sept. 6 Sept. 14 Sept. 28 Aug. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9

Time

Bishop Lynch at R. L. Turner FW Western Hills x-at Lake Dallas x-Guyer* x-at Wichita Falls x—FW Brewer x-at Azle x-at Wichita Falls Rider x-Byron Nelson

7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

X – District 5-4A game *-- at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex www.mcfcu.coop

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T

EYECARE

3111 Unicorn Blvd.

Ste. 100, Denton 940-891-3937

Qu

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e

ct

TOTAL

Est.

p ality You Ex

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Autumn Leaves of Denton #104333 2505 Brinker Road • Denton, TX 76208 940-323-1710

ECKERT HYUNDAI

Come see our complete Award Winning lineup!

4011 South I-35 East, Denton

(940) 243-6200

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Tackle Some Pizza after the Game!

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Exp. 12/1/2012

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501 W. University Denton, TX 76201

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32

August 30, 2012

FOUR DOWNS Keys to a historic season CONTROL FIELD POSITION

Denton head coach Kevin Atkinson is actually fond of giving the ball away, but only when it’s the right play choice.

Instead of forcing a pass play and potentially turning the ball over, Atkinson advocates making the smart play on third down. “The rule I like to have is reserve the Atkinson right to punt. Sometimes punting isn’t bad. Sometimes you’re going to go three-and-out. The biggest thing I think kids need to learn is the game of field position. If you get the ball inside the 10, I’m looking to get two first downs and play defense and force a turnover.”

CAPITALIZE ON HOME FIELD

The Broncos will play at least one home game at C.H. Collins, but the majority of their home games will be at Bronco Field.

Atkinson wants to bring the tradition and history back to Denton. “We want to win on our home field and make it difficult to come here and play. We want to represent the stadium and the history that it brings.

If we had to go to C.H. Collins every game, then that would be like an away game even if we’re home. If you can walk

right out your back door, there is something special about that.”

LEAN ON LINEBACKERS With just two returning starters on defense, the Broncos will need to play to their strengths and put the upperclassmen such as senior linebacker Ryan Duggan and junior Kyle Hubbert in a position to make the biggest impact.

“We’ve got two solid inside linebackers with Duggan and Kyle Hubbert,” Atkinson said. “Duggan is going to be a big factor and Lucas Munoz is going to be a big factor at defensive line. We’ve got more depth at our defensive line and we are a little light depth-wise at linebacker.”

MAINTAIN FOCUS With the availability of players with a significant amount of playing time at a minimum, Atkinson has instilled a philosophy that requires each player to focus on their individual assignments. Where there might be a player with significant experience there are several players with an equal amount of inexperience, and Atkinson is using the individual responsibility as a requisite for playing time. “If they all will know how to execute their assignments, they will all play,” Atkinson said.

Building depth will be vital for Broncos

By Patrick Hayslip Staff Writer

Like many coaches around the state, Denton’s Kevin Atkinson wants his new team to be its best when it counts — at the end of the season, during district play, where playoff berths are won and lost.

Atkinson understands the Broncos may struggle early in the year, and he doesn’t care.

Buris “I’ve been calling offenses for 16 years and for 16 years I can tell you this — we start slow and finish strong,” Atkinson said. “We aren’t going to rush things or panic. We are going to stay with our system and be patient and get a little better every week. We don’t want to

DRC Football

DENTON

be clicking on all cylinders Week 1 or else you’ll peak too early. We want our last game to be our best game.”

Atkinson will rotate players through various positions early on as he attempts to find a way to lift the Broncos out of their recent struggles and lead them back to the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

Denton has a multitude of wide receivers to use in its revamped spread offense, but Atkinson remains cautious when it comes to their development.

Several receivers will compete for starting spots, but Atkinson will maintain a constant rotation of players, mainly because each receiver has their own skill set.

“Ke’Von Buris is our speed guy,” See PATIENCE on 39

BRONCOS Roster No. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 39

Player Tre’Von Jackson Michael Husbands Chris McGee Charles Boosa Ryan Daniels Tyler Villegas Ryan Duggan Zac Muthiani Luke Satterfield Monroe Huband Cy Ward Adarian Harris Ke’Von Buris Deandre Coleman Daniel Wilson Josh Hardin Key’andre Hearvey Jordan Dempsey Erik Dixon Deavonte Doucet Jake Cleveland Hector Delgado Malik Fugett Michael Hollis Dantrell Forte Itoro Afia Marlon Johnson Robert Salinas Lucas Munoz Dylan Tekell Leon Atkinson Jose Rodriguez Michael Tucker David Lanzi Wendell Williams

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

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

DENTON Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 Bishop Lynch Sept. 6 at R.L. Turner Sept. 14 FW Western Hills Sept. 28 at Lake Dallas* Oct. 5 Guyer*^ Oct. 12 at Wichita Falls* Oct. 19 FW Brewer* Oct. 26 at Azle* Nov. 2 at WF Rider* Nov. 9 Byron Nelson* * District 5-4A game ^ at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex 40 41 43 45 46 50 52 54 55 56 57 60 62 64 65 76 77 80 85

Dan Tinsley Avery McCormick Dailon Holmes Kyle Hubbert Fred Williams Connor Disbrow Cameron Pharr Rowdy Clark Cameron Brown Seong Jung David Deramee Juan Rodriguez Dorian Adams Precious Nwanehiudu Gage Hoadley Charlie Terry Trace Wilcox Roberto Gonzales Ivan Galvan

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 WR DL LB DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DB WR

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

From Page 29

Denton Atkinson, so much so that he didn’t bother to look back at last year’s team as a guide for this year.

“I didn’t watch one clip of last year’s Denton Bronco team,” Atkinson said.

Fresh content online now at

“That’s why your windshield is so big and your rearview mirror is so small. You need to spend more time looking at where you’re going than where you’ve been.”

www. dentonrc. com

34

August 30, 2012

DRC Football

GUYER

Breedlove next in line of top Guyer RBs

By Adam Boedeker Staff Writer

Throughout Guyer’s four-year stretch of making deep playoff runs after two futile seasons of starting up its football program, the Wildcats have always relied on an offense with a bit of an oldschool feel in today’s age of wide-open passing attacks.

A group of standout running backs has made that approach possible.

Guyer had Jamaine Wilhite, then Treavon Walton and finally Sebastain Williams powering its ground game the last four seasons.

For the third time in as many years, there will be a new feature back in Guyer’s offense, and this time around head coach John Walsh believes he might have his best yet.

D.J. Breedlove started one game last season when Williams was injured and, in limited time, ran for 168 yards on 45 carries with two touchdowns and a receiving touchdown. Now, the offense will go through the versatile junior. “The combination of everything — change of direction, vision and good ball skills — plus his work ethic is stellar,�

Walsh said. “When you put that work ethic with all that talent, you know you have something special. “I’m not gonna lie, tailbacks are usually the prima donnas that you kind of have to push and press buttons for, and you don’t have to press buttons with D.J. He’s ready to go.�

Breedlove won’t be asked to play in the backfield all the time. He’ll share time behind quarterback Jerrod Heard with senior Richard Whitaker. And when Whitaker is lined up in the backfield, it’s a safe bet to assume Breedlove won’t be on the bench. That’s because he’ll see a lot of time as a slot receiver, as well. “I found out I was gonna play slot receiver too, so that’s been a lot of learning,� Breedlove said. “I was kind of confused during the first practice, but as days went by I studied a lot, and now

GUYER: A NEW DIRECTION

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton Guyer running back D.J. Breedlove is the next in line to be a primary ball carrier in the Wildcats’ powerful running attack.

Breedlove was a backup as a sophomore and will step into a critical role in Guyer’s offense in a season when the Wildcats will make the move down to Class 4A. Guyer is ranked No. 1 in the state after two successful years in Class 5A.

I’m getting the hang of it. It’s fun.�

Walsh said it was a no-brainer to put Breedlove in different spots on the field, if for no other reason than to keep opposing defenses on their toes. “He’s going to be the full package,�

Walsh said. “His ball skills are so good that when we’re in four-wide [receivers], he’ll be in that inside slot.

He won’t come off the field. “We don’t run the ball much out of four-wide so we have to put our best players where the ball is going. It’s no secret he’s one of those guys.�

Heard cited short-yardage situations as being one of the offense’s biggest issues in 2011, saying there were many instances when drives were killed at the

worst possible times.

He added that those situations should not be problematic for the Wildcats in 2012. “When we need that first down, we’ll always look for D.J.,� Heard said. “He’s going to be big for us there, and also at the goal line when we’re looking to get in the end zone. That was a problem for us last year. He’s going to be the guy we’re looking for when we need those few yards. “He’s very powerful and elusive, and he’s just very hard to bring down.�

Looking back on the past three running backs to don a Guyer jersey, See GUYER on 37

WILDCATS Quick facts District: 5-4A 2011 record: 8-4 (5-2, District 7-5A) Coach: John Walsh (4731 in six seasons at Guyer) Returning starters: Seven on offense, four on defense Key players: QB Jerrod Heard, WR Ellis Jefferson, OL Patrick Morris, DB John Schilleci, RB D.J. Breedlove, LB Terence Belton Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple School enrollment: 2,064 Stadium: C.H. Collins Athletic Complex

!"

H4

36

August 30, 2012

DRC Football

Guyer Wildcats 2011 Football Schedule SPORTS MEDICINE 3000 North I-35 Denton, TX 76201 1-877-THR-WELL texashealth.org

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TOTAL EYECARE

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Ste. 100, Denton 940-891-3937 www.orthotexas.com

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Date

Opponent

Time

Aug. 30

Cedar Hill

7 p.m.

Sept. 6

at Colleyville Heritage

7 p.m.

Sept. 14

at Flower Mound Marcus

7 p.m.

Sept. 27

x-Azle

7 p.m.

Oct. 5

x-Denton

7 p.m.

Oct. 11

x-Byron Nelson

7 p.m.

Oct. 19

x-at Lake Dallas

7 p.m.

Oct. 26

x-Wichita Falls Rider

7 p.m.

Nov. 2

x-Wichita Falls

7 p.m.

Nov. 9

x-at FW Brewer

7 p.m.

x—District 5-4A games

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Buy One Buffet Meal Get One Free.

Exp. 12/1/2012

940-320-5656

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501 W. University Denton, TX 76201

Good Luck Team!

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Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors 2025 W. University 383-4200 www.deberryfuneraldirectors.com

Argyle Dental Associates 306 Highway 377 North, Suite A Argyle, TX 76226 phone: 940-464-6664

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DRC Football

August 30, 2012

GUYER

FOUR DOWNS Keys to a historic season DON’T SNOOZE ON CLASS 4A

Guyer should know as well as anyone that Class 4A has some talented teams.

The Wildcats went from a top-flight 4A school straight to the Class 5A Division II state championship game in 2010, and now they’re back in 4A with a No. 1 preseason ranking. There’s no question teams will be out to beat the Wildcats, who will have a giant target squarely on their backs throughout the season.

CONTINUE TO IMPROVE

Jerrod Heard played the best game of his brief career as a starting quarterback in the Wildcats’ playoff win over Hebron before he and his team faltered in a second-round loss to Mansfield. But throughout his sophomore season, Heard continued to make strides as a quarterback. Now committed to Texas, Heard can still improve on many aspects of his game as a junior and appears poised to do just that while leading Guyer on a deep postseason run in its return to Class 4A.

BE THE GO-TO GUY

Ellis Jefferson had a big summer. The 64, 200-pound senior receiver committed

FRESH FRONT SEVEN Guyer has always prided itself on stopping the run defensively. The Wildcats don’t plan on changing that approach this season, but time will tell as they are breaking in an entirely new starting front seven. Four new starters on the defensive line, led by tackle Domenic Pickering and end Thomas Ferguson, and three new linebackers, led by Terrell Singleton, will look to continue a tradition of stuffing the run for Guyer’s defense.

Morris leads loaded Guyer offensive line

By Adam Boedeker Staff Writer

Guyer running back D.J. Breedlove has no reason to fear for his starting job, but his quarterback thinks there is someone else on the team who could possibly tote the ball for the Wildcats, and it’s not who you’d think.

There are videos on YouTube of Guyer left tackle Patrick Morris Morris power-cleaning 385 pounds in the spring, snatching a weighted bar from the floor to his shoulders. He is also quick on his feet and fast for his 62, 280-pound frame.

Yes, the TCU commit is that good — just ask his quarterback.

“The all-around best we have would

WILDCATS Roster No. Player

to Arizona State back in July, following in the footsteps of Guyer’s go-to receiver from 2011, Conner Crane (Stanford), by going to a Pac-12 school.

Now, the Wildcats are hoping Jefferson can duplicate what Crane did on the high school stage and have a standout senJefferson ior year. Crane went over 1,000 yards and caught 16 touchdown passes last year while Jefferson had 677 yards and five scores. He’ll need to have Crane-like numbers for the Wildcats to be successful.

probably be Patrick Morris,” said junior quarterback Jerrod Heard, who has committed to Texas. “I don’t know anything he couldn’t do. Honestly, he could probably play running back and do pretty good.”

Breedlove laughed at the notion, saying he doesn’t fear a sudden battle for the starting job with his primary protector, but he agreed with the sentiment that Morris is one of the best players on the team and anchors perhaps the best single unit on the team — the offensive line.

It goes without saying the guys up front are a strength of Guyer’s team. Head coach John Walsh even went as far as to say the six players, including returning tight end Kyle Soltero, make up the best offensive line he’s coached at Guyer. That says a lot going back to a stout 2010 unit and See MORRIS on 38

37

Wt.

Yr.

WR/DB

5-10 170

Sr.

Jerrod Heard

QB

6-3 190

Jr.

3

D.J. Breedlove

RB

5-8 170

4

Kyle Walsh

WR/DB

5

Tavi Sanches WR/DB

6

Demontrie Taylor

7

Terrell Singleton

8

Trey Woods

9

Tripp Reed

WR

1

Josh Harris

2

Pos.

Ht.

GUYER Schedule Date

Opponent

Aug. 30

Cedar Hill 7 p.m.

Jr.

Sept. 6

at Colleyville Heritage 7 p.m.

5-11 170

Sr.

Sept. 14 at Flower Mound Marcus 7 p.m.

5-10 180

Sr.

Sept. 27

LB

5-9 180

Jr.

Oct. 5

LB

5-10 180

Sr.

Oct. 11

Byron Nelson* 7 p.m.

RB/DB

5-9 170

So.

Oct. 19

at Lake Dallas* 7 p.m.

6-3 175

Jr.

Oct. 26

Wichita Falls Rider* 7 p.m.

Wichita Falls* 7 p.m. at Fort Worth Brewer* 7 p.m.

Azle* 7 p.m. at Denton* 7 p.m.

10 Austin Seago

DB

5-10 170

So.

Nov. 2

11 John Schilleci

DB

6-1 190

Sr.

Nov. 9

6-1 195

Sr.

*District 5-4A game

12 Mason McKnight QB/LB

Time

13 Logan Helal

WR

5-10 175

Jr.

14 Tyler Smith

WR

5-9 165

Jr.

39 Anthony Taylor

RB

5-10 180

So.

41 Robert Champion DL

5-9 175

Sr.

15 Preston Thrailkill WR

5-9 160

Sr.

16 David Haynes

6-1 175

So.

QB

17 Thomas Ferguson TE/DE

6-1 220

Jr.

18 Derek Watson

DE

6-3 205

So.

19 Ellis Jefferson

WR

6-4 200

Sr.

20 Connor McCown

DB

5-10 165

Sr.

21 Will Sanders

DB

5-11 175

Jr.

22 Adam Scott

WR/DB

5-8 150

So.

23 Marcel Thomas

DB

5-10 185

Jr.

24 Terence Belton

LB

6-1 200

Sr.

25 Tristan Tovar

RB/LB

5-9 180

Sr.

26 Tanner Hunt

P/K

6-3 180

Sr.

27 Greg Peterson

WR

6-0 180

Jr.

28 Skylar Harris

DB

5-10 170

Sr.

29 Chandler Jennette DB

5-10 165

Sr.

30 Tyrone Bass

DE

5-10 205

31 Luke Bush

DE

32 Ryan Griffin

42 Domenic Pickering DL

5-9 210

Sr.

43 Ian Kies

DL

6-3 225

Sr.

44 Connor Allens

LB

6-1 210

Sr.

45 Greg MacAllister

DL

5-10 180

Sr.

46 Isiah Correa

DL

5-10 240

So.

47 Cort Owens

LB

5-10 175

Sr.

48 Carl Thompson

DL

6-2 220

So.

53 Blake Timmons

OL

6-1 240

Jr.

54 Hunter Krastin

OL

5-10 250

Jr.

55 Jordan Thompson OL

6-2 225

Jr.

56 Patrick Morris OL/DL

6-2 280

Sr.

58 Ryan Starr

OL

6-0 250

Sr.

59 Wade Austin

OL

6-2 250

Sr.

60 Zach Colpean

OL

5-10 235

Sr.

63 Kyle Jaskulske

OL

6-2 240

Jr.

Sr.

70 Bryan Barrett

OL

6-1 285

Jr.

6-3 180

Sr.

71 Kenta Hargis

DL

6-2 280

Sr.

DE

6-3 190

So.

72 Tyler Loya-Hundley OL

5-10 190

Sr.

33 Nate Maki

RB/LB

5-10 185

Jr.

75 Ryan Felan

OL

6-1 280

Sr.

35 Zach Lauer

TE

6-1 175

Sr.

82 Kyle Soltero

TE

6-1 230

Jr.

36 Richard Whitaker RB

5-10 170

Sr.

83 Jonathan Pershall TE

5-10 215

Jr.

K

5-9 160

Jr.

88 Mark Hickey

TE

6-1 205

Sr.

FB

5-9 180

Sr.

92 Fabian Najera

DE

5-9 200

Sr.

37 Brad Grimms 38 Colby Laird

From Page 34

Guyer Walsh’s prediction that Breedlove will be the best of the bunch goes a long way when looking at the numbers.

Last season, Williams rushed for 1,149 yards and 13 scores in 11 games. In 2010, Walton had 1,396 yards and 19 scores in 16 games, and in the two seasons before that, Wilhite totaled 3,320

yards and 46 touchdowns.

And Breedlove understands the gravity of Walsh’s comment.

“It puts a little bit of pressure on me,” Breedlove said. “But I like that he’s giving me confidence and believing I can be the best. I’m just thankful for his confidence.”

38

August 30, 2012

HIGH SCHOOLS

DRC Football

From Page 37

Morris

one from 2008 that had two Big 12 signees at tackle and a guard who is now starting at Stephen F. Austin.

But Walsh is confident in the statement, and he chalks his confidence up to the overall play from left tackle down the line to right tackle.

“There’s three things — strength, mobility and intelligence,” Walsh said.

“Each year we’ve been solid up front, but there’s always been one or two guys we have to bring along that are a little lesser.

We have five solids, and we have star power in Morris. He’s legit. And [junior right tackle Bryan] Barrett will have those same [Football Bowl Subdivision] offers.

We have our [FBS] guys and the other guys are really good and really strong.”

Ryan Felan, Guyer’s right guard who is one of the line’s four returning starters, said hearing that compliment from his head coach doesn’t add any pressure heading into the regular season but just adds to the unit’s confidence.

“I think it builds up our confidence more,” Felan said. “Pressure-wise, there’s not really any more pressure. We just work together and try to do as well as we can.”

Morris, the unit’s only three-year starter, said this year’s group is the closest he’s been a part of, making the grind of fall practice a little bit easier.

“We’re just communicating better than we ever have,” Morris said. “Our team chemistry is just really strong, and we’re all so close. It’s been like this before, but it’s never been quite like this. Practice has never been this fun, and it’s because we all like each other.”

From Page 28

Bridges receiver, Xavier Gray.

Gray, along with wide receiver Reynal Caldwell and running back A.J. Anderson, will be options Bridges will have at his disposal as the Raiders move up to Class 5A for the second time in Florence’s 12 years as Ryan’s head coach.

The last time Ryan was in 5A, the Raiders went a combined 19-6 in the 2004 and 2005 seasons. Ryan was in the same district as Southlake Carroll duringsome of the Dragons’ best years.

This season, Ryan will once again have an imposing defensive line despite losing

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton

Guyer offensive lineman Patrick Morris throws a block during a game against Cedar Hill in the Kirk Herbstreit National Kickoff Classic last season at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Morris is one of Guyer’s top offensive linemen, largely because of his unusual athletic ability for a lineman.

The camaraderie extends beyond the offensive line, too. Breedlove said he is friends with all of the linemen and hangs out with them outside of school and football.

“They’re just getting better each and every day at practice,” he said. “I love running behind them and I’m pretty sure they love blocking for me. I owe them a lot.”

The one lineman who is not a returning starter is senior center Zach Colpean.

Having a new face at perhaps the most

important position on the line could be a concern for many coaches, but not for Walsh. After all, Colpean is a valedictorian at Guyer and possesses the intelligence required to make all the proper line calls at the last second.

“He runs the whole show down there,” Walsh said. “He keeps everything straight.

It’s good when your one new guy is the smartest guy on your football team.”

With the compliments flowing from

their head coach, all that is left now is to see if the unit can live up to lofty expectations.

“Last year, our inexperience went a long way toward our failure because we always had one guy not knowing the assignment,” Morris said of the unit’s relative inexperience that contributed to a second-round playoff exit. “We know if we all communicate and we account for those seven defensive guys we’ll be OK. It doesn’t matter how it gets done.”

Dominique Banks (Baylor) and Mario Edwards (Florida State). The offense returns five starters, including offensive lineman Matt Griffin. Last year Ryan had no problem scoring points, but the Raiders averaged 327 yards per game, which did not rank among the top 40 teams that will be in 5A this season.

It’ll be up to Bridges and his teammates to remedy the situation.

“We expect more out of our offense this year,” Florence said. “There’s no doubt, no doubt.”

If it hasn’t already been made clear, Florence’s confidence in his new starting quarterback is unwavering. When Bridges essentially played the entire season with the torn labrum, it told Florence about the

5-9, 185-pound junior’s character.

“The thing that shocked me about that is that I never knew he was hurt,” Florence said. “That tells you how tough a kid he is. ... He never complained. He never used that as an excuse. And I’ve learned that in coaching, that winners come in a lot of different forms, and that’s just a winner’s mentality.”

Ryan’s offensive coaches, led by offensive coordinator Conroy Hines, have emphasized getting the offense going early and doing more this season than what’s been done in the past.

Bridges is aware of the new leadership role he’s taken and what a strong offensive attack will mean for Ryan this season.

“It benefits us a lot,” Bridges said. “We

have a good defense, and if our offense helps us a little bit more, I think we have a good chance of making a run for it.”

Bridges will be asked to protect the ball and not commit turnovers, something that cost Ryan in its Class 4A Division I regional semifinal loss to Waco Midway.

“He has got to not turn the football over,” Florence said. “That’s going to be the No. 1 thing. Mitchell’s a tough kid, and that’s what I want in a good leader.

Obviously, your team will go as your quarterback goes.”

And if things go according to plan, Ryan may need Bridges to leap across the end zone come playoff time, hoping the junior can lead the program in a year filled with uncertainty.

Here is The Associated Press 2012 preseason Texas high school football poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, 2011 records, points based on 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1, and last year’s final regular-season ranking, if any: Class 5A 2011 Points Prv 1. Southlake Carroll (8) (16-0) 218 7 2. Lake Travis (9) (16-0) 206 1(4A) 3. Dallas Skyline (7) (14-1) 199 5 4. Katy (1) (12-1) 170 1 5. Cibolo Steele (15-1) 117 4 6. Euless Trinity (12-1) 103 3 7. DeSoto (10-2) 71 8 8. Allen (11-1) 65 2 9. Longview (11-2) 63 6 10. Abilene (10-4) 47 — Others receiving votes: 11, Arlington Martin 41.

12, Manvel 18. 13, Pearland 15. 14, SA Madison 11. 15, The Woodlands 10. 16, Spring DeKaney 9. 17, La Porte 5. 18, Austin Westlake 3. 19, Hewitt Midway 2. 20, Lufkin 1. 20, Smithson Valley 1.

Class 4A 2011 Points Prv 1. Guyer (13) (8-4) 228 — 2. Cedar Park (3) (11-3) 199 9 3. Tyler John Tyler (6) (11-4) 196 — 4. Pearland Dawson (12-3) 146 — 5. Dallas Highland Park (12-1) 130 4 6. Aledo (3) (14-2) 108 8

DRC Football

HIGH SCHOOLS

STATE POLLS Associated Press Top 10 7. Leander (8-4) 90 — 8. WF Rider (10-4) 89 — 9. Angleton (13-1) 74 7 10. CC Calallen (13-2) 46 — Others receiving votes: 11, Brenham 16. 12, Nederland 15. 13, Wichita Falls 11. 14, Kerrville Tivy 9. 15, Dallas Kimball 8. 16, Amarillo 3. 16, Wolfforth Frenship 3. 18, Sulphur Springs 2. 19, Sherman 1. 19, Corsicana 1.

Class 3A 2011 Points Prv 1. Stephenville (15) (11-3) 227 — 2. La Marque (5) (11-3) 202 — 3. Carthage (2) (9-4) 167 — 4. Coldspring-Oakhurst (1) (14-1) 130 3 T5. Navasota (1) (11-2) 125 — T5. Wimberley (1) (15-0) 125 2 7. Argyle (14-2) 89 8 8. Waco La Vega (11-1) 74 10 T9. Alvarado (14-1) 42 6 T9. Celina (11-1) 42 5 Others receiving votes: 11, Henderson 36. 12, Tyler Chapel Hill 32. 12, Gilmer 32. 14, Monahans 14. 15, West Columbia 13. 16, Sealy 9. 17, Bellville 6. 18, Abilene Wylie 5. 19, Kennedale 2. 19, Kilgore 2. 21, Melissa 1.

Class 2A 2011 Points Prv 1. Refugio (17) (15-0) 217 1 2. Cameron Yoe (3) (6-5) 176 — 3. Daingerfield (3) (10-4) 166 —

4. Newton (1) (9-3) 152 — 5. Lexington (11-3) 125 — 6. Tatum (12-3) 119 — 7. Cisco (14-1) 106 — 8. Wall (11-1) 73 4 9. Hempstead (1) (14-1) 51 3 10. Muleshoe (12-2) 39 — Others receiving votes: 11, Arp 38. 12, Corsicana Mildred 30. 13, East Bernard 23. 14, Crockett 17. 15, Littlefield 11. 15, Rogers 11.

17, Franklin 8. 18, Garrison 6. 19, Clarksville 2.

19, Commerce 2. 21, Elysian Fields 1. 21, Idalou 1. 21, New Boston 1.

Class A 2011 Points Prv 1. Mart (11) (11-3) 220 —

2. Stamford (7) (13-3) 211 — 3. Munday (4) (13-3) 195 — 4. Tenaha (2) (14-0) 142 2 5. Falls City (10-3) 114 — 6. San Augustine (8-3) 108 — 7. Mason (1) (15-0) 101 3 8. Burton (12-3) 52 — 9. Windthorst (11-2) 46 7 10. Goldthwaite (7-5) 44 — Others receiving votes: 11, Wellington 37. 12, Shiner 23. 13, Hubbard 16. 14, Ganado 14. 15, Albany 10. 15, Lindsay 10. 17, Alto 7. 17, Italy 7. 19, Muenster 6. 20, Joaquin 4. 21, Sunray 3.

22, Mount Enterprise 2. 22, Panhandle 2. 24, Stratford 1.

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DRC Football

August 30, 2012

LAKE DALLAS

59

Falcons plan to ramp up running game

By Steve Gamel For the Denton Record-Chronicle

Lake Dallas sported the No. 1 pass offense in Class 4A last year, and with a stingy defense, soared to the third round of the playoffs. Even with that success, head coach Michael Young is pushing for change.

When the Falcons open the season at home on Aug. 30, against Richardson Pearce, the defense will line up in the 3-4.

The offense will be more dedicated to controlling the clock and a solid run game with the pistol formation. They will still use variations of last year’s spread, but it will be a different look.

Lake Dallas threw for 4,014 yards a year ago while rushing for 1,981 yards.

With many of last year’s players no longer with the Falcons, Young will adapt his system around this year’s team as it hopes to make another deep playoff run. “It’s important to have the right plan in place to match your players’ skill set,�

Young said. “Last year we had five firstteam all-district wide receivers and we felt like we could spread people out and score from anywhere. We have playmakers left.

But it’s a different game for us now.�

Tying it together is quarterback Marshall Dominy. Lake Dallas has become a hot bed for quarterbacks in recent years, and Dominy is no exception.

Young said Dominy is perfect for the new pistol offense because he is a dual threat. “Marshall is a great athlete who is dangerous with his feet,� Young said. “If he can get on the same page with a younger group of wide receivers, he’s going to have a great year.�

Young isn’t down on his team, but he did say this was the hardest his program has been hit by graduation in eight years.

Gone are 27 lettermen, including quarterback Dalyn Williams, standout running back Dontonio Jordan and the wide receiver trio of Tyler Vance, Tre Dickerson and Ferrando Joseph.

But there is optimism. The Falcons’ offensive and defensive lines may be the best they’ve had with a trio of returners on both lines. Emilio Hernandez moves

LAKE DALLAS: A NEW DIRECTION

from guard to right tackle and is flanked

by John Laubacher and Joe Williamson.

Grayson Schantz posted 12 sacks last year. Luke Medlicott and Colton Lively could also have breakout seasons.

Young said he’s also excited about several guys he deems “big playmakers,� including junior Josh Jackson.

At 6-feet, 175 pounds, Jackson could be one of the best cornerbacks in District 54A. That says a lot considering Roman Mitchell also returns. Mitchell snagged four interceptions a year ago. “We’ve spent a lot of time talking about him [Josh] and how to get him involved on both sides of the ball,� Young said. “He’s so athletic that if he works hard enough, his talent alone would make him

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton Marshall Dominy will try to carry on the tradition of great quarterbacks at Lake Dallas that includes current Missouri starter James Franklin and last year’s starter Dalyn Williams. Dominy is a dual-threat quarterback and has the ability to make plays running and throwing the ball. Dominy must fare well in his new role for Lake Dallas to succeed as a team.

the best athlete we’ve ever had.�

Expect Jackson to get between eight and 10 touches per game. “I feel like wherever they play me, I can be a threat,� Jackson added. “I’ll do whatever it takes.�

So will others. Mitchell will see time at wide receiver and running back. Schantz will play some tight end while Lively adds depth at defensive line, fullback and H-back.

But for the Falcons to succeed, Dominy must play a huge role. And like any signal caller, Dominy is focused on the team. “I think with the way we’ve picked things up, and the way our defense has been playing, we match up perfect with everyone else in the district,� Dominy said. “I see us finishing right on top.�

FALC0NS Quick facts District: 5-4A 2011 record: 9-4 (4-2, District 5-4A) Coach: Michael Young (57-23 in seven seasons at Lake Dallas) Returning starters: Three on offense, five on defense Key players: QB Marshall Dominy, RB Tony Green, DL Grayson Schantz, DB Roman Mitchell, DB Josh Jackson, OL John Laubacher, OL Joe Williamson Offense: Multiple-set spread (pistol) Defense: 3-4 School enrollment: 1,230 Stadium: Falcon Stadium

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DRC Football

August 30, 2012

LAKE DALLAS

FALCONS Roster

FOUR DOWNS Keys to a historic season GRIND IT OUT

Dalyn Williams and Dontonio Jordan were amazing in the run game last year, but the Falcons’ offense was built to throw the football (4,014 yards passing). Head coach Michael Young is going with the pistol offense, which allows for more Green variety and to help control the clock in a tough District 5-4A. Running back Tony Green is seen as a superstar in the making and is prototypical for this type of system (taller, big shoulders, physical runner). Green got touches during last year’s postseason, averaging 4.05 yards per carry on 19 carries.

CALLING ALL PLAYMAKERS

While the coaching staff is gushing over wide receiver Josh Jackson, Young won’t put his eggs in one basket. Last year, the Falcons’ offense had five experienced wide receivers, making it harder on defenses to key on one person. Quarterback Marshall Dominy has to be a dual threat and find a

rhythm with new receivers. Roman Mitchell, Grayson Schantz and Colton Lively must bring their talents to both sides of the football.

PROTECT THIS HOUSE Lake Dallas plays host in four of its seven District 5-4A games, including an Oct. 12 date with Wichita Falls Rider.

Guyer travels to Falcon Stadium on Oct. 19. Three of their first four district games are at home. Historically the Falcons play well at home, including a 4-1 mark last year.

BE SOLID UP FRONT Young says this might be the best offensive-defensive line combination he’s had at Lake Dallas. Schantz (Newcomer of the Year) had 13 sacks in 2011. He is flanked by Luke Medlicott and Lively in a revamped 3-4 defense.

Offensively, if linemen John Laubacher, Joe Williamson and Emilio Hernandez are as good as advertised, Green will reap the rewards. Young said a solid group up front could mean contending with Guyer and Rider.

61

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 33 35 36 37 43 44 45 48 54 55

Player Tyler Hull Brandt Graham Josh Jackson Jamal Carter Dante Basher Roman Mitchell Kaleb Adkins Brandon Simpson Andrew Craig Bryce Williams William Tollett Marshall Dominy Logan Stewart Juan Campos Juan Lerma Ty Boggs Mason Hite Styles Dyer C.J. Harris Joseph Oppong Matt Hillard Mark Contreras Tony Green Eloy Vela III Miguel Morales Graysen Ortez Grayson Schantz Jacob Jones Brandon Horton Kyle Ables Tim Williams Josiah Tauaefa Marcus Girma Cody Carroll Luke Medicott

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

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

Wt. 180 175 180 170 175 200 155 185 175 230 195 200 150 155 155 170 205 190 180 205 200 175 190 205 180 170 245 200 200 195 205 225 225 210 250

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

LAKE DALLAS Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Richardson Pearce 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Frisco Centennial 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 at C. Newman Smith 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 Denton* 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Byron Nelson* 7 p.m.

Oct. 12 Wichita Falls Rider* 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 Guyer* 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Wichita Falls* 7 p.m.

Nov. 2 Fort Worth Brewer* 7 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Azle* 7 p.m. * District 5-4A 56 58 61 62 65 66 70 71 73 75 78 79 80 81 82 84 85

Joe Williamson OL Jonathan Chambers OL Cody Shipman OL Mitchell Withrow DL Emilio Hernandez OL Brody Rausch OL Basilio Hernandez OL Rico Morales DL Matthew Dvoracek OL John Laubacher OL Jason Heer OL Dalton Montgomery OL Eric Walsh TE Tyler Estep WR Roman Albanese WR Colton Lively DL Garrett Shakleford WR

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

250 230 300 220 245 205 215 240 290 310 260 220 200 180 190 235 180

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

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DRC Football

ARGYLE

Ralston aims to extend Argyle tradition

By Adam Boedeker Staff Writer

Argyle fans will long remember the way Layton Lowry finished his high school career in 2010.

After splitting time as a junior as a member of a running back-by-committee setup, Lowry was one of the biggest workhorses in the area as a senior, rushing for 1,811 yards and 22 touchdowns while averaging nearly 18 carries per game.

Last season when Argyle made it to the Class 3A Division II state championship game, the Eagles had another solid running back in Tyler Eveleth, who rushed for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns while several other players contributed to the ground game that amassed nearly 3,000 yards over the course of a 16-game season.

This season might prove to be more like 2010 when it comes to Argyle’s running game, and it’s looking to all fall on the shoulders of a sophomore.

Nick Ralston was called up from the freshman team before district play began last season and went on to rush for 259 yards and three scores in 11 games. “I kind of like the pressure of that,�

Ralston said of knowing the running game will fall on his shoulders. “It makes me play harder. I kind of want to step up to the challenge and take it on.�

Argyle head coach Todd Rodgers has seen that quality in Ralston for a while now.

He said the Argyle coaching staff pegged Ralston early last season as a guy who could come up to the varsity level and contribute. “It really, truly was in the plans [to call him up],� Rodgers said. “We thought he had a lot of upside and the potential to acclimate over the course of the year. “We weren’t sure about the pace at which he’d be ready but he showed great vision, understanding of the offense and a willingness to carry the burden of the offense at the ninth-grade level.�

But the varsity game was a different story. Ralston quickly figured that out when he made his first varsity appearance in last year’s district opener against Aubrey.

ARGYLE: A NEW DIRECTION

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton Nick Ralston was called up to the varsity team midway through last season and rushed for 259 yards in limited action.

The sophomore will take on a much larger role this fall, when he is expected to be a workhorse for the Eagles’ offense.

Argyle will have a different look in 2012 after quarterback Austin Aune graduated following last season.

He took one square hit and immediately realized he wasn’t on the freshman team anymore. “It only took about three plays,� Ralston said. “The size and speed of the game was the biggest difference.�

At 5-11, 200 pounds, Ralston should be able to handle the grind of a varsity season, and of all the running backs who have played key roles in Argyle’s offense over recent years, Rodgers compared him to the one who put up the best numbers of any. “He’s got the foot speed and quickness to be great,� Rodgers said. “He’s a slashing type running back, but he also has tremendous strength and power. He’ll be one of the bigger backs we’ve had. He’s not quite as big as Layton, but he has sim-

ilar skills.�

Rodgers stressed the fact that aside from Ralston’s obvious football skill, he also the right ingredients mentally to be a great high school running back for the next three seasons. “He does whatever he has to,� Rodgers said. “You tell him, ‘Here’s a prescription for success,’ and he’ll follow the prescription. He’s all about being successful and all about the team being successful.�

And that mixture means a happy head coach in Rodgers. “Big, fast running backs are rare,�

Rodgers said. “To have a kid that’s that committed to improving himself and committed to the success of his team is a perfect scenario for a head coach.�

EAGLES Quick facts District: 10-3A 2011 record: 14-2 (5-0 District 9-3A) Coach: Todd Rodgers (89-28 in nine seasons at Argyle) Returning starters: Four on offense, three on defense Key players: WR Ian Sadler, K Cole Hedlund, RB Nick Ralston, LB Sam Sizelove, QB Brandon Boyzuick, DB Reese Thompson Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 School enrollment: 668 Stadium: Eagle Stadium

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August 30, 2012

DRC Football

ARGYLE

FOUR DOWNS Keys to a historic season GET SOLID QB PLAY

Capra, Reagen Page and Hunter Stewart.

Brandon Boyzuick was a big part of Argyle’s JV squad last season, contributing all over the field, including as a Wildcat quarterback. Hunter Treadwell, also a junior, is a movein from Grapevine. One of them, most likely Boyzuick Boyzuick, will have to step under center and lead Argyle’s offense while trying to fill the shoes left by three-year starter Austin Aune, who is now in the New York Yankees system.

Treadwell Aune was a proven winner and had the “it” factor people look for in quarterbacks.

BE BIG UP FRONT

The biggest question mark for the Eagles is the play they’ll receive from several defensive linemen looking to step into starting roles. Last season, the Eagles allowed 122 yards per game on the ground and will look to do the same with a new cast of Speed characters in 2012.

Several are being counted on to fill key roles, including Wood Speed, Micah

RECEIVING GREATNESS Last season, junior Ian Sadler took 3A by storm when he caught 54 balls for 1,124 and 12 touchdowns while also being a big part of Argyle’s return game. He’s moving to an inside receiver spot this season and will be flanked on the outside by Chance Bode and either Dalton Ledford or Chase Sadler Green. Sadler will draw a lot of coverage, meaning other, less experienced players will have to capitalize on opportunities.

THROUGH THE UPRIGHTS Cole Hedlund emerged on the scene last season when he set a national record for field goals made in a season with 25. This season, the junior will be called upon to lead the Eagles’ kicking game not only with his efficiency on field goals and extra Hedlund points (25-of-30 on field goals, 72-of-74 on extra points) but also on kickoffs. Last season, he had 17 touchbacks to help out Argyle’s defense and that number should continue to grow as Hedlund gets stronger with age.

EAGLES Roster No. 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 15 19 22 23 27 30 32 33 35 36 40 41 42 44 45 48 52 53

Player Dalton Ledford Brandon Boyzuick Reese Thompson Ian Sadler Jon Pucciarello Hunter Treadwell Brian Kanzaki Colton Katzen Connor Wilson Cole Hedlund Dean Eddy Chase Green Nick Ralston Chance Bode Wood Speed Brayden Helliker Cody Phillips Jimmy Manos Terry Moore Ricky Poole Colton Hinnrichs Sam Sizelove Blake Lyle Seth Jones Michael McConnell Jake Weaver Christian Hackney Jon Brittenum

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

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

ARGYLE Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 Abilene Wylie Sept. 7 at Fort Worth Nolan Sept. 14 at Paris Sept. 21 Kennedale Sept. 28 Wilmer-Hutchins Oct. 5 at Dallas Madison Oct. 19 Carrollton Ranchview* Oct. 26 at Frisco Lone Star* Nov. 2 Aubrey* Nov. 9 at Celina* *District 10-3A game

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.

55 56 58 61 62 64 65 66 70 72

Micah Capra Hayden Hood Reagen Page Jett Monroe Austin Bergstrom Hunter Stewart Trevor Jones Zach Benson Tanner Fought Jordan Deagen

DL OL LB OL OL DL OL OL OL OL

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

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Matt Hiter

DL

So.

75

Zach Mahon

OL

So.

Argyle Dental Associates 306 Highway 377 North, Suite A Argyle, TX 76226 phone: 940-464-6664

A LOOK BACK 2011 district standings

District 7-5A Overall Southlake Carroll 16-0 Keller Central 8-3 Guyer 8-4 Keller Fossil Ridge 6-5 Coppell 6-4 Justin Northwest 4-6 Keller 2-8 Saginaw 1-9 District 4-4A Overall Ryan 12-1 Lake Dallas 9-4 Wichita Falls Rider 7-4 Little Elm 6-5 The Colony 4-6 Wichita Falls 3-7 Denton 1-9 District 9-3A Overall Argyle 14-2

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

9-2 4-1 7-4 3-2 4-6 2-3 2-7 1-4 2-8 0-5 District 5-2A (DI) Overall District Pottsboro 9-2 5-0 Boyd 9-3 4-1 Callisburg 2-9 2-3 Ponder 5-5 2-3 Paradise 5-5 1-4 Howe 2-8 1-4 TAAPS District 1-I Overall District Fort Worth Nolan 13-1 5-1 Plano Prestonwood 9-3 5-1 Liberty Christian 6-5 3-3 Dallas Bishop Lynch 6-5 3-3 TCA-Addison 6-6 3-3 Dallas Bishop Dunne 3-8 2-4 Dallas John Paul II 3-7 0-6

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DRC Football

August 30, 2012

AUBREY

65

Aubrey to lean on legend’s grandson

By Dave Rogers For the Denton Record-Chronicle

If the Aubrey Chaparrals don’t return to the playoffs this season, it won’t be because the quarterback had trouble remembering the plays. “I’ve been seeing and running the same offense since kindergarten,� junior Kyle Lynn said. “When I was in the sixth grade in Celina, I was already calling audibles and hot routes. Growing up in this offense, I’ve always felt like I was one step ahead, mentally.�

Lynn is the grandson of the legendary G.A. Moore Jr., the winningest high school football coach in Texas schoolboy history. Moore, 73, was Lynn’s high school coach until May, when Moore announced he was retiring after a 45-year career that includes eight state championships.

Lynn’s first memories revolve around his grandfather and winning teams at Pilot Point and Celina. “I’ve been up at his two-a-days ever since I could walk,� said the 5-10, 170-pounder. “I was waterboy at Pilot Point forever and when he retired from coaching the first time [in 2004], I just came up here.�

Moore followed in 2009, leading Aubrey to an 11-2 record that first season before back-to-back 4-6 seasons.

Lynn was a backup quarterback who completed 51 percent of his passes for 319 yards and two touchdowns last year. But his three rushing touchdowns seem more relevant. Aubrey’s offense never relied on a big passing game under Moore.

Nor will it under his successor, Mike Segleski. “We try to overpower whoever we’re facing,� Lynn said, “exactly how my granddad did it. Nothing’s much changed.�

Segleski, 40, knows about growing up in a coaching family. His father coached him at Comfort.

He’s no stranger to Lynn and the rest of the Chap players, either. He’s been at Aubrey since 2008 and was on Moore’s staff at Pilot Point. Aubrey’s defensive coordinator from 2008-2011, Segleski has kept the coaching staff intact. “There’s not much difference,� Lynn

AUBREY: A NEW DIRECTION

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton Aubrey quarterback Kyle Lynn was a backup last season and will be stepping into a larger role this year as the Chaparrals’ starter. He has bloodlines that seem to indicate he has what it takes to handle the job. His grandfather is G.A. Moore Jr., who won eight state titles during a 45-year coaching career, including his last stop at Aubrey.

said. “There’s no guy in a cowboy hat [Moore’s trademark] out there yelling at you, but we’ve got good coaches.�

Aubrey’s coaches plan to feature 6-4, 240-pound tight end/defensive end Collin Scribner. After making the all-district team as a sophomore, he blew out his knee and missed the 2011 season. “Not having Collin made a huge difference in what we could do,� Segleski said. “Without him, defenses put nine men on the line of scrimmage and dared us to throw the football. He can stretch the field.�

Aubrey’s cast of marquee characters has turned over, as most of the team’s top ball-handlers from a year ago are gone.

Halfback Daniel Longhenry, who rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns

while averaging 4.4 yards per carry, has the best stats among returners.

Offensive linemen Weston Osterman, Jacob Ortolani, Jordan Gullette and Jacob Johnson also return. They will look to add punch to a team that averaged 20 points, 211 rushing yards and 286 total yards per game last year. “They’re smart, and they’re also mean and nasty,� Segleski said. “That’s perfect for what we’re trying to do, which is to cram the ball down your throat.�

Defensive back Nick Shovlin and linebacker Anthony Alford are back to lead Aubrey’s defense. “Our goals are to run the football and play defense,� Segleski said. “We aim to do those two things and do them well.�

CHAPARRALS Quick facts District: 10-3A 2011 record: 4-6 (2-3 District 9-3A) Coach: Mike Segleski (first season) Returning starters: Seven on offense, five on defense Key players: RB/DB Robert DeLaTorre, WR/DB Nick Shovlin, QB/DB Kyle Lynn, RB/LB Sam Heath, RB/LB Anthony Alford, OL/DT Jacob Ortolani, OL/DT Jordan Gullette, TE/DT Collin Scribner Offense: Pro-style Defense: Multiple School enrollment: 516 Stadium: Chaparral Stadium

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DRC Football

KRUM

Krum ready to make history yet again

By Randy Cummings For the Denton Record-Chronicle

Krum has been on a four-year journey to establish itself among the state’s football-playing fraternity, making history at every juncture of the trip. And this fall, the Bobcats reach their destination, with opportunities to write even more history.

Finally, the Bobcats will compete in a UIL district. With that transition comes the chance for the school’s football program to win its first district game, seek a district title, earn individual league honors and, ultimately, reach the state playoffs. “It’s real exciting,� said senior defensive end Leo Sanchez, smiling and stating the obvious.

With Krum’s increased enrollment came the move to a new classification and District 9-3A along with established programs at Decatur, Sanger and Gainesville.

But with a squad of players that essentially has been playing together the past four years — all 11 offensive and defensive starters from the last two seasons are back — head coach Gary Robinson believes the Bobcats are ready to make more history. “We can go back to 2008 — these juniors and seniors were seventh- and eighth-graders — and from the very beginning they’ve been making history,�

Robinson said. “The first time we had practice at 6:30 in the morning with that bunch of seventh-graders, they made history. The first time we won a ballgame, they made history then. “Then when they became ninthgraders, we won our first high school game. Then two years ago we beat Ranger in a varsity game and made history. Last year was the first time we’d ever played 10 varsity games.�

Junior quarterback Caz Wojciak, a twoyear starter who passed for 1,096 yards and 11 touchdowns in Krum’s 6-4 season last year as an independent, calls the upcoming season “the opportunity of a lifetime.� “Four years ago we were playing seventh-grade ball on a cow pasture and now we’re going to be playing 3A ball and are

KRUM: A NEW DIRECTION

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton Krum junior quarterback Caz Wojciak, left, and senior defensive lineman Leo Sanchez will lead Krum into its first season in a district this fall. The shift will make the Bobcats eligible for the playoffs for the first time in the four-year history of the program. Wojciak, who threw for 1,096 yards last year, called this season, “the opportunity of a lifetime.�

in a district,� he said. “This is where we wanted to be.�

Krum’s players have not only gained experience, they have also grown physically, putting them on an equal playing field with their opponents.

The Bobcats return their top two rushers from a year ago in senior Reed Flores (745 yards, 9 TDs) and sophomore Dane White (631 yards, 7 TDs). The team’s three leading receivers from 2011 also return, including senior team leader Zack Hughes (357 yards receiving, 7 TDs).

Robinson is equally excited about an offensive line led by seniors Aaron Gilmore (6-3, 240) and Josh Reeves (6-0, 200). “We’ve got a smart offensive line that really understands our blocking schemes,�

Robinson said. “They can do it in their sleep.�

Defensive lineman Leo Sanchez was the Bobcats’ leading tackler last season with 60 stops, but Krum’s strength on defense appears to be in its linebackers and secondary.

Junior linebacker Dylan Coffin was one of two players to finish with 55 tackles (Wojciak, as a defensive back, was the other). Senior Travis White (6-1, 170) led the team with his three interceptions from the secondary. “There’s nobody in the state of Texas that’s in the position we’re in,� said Robinson. “There’s nobody about to play district games for the first time and move up from 2A to 3A. We’re sitting right where we can do something great.�

BOBCATS Quick facts District: 9-3A 2011 record: 6-4 (Independent) Coach: Gary Robinson (16-11 in four seasons at Krum) Returning starters: 11 on offense, 11 on defense Key players: QB Caz Wojciak, RB Reed Flores, WR Zack Hughes, RB Brennan Ellis, OL Aaron Gilmore, DL Leo Sanchez, DB Travis White, LB Dylan Coffin Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 School enrollment: 475 Stadium: Bobcat Stadium

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August 30, 2012

DRC Football

KRUM

FOUR DOWNS Keys to a historic season

BOBCATS Roster

EARN RESPECT FROM ALL

ADJUST TO DISTRICT PLAY

No. Name

The long, steady process of building a program from the ground up is about to reach its anticipated conclusion. Now the Bobcats — players, coaches and all involved — are ready to earn a little respect for what they’ve accomplished.

They’re out to prove they’ve got a solid program that’s ready to Robinson compete. “Our No. 1 goal is to earn respect from the other teams in our district, from other schools in the area and from the state,” head coach Gary Robinson said. By the end of the season, Krum hopes to have established itself on the varsity level.

Last season, the Bobcats played a 10game schedule as an independent against an assortment of opponents, hoping to post a winning record. That goal still stands, although in 2012 Krum will, for the first time, be facing a true district schedule with an upgrade to Class 3A competition. “We want to have a winning season and get to the playoffs,” senior defensive lineman Leo Sanchez said. “We want to shock everybody.”

1

Brennan Ellis

WR/FS

5-11 167 Jr.

2

Jake Fleckenstein WR/FS

5-11 168 Sr.

4

Riley Marshall

WR/CB

5-10 155 So.

5

Caz Wojciak

QB/FS

5-10 165 Jr.

7

Charles Eneh

RB/MLB

6-0 190 Sr.

8

Angel Martinez

WR/CB

5-9 141 Sr.

9

Travis White

FIGHT FROM START TO FINISH

One way the Bobcats can earn the aforementioned respect, Robinson notes, is by being competitive in every minute of every game. “We want to be competitive in every game we play from the opening kickoff to the last play,” he said. “We’re not going to stop fighting, no matter what.”

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KEEP PLAYOFF GOAL IN SIGHT Speaking of the playoffs, the Bobcats believe that’s another dream they can make come true. Krum has posted winning seasons the last two years, so the next goal is reaching the playoffs. “We’ve never had a playoff to look forward to at the end of a season,” quarterback Caz Wojciak said. “Now that we’re at this point, we finally can try to make a run and shock some people. It’s exciting.”

Qualifying for the postseason is another challenge, but Krum’s players and coaches having been conquering challenges while building the program for four years.

Position

Ht.

Wt. Cl.

WR/CB

6-0 172 Sr.

11 Zack Hughes

WR/OLB

6-3 190 Sr.

12 Gavin Noack

WR/CB

5-11 158 Jr.

18 Ian Concepcion WR/CB

5-8 147 Jr.

21 Juan Campuzano WR/CB

5-11 160 Sr.

22 Reed Flores

RB/OLB

5-6 154 Sr.

23 Dane White

RB/OLB

5-10 187 So.

28 Dylan Coffin

TE/OLB

6-1 217 Jr.

32 Morgan Spraberry RB/OLB 33 Tanner Rankin

KRUM Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 at Caddo Mills Sept. 7 at Farmersville Sept. 14 Alvord Sept. 21 Paradise Sept. 28 Wichita Falls Hirschi Oct. 5 at Burkburnett Oct. 12 Bridgeport* Oct. 19 at Decatur* Oct. 26 Sanger* Nov. 2 at Gainesville* * District 9-3A game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

56 Hunter Howard

T/DE

6-0 247 Jr.

62 Aaron Bower

G/NT

5-8 172 Sr.

6-0 195 Jr.

63 Dustin Richards

G/NT

5-10 190 Sr.

WR/CB

6-2 177 Sr.

65 Logan Shipley

T/DE

6-1 186 Jr.

36 Jacob Olivarez

FB/MLB

5-5 225 Sr.

67 Aaron Gilmore

T/DE

6-3 250 Sr.

42 Jayce Tredway

T/MLB

5-9 157 Sr.

72 Colton Richards

T/NT

6-2 256 So.

44 Leo Sanchez

T/DE

6-3 243 Sr.

74 Billy Morgan

G/NT

6-4 290 Sr.

G/NT

5-10 258 Sr.

48 Justin Graham

FB/MLB

5-10 220 Sr.

78 Steven Martinez

50 Carlton Kutas

G/DE

5-11 212 Jr.

85 Trevor Enis

TE/DE

6-5 220 Sr.

55 Josh Reeves

C/MLB

5-11 202 Sr.

88 Romario Hernandez WR/CB

5-5 130 Sr.

DRC Football

August 30, 2012

SANGER

71

Shelby moves into key role for Sanger

By Ben Baby Staff Writer

Sanger running back Derek Shelby remembers exactly where he was during the Indians’ games last season.

It wasn’t in the backfield. It wasn’t on the bench. It was behind then-running backs coach Jim Cain, tugging at his shirt, making the coach aware of his presence. “Coach, I’m right behind you if you need me,� Shelby would say to Cain on a regular basis.

Shelby was the backup for Brock Squier, Sanger’s all-district running back and 9-3A’s co-offensive player of the year.

The voice called upon Cain if Sanger’s offense had overpowered its opponent, a regular occurrence last season. Most times Shelby asked to enter the game, he was told to wait until the next series.

This season, Shelby will be called upon to lead Sanger through a period of transition and youth. Sanger’s switching from the spread offense to the hybrid Wing-T, shifting the offense’s emphasis from the pass to the run. There won’t be much waiting around on the sidelines this year for the junior tailback. “I kind of feel like I was missing out a little bit, but I expect to be great this year,�

Shelby said.

Shelby’s the kind of kid who was in the weight room all summer and lifted weights religiously, and he’s not the type to miss workouts either. His work ethic has turned him into one of Sanger’s biggest and strongest players.

The Indians need Shelby’s enthusiasm and skills to help carry an offense returning junior offensive lineman Kyle Scheffler as the only senior, and Scheffler’s status heading into the season is in question due to injury.

The last two seasons, Sanger’s relied on its passing attack, led by Dane Evans, who may have been one of the best quarterbacks in the state last season and went on to Tulsa. Dane’s father, Damon Evans, was the team’s offensive coordinator but left the school over the summer for an assistant coaching job at Arlington Lamar.

Cain stepped in and installed a new

SANGER: A NEW DIRECTION

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton Running back Derek Shelby, left, and linebacker Brice Escobedo will play huge roles for Sanger this season. Shelby will receive the bulk of the carries as Sanger switches from the spread to the hybrid Wing-T following the departure of quarterback Dane Evans, while Escobedo will become the focal point of a defense that returns four starters.

offense Sanger hopes will help the Indians claim their first district title since 1999.

The offense plans on using motion, sweeps and misdirection plays. Sanger head coach Chuck Galbreath described the new system as an attacking and downhill offense.

The sixth-year head coach said he still plans on throwing the ball, but not with the same frequency as in previous seasons. “We just feel like it fits our personnel better,� Galbreath said. “We want to have a little different mentality on offense. We want to play hard and fast, and we feel like we can do that in this offense.�

Junior Wyatt Broxson and sophomore Brandon Mann will split time as the team’s starting quarterback.

Behind Broxson and Mann in the back-

field is Brice Escobedo, who will be asked to help lead Sanger’s defense as a linebacker as one of four returning starters.

Contrary to his reserved and respectful persona, Escobedo said he’s fonder of hitting people than he is of running into them. “We need Brice to certainly step up and lead our defense,� Galbreath said. “That will be his main role on this team. He will play some running back, but certainly his main role, the way I see it, is to be a great leader on defense, kind of be the quarterback of the defense and show great leadership, and we need great play out of him.

He needs to be a playmaker.�

The Indians will need great play out of both Escobedo and Shelby if Sanger hopes to be a contender for the district crown.

INDIANS Quick facts District: 9-3A 2011 record: 9-2 (4-1, District 9-3A) Coach: Chuck Galbreath (33-19 in five seasons at Sanger) Returning starters: One on offense, four on defense Key players: RB Derek Shelby, LB/RB Brice Escobedo, OL Kyle Scheffler, QB/CB Wyatt Broxson, QB Brandon Mann, DB Brennan Bloom Offense: Hybrid Wing-T Defense: 4-2-5 School enrollment: 722 Stadium: Indian Stadium

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DRC Football

August 30, 2012

SANGER

FOUR DOWNS Keys to a historic season TWO QBS, ONE ROLE

Sanger is using two quarterbacks to fill the void left by Dane Evans, who is now a freshman at Tulsa. Junior Wyatt Broxson and sophomore Brandon Mann will split time at quarterback. Indians head coach Chuck Galbreath said both will see plenty of Galbreath action. Mann has a strong arm, while Broxson stands at 6-3, 190 pounds and can run well. Broxson will also play cornerback and is one of four returning starters on defense.

LEARN THE SYSTEM

With Jim Cain taking over for Damon Evans as the team’s offensive coordinator, Sanger’s going to need to adapt to the new hybrid Wing-T offense Cain is installing. The new offense is built to cater to its current group of players, including starting running back Derek Shelby. A successful ground game will make passing the ball that much easier, and it also helps teams hoard the ball and keep their defense

cool on the sidelines.

FEAST ON PARITY With Argyle and Celina grouped in District 10-3A, the chase for the 9-3A crown is going to be wide open with the likes of Gainesville, Krum, Decatur and Bridgeport. Krum moves up to Class 3A from 2A, Gainesville missed the playoffs last year and like Sanger, Decatur and Bridgeport were both bounced out of the playoffs in the first round. A few key district wins could set Sanger up for a shot at the district title.

PEAK AT THE FINISH The season may start on Aug. 31 against Dallas Madison, but the key section of the schedule really doesn’t begin until Oct. 19. That’s when Sanger opens its District 9-3A schedule at home against Gainesville, marking the beginning of a four-week stretch of district play. With the low number of district games, it’s imperative the Indians play their best football in those final four weeks, where the margin separating teams from the playoffs is very slim.

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INDIANS Roster No. Player Pos. 1 Connor Martin WR/DB 2 Wyatt Broxson QB/DB 4 Dylan Hennan RB/LB 5 Levi Schofield WR/DB 6 Kion Evans SB/DB 7 Ted Wisdom P 8 Dalton Hassell TE/DE 9 Houston Wyatt WR/DB 11 Brennan Bloom WR/DB 12 Cody Sampley TE/DE 13 Tanner Thomas WR/DB 14 Ty Scott SB/LB 15 David Bibb TE/LB 17 Michael Swanson WR/DB 18 Brandon Mann QB/LB 20 Michael Page WR/DB 21 Tyler Krahl TE/DE 22 Brice Escobedo TB/LB 24 Derek Shelby RB/DE 25 Kyle Link SB/DB 30 Logan Reedy WR/DB 35 Andrew Martinez SB/DB 36 Devin Teeters SB/DB 41 Will Carter SB/LB 50 Dylan Claytor OL/DE 51 Collin Jones OL/LB 52 Austen Lange OL/LB 53 Jacobi Verdin OL/LB 54 Brandon Gehrke OL/DE

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

Wt. 160 180 170 140 150 160 180 160 170 190 170 160 185 150 205 185 190 190 190 160 160 150 180 150 220 190 205 170 210

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

SANGER Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 Dallas Madison 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 at Liberty Christian 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Pilot Point 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 Boyd 7:30 p.m.

Sept.28 Aubrey 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 Frisco Lone Star^ 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 Gainesville* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Krum* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 Bridgeport* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Decatur* 7:30 p.m. *District 9-3A Game ^Game played at FC Dallas Stadium 55 Brance Watts 56 Ben Williams 58 Andrew Bradley 59 Kyle Johnson 60 Jacob Anderson 62 Max Chick 64 Kyle Scheffler 70 Albert Sanchez 71 Colby Robare 72 Daniel Kennedy 75 Hayes Adams 76 Clay Worthey 77 Zack Morris

OL/DT OL/DT OL/DT K OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL

6-3 5-8 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-4 6-5

250 170 190 180 200 215 260 265 250 220 190 220 240

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

Are you ready to play some Rugby?

No Experience Necessary!

Go to DentonRugby.com for more details.

First practice for Men’s & Women’s Club officially starts September 6th 2012-2013 Game Schedule 11-17 12-1 12-8 1-26 2-16

Denton vs SFA Denton vs Fort Sill Denton vs Grand Prairie Denton vs Diablos Denton vs Frisco

3-2 3-9 3-23 4-6 4-13

Denton vs SFA Denton vs Fort Sill Denton vs Frisco Denton vs Grand Prairie Denton vs Diablos H4

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August 30, 2012

DRC Football

PILOT POINT

Ewton’s return could help Pilot Point

By Dave Rogers For the Denton Record-Chronicle

A concussion caused Beau Ewton to miss Pilot Point’s final football game in 2011. But it was his choice to miss the first five days of 2012 preseason practice, having decided to concentrate his athletic talents solely on baseball as a senior.

That notion was short-lived.

On the sixth day of practice, the 5-11, 210-pound senior missed football so much he rejoined the guys he had played with since third grade, convinced his goal of being a Division I college baseball player could wait until the spring. “I woke up and it was just weird without football,� Ewton said. “I knew they were out here and I wanted to be with them. I came out to watch the first day of practice in pads and it was too much. I missed hitting people.�

During his one Friday as a preseason practice spectator, Ewton was encouraged by his cousin, Bearcat defensive back Austin Trinklein, other teammates, fans and even one texting-during-practice assistant coach to ask second-year head coach Rob Best for permission to rejoin the team.

He was suited up and back on the field the next day. “We’ve got a winning tradition here, and we need to start it back,� Ewton said.

Ewton was named a second-team AllDistrict 9-3A linebacker last season, the second straight year the Bearcats missed the playoffs.

Coming on the heels of Pilot Point’s unbeaten 2009 Class 2A state championship, the playoff absence — and combined 6-13 record — would be shocking.

The recent struggles are less astounding considering they came after the Bearcats were kicked up to Class 3A, where their mid-400s high school enrollment left them several hundred students short of the numbers several of their district opponents had to choose from.

The preseason excitement at Pilot Point this summer has a lot to do with the school having been placed back in the 2A ranks by the University Interscholastic League’s biennial realignment.

PILOT POINT: A NEW DIRECTION

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton Linebacker Beau Ewton decided to give up playing football to concentrate on developing his skills as a baseball player, despite being one of the Bearcats’ top players a year ago. Ewton changed his mind this fall and rejoined the Bearcats, bolstering their hopes of ending a two-year playoff drought in their return to the Class 2A level.

“Last year’s schedule was tough, and we knew it would be coming into the season, because we’d played all those teams that year before,� said Trinklein, one of five returning defensive starters looking to tighten up a unit that allowed 40 points per game in last year’s 2-7 campaign.

Bearcat quarterback Travis Garrett, a 511, 170-pound sophomore, went 0-5 as a freshman starter last year, completing 49 percent of his passes for 227 yards and two scores while running for 150 yards and two more touchdowns. “Getting to know the speed of 3A and how fast it was, I think it will help me and all the other kids coming up, too,� Garrett said.

The Bearcats have better depth than a year ago. Best looks for Garrett, junior

running back Tristen Jurecka and senior receivers Jacob Lock and Mason Richey to spark the offense with some big plays.

Jurecka rushed for 297 yards and two scores last year while Richey caught 12 passes for 149 yards and Lock hauled in 14 balls for 77 yards. Ewton could help the Bearcat offense at fullback or tight end. “Garrett was pressed into duty at quarterback because of injury, and he struggled some,� Best said. “But he got valuable experience. He’s an outstanding athlete.�

Bowie, Boyd, Callisburg, Paradise, Ponder and Whitesboro join Pilot Point in District 5-2A (DI) for the next couple of seasons. “It’s still a formidable schedule,� Best said. “But it’s one that’s more in line with where we are.�

BEARCATS Quick facts District: 5-2A (DI) 2011 record: 2-7 (1-4 District 9-3A) Coach: Rob Best (2-7 in one season at Pilot Point) Returning starters: Six on offense, five on defense Key players: QB Travis Garrett, WR/DB Jacob Lock, WR/DB Mason Richey, RB/LB Tristen Jurecka, TE/DE Beau Ewton, OL/DL Matthew Poursoltani, WR/DB Jason Juarez Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 School enrollment: 428 Stadium: Massey Stadium

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August 30, 2012

FOUR DOWNS Keys to a historic season SEE OFFENSIVE LINE MATURE

The success of the Pilot Point offense will depend to a great extent on how fast the team’s offensive line matures. A group of blockers led by senior returning starters Coyt Kimbrell (6-0, 205) and Zach Buckmeier (6-1, 265) won’t be short on Kimbrell size, just experience.

Freshman Jake Allen (6-2, 220) joins senior Riley Stottle (5-8, 240) and junior Eric Zepeda (5-11, 215) as newcomers up front.

STEP UP, SHUT DOWN

In senior defensive tackle Matthew Poursoltani, the Bearcats have a rock solid defensive anchor. The 5-9, 275-pounder set a state all-classifications bench press record of 570 pounds during last year’s powerlifting season. A defense that also includes returning starters Beau Ewton, Austin Rider, Jason Juarez and Austin Trinklein needs to cut down on opponents’ big plays like those that helped foes average 40 points per game last year. The Bearcats will have a better chance of

DRC Football

PILOT POINT

returning to the playoffs if its defense improves.

ENJOY THE SCENERY After winning just three district games in two years of 9-3A membership, the Bearcats are back in Class 2A, where they won the 2009 state title, adding to their back-to-back titles in 1980 and 1981. “Most of Pilot Point’s history has taken place at the 2A Best level,” second-year head coach Rob Best said. “We’re really a 2A program. The community feels best at that level. There are no guarantees going to 2A, just opportunities. It’s our team’s job to take advantage of the opportunities.”

STAY STURDY LATE IN GAMES Eight Bearcat starters missed a combined 32 games last year, which meant most of the remaining players rarely came off the field, even when they ran out of gas late in games. This year’s team will open the season with less than a handful of two-way starters.

BEARCATS Roster No.Player Pos. 1 Travis Garrett QB/DB 2 Matt Greenwood WR/DB 3 Juan-Carlos Juarez WR/DB/K 4 Austin Trinklein SR/DB 5 Creed Bright SR/DB 7 Enos Baltazar RB/LB 8 Byron Whittfield WR/DB 9 Xavier Alexander QB/DB 10 John Groff RB/LB 11 Derek McGee SR/DB 12 Jacob David OL/LB 15 Zac Hairell WR/DB 18 Jason Juarez SR/DB 19 Eugenio Soto WR/DB 20 Tristen Jurecka RB/LB 21 Jarrett Wilson TE/LB 22 Jacob Lock SR/DB 24 Jonah Fritz TE/DE 30 Fred Roman TE/LB 32 Steven Castorena RB/LB 34 Cody Beathard WR/LB 35 Austin Rider RB/LB 40 Luke Greenwood TE/DE 45 Beau Ewton TE/LB 47 Brandon Walker TE/DE

HEY

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

Wt. 170 155 150 170 150 165 160 140 195 125 179 160 145 140 193 160 145 185 180 165 165 165 195 210 165

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

PILOT POINT Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 at Bonham Sept. 7 at Lindsay Sept. 14 Sanger Sept. 21 at Aubrey Sept. 28 Callisburg* Oct. 5 at Boyd* Oct. 12 Ponder* Oct. 19 at Paradise* Oct. 26 Whitesboro* Nov. 2 at Bowie* * District 5-2A (DI) game 50 51 53 54 56 61 62 65 72 77 81 85 88

Coyt Kimbrell OL/DL Jake Allen OL/DL Clayton Spraberry OL/DL Matthew Poursoltani OL/DL Clint Lawson OL/DL Chance Holman OL/DE Zachary Buckmeier OL/DL Riley Stottle OL/DL Eric Zepeda OL/DL Rigoberto Benavidez OL/DL Josh Wardle WR/DB Toby Alexander TE/DE Mason Richey WR/DB

Time 7:30 p.m.

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

205 220 175 275 190 180 265 240 215 315 160 200 185

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

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DRC Football

August 30, 2012

PONDER

77

Ponder adjusts to playing for Phillips

By Randy Cummings For the Denton Record-Chronicle

New Ponder head football coach Russ Phillips is a man of high energy who will need every bit of it to handle everything on his plate this fall.

First of all, the longtime assistant, who for the last two seasons has served as the Lions’ receivers coach, is adjusting to his new position.

He’s also facing the challenge of leading the Lions to the next step — a winning season and the playoffs — in the third year of building the school’s football program.

Certainly, he’s been busy since April when he was named head coach following the departure of Rubin Covington. But it’s also been exciting, he says, settling into the role of head coach. “It’s a whole other world,� said Phillips, who spent 13 years on the coaching staff at Lewisville before arriving at Ponder prior to the 2010 season. “But it’s what I’ve wanted to do for awhile. I like the challenge and taking on that responsibility. It’s been a great learning process for me.�

While Phillips is new as the program’s head coach, there’s also plenty of continuity with the Lions. Phillips retained all of last year’s coaching staff and added just one newcomer to the staff to fill his old spot.

He’s tried to gradually put his imprint on the program — see the team action photos and inspirational posters in the athletic complex hallways and weight room — but for the players the game remains basically the same in terms of X’s and O’s.

Other than relying a little more on a passing attack that was rarely utilized last season, the Lions want to build off last season’s 5-5 record in which they finished tied for third place in District 5-2A (DI) and narrowly missed qualifying for the playoffs. “We’re trying to go more fast tempo with our offense,� said Phillips. “And we are going to throw the ball a little bit more than we have in the past. We feel we’ve got

PONDER: A NEW DIRECTION

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton Reid Sanders saw time at quarterback for Ponder as a sophomore before missing his entire junior season with a knee injury. Sanders returns this year and will face a new challenge as he settles back not only into the starting quarterback job, but also becomes a leader for the Lions, who are aiming for a winning season and a playoff berth.

six receivers that we can get the ball to.

And our quarterback throws the ball well.�

The return of quarterback Reid Sanders, a 6-1, 195-pound senior, is pivotal to the Lions successfully moving the ball through the air.

Sanders, who shared starting QB duties for the Lions as a sophomore in 2010, suffered a preseason knee injury last summer and was forced to sit out the entire 2011 season. “Getting him back out there and getting him moving has been a big part of our offensive work,� said Phillips. “We’ve got to get him healthy. That’s going to be the key to our success, getting him healthy and keeping him on the field.�

Four seniors and a junior return to form the core of the Lions’ receiving group. Nick King, Austin Leveridge, Tanner Yeager and Dylan Nichelson are back for their final season at wide receiver while Christian Worthington, a 5-11 junior, is also expected to get plenty of opportunities to contribute to the passing game.

Senior Brennan Sooter, who rushed for nearly 900 yards last season, returns as the Lions’ primary weapon on the ground.

On defense, the Lions have to fill some holes on the line, but should be strong with seniors Jack Beer and John Yurttas filling key roles both at linebacker and in the secondary, respectively.

LIONS Quick facts District: 5-2A (DI) 2011 record: 5-5 (2-3, 5-2A (DI) Coach: Russ Phillips (first season as head coach) Returning starters: 7 on offense, 6 on defense Key players: QB/DB Reid Sanders, RB Brennan Sooter, WR/DB Tanner Yeager, WR/DB Nick King, WR/DB Austin Leveridge, WR/DB Dylan Nichelson, OL/LB Jack Beer, OL/DE Coleman James Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 School enrollment: 347 Stadium: Ponder Field

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DRC Football

August 30, 2012

PONDER

FOUR DOWNS Keys to a historic season STRIVE TO IMPROVE

One of the first things first-year head coach Russ Phillips did after being named the Lions’ new boss was to do a little decorating around the halls of Ponder’s athletic facility and in the weight room. In hopes of creating some renewed excitement and enthusiasm among the players, he Phillips placed framed, postersized color action photographs along the hallways and hung performance charts in the weight room. “The kids can go in there on a daily basis and see what they need to do to get better,” said Phillips. “We can get better everyday at what we do and that’s what we’re striving to do.”

KEEP QUARTERBACK HEALTHY

The importance of having a healthy, experienced quarterback can never be understated. Last year then-junior Reid Sanders was penciled in as the Lions’ signal caller before a preseason knee injury abruptly ended that plan. Now looking toward his senior season, Sanders has had a full year to recover from that injury. His

healthy return, and the team’s ability to keep him healthy and on the field, figures to be a big key to any success the Lions achieve this fall.

MOVE IT THROUGH THE AIR Sanders’ injury forced the Lions to rely heavily on its rushing attack last season.

This year, however, the plan is for the Lions to attack more through the air with the return of four seniors and a junior providing solid experience and depth at the receiver position. Phillips said his group of receivers is the strength of the Lions’ offense and he hopes to be more balanced on that side of the ball.

PREPARE FOR A DOGFIGHT The challenges of district competition become even more daunting for the Lions as they compete in a retooled District 52A (DI). Realignment puts the Lions in with three former 3A schools, including Pilot Point, Whitesboro and Bowie, along with Boyd, Paradise and Callisburg from a year ago. “I think week in and week out it will be one of the toughest 2A districts in the state,” said Phillips. “It’s going to be a dogfight for everybody.”

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LIONS Roster No. 3 5 7 8 10 11 12 17 21 22 50 51 52 54 55 59 62 65

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Player Pos. Austin Leveridge WR/DB Dylan Nichelson WR/DB John Yurttas WR/DB Brandon Dodson RB/LB Christian Worthington WR/DB Tanner Yeager WR/DB Spencer Waldo WR/DB Reid Sanders QB/DB Brennan Sooter RB/LB Trey Dunlap RB/LB Chrid Sivaliotis OL/DL Mike Privitt OL/LB Ryder Perry OL/LB Jack Beer OL/LB Coleman James OL/DL Gerardo Rivera OL/DL Taylor Littleton OL/LB Dakota Jones OL/DL

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

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Wt. 152 157 188 170 157 152 162 215 170 159 241 175 204 202 209 218 190 202

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

PONDER Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 Muenster Sept. 7 at Alvord Sept. 14 FW Castleberry Sept. 21 at Nocona Sept. 28 at Whitesboro* Oct. 5 Bowie* Oct. 12 at Pilot Point* Oct. 19 Callisburg* Oct. 26 at Boyd* Nov. 9 Paradise* * District 5-2A (D1) game 66 67 71 73 89

Time 7:30 p.m.

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Zach Turner OL/DL 5-11 Christian Daughtery OL/DL 6-3 Nick Thompson OL/DL 6-2 Junior Rivera OL/DL 5-8 Nick King WR/DB 5-10

160 311 210 215 152

Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr.

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August 30, 2012

DRC Football

LIBERTY

Liberty turns to Ford to guide offense

By Randy Cummings For the Denton Record-Chronicle

The moment last season ended for Liberty Christian, a hole at perhaps the most important position on the field instantly opened up. Finding a replacement for a departing senior quarterback became priority No. 1 for the Warriors.

But fourth-year head coach Greg Price never fretted over who would be his starting signal caller this season.

From the time off-season preparation started, Price, his coaching staff and his returning players all knew that Foster Ford would be handed the reins to the Warriors’ offense. Though Ford hasn’t played a series at quarterback in a game — contributing last year to Liberty Christian’s 6-5 season mainly as a receiver — he has the confidence of those around him that he’s ready to take over the job. “It was never a question of who our quarterback was going to be,� Price said. “He’s stepped up very comfortably. I think he has the confidence of all the kids. And his ability to do things with his feet is what’s going to make him really dangerous. “He can throw the ball well, but he’s going to be very dangerous with his feet.

He’s fast and has the ability to make the quick move and get into the secondary.�

The 6-1, 195-pound senior is the son of a high school football coach. Ford took practice reps at the position all last year as the Warriors’ backup quarterback behind Josh Cousins. He spent the off-season building up his strength and working out with his group of receivers, so he’s excited about his move to quarterback. “I think we’ve got good chemistry as a team,� Ford said. “We’ve got speed and we’ve got some big guys. I think we’ve got a good chance to be real good this year.�

The Warriors return six starters on offense, led by senior running backs Camron Cornett and Dylan Sprock. Up front, massive junior lineman Brad Lundblade (6-3, 280) anchors the offensive line along with veterans Jake Newman and Micah Stateson.

When Liberty opts to pass the ball, a good group of receivers will be led by

LIBERTY: A NEW DIRECTION

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton Foster Ford spent last season playing a critical role for Liberty Christian as a wide receiver. He will take on an even bigger responsibility this year as Liberty’s starting quarterback. Ford has not played a series at quarterback in a varsity game, but has earned the trust of his coaches and teammates through his dedication in the off-season.

Graham Richardson and Hunter Griffith. “Our offense looks almost completely different from last year and it’s improved greatly,� Richardson said. “We’ve been stretching it downfield, more than usual, and we can get to the outside quickly with our running backs.�

Liberty has all four of its starters back in the secondary to lead a defense with seven starters returning overall.

Richardson and Christian Burks, both seniors, head a defensive backfield that is experienced and possesses plenty of speed and quickness.

In fact, it is the Warriors’ overall team speed that Price believes can be used to their advantage this season. Liberty Christian won a state championship in

track last spring and now Price gets to utilize that speed on his team. “We have a lot of team speed and it’s very obvious out on the field,� Price said. “I think it’s going to be one of the things that gives us a chance to be successful.�

To reach the playoffs the Warriors will have to survive perhaps the toughest TAPPS district in the state. Defending state champion Fort Worth Nolan comes from the same District 1 and has appeared in the last four state title games. “Most likely, if you’re going to win a state championship, you’re going to play two opponents from our district in the latter rounds of the playoffs,� said Price. “A lot of schools in our district will make the playoffs and we intend to be one of them.�

WARRIORS Quick facts District: TAPPS Division 1-1 2011 record: 6-5 (3-3 in District 1) Coach: Greg Price (25-12 in three seasons at Liberty) Returning starters: 6 on offense, 7 on defense Key players: OL Brad Lundblade, RB Camron Cornett, RB Dylan Sprock, WR/DB Graham Richardson, QB/DB Foster Ford, WR/DB Christian Burks, OL/DL Hunter Reece Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-4 School enrollment: 464 Stadium: Bowles Stadium

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DRC Football

August 30, 2012

CALVARY

83

Calvary maturing into playoff power

By Patrick Hayslip Staff Writer

What was once a young, unproven batch of players at Calvary has matured heading into the 2012 season.

Calvary’s core group has led the Lions to the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.

Now Calvary is back for more under the leadership of a new coaching staff.

New co-head coaches Bernard Daniel and Lionel Gillespie are set to put their stamp on a core group of players and build their identity not just as winners, but as champions. “Any good coach would say you want to win a championship, but we are taking it one game at a time,� Gillespie said. “Winning the championship is the ultimate goal, but right now it’s about putting your team in the best position to win.�

Last season’s playoff run ended abruptly as the Lions surrendered nine touchdowns to Dallas Tyler Street running back Cristian Ponce, losing 68-44 in the first round.

Calvary will look to replicate Ponce’s performance by relying on a heavy ground attack with junior quarterback Justin Rush setting the mold with his play on the field and his attitude off it. “Justin is the leader of this team and we expect him on every snap to make the right reads, encourage his teammates and also be able to set the tempo for this team,�

Gillespie said. “He’s a great kid and a very intelligent kid. He knows his football stuff like the back of his hand, but at the same time he needs to know how to incorporate those things to game-time situations.�

The role of a quarterback in six-man football may be slightly different than a traditional 11-man quarterback, but Daniel thinks the position yields a certain type of character on any level. “Any great team you see in college or in the pros has that leader at quarterback,�

Daniel said. “If he leads, everyone else is going to follow. Ultimately, when things get rough, Justin will have the ability to rub off on his team. That’s what we are trying to instill in him. He knows he will a great Season,

Have

Denton

Calvary

Lions!

CALVARY: A NEW DIRECTION

Denton Record-Chronicle/David Minton Justin Rush is entering his third season as Calvary’s starting quarterback and will be a player Calvary will look to for leadership on the field. Rush’s role will be all the more important considering the Lions are making the transition to playing under new co-head coaches Bernard Daniel and Lionel Gillespie.

naturally have to fill that role.�

Change surrounds the Lions with new head coaches and a move from TAPPS SixMan Division II to Division I, but integrating a new offensive system while building a culture and rapport with the leaders of the team is something Daniel and Gillespie still work at, especially with Rush. “He’s very competitive, but sometimes he does run a little low on gas and I believe that will grow with age and he’ll be able to push through those situations,�

Gillespie said. “That’s why we ride him very hard.�

With Rush returning for his third year as a starter, Daniel and Gillespie are imploring their team to look toward Rush for leadership while insisting that leader-

ship is a team effort. “That’s what we are trying to get him towards, but not just him,� Daniel said. “We have Jessie Wells and Matt Hood. We have leaders that we need our younger guys to look to. It will definitely help take some of the pressure off Justin. Jessie and Matt are both seniors and they know what it will take for them to finish their high school career off on a high note.�

With most of last year’s starters returning, Calvary is again primed for a playoff appearance. The benefits of a new division and new coaches with new strategies will allow the Lions to take some teams by surprise, but success for this year’s team will hinge on a heavy dose of rushing and leadership.

LIONS Quick facts District: TAPPS Six-Man, Division 1-2) 2011 record: 7-4 (4-3, TAPPS Six-Man, Division I, District II) Co-Coaches: Bernard Daniel and Lionel Gillespie (First season at Calvary) Returning starters: Five on offense, five on defense Key players: QB Justin Rush, WR/RB/CB Jessie Wells, RB Matt Hood Offense: I-formation Defense: Multiple School enrollment: 92 Stadium: Bronco Field

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DRC Football

August 30, 2012

CALVARY

FOUR DOWNS Keys to a historic season RUN THE BALL EFFECTIVELY

Previous Calvary teams showed a balanced attack of run and pass plays, but Calvary co-head coaches Bernard Daniel and Lionel Gillespie insist that it’s the combination of a heavy ground attack Daniel with a stout defense that will drive this year’s team.

“That’s the great basis to every team,” Daniel said.

“If you can set foot on the field and run the football down somebody’s throat, then you don’t even have Gillespie to run your best pass play.

It opens up so many things you can do.”

ADAPT TO A NEW STAFF

Calvary’s team chemistry is in a state of flux. The players are familiar with each other, but not the new offensive system.

Daniel and Gillespie promise this year’s team will be built on intensity. “Right now we are an average team intensity-wise, but it will pick up because we are brand

new coaches and we plan on dictating the intensity and mashing it into their heads that you have to be intense every single play to be a great team,” Gillespie said.

START, FINISH STRONG The Lions began last season on a blistering offensive pace, rattling off five straight wins, eclipsing the 50-point plateau each game. Calvary then finished the season losing three of their last five games, so they will need to be running on all cylinders late in the season to make it back to the playoffs for the third straight year.

CONTROL THE CLOCK After allowing 49.6 points per game last season, the defense must improve if Calvary is going to control the clock and lean on a dominant rushing offense.

Daniel and Gillespie are hoping this strategy becomes synonymous with Calvary.

“When people think of Denton Calvary we want them to think; they control the clock and they get their offense the ball back in a hurry,” Daniel said. “We want our offense to have way more plays than our defense.”

85

LIONS Roster Name Joe Autwell Brandon Eaton Ty Grant Matthew Hood Brayden Humphrey Gavin Mercer Joseph Peters Christian Raney Justin Rush Matt Schaefer Jake Tanis Jesse Wells Drew White

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

CALVARY Schedule Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 at Lucas 2 p.m.

Sept. 8 Austin Veritas 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Austin Hill Country 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 Carrollton Harmony 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Irving Universal 3 p.m.

Oct. 12 Greenville* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Watauga* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Dallas Covenant* 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Rockwall Heritage* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 Dallas Tyler Street* 1 p.m. * TAPPS Six-Man Division I-2 Note — Home games played at Bronco Field

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