Kickoff 2021 Football Preview special section from the Victoria Advocate

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

• ADVOSPORTS.COM

KICKOFF 2021

F2 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021

VictoriaAdvocate.com

Table of Contents Editor’s Note............................. PAGE 4 Victoria West Season Preview..... PAGE 5 Victoria East Season Preview...... PAGE 6 Calhoun Season Preview............ PAGE 7 Class 2A Coverboys................... PAGE 8 Class 2A Coverboys................... PAGE 9 Class 3A Coverboy.................... PAGE 10 Class 4A Coverboys................... PAGE 11 St. Joseph Season Preview ......... PAGE 14 District 15-5A, Division I ........... PAGE 14 District 12-4A, Division I ........... PAGE 15 District 15-4A, Division 1........... PAGE 15 District 12-4A, Division II ........... PAGE 16 District 13-4A, Division II ........... PAGE 16 District 12-3A, Division I ........... PAGE 17 District 15-3A, Division I ........... PAGE 17 District 14-3A, Division II ........... PAGE 18 District 15-3A, Division II ........... PAGE 19 District 13-2A, Division I ........... PAGE 19 District 15-2A, Division I ........... PAGE 20 District 16-2A, Division II ........... PAGE 21 TAPPS Division IV, District 3................................... PAGE 21 High School Football Schedules.. PAGE 22-23 EMREE WEAVER/EWEAVER@VICAD.COM

Refugio’s Hayden LaFrance runs a defense play with his teammates during their first football practice of the 2021 season.

COVER: DUY VU/DVU@VICAD.COM

Refugio’s Jorden Kelley; left, and Shiner’s A.J. Patek appear headed for another playoff showdown

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F3

F4 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Ready to go...hopefully

BY MIKE FORMAN

MFORMAN@VICAD.COM

Here we go again. At least, we hope so.

The 2021 season is scheduled to start this week and if all goes well, state champions will be crowned at AT&T Stadium in Arlington in December.

We made it through last season with Shiner winning the Class 2A, Division I state championship and Hallettsville advancing to the Class 3A, Division I state final.

But there’s no question COVID-19 had an impact. Schedules changed and in some cases games were canceled, practices were restricted and attendance at games was limited.

As this season approaches, the delta variant has reared its ugly head and hospitalizations are again on the rise.

Louise postponed the start of practices a week because of the virus, and other schools have had coaches and players miss workouts either because they tested positive or were exposed to someone who had and were forced to quarantine.

If we are able to turn our attention to the field, this season figures to be a memorable one.

Refugio and Shiner are ranked No. 1 and 2, respectively, in the Class 2A, Division I state poll and seem headed to another fourth-round showdown.

First-year El Campo coach Chad Worrell inherits a talented Ricebirds team, ranked No. 4 in the Class 4A, Division I state poll, and will attempt to duplicate the success he had at Brock.

Running back Jonathon Brooks is playing at Texas, but Hallettsville returns an experienced team that will be seriously challenged in District 12-3A, Division I by Yoakum and Columbus.

Falls City has been to three straight Class 2A, Division II semifinal games and the No. 6 Beavers return eight starters on offense and defense.

There always seem to be surprises and upsets along the way.

Myself (@mikeforman21), Peter Scamardo (PLScamardo2), Sam Fowler (@ FowlerSports14), Kevin Alstrom (@mayirsi), Billie Garcia (BillieG_vicad) and our staff will do our best to keep you informed.

We hope to return with our weekly Facebook preview show, and with stories online at advosports.com and in the Victoria Advocate.

Teams can help their fans follow their progress by sending game reports to sports@vicad.com, and cumulative individual statistics each week to mforman@ vicad.com.

The Built Ford Tough High School Player of the Week will return and coaches should send nominations to mforman@ vicad.com on Saturday.

Cuero won a state championship in 2018, Refugio won a state title in 2019, and Shiner won the state championship last season.

The quest for another state title is about to begin.

DUY VU/DVU@VICAD.COM

Vinson Samudio tackles a dummy during practice at Sandcrab Stadium in Port Lavaca.

HOWARD ESSE/SPECIAL TO THE ADVOCATE

Brothers Doug Brooks and Dalton Brooks move under a platform for leverage practice during Shiner’s first day of drills.

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021 —

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F5

VICTORIA WEST

Fillmore, Green ready to lift Warriors

BY SAM FOWLER

SFOWLER@VICAD.COM

After last year’s 28-21 loss to Flour Bluff in the regional round, Victoria West’s wide receivers immediately went get back to work.

Dion Green, a senior, and D’Andre Fillmore, a junior, had a sour taste in their mouths and wanted to wash it out. They started working out that following week to prepare to make a run this year.

Green and Fillmore, the District 15-5A, Division I Newcomer of the Year, gathered up the receivers and quarterbacks, and set out to make sure they were doing all the preparation they could.

“We wanted to get back as soon as possible,” Green said, “to start working hard for that moment so we can get past the third round and go further.”

The primary goal from that offseason

work together was to develop good chemistry and communication. The Warriors will have a new quarterback barking out signals, meaning chemistry is of the utmost importance.

“That’s gonna help our chemistry a lot more,” Fillmore said. “And we’ve been working with the quarterbacks, so that’s helped us a lot.”

Green (582 yards, 8 touchdowns receiving in 2020) is set to move from receiver to running back after Chase Patek’s graduation.

When the opportunity came up, Green pounced on it. He thinks it will allow the Warriors to open their playbook and create more space.

“This year, I just wanted to help the team out,” Green said. “I am an athlete, so I can play everywhere. The challenging part about it is just me getting the conditioning part down.”

Head coach Courtney Boyce wasn’t surprised that Green wanted to help the team.

“He’s a team-first guy,” Boyce said.

“He’s just gonna be all over the field.”

Fillmore (929 yards, 13 touchdowns receiving in 2020) is ready to embrace a bigger leadership role for the Warriors. As a sophomore, he credited the seniors as the biggest aid to his breakout season.

He’s ready to return the favor this year.

“Last year, the seniors really helped me prepare for the season,” Fillmore said.

“This year, I’m a leader. So I’ve gotta prepare them for the season like they did my sophomore year.”

But that kind of leadership is expected of Green and Fillmore. The two were voted to the program’s leadership council and each play all three phases of the game.

“I think that’s a different kind of role and others are gonna get to know them,”

Boyce said. “When you talk about willingness to help the team out, they’re on every special teams. They love being on the field. I think that’s just confidence all the way around.”

Not only will Fillmore and Green’s athletic ability lift the Warriors on the field, their leadership has already elevated the team’s expectations for 2021.

“I don’t think there’s anything like it when you get returning starters who are major contributors from the year prior,” Boyce said. “And their willingness to put the team first and have fun doing it while being leaders, it’s irreplaceable.”

The Warriors open their season at Lockhart on Friday Their home opener is Sept. 9 against Beeville.

PHOTOS BY EMREE WEAVER/EWEAVER@VICAD.COM Dion Green runs with the ball during offensive drills on Victoria West’s first day of practice for the

Victoria West’s D’Andre Fillmore catches a pass during the Class 5A, Division I area round against Eagle Pass Winn at Jerry Comalander Stadium in San Antonio.

2021 football season.

F6 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021

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VICTORIA EAST

Senior duo leading defense, guiding young players

BY PETER L. SCAMARDO II PSCAMARDO@VICAD.COM

When Trent Zappe and Zakary Mendieta first connected, they were 10-years old playing in the Crossroads Youth Football League.

The linebacker, defensive tackle duo quickly learned to work off each other, finding creative ways to attack opposing offenses.

Zappe and Mendieta worked to improve their games throughout middle school and into high school at Victoria East.

Now seniors, they stand out as leaders of a small senior class that the Titans will look to for success in 2021.

“We’re always working trying to get better,” Mendieta said. “Lifting, running, trying to help all our teammates get better.

Just be a team player.”

“We just have a really good bond and playing all that time with each other,” Zappe said. “We can trust each other, we know that he’s gonna do his job, and I’m gonna do mine. And it helps the defense out a lot.”

As juniors, Mendieta succeeded at disrupting offensive linemen and creating holes for Zappe to break through.

Zappe collected 106 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, three sacks, two interceptions and caused two fumbles on his way to an all-state honorable mention.

Mendieta added 35 tackles, two sacks, two caused fumbles and a blocked punt.

“We just try to do our best,” Zappe said.

“That’s all we got. We work hard and do our best, we just go 110% and when he does, he dominates. And when he dominates it makes me look good as well. He takes two tackles, two guards, and that helps me out a lot. And when I do it it helps him a lot, helps the defense.”

Doug Kent joined East as the defensive coordinator last year and quickly identified Zappe and Mendieta’s raw ability and raw talent.

Their individual success came about through the defensive working together as a unit.

“The defensive line worked well together, getting into their gaps and keeping

guys off the linebackers and make it available for those guys to make a lot of plays and a lot of tackles,” Kent said.

East lost 26-23 at Weslaco East in the Class 5A, Division I bi-district round, giving the returning players motivation heading into the new season.

The defense will have to replace free safety Marquise Kuykendall — who had 91 tackles as a senior — but will be senior heavy upfront with Xzaebrin Jones and Gabriel Milosovljevic returning.

With a number of young players stepping up on both sides of the ball, Zappe and Mendieta are embracing the leadership roles as they prepare for their final

EMREE WEAVER/EWEAVER@VICAD.COM

seasons.

Zak Mendieta gets ready for an offensive line drill during Victoria East’s first football practice of “We’ve just got to get on everyone,” the 2021 season.

Mendieta said. “Always got to be on your game. You can’t mess around. You’ve got to set an example.”

“We just got to show these younger kids that it doesn’t matter how big they are,” Zappe said. “It doesn’t matter if some kid is two times their size. If you work hard enough you can beat that person.”

East’s defense will also need to perform in order to give quarterback Jadon Williams and running back Jacarrien Giles time to fully adjust to their starting positions.

With district foes, Victoria West, Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial and Gregory-Portland all reloading from last year, East knows it will get no favors as it fights for a consecutive playoff spot in District

KENDALL WARNER/KWARNER@VICAD.COM

15-5A, Division I.

Victoria East linebacker Trent Zappe takes down a Corpus Christi Moody player during a District “We’ve just gotta play hard every game 15-5A, Division I game at Memorial Stadium.

and treat every team like they’re the greatest team in the country,” Zappe said. “It doesn’t matter what their record was last year, only matters about this year.”

East opens the season Friday at West Columbia on Aug. 27.

DEFENSIVE DUO

2020 defensive statistics for Victoria East linebacker Trent Zappe and defensive tackle Zakary Mendieta.

Trent Zappe ■ 106 tackles, 15 TFL, 3 sacks, 9 hurries, 3 INT, 2 caused fumbles, 3 passes defended.

Zakary Mendieta ■ 35 tackles, 2 sacks, 10 hurries, 2 caused fumbles, 1 blocked punt

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021 —

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F7

CALHOUN SANDCRABS

The Sandcrabs warm up during practice at Sandcrab Stadium in Port Lavaca.

PHOTOS BY DUY VU/DVU@VICAD.COM

Calhoun seeks success despite low numbers

BY PETER L. SCAMARDO II PSCAMARDO@VICAD.COM

PORT LAVACA — Calhoun has been at or near the top of its district for the last three years, even with a drop down to Class 4A, Division I with realignment in 2020.

Yet after going 9-3 last year and placing second in District 15-4A, Division I, Calhoun expects challenges ahead as it fields its lowest numbers in three years.

“We were told we’re going to have low numbers this year,” said quarterback Jacob Laughlin. “We’re going to have to use what we’ve got and make the best of it.

This offseason, I felt we really got better with our speed and filling in the spots of Jarius Stewart and Steve Johnson. I felt it was hard to fill those spots but I feel we’re going to get to that point where we’re going to play just as good as them.”

Stewart and Johnson, who combined for 50 touchdowns in 2020, highlight the 25 seniors Calhoun graduated.

Laughlin, the starting defensive back, takes over at quarterback after backing up Stewart and Conner Kestler as a sophomore and junior.

Linebacker Esteban Cruz takes over at fullback after backing up Johnson, who along with linebacker Kirk Stringham, who had over 100 tackles in 2020, are expected to anchor the Sandcrabs’ defense.

“We just need to keep getting better,” Stringham said. “Every time you make a mistake, don’t get down on yourself just build off of that mistake. I think we have the competitiveness in our hearts. We just need to go out there and put it out there on the field like we know we can and get it done.”

Calhoun begins the season ranked No. 23 in Class 4A, Division I. The Sandcrabs open the year at Geronimo Navarro and will play No. 4 El Campo in non-district.

Calhoun ends the year playing No. 14 Corpus Christi Miller, Alice and No. 2 Corpus Christi Calallen, all of which were playoff teams last year.

But head coach Richard Whitaker knows a successful season will come down to keeping his players healthy.

“This is my 34th year and there’s been years we’ve had no injuries and there’s

been years where you’ve had lots of in- the kids healthy and hopefully keep them juries,” Whitaker said. “You’ve got to be on the field so we give ourselves the best lucky. We’ve got a tough schedule and we’re just trying to get through it and keep chance we can.”

Ayden Maddux runs with the ball during practice at Sandcrab Stadium in Port Lavaca.

F8 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021

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CLASS 2A COVERBOY

Refugio’s ‘2A Warriors’ lead by example

BY MIKE FORMAN

MFORMAN@VICAD.COM

REFUGIO — Jordan Kelley sent a message to Antwaan Gross after learning his teammate’s brother had been killed in a vehicle wreck.

Kelley knows the impact his older brother has had on him and wanted to help Gross deal with his loss.

“I texted him about it,” Kelley said. “He said, ‘I’m just going to do it for him from now on,’ so that’s kind of been his motivation.”

Kelley and Gross have high expectations for their senior year at Refugio, which enters the season ranked No. 1 in the Class 2A, Division I state poll.

Gross and Kelley have played together on the varsity since they were sophomores, and will rarely leave the field this season.

“They’re 2A warriors, buddy,” said Refugio coach Jason Herring. “There’s no question they’re the heart and soul of our team. They both were team captains last year and they’ll be team captains this year.

They start on every single thing we do.

There is no doubt they are dynamic team leaders in ability and leadership.”

Kelley and Gross have displayed their athletic ability on the basketball, baseball and track and field teams.

Kelley recently earned an offer from the University of Virginia, and Gross was selected the MVP of both Stephen F. Austin camps he attended during the summer.

“With both of those kids, we’re so blessed because you can put them at Wildcat quarterback, you can put them at running back, you can put them at slot, you can put them at wideout,” Herring said. “I mean they’re just incredible football players.”

Kelley credits older brother, Jared, who is pitching in the Chicago White Sox organization, for his competitiveness and desire to be the best.

“Being around my brother and seeing how much work he put in for baseball and where it’s gotten him,” Kelley said. “So that’s how I want to be with football.”

Gross has also been motivated by his family, especially his late brother, D’Angelo.

“Most definitely,” Gross said. “I miss him.

He was my everything. It was always me, my brother and my sister. We called each other Ed, Ed and Eddie. We were always with each other. We had a little trio.”

Herring not only appreciates Gross’ and Kelley’s athletic ability, but is thankful for their work ethic and the example they set for the rest of the team.

“If our studs aren’t doing it nobody else will buy in,” Herring said. “To have studs that you don’t ever have to worry about — they’re awesome kids. They do everything right. They bust their tail ends, they’re the first one in the weight room, they’re the last ones to leave, they get all of their reps, and they run their sprints hard. They’re very quality kids and great to have on your team.”

Herring’s biggest challenge is figuring out ways to get Kelley and Gross involved in the game plan.

“We always try to find our difference maker and we happen to have two of them,” Herring said. “We find as many ways as we can to get them the ball. I’ve never shied away from letting them take snaps at quarterback or play running back. Those two guys give us an advantage because there’s a lot of different ways to get them the ball and there are a lot of different ways they can hurt people.”

Kelley and Gross won a state championship as sophomores and are determined to do the same as seniors.

“Jordan and I have a lot of leadership to do,” Gross said. “We have to pick everybody up when they feel down. You’ve got to be there.”

“Antwaan and I have been playing the leadership role since our sophomore year,” Kelley said. “This being our senior year, we have to step it up and get everybody set on one thing and that’s a state championship.”

EMREE WEAVER/EWEAVER@VICAD.COM

Refugio’s Jordan Kelley, left, and Antwaan Gross are the Victoria Advocate’s Class 2A Coverboys.

GO TWO GUYS

Junior season statistics for Refugio’s Antwaan Gross and Jordan Kelley.

Antwaan Gross Offense: 42-724 yards, 10 TDs receiving; 6-235 yards, 2 TDs returns.

Defense: 39 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 16 passes broken up, 3 interceptions, 1 TD. Jordan Kelley Offense: 23-721 yards, 10 TDs receiving; 35-553 yards, 10 TDs rushing; 5-132 yards, 1 TD returns.

Defense: 73 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 10 passes broken up, 3 interceptions, 1 TD.

VictoriaAdvocate.com

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021 —

F9

CLASS 2A COVERBOY

Brooks brothers prepare for final go round

BY MIKE FORMAN

MFORMAN@VICAD.COM

SHINER — Doug and Dalton Brooks shared MVP honors at last season’s state championship game.

Doug was the defensive player of the game, and Dalton received the nod on offense after helping lead Shiner to the school’s third state championship with a 42-20 win over Post.

The brothers are accustomed to being recognized together, especially when it comes to football.

They have played with each other since Doug was 6-years old and Dalton was 5, and have been on the same team ever since, except when Doug was a freshman and Dalton was in eighth grade.

Their lockers are next to each other in the dressing room and they usually wind up next to each other in team pictures with Doug wearing No. 1 and Dalton wearing No. 2.

Both earned all-state honors last season and will have the opportunity to play on the collegiate level.

“It’s definitely a lot of fun coaching them, obviously because they’re really talented,” said Shiner coach Daniel Boedeker. “But what makes it even better is they’re such great kids and such hard workers and take coaching so well. They’re never satisfied.

They’re always looking for ways to get better whether it’s bigger and stronger in the weight room or drills in practice you’re always going to get 100% from them.”

The Brooks brothers go into this season with added incentive, knowing it’s likely the last time they’ll have the opportunity to play together.

“We started early, but then it just became a bond,” said Doug, a 6-foot, 265-pound senior, who plays defensive tackle and running back. “It’s definitely crossed my mind and whatever happens, happens and I’ll make the best out of it.”

“It’s been a long time,” said Dalton, a 6-2, 185-pound junior who plays running back and in the secondary. “After this year, it’s going to be a little different. You’ve got to adapt to certain things and that’s something I’m going to have to adapt to.”

Doug has five Division I offers and Dalton has 13, and the brothers are likely to de- BROTHERLY BOND cide where they will play in college some- 2020 statistics of Shiner’s Brooks brothers.

Doug Brooks, senior time after this season.

Offense: 101-923 yards, 18 TDs rushing; 7-129 yards, 1 TD receiving.

“They’re very intelligent football playDefense: 105 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 TDs. ers,” Boedeker said. “They know the game Dalton Brooks, junior really well and the more they played the Offense: 86-1,059 yards, 16 TDs rushing; 10-346 yards, 5 TDs receiving. more experience they gained and it really Defense: 98 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 8 passes broken up, 3 interceptions, 1 TD. paid off for them last year. We’re looking for even better things from them this year.”

The Comanches lost 22 seniors from last year’s team, but the brothers insist the team has the opportunity to accomplish what it did last season.

“We have great move ups,” Doug said.

“The move ups are very talented. I’m not too worried about it, but we need them to have the same pace we played at last year.

We need to make them feel comfortable and have the team chemistry we had last year and get the job done.”

“You just gotta build it back up,” Dalton added. “You’ve got to teach them as well as you can. We’ve got to watch film every day with them and hopefully, they get it and have that dog in them to go get it every time we play.”

Boedeker is confident the brothers will set a high standard for the younger players and take on the leadership role the team needs.

“They’re definitely great teammates,” he said. “They’re great leaders. They both lead by example. Neither one says a whole lot, but their work ethic and their approach to the game is pretty easy to follow.”

The Brooks brothers would like nothing better than to play their final game together in December at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

“It’s crazy,” Doug said. “I mean not too many people can say they did it and excel while doing it. It’s something different. I’m definitely proud, but not satisfied.”

“It means a lot,” Dalton said. “As kids you always dream of winning the state championship. You don’t dream of a perfect record, but you dream of winning a state DUY VU/DVU@VICAD.COM championship and we did both. That made me proud of myself, my teammates and Shiner’s Dalton and Doug Brooks pose for a portrait before the start of practice at Comanche Stadimy family. But it’s over now and we’ve got um. The Brooks brothers are the 2A Coverboys for the second straight year. to go get another one.”

F10 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021

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CLASS 3A COVERBOY

Davis leading Industrial’s title push

BY PETER L. SCAMARDO II PSCAMARDO@VICAD.COM

VANDERBILT — When Matthew Davis moved from Mississippi to Vanderbilt as a child, he was never impressed by the Industrial football team.

The Cobras had a losing record all through Davis’ junior high years. That all changed when Jamie Dixon was named head coach in 2018.

“When he showed up here, I was like, ‘Everybody’s having fun, this is what everybody wants to be doing,’” Davis said.

“And from there, we’ve all just had our heads picked up a lot more than what we used to do.”

Dixon’s arrival sparked a resurgence for the Cobras that’s resulted in three-straight playoff appearances, consecutive district titles and back-to-back Class 3A, Division I regional round appearances.

Along the way, Dixon quickly identified Davis as a weapon for the Cobras offense.

First as a running back, inside receiver, punt returner athlete as a sophomore, then as a quarterback his junior year.

“If you look at my history on the offensive side of the ball, I’m going to try to put our best athlete at quarterback,” Dixon said.

“That’s what we’ve done and Matthew’s done a good job and his game at quarterback has just evolved as he’s gotten older.”

Davis and Dixon formed a close relationship as Davis found time outside of practice to come to the school and better learn the Cobras offense.

As a sophomore, Davis scored 17 total touchdowns while helping the Cobras to their first district title in 10 years.

As a junior, Davis was named District 15-3A, Division I MVP after throwing for 1,925 yards and 22 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,241 yards and 21 scores. Ironic given Davis initially didn’t want the job.

“I didn’t want to do it because I had so much fun as a wide receiver, running back my sophomore year,” Davis said. “So me and coach Dixon fought about it for a while.

But whenever we started getting into it, I was like, ‘Man, this is a lot of fun actually.’

I had the ball in my hand every snap, not just some snaps, and I’m able to kind of control what I want to do with it whenever I have that opportunity.”

Davis has accepted the leadership responsibilities that come with the position and has worked to expand the offense for running back Clay Martin and wide receiver Clearence Hosey.

“He walks around here, makes sure we’re all good, makes sure we’re all up and keeps us going,” Martin said. “He tells us what to do on offense, runs the offense. We couldn’t do it without him.”

“He has a really good arm. He can get it to wherever he needs it,” Hosey said.

“During summer workouts we came up here to run routes after we got done working out so we could come out here and already be on the same page.”

After going 11-2 in consecutive seasons, Davis has seen what every win means to the Vanderbilt community.

But after close losses to Columbus and Lago Vista in the regional semifinals, Industrial has sights on breaking into the Region IV final and beyond.

“There’s been about three plays in the last two years where that ball just didn’t bounce the Cobra way,” Dixon said. “Two years ago, we lost to Columbus by six.

This past year, we lost in the third round by four. It’s not like we have far to go, we’re there. We’re going to get over that hump and I’m excited.”

Industrial begins the season ranked No. 6 in the Class 3A, Division I preseason poll.

With 15 starters returning, Davis is focused on earning that ranking, rather than resting on past accomplishments.

“You can do two things, you can keep your head and think, ‘Oh you know we’re there, it’s given to us’ or you can just throw it away and say we got to earn it,” Davis said. “That’s what that’s what we’re trying to put into our minds. We need to make sure that we earn that spot and earn what Dave Campbell’s listed us as.”

EMREE WEAVER/EWEAVER@VICAD.COM

Industrial quarterback Matthew Davis is the Victoria Advocate Class 3A Coverboy.

LETHAL STRIKE

The following are the offensive stats for Industrial’s Matthew Davis.

Sophomore Rushing: 436 yards, 11 TD Receiving: 443 yards, 6 TD Junior Passing: 1,925 yards, 22 TD Rushing: 1,241 yards, 21 TD

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F11

CLASS 4A COVERBOY

Ricebirds prepare to take next step

BY MIKE FORMAN

MFORMAN@VICAD.COM

and also the players and parents in the community. Everybody has to be pulling in one direction. When that happens, special things happen.”

Worrell had been through El Campo twice — he ate dinner at the Greek Bros.

Oyster Bar & Grill — before taking the job in February.

He was in the stands at what was then Cowboys Stadium in Arlington when the Ricebirds lost to Stephenville in the 2012 state final.

“I knew it was a community with a lot of pride,” Worrell said. “There was kind of a centralized focus on the schools. That’s always a very attractive thing for a coach to come into where it’s a one high school town and everything centers around that school. There’s a lot of pride in the community about being Ricebirds.”

The biggest change the players have noticed since Worrell and his staff have arrived is in the tone and demeanor of practice.

“Practice has more intensity,” said run-

ning back Rueben Owens, who comes into the season as one of the nation’s top recruits with multiple Division I offers. “We’ve been working way harder. It seems a lot different. Everyone is here at practice. There is more intensity. Everyone is working harder.”

Worrell made it clear during the offseason that no position was guaranteed and the players would have to perform to get on the field.

“The kids are getting it,” he said. “We have to practice at a different level and a different pace to prepare for those games.

We try to put a lot of pressure on our kids in practice to where when they get to games, it’s easy. That’s kind of our goal.

We’ve got work to do, but the kids are responding. It’s a learning process. It’s just about setting that bar and not looking ahead and taking it one step at a time.”

The players are anxious to take what they’ve done in practice and put it to the test on Friday nights.

“At first, our fans are not going to notice much of a difference because we’re getting into the whole full effort,” Dorotik said. “Eventually, they’re going to see everyone putting in their full effort every play and they might see some new faces on the starting lineup.”

“I feel like we’ve got to work harder and practice harder if we want to get to where we want to be,” Owens added. “Everyone has got to show up, everyone has to play hard and give their all.”

EL CAMPO — El Campo will go into the season with a talented and experienced offensive line.

Many of the linemen have played together since they were freshmen, and the Ricebirds won the state lineman challenge during the summer.

But head coach Chad Worrell and his staff have made sure the linemen are far from satisfied.

“The coaches are amazing about every single mistake you make,” said senior RICEBIRDS NEST El Campo playoff finishes during the past decade.

Jack Dorotik. “I haven’t gone through a ■ 2020: Area single play where I’ve made a mistake un■ 2019: Regional corrected. They’ve corrected every single ■ 2018: Missed Playoffs mistake that I’ve ever made.”

■ 2017: Area Worrell and his staff have worked hard ■ 2016: Area ■ 2015: Regional to help the Ricebirds reach every bit of ■ 2014: Regional their potential since he left Brock and ■ 2013: Bi-District took over in El Campo in February.

■ 2012: State Final “We’re going to coach every play,” Wor■ 2011: Bi-District rell said. “I tell the kids there have been very few plays in my 27 years when I have seen a perfect play. There have been a few. There’s not very many, and that’s what we’re in search of.

“We’re in search of everybody doing their job with the most effort every play,” he continued. “Fundamentally sound, taking the right steps, reading the right blocks and taking the man on the correct way and everything being perfect. That’s what we’re trying to get those kids to understand to get to where we’re doing that consistently.”

Worrell won a state championship in Brock in 2015 and feels the Ricebirds, who come into the season ranked No. 4 in the Class 4A, Division I state poll, have the ability to make a run at a title.

El Campo is no stranger to success, but has not advanced past the third round of the playoffs since making the school’s second state final appearance in 2012.

DUY VU/DVU@VICAD.COM “Everybody has to buy in,” Worrell said.

Head football coach Chad Worrell gets ready for his first season at El Campo with players (from left) Johntre Davis, Jack Dorotik, Rueben Owens and “Everything from the school board, adDekoreyus Ward at Ricebird Stadium. ministration, the teachers, the coaches

F12 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE August 27, 2021

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 27 2021 - F12

VictoriaAdvocate.com VictoriaAdvocate.com

2021 Games to Watch

debut for El Campo coach Chad Worrell.

WEEK 6

Victoria East vs. Victoria West. West is the home team for the 11th meeting of city rivals.

Refugio at Ganado. Bobcats and Indians met in the regional playoffs last season.

WEEK 2

Hallettsville at Industrial. Hallettsville travels to Vanderbilt to play Industrial for the 35th time.

WEEK 3

WEEK 7

Flour Bluff at Victoria West. West opens district play at Memorial Stadium.

Calhoun at El Campo. Sandcrabs and Ricebirds staged a shootout last season.

Yoakum at Cuero. DeWitt County rivals play for the 112th time.

Edna at Refugio. Cowboys play their first road

Beeville at Calhoun. Trojans and Sandcrabs returned to the same district last season.

Yorktown at Falls City. District opener could decide the eventual champion.

DUY VU/DVU@VICAD.COM

rivals meet in a district game.

Victoria East’s Jadon Williams, left, high-fives his teammate Trent Zappe after the Titans defeated Gregory-Portland 33-31 during in a District 15-5A, Division I game at Victoria Memorial Stadium in 2020.

WEEK 10

East Bernard at Edna. Brahmas and Cowboys meet for the seventh straight season.

Shiner at Hallettsville. Lavaca County foes and state finalists meet for the 19th time.

Industrial at Ganado. Jackson County foes open DUY VU/DVU@VICAD.COM season.

Industrial’s Matthew Davis raises up the trophy after the Cobras Karnes City at Kenedy. Karnes County rivals play defeated Edna 38-14 during a District 15-3A, Division I game at for the 102nd time.

Cobra Field in Vanderbilt.

Gonzales at El Campo. The Ricebird Stadium game at Refugio.

WEEK 4

Victoria East at Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial. Titans go on the road to play the defending district champions.

El Campo at Wharton. Wharton County rivals square off for the 96th time.

WEEK 5

Flour Bluff at Victoria East. Titans host Hornets in a key district game.

DUY VU/DVU@VICAD.COM

Industrial at Edna. This Jackson County rivalry decided the district championship last season.

Shiner at Ganado. The Comanches and Indians finished 1-2 in district last season.

DUY VU/DVU@VICAD.COM

WEEK 1

El Campo’s Casen Braden runs the ball during practice at Ricebird Stadium.

EMREE WEAVER/EWEAVER@VICAD.COM

Victoria West’s Dion Green crosses the goal line to score the first touchdown for the Warriors during their 2020 Class 5A, Division I bi-district round against McAllen Memorial at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Edna at Goliad. Cowboys and Tigers open district play.

St. Joseph at Bloomington. Flyers and Bobcats meet after last year’s game was canceled.

Hallettsville’s Chase Janak kicks off the ball during the Class 3A, Division I state final game against Jim Ned at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

EMREE WEAVER/EWEAVER@VICAD.COM

Refugio’s Caleb Hesseltine gets ready for a play during practice at Bobcat Stadium.

WEEK 8

Giddings at Cuero. Gobblers look to avenge a four-point loss to the Buffaloes.

Hallettsville Sacred Heart at Shiner St. Paul. Lavaca County rivals play for the 61st time.

WEEK 9

El Campo at Bay City. The 118th meeting and 102nd consecutive meeting in the state’s oldest continuous rivalry.

EMREE WEAVER/EWEAVER@VICAD.COM Hallettsville at Yoakum. Brahmas and Bulldogs play for 77th time in a key district game.

Cuero quarterback Jerry Rossett looks for an opening to make a pass during a District 13-4A, Division II game against Gonzales at Gobbler Stadium.

Van Vleck at Tidehaven. Matagorda County

EVAN LEWIS/ELEWIS@VICAD.COM

Tidehaven head coach David Lucio talks with his players during practice.

F14 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021

VictoriaAdvocate.com

DISTRICT 15-5A, DIVISION I

New faces hope to shake up District 15-5A, Division I race

BY SAM FOWLER

SFOWLER@VICAD.COM

After last season, Victoria East and Victoria West know District 15-5A, Division I is highly competitive.

Heading into 2021, both schools have a feeling the district could be even more competitive with new head coaches roaming the sidelines.

Former San Angelo Central head coach Brent Davis takes over at Gregory-Portland. While Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial promoted offensive coordinator Ben Bitner to head coach following Cody Simper’s departure this offseason.

Both coaches have a history of winning and East and West understand they’ll have to be on their toes each week this season.

“You’ve got to take it one practice at a time,” said West head coach Courtney Boyce. “Our district is extremely tough, very well-coached. I have a whole lot of respect

for the opposing coaches in our district, they do a great job with their teams. I think every Friday is gonna be a battle. Everybody’s gonna give everything they’ve got.”

East is hopeful attention to detail and routine will help them make a push for the playoffs again in 2021.

“We want to prepare for our first game and second game,” said East head coach Roland Gonzalez. “ We want to kind of set a routine for how we’re going to prepare for them. We want to see great effort and execution.”

Davis spent the last 12 years in San Angelo, leading the Bobcats to five district championships and a 94-46 record during that time.

With stops at Banquete, Sinton and Alice, Davis is familiar with the South Texas football landscape.

The 27-year head coaching veteran hopes the Wildcats can put it all together after placing fifth in district in 2020.

Facing Calallen — the No. 2 ranked team in Class 4A, Division I — on its non-dis-

trict schedule, G-P may be well-prepared for district play. “[Our success] has yet to be determined.

It’s hard to tell,” Davis said. “We’re in a really tough district [with] nine teams. Everybody can play, everybody’s got good kids, everybody’s got good coaches. So it’s going to be a big challenge for us. We open up with two really tough teams [Calallen and Los Fresnos] in non-district and we’re just going to have to get better every week.”

Across Corpus Christi Bay at defending district champion Veterans Memorial, Bitner hopes the internal hire will likely allow the Eagles a seamless transition.

Bitner knows, with 14 starters graduated from last year’s state semifinal run, the five weeks of extra practices last year will help them vie to retain the district crown.

“I think that’s something that’s probably not talked about a lot in high school football,” Bitner said. “Since I’ve been here, we’ve been to the third round [twice], the

fourth round and last year, the state semifinals. The positive I think that goes unnoticed a lot is that, when you make those deep runs, your kids are able to have that much more practice and it just gives them that much more time to develop.”

DISTRICT 15-5A, DIVISION I

Victoria West Warriors Coach: Courtney Boyce Last Season’s Record: 8-4, 6-2 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, regional Returning Starters: WR/RB/LB Dion Green, C Joshua Zatopek, G Damian Diaz, WR D’Andre Fillmore, LB Joel Silva, DL Kievan Myles, DL Araqua Franklin.

Victoria East Titans Coach: Roland Gonzalez Last Season’s Record: 6-4, 5-3 district.

Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, bi-district Returning Starters: WR Terrance Terrell, OL Macario Martinez, LB Trent Zappe, DT Zac Mendieta, CB Brysyn Gardner, QB Jadon Williams.

ST. JOSEPH FLYERS

St. Joseph building up program’s numbers

BY KEVIN ALSTROM

SPECIAL TO THE ADVOCATE

James Duprie wanted to increase the St. Joseph football program’s numbers in his second year as head coach.

This year, behind a large freshman class, the Flyers had 55 players report to the first practice of the season.

“We had 32 kids last year,” Duprie said.

“We have a freshman group of 25 kids and our projection is the next two freshmen classes should be large.”

The Flyers are coming off of a 3-4 season, finishing 1-3 in TAPPS Division II, District 4 play.

St. Joseph beat Austin Brentwood Christian 27-21 in bi-district but lost 42-0 to Houston Second Baptist in the area round.

Second Baptist will lead a competitive district schedule for the Flyers that includes Lutheran South, Fort Bend Christian, The Woodlands Christian and Frassati Catholic.

“We are pretty thin,” Duprie said. “We have about 20 kids we are counting on for varsity and the others are either junior varsity or somewhere in between. If we stay healthy and eligible, I think we have a decent shot at the playoffs this year. The expectation going into each season is to make the playoffs.”

Jackson Stefka and Carter Nelson have both seen snaps at quarterback this preseason. The Flyers will lean on Jace Sadler in the backfield. Four returning offensive and defensive lineman will help secure the trenches.

The Flyers hope to build on last year’s experience and the addition defensive coordinator Wayne Condra to take a step forward.

St. Joseph has a bye in week one, opening the season at Karnes City on Sept. 3.

The Flyers hope the bye week will give DUY VU/DVU@VICAD.COM the team additional time to polish its’ ofSt. Joseph’s Thomas Limon clutches on to the ball during practice at St. Joseph. fensive and defensive game plans.

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021 —

VictoriaAdvocate.com

DISTRICT 12-4A, DIVISION II

F15

DISTRICT 15-4A, DIVISION I

Competition plentiful Sandcrabs, Trojans in Wharton’s district looking to compete, Chad Butler. “We’ve got a lot of new kids,

BY SAM FOWLER

SFOWLER@VICAD.COM

District 12-4A, Division II could be wide open once again this year.

a lot of young kids coming in that were a part of the subvarsity team. We do have some returners, but all in all it’s kind of a

Sealy (9-3, 5-0) edged out Bellville (9-2,

perfect time to start new. That’s basically

4-1) 31-28 to claim the district champion-

what it’s been about. We’re just wanting to

ship in 2020.

The Tigers return 11 starters, including all-state quarterback D’Vonne Hmielewski, while the Brahmas return 12, including 1,000-yard rusher Richard Reese and preseason defensive MVP Tyler Fishbeck.

While those two are likely to duke it out for the district’s top spot, it’s a microcosm of the competitiveness in the six-team district. Wharton, despite a winless season a

remember how it felt last year, but not let that define us moving forward.”

The Tigers know what it’s going to take to get back to the playoffs. Last year was just the second time since 2011 that they didn’t reach the postseason.

To get back, they need to focus on the tiniest of details.

“It’s been all about the details. Doing

year ago, was just two wins away from the

everything exactly right,” Butler said.

playoffs.

“From how we dress to how we take the field, how we move around from station

“We’ve just got to make a commitment to reassert, reestablish our standards and

to station. We just want to be high energy,

expectations,” said Wharton head coach

high tempo and high intensity.”

DISTRICT 12-4A, DIVISION II

Wharton Tigers Coach: Chad Butler Last Season’s Record: 0-10, 0-5 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2019, bi-district Returning Starters: RB/LB Raymond Hudson, OL Jalik Knight, OL Augustin Muniz, LB Brendan Thompson, LB Carlos Muratalla, DE/TE Da’Treon Norman.

GOOD

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other teams in our district are. If we stay healthy we’ll have a chance.”

Two years ago, Beeville and Calhoun The same is true for Calhoun, which finished their regular seasons as district is ranked No. 23 in Class 4A, Division I champions. despite losing fullback Steve Johnson Now they are preparing for their second and quarterback Jarius Stewart from last year in District 15-4A, Division I, where year’s district runner up squad. all six teams have expectations of makWhitaker knows his players will need ing the playoffs. to stay healthy as injuries arguably cost Both the Sandcrabs and the Trojans the Sandcrabs in their 27-24 area round have to replace some of their top athplayoff loss to Boerne. letes, but have players ready to step into With a lack of depth, a number of new positions. starters are expected to play both ways “Every year you’re going to have gradas Calhoun tries to compete with the top uations, you’re going to have kids move teams in the district. on,” said Calhoun head coach Richard “Our numbers are not where they were Whitaker. “We certainly will miss those two, three years ago,” Whitaker said. kids, those guys were great, but it’s just “Our numbers are a lot lower. Just like an opportunity now for these kids to have last year going into that second playoff their time to shine and hopefully they game we had three of our best players will.” on the sideline. You’ve got to stay healthy Beeville is two years removed from an and that’s just being lucky.” undefeated regular season, but graduatBeeville and Calhoun open district play ed a number of starters from that team. at Port Lavaca on Oct. 8.

Combined with Calhoun, Corpus Christi Calallen, Corpus Christi Miller, Alice and Tuloso-Midway dropping down from DISTRICT 15-4A, DIVISION I Class 5A to Class 4A and the Trojans Calhoun Sandcrabs finished 2-8 in 2020.

Coach: Richard Whitaker Victor Gonzales takes over for William Last Season’s Record: 9-3, 4-1 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, area Harper at quarterback after leading the Returning Starters: SB/DB Min Htway, SB/ Trojans to a successful 7on7 performance DB Adrian Chambers, OL Vinson Samudio, OL this summer. But the Trojans have to Matthew Calley, LB Kirk Stringham, OLB Esteban replace athlete Jalen Spicer, who scored Cruz, DL Xavier Cruz.

22 total touchdowns last year.

Beeville Trojans Coach: Chris Soza “We worked hard in the weight room, Last Season’s Record: 2-8, 0-5 district that’s something we’re going to hang our Last Playoff Appearance: 2019, area hats on,” said head coach Chris Soza.

Returning Starters: FS/QB Victor Gonzales, LB “The key for us is going to be staying Bryce Foster, DL Xavier Aleman, FB/LB Trey healthy. That’s going to be the key.

Martinez, HB/DB Isaiah Gonzales, DE Daniel Johnson, C Matthew Salinas, G Edwardo Mendez, We’re not going to have a lot of depth, G David Rodriguez, DT Dylan Farias. the numbers aren’t as good as probably

BY PETER L. SCAMARDO II PSCAMARDO@VICAD.COM

F16 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021

VictoriaAdvocate.com

DISTRICT 13-4A, DIVISION II

Cuero searches for road to district title

BY MIKE FORMAN MFORMAN@VICAD.COM

Cuero was six points away from winning the District 13-4A, Division II championship last season.

Instead, the Gobblers wound up as the district’s fourth seed and lost to Navarro in the bi-district round of the playoffs.

Cuero’s biggest stumbling block was its inability to win on the road.

Cuero went 5-1 at Gobbler Stadium, but was 0-5 away from home, including a four-

point loss to Giddings and a two-point setback against Smithville in district play.

“That was tough,” said second-year Cuero coach Jack Alvarez. “That will be a good challenge for us this season. Maybe, we just play them all at home.”

The Gobblers will go on the road for district games against La Grange, Navasota and Gonzales this season and hope to find an answer for their road woes.

“We were on a rollercoaster,” Alvarez said. “I’ll say this about being consistent,

The Gobblers hustle out on the field ready to take on Navarro in Karnes City.

DUY VU/DVU@VICAD.COM

our kids worked hard all summer. We had probably 98% of our kids here. We’ve been real consistent at practice.”

Alvarez foresees another tight district race.

“I would assume that would be the case,” he said. “I would imagine that’s fair. I know traditionally Giddings is going to be good, La Grange is going to be good, Navasota is going to be good. I think it will be a pretty tight race.”

Gonzales went winless in district, but should fare better with an experienced team led by a large senior class.

“We’re excited to be more competitive about what we have coming back,” said Gonzales coach Michael Waldie. “We finally have depth. With a quality group of young kids, and with the freshman team we had last year, we’re excited about the group we have coming up. We’ve got 19 seniors and a group of sophomores and juniors who are game ready now to give us some depth on both sides of the ball.”

Waldie expects the Apaches to be in playoff contention, but knows the competition will be stiff.

“We know in this district we’re going to have two teams sitting at home that could beat most of the teams in Region IV,” he said.

“Win or lose we’re going to fight to be the best team we can and see how it works out.”

DISTRICT 13-4A, DIVISION I

Cuero Gobblers Coach: Jack Alvarez Last Season’s Record: 5-6, 3-2 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2019, bi-district Returning Starters: OLB/RB Daydrien Perez, WR/ CB LeBron Johnson, WR/CB Exavier Durham, QB/S Jerry Rossett, OLB/WR Donavin Jones, LB/RB Sean Burks, DE/TE Cason Jander, TE/DT Adam Arroyo, RB/S Tycen Williams, OLB/RB Zyler Jones, WR/ CB Dayson Varela, G/DT Jake Plunkett, OT/DT Kyle Weghorst, RB/CB Justice Belvin.

Gonzales Apaches Coach: Michael Waldie Last Season’s Record: 1-9, 0-5 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2019, area Returning Starters: WR Brett Breitschopf, OLB/WR Jeremiah Hastings, RB/LB Derrick Garza, RB/LB Cesar Matamoros, QB Jarren Johnson, OLB Kamren Leal, WR/DB Josh Esparza, WR/DB Braden Barfield, K Jonathan Tejada, ATH TJ Riojas, DL Jacob Bakken, P/ATH Jared Cook, OL Jorge Amador, DL Russel Thomas, OL Layne Thiele.

DISTRICT 12-4A, DIVISION I

El Campo seeks to repeat as district champion

BY MIKE FORMAN

MFORMAN@VICAD.COM

El Campo wouldn’t be surprised to see its District 12-4A, Division I opponents gang up on the line of scrimmage against its powerful running game.

But the Ricebirds are prepared for any scenario.

“We’re going to play faster and hopefully faster down the road than we are right now,” said first-year head coach Chad Worrell. “The offense is going to be wide open. We’re going to be able to throw the ball if people stack the line of scrimmage.

We’re going to be able to run the ball.

That’s going to be our deal — our toughness and our physicality on offense. At

the same time, we can spread you out and throw the ball or bring you in and play-action. I think the offense may have a little balance to it.”

El Campo went undefeated in district play last season, and is the favorite to win a second consecutive title.

“We’re moving at a good pace to get our stuff implemented,” said Worrell, who led Brock to a state championship in 2015. “We obviously have some stuff still to implement. Hopefully, by the time we get to the district we’ll have everything implemented.”

The district coaches see Stafford as the most serious threat to the Ricebirds’ quest to repeat as district champions.

“Stafford has a lot coming back,” said second-year Bay City coach Robert Jones.

“I think the rest of the district is wide open. I think the spots are up for grabs.

It’s whoever plays the best football every Friday night.”

The Blackcats lost 25 seniors and will battle inexperience, especially on offense.

But Jones feels a year in his system will be a plus as Bay City looks to end a twoyear playoff drought.

“They know the ins and outs of the system,” Jones said. “We went through it all spring and summer. I think the kids are more in tune on what we want and what we’re looking for and the mentality that we’re trying to have with the program.”

DISTRICT 12-4A, DIVISION I

El Campo Ricebirds Coach: Chad Worrell Last Season’s Record: 9-2, 5-0 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, area Returning Starters: OL/DT Kerry North, OL Juan Leal, OL Jack Dorotik, OL Luke Wenglar, FB Jontrae Davis, RB/DB Rueben Owens, FS Jackson Jensen, LB Hal Erwin, LB Jacob Lopez, DT Clarence Farrow, CB Isiah Anderson, CB DK Ward.

Bay City Blackcats Coach: Robert Jones Last Season’s Record: 5-5, 1-4 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2018, bi-district Returning Starters: OL Glenn Ihde, OL Isaac Allen, WR/S Brice Turner, TE/DE Carlon Jones, CB Marlon Ford, Jamorrius Abbott, LB Karius Luster, LB Ayden Smith.

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021 —

VictoriaAdvocate.com

F17

DISTRICT 12-3A, DIVISION I

Hallettsville, Yoakum, Columbus fighting for district title

BY PETER L. SCAMARDO II PSCAMARDO@VICAD.COM

Hallettsville and Yoakum moved into Region III in 2020, but the expectations remained the same.

Yoakum reached the third round for the fourth time in five years and Hallettsville reached the state championships for the first time in school history.

Both teams return over 20 starters as they reload for yet another playoff run.

“We’re trying to project to the team that this is a different team,” said Hallettsville head coach Tommy Psencik. “We’ve got to stay hungry and stay humble and we’ve got to find a way to outwork our opponents. I don’t want to live on last year’s success.”

Hallettsville, the district champion, loses star running back Jonathon Brooks

but linebacker Price Pruett returns to lead the Brahmas defense. Defensive end Lance Bludau and lineman Sam Hermes will also help anchor the defense.

Trace Patek returns at quarterback as Damani Hartwell and Cam’ron Alamilla compete for the running back spot.

“We’ve got several places in several positions we’ve got to find people that prove themselves in those positions,” Psencik said. “We feel like we’ve got a good core coming back, but our work habits have to be second to none for us to have the success we want to have.”

Yoakum went 9-3 in 2020, losing 38-22 to Columbus in the regional semifinals.

Cavan Smith is expected to take over at quarterback. Trace Moore and Jayden Jones will split time at running back and in the secondary. Linebacker Javon Wil-

liams will lead the Bulldogs defense.

Yoakum head coach Bo Robinson declined to comment.

Hallettsville and Yoakum begin the season ranked No. 10 and No. 12 in Class 3A, Division I, but respectively will have to go through No. 11 Columbus, a district foe the Brahmas and Bulldogs have faced in the playoffs in consecutive seasons.

Columbus coach Matt Schobel begins year three with linemen Hunter Mangum, Oscar Ramirez and Daegan Stevens anchoring the Cardinals roster.

Tommy Schobel leads the defense while Jordan Woods, Ty’Vone Whitehead and Ni’Jay Johnson will split time at running back for the graduated Kion Hurd.

“What’s been real good this year is we had a spring with all of the kids in there,” Matt Schobel said. “So we’re real excited about this year, we obviously graduated some great players but we got some good pieces coming back and we’ve got some young guys we’re excited about.”

DISTRICT 12-3A, DIVISION I

Hallettsville Brahmas Coach: Tommy Psencik Last Season’s Record: 13-3, 5-0 Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, state final Returning Starters: QB/DB Trace Patek, LB/RB Price Pruett, WR/RB/DB Damani Hartwell, WR/QB/DB Brandt Trlicek, WR/OLB Chase Janak, LB/RB Cam’ron Alamilla, OLB/WR Bowen Higgins, OL Cole Jansky, OL/DL Lance Bludau, OL Michael McAfee, OL/DL Sam Hermes, OL Caleb Cuellar, LB Kannen Smith.

Yoakum Bulldogs Coach: Bo Robinson Last Season’s Record: 9-3, 3-2 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, regional Returning Starters: DE/HB Trace Moore, RB/DB Jayden Jones, LB/HB Tre Robbins, OL Mauricio Pecina, DB Cavan Smith, DE/OLB Javon Williams, HB/LB Will Robbins, DT/FB Tyjuan Garza, HB/DB Qyon Williams, DB/WR Austin Sherrer, FB Ross Debault, WR/DB Kadarius Price.

DUY VU/DVU@VICAD.COM

Hallettsville’s Trace Patek gets the ball in the air during the Class 3A, Division I state final game against Jim Ned at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

“We know our business so you can focus on yours.”

Good Luck Brahmas and Indians!

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F18 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021

VictoriaAdvocate.com

DISTRICT 15-3A, DIVISION I

Industrial vying for three-peat

BY PETER L. SCAMARDO II PSCAMARDO@VICAD.COM

Industrial knows all eyes are on it in District 15-3A, Division I. The Cobras went a decade without a district title and now look for their third straight after winning back-to-back championships.

“Everyone wants to beat us,” said head coach Jamie Dixon. “We haven’t lost a district ballgame in two years and everyone wants to be the first one to beat you in district.”

District MVP Matthew Davis and allstate safety Kaleb Figirova highlights Industrial’s 15 starters and 24 lettermen returning as the Cobras begin the season ranked No. 6 in Class 3A, Division I. Edna will be the Cobras’ biggest threat as the Cowboys return 17 starters for second-year head coach Jimmie Mitchell.

Edna went 5-1 in district last year and returns sophomore quarterback Jaiden

Clay (1,600 total yards), wide receiver Josh Muncrief (600 yards, 5 TD) and running back Dreydan Ashford (800 yards, 8 TD) to lead the offense.

“I feel like we’re a lot stronger and I feel like we’re a lot faster just because of the offseason,” Mitchell said. “ You never know until you get out there and start playing, but I feel a lot more confident because of the offseason and our maturity that we have a chance to have a good football team.”

Edna is hoping to make it’s 11th straight playoff appearance.

Palacios is looking for its fourth straight trip to the post season in head coach Chad Graves’ fourth season with the Sharks.

Palacios will have a young team and will need to replace a number of linemen, but the Sharks return quarterback Anthony White who threw for 1,611 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed for 620 yards and 12 scores.

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“Staying healthy is always going to be huge for us,” Graves said. “Playing our best football and eliminating the mistakes, the self-imploding mistakes. If we can stay consistent and gradually get better every week I think we’ll be alright and have a chance to compete in our district.”

Goliad is still looking for its first win under second-year head coach Kevin Salazar as the Tigers went 0-9 in 2020.

Quarterback Reese Ruhnke is expected to be a team leader, alongside running back Jesse Martinez and linebacker Gene Ratliff.

“Our strength right now I’d say is going to be our offensive line,” Salazar said. “If we can run behind those big guys and have good ball control, that’s going to put us in good situations to eliminate touches for those strong teams like Industrial and Edna.”

KENDALL WARNER/KWARNER@VICAD.COM

Industrial tight end Kaleb Figirova and offensive lineman Tristan Bermea celebrate after winning the Lavaca River Shootout against Edna, becoming the District 14-3A, Division I champions .

DISTRICT 15-3A, DIVISION I

Industrial Cobras Coach: Jamie Dixon Last Season’s Record: 11-2, 6-0 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, regional Returning Starters: QB/FS Matthew Davis, RB/LB Clay Martin, C/LB Reed Kallus, WR Mason Roe, WR/DB Clearance Hosey, WR/DB Tayte Karl, RB/SS Kaleb Figirova, DE Marvin Campbell, DB Jackson Fluitt, CB Dylan Gieselhart, DT Cerik Nuells.

Edna Cowboys Coach: Jimmie Mitchell Last Season’s Record: 6-6, 5-1 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, area Returning Starters: QB Jaiden Clay, WR/CB Cam Thornton, WR/S Joshua Muncrief, WR/S Layton Ressman, CB/WR Denzial Edwards, OT Andre Brady, DT Otis Santanella, DE Jaqwon Reed, G Pablo Almeda, DT Devin Johnson, RB/DE Dreydan Ashford, RB/SS Michael Salazar, LB Paden Bradley, G Irwin Hernandez, G/C Denzel Rucker, WR/CB Kaleb Rodas, LB Karmyne Williams.

Palacios Sharks Coach: Chad Graves Last Season’s Record: 6-4, 4-2 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020 bi-district Returning Starters: QB Anthony White, SR Chance McRae, TE Christian Woodard, OLB Mark Flores, DL Xavier Perez, OLB Daniel Gonzales, SR Thomas Garcia, DE Tanner Lev, CB Bryan Thomas, DL Eric Ortega, LB Fidel Chavez, OL Herasmo Guerrero, OL Carson Brooks.

Goliad Tigers Coach: Kevin Salazar Last Season’s Record: 0-9, 0-6 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2018, regional Returning Starters: QB/CB Reese Ruhnke, RB/LB Gage Barrera, RB/OLB Jesse Martinez, RB/OLB Aden Barrientez, OT Walker Wimberly, TE/LB Gene Ratliff, TE/UTIL Joseph Council, FB/LB Braylon Perry, CB Kolton Duval, DT Le’Verius Gage.

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VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021 —

VictoriaAdvocate.com

DISTRICT 14-3A, DIVISION II

Area Teams building off playoff appearances

BY PETER L. SCAMARDO II PSCAMARDO@VICAD.COM

Tidehaven, Rice Consolidated and Van Vleck all made the playoffs out of District 14-3A, Division II, but not one made it out of the bi-district round.

Tidehaven is seeking its ninth straight playoff appearance, Rice Consolidated is looking for its fourth straight and first-year head coach Rodney Dowell aims to build off Van Vleck’s playoff berth last season.

“To us last year was kind of a disappointment,” said Tidehaven head coach David Lucio. “We played a lot of freshmen, they’re a year older now. I’ve got a real strong senior class, real strong sophomore class. We got a few more coaches to

DISTRICT 14-3A, DIVISION II

Tidehaven Tigers Coach: David Lucio Last Season’s Record: 5-5, 3-2 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, bi-district Returning Starters: QB Logan Crow, RB/MLB Jose Martinez, WR Connor Claxton, WR/DB Ricky Rubio, WR/DB Joseph Dodds, OL Taylor Rickaway, DT Jerry Johnson, DT Woody Galvan, OLB Xain Dusek, OLB Seth Winkenwerder, DB Blake Montague.

Rice Consolidated Raiders Coach: Jared Sloan Last Season’s Record: 4-6, 3-2 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, bi-district Returning Starters: RB/LB James Cotton, WR/ DB Deondre Cotton, FB/LB Straton Pieprzyca, FB/ LB Michael Flores, QB/DB Rafael Herrera, OL/DL Quinton Porch, OL/DL Kason Brown, OL/DL Luis Reyes.

Van Vleck Leopards Coach: Rodney Dowell Last Season’s Record: 3-6, 3-2 Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, bi-district Returning Starters: OL/LB Garrett Chambless, RB/ LB Kadarius Woodard, OL/DL Ronnie Cathey, OL/ DL Garrett Mayfield, OL/DL Wesley Moss, RB/LB Cameron Austin, WR/DB Bryson Blackmon, OL/ DL Jacob Perez, WR/DB Jace Mackenzie, WR/DB Kayne Williams, RB/LB Brett Noster, QB/DB Peyton Brown.

make our coaching staff better. So, we’re actually pretty excited about this year with what we’ve got coming back as far as coaches and players.”

Tidehaven returns 12 starters and is led by quarterback Logan Crow, who threw for 1,076 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed for 914 yards and 10 scores.

Rice Consolidated head coach Jared Sloan has led the Raiders to the playoffs all three years and is looking to make it fourin-a-row with his original freshman class.

“They understand what we’re asking them to do, the work ethic, the mentality, the leadership from some of those guys,” Sloan said. “We’ve had a couple young guys that have leadership potential step up this summer and I’m really looking forward to seeing them put it all together and have the chance to make plays on Friday nights.”

District MVP Michael Flores returns at linebacker, while running backs James Cotton and James Hurd are expected to lead the Raiders offense.

Dowell returns to Van Vleck after working as an assistant in 2010 and 2011.

Van Vleck returns 12 starters. Quarterback Payton Brown will lead the Leopards’ offense and Garrett Chambless will anchor both sides of the line.

So far, Dowell has been impressed by the player turnout and the support from the Van Vleck community.

“If we can keep everybody united and directed in the right direction everything will work out,” Dowell said. “I think as far as the coaching staff goes, I can’t be more pleased with the effort that they have shown and bringing new coaches in we had a good summer kind of melding together and building a family and we’re excited about that.”

F19

DISTRICT 15-3A, DIVISION II

Karnes City looking to end playoff drought

BY PETER L. SCAMARDO II PSCAMARDO@VICAD.COM

Karnes City came one game short of ending a five-year playoff drought in 2020.

After losing their first four games, the Badgers defeated second-seed Stockdale 28-27 in their final game but lost a tie breaker to George West for fourth place.

Poth and George West look to be the favorites in District 15-3A, Division II, but Karnes City has the numbers to make a run with 19 lettermen returning.

“The attitude has been awesome,” said Karnes City head coach Daniel Oelschlegel. “It’s been a complete buy in from our kids and we told them it’s going to be different, it’s going to be hard but it’s going to be worth it. I think they have embraced that and I’m really looking forward to this season with these kids.”

Warrick Thompson and Jerrick Beaver

are speedy wide receivers who also play in the secondary. Karnes City will have to find a quarterback but will benefit from Joey Valdez and Zeke Guzman anchoring the offensive line.

Nixon-Smiley will continue to rebuild under first-year head coach Troy Moses.

The Mustangs have to recover from losing a large senior class and will rely on players like Bradyn Martinez and Sebastian Ortiz to have an impact both ways.

Nixon-Smiley went 3-6 overall and 1-5 in district in 2020. Its last playoff appearance was in 2019.

“Right now we’re focusing on us,” Moses said. “We’re not really concerned about our opponents or anything like that right now. The only thing we can control is who we are and the effort and attitude that we come to practice with everyday.”

DISTRICT 15-3A, DIVISION II

Karnes City Badgers Coach: Daniel Oelschlegel Last Season’s Record: 4-6, 3-3 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2015, bi-district Returning Starters: WR/DB Warrick Thompson, WR/DB Jerrick Beaver, RB Charlie Foley, OL/DL Zeke Guzman, OL Joey Valdez, DB/TE Gabe Gutierrez, OLB Jason Foley, LB James Mejia, DE Aidan Garza, DE Mason Moore, DL AJ Mendoza, OL Justin Barrientez.

Nixon-Smiley Mustangs Coach: Troy Moses Last Season’s Record: 3-6, 1-5 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2019, bi-district Returning Starters: QB/DB Bradyn Martinez, LB Jason Adams, OL Sebastian Ortiz, LB Michael Brown.

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F20 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021

VictoriaAdvocate.com

DISTRICT 15-2A, DIVISION I

DISTRICT 13-2A, DIVISION I

Shiner attempts to continue Refugio ready to enjoy dominance in district comforts of home field

BY MIKE FORMAN

MFORMAN@VICAD.COM

Shiner lost 22 seniors from its undefeated, state championship team.

But the Comanches enter the season ranked No. 2 in the state and the favorite to claim the District 13-2A, Division I title.

“Obviously, Shiner is still the class of the district until someone proves otherwise,” said Weimar coach Ryan McIver.

“Everyone else is fighting it out for second through fifth.”

Shiner appears to have the firepower to make another playoff run, but doesn’t expect to dominate like it did last season.

“Everybody is going to be improved,” said Shiner coach Daniel Boedeker. “A lot of the teams were young last year and were good football teams and I expect them to be better. We have to be able to condition ourselves in non-district to get ready for district. We have to be ready to play four quarters of football because that’s what we’re definitely anticipating.”

Shiner was the only team to make it through district play unscathed last season, and the scenario could repeat itself this season.

“I personally like it that way,” said Ganado coach Brent Bennett, whose team finished second last season. “You aren’t afforded the opportunity to take a week off. But the competitor in me likes that we’ve got to get the game film and get the game plan in and achieve that week.

We consistently try to raise the bar. We figure out where we are today and try to move the bar tomorrow.”

Flatonia returns a number of starters and has loaded up its non-district schedule with Mart, Falls City and Tidehaven to prepare for district play.

“We play a pretty stout non-district schedule that gets your kids ready,” said Flatonia coach Chris Freytag. “It gets them up to the speed of the game and gets them up to play at that level and that’s what you have to do in this district.”

Schulenburg lost to Ganado by seven points and played Shiner closer than any other team in the district, but failed to make the playoffs by virtue of the district’s points formula.

“I came in and COVID hit so the big-

gest thing with us is we got to have an offseason,” said second-year Schulenburg coach Walt Brock. “We’ve got some running backs and skill positions that are returning. We have to stay injury free.

You have to keep everybody healthy in this district.”

DISTRICT 13-2A, DIVISION I

Shiner Comanches Coach: Daniel Boedeker Last Season’s Record: 14-0, 4-0 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, state champion Returning Starters: RB/DL Doug Brooks, RB/FS Dalton Brooks, QB/WR/SS Drew Wenske, RB/LB Eli Fric, OL/DL Hunter Nevlud, OL/LB A.J. Patek, TE/DE Tyler Bishop.

Ganado Indians Coach: Brent Bennett Last Season’s Record: 6-5, 3-1 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, regional Returning Starters: QB/S Kyle Bures-Guerrero, WR/ CB Riley Hurt, FB/WR/DL Logan Riojas, WR Josiah Sterling, OL/DL Javier Rodriguez, OL Jose Ramos, OL Michael Bubela, LB Corbin Teague, CB Manny Calderon.

Flatonia Bulldogs Coach: Chris Freytag Last Season’s Record: 5-4, 1-3 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, area Returning Starters: DB/RB/WR Keyshaun Green, DB/WR Jaidyn Gutyon, DB/WR Alex Hernandez, DB/RB/QB Fidel Venegas, LB/QB Dayton Cliffe, LB/ TE Reese Ramirez, LB/RB Aiden Gonzales, DT/OT Davon Walles, DB/WR Angel Netro, DE/WR Holden Kloesel, DE/C Keston Freytag, OL Phillip Ramirez, OL Jose Galvan, DE Oscar Romero, DT Tadan Alvarado.

Weimar Wildcats Coach: Ryan McIver Last Season’s Record: 2-7, 1-3 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, bi-district Returning Starters: OL/DL Jagger Fishbeck, OL Chris Moreno, OL Hudson Ervin, RB/LB Dreylon McMillian, RB/OLB Jose Ramirez, QB/LB Joey Ramirez, WR/DB Nunu Wilson, DB Wyatt Lacina, WR/OLB Hunter Price.

Schulenburg Shorthorns Coach: Walt Brock Last Season’s Record: 4-3, 1-3 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2019, bi-district Returning Starters: SB/DB/RB Keisean Johnson, WR/DB Kenny King, SB/S Evan Oeding, RB/OLB Trent Mendez, OLB/LB Orlando Adame, RB/DB/ LB Desmond Lewis, WR/DB Keanu Anthony, WR/ OLB Kenny Schramek, RB/LB Rodney Walton, RB/ LB Jeremiah Houston, OL/DL Isaiah Adams, OL/DL Nathan Ricicar, OL/TE/DL Hayden Schulz, OL/DE Blake Meyer.

BY MIKE FORMAN MFORMAN@VICAD.COM

Refugio did not play a single home game last season.

But the structural damage at Jack Sportsman Bobcat Stadium has been repaired and once District 15-2A, Division I play arrives, Refugio will play every game on its home turf.

“It’s going to be awesome,” said Refugio coach Jason Herring. “After doing what we did last year, I’m tickled pink about that. I can’t wait. Our kids are fired up.”

The Bobcats enter the season ranked No. 1 in the state poll, and are likely to dominate the district as they did last season.

“We want to try and maintain and even keep improving and not take anything for granted,” Herring said. “We want to make sure we’re still sharp in everything.”

Kenedy has made the playoffs in the two seasons since Shawn Alvarez took over as head coach.

The Lions have an opportunity to continue their progress with a large senior class.

“We’ve talked to our kids and our seniors,” Alvarez said. “We’ve been able to build some sort of culture in terms of expectations. I think early on it was more of let’s try to and now it’s to where it’s expected to win. Our kids have really bought into that.”

Bloomington will have to overcome a

EMREE WEAVER/EWEAVER@VICAD.COM

Refugio’s Caleb Hesseltine hands off the ball to Eziyah Bland during practice at Jack Sportsman Bobcat Stadium.

lack of depth to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

“We ‘ve got to do a better job of running the ball,” said Bloomington coach Chris Horn. “We didn’t do a very good job of running the ball last year. We’ve got to play some better defense that’s for sure.

We’ve got low numbers so we’ve got to stay healthy and keep the kids in shape.”

Refugio outscored its district opponents 208-14 last season, but Kenedy, Three Rivers and Freer advanced to the playoffs and won their bi-district game.

“Three Rivers for the most part has been traditionally good for a long time,” Alvarez said. “Freer lost some good players, but back in the day, they were really good. You can’t ever count a Freer team out. Besides Refugio, nobody is a world beater. I think you have to play hard every night.”

DISTRICT 15-2A, DIVISION I

Refugio Bobcats Coach: Jason Herring Last Season’s Record: 11-1, 4-0 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, quarterfinals Returning Starters: WR/FS Jordan Kelley, WR/ DB Antwaan Gross, FS Isaiah Avery, QB Caleb Hesseltine, TE/DE Ty LaFrance, K Alex Placencia, OL Cadence Wills, DL Kaden Brown, LB JR Moore, OL Jayden Wright, OL Michael Rocha, OL/DE Hayden LaFrance.

Kenedy Lions Coach: Shawn Alvarez Last Season’s Record: 6-3, 3-1 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, area Returning Starters: QB/FS Jaydin Chapa, RB/ FS Kameron Miller, WR/CB Regan Villarreal, WR/ DE Logan Salais, RB/LB Geovanni Gibson, WR Ty Villanueva, OL Nando Vargas, TE/DT Ryland Reyna, OL/DT Joseph Luna, OL Robert Deleon, LB Josh Cruz.

Bloomington Bobcats Coach: Chris Horn.

Last Season’s Record: 0-6, 0-4 district Last Playoff Appearance: 1999, bi-district Returning Starters: OLB/RB Cebron Taylor, OL/ LB Cameron Davis, QB/OLB Jesus Zuniga, RB/ LB Josiah Hinojosa, RB/LB Jean Perez, G/DE Luis Castillo, WR/OLB Samuel Beraza, WR/CB Juan Gonzales, WR/OLB Luis Samaoya.

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021 —

VictoriaAdvocate.com

F21

DISTRICT 16-2A, DIVISION II

Falls City prepares to flex its muscles

BY MIKE FORMAN

MFORMAN@VICAD.COM

Falls City made its third straight semifinal appearance in Mark Kirchhoff ’s first year back as head coach since 2011.

The Beavers won the District 16-2A, Division II championship and finished the season at 11-3 in what essentially was a year of learning the flexbone offense.

“We’re leaps and bounds ahead as far as install and implementation and familiarity with terminology,” Kirchhoff said. “We have quite a few back and that always makes it easier. We’re way ahead on both sides of the ball from where we were starting out last year.”

Falls City returns eight starters on offense and eight on defense from a team that’s closest margin of victory in district play was 29 points.

“A lot of it is getting them in the right spot after we know them after an offseason,” Kirchhoff said. “We’re trying to put them in the right spot in a scheme to fit what they do well.”

Yorktown swept through district after losing to Falls City, and with eight starters returning on offense and defense hopes to challenge the Beavers.

“Falls City has got a great program going,” said Yorktown coach John David Caffey. “We got to see them for the first

time in a number of years and our guys hopefully understand the level at which they’re playing at and that’s where we want to be. We have a bunch of kids who have a lot of experience and have worked really hard and who are ready to take that next step.”

Louise started practice a week late because of COVID-19. The Hornets lost some talented skill players from last season’s playoff team, but have experience on the offensive and defensive lines.

“They look pretty good,” said Louise coach Joe Bill. “They pick stuff up pretty quickly. They haven’t missed a beat. I think we can be in the mix. I like our chances and like the district we’re in.”

Runge finished third last season and went through two coaching changes.

Woodsboro struggled in coach Johny Lesak’s first season. The Eagles return a majority of starters and hope to make a push for a playoff spot.

“Things we were able to do in the first week of practice, there were times I can’t remember how long it took to get to it last year,” Lesak said. “We feel like we’re going to be a lot better. Everything so far has been a lot better. We don’t have huge numbers, but we have good numbers now.”

DISTRICT 16-2A, DIVISION II

Falls City Beavers Coach: Mark Kirchhoff Last Season’s Record: 11-3, 6-0 Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, state semifinals Returning Starters: WR/DB Wesley Molina, RB/LB Cole Thomas, QB/DB Luke Shaffer, RB/LB Cody Arrisola, RB/LB Grant Jendrusch, OL Brandon Moczygemba, OL/DL Tristan Niedenberger, OL Peyton Jurgajtis, LB Devin Janysek.

Yorktown Wildcats Coach: John David Caffey Last Season’s Record: 7-4, 5-1 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, area Returning Starters: QB Drew Alexander, RB Gabe Latta, OL/DT Ethan Pompa, OL Philip Yeretsky, OL Kyron Lemke, OL Hunter Hall, OL/DT Vayden Buch, WR/CB Kalen Barefield, DE Blake Boyd, FS Cade Martin, ILB Dylan Respondek, ILB Joshua Sanger, OLB De’Quan Clay.

Runge Yellowjackets Last Season’s Record: 6-4, 4-2 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, bi-district Returning Starters: LB Bo Fraga, OL/DL Antonio

Lopez, QB/DB Joe Fraga, OL/LB Sabastian Reyna, OL/LB Isaiah Rios, OL/DL Broden Garcia, ATH Gavin Gutierrez.

Louise Hornets Coach: Joe Bill Last Season’s Record: 5-3, 3-3 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2020, bi-district Returning Starters: RB/LB Blayke Yeager, G/DT DD Gaona, G/NG Chris Vasquez, WR Holden Watson, C Pete Galvan, OT Damian Gundelach, OT/DE Marco Torres, LB/K/P Roy Arambide, S Kyle Anderson, CB Angel Reyes, CB Jaden Brown, DE Tayveon Kimble.

Woodsboro Eagles Coach: Johny Lesak Last Season’s Record: 1-7, 1-5 district Last Playoff Appearance: 2018, regional Returning Starters: WR/LB James Meacham, RB/ DL Colton Wiginton, OL/DL Derrik Perez, QB/S Roger Gonzalez, OL/DL Izak Gonzalez, OL/DL Logan Meacham, OL/DL Juan Estraca, OL/DL Evan Blaker, RB/LB Braxton Ladner, WR/LB Joseph Singleterry, WR/DB Dereck Hatchett, RB/LB Adam Dominguez, OL/DL Michael Love, OL/DL Reed Fricks, RB/LB TK Morgan, OL/DL Brenner Kurtz, OL Jakob Knight, OL/ DL Braden Briseno, OL/ Braiden Harmon.

TAPPS DIVISION IV, DISTRICT 3

St. Paul eyeing 4th straight state title

BY KEVIN ALSTROM

SPECIAL TO THE ADVOCATE

Following its third state championship in a row, and fifth in six years, Shiner St. Paul will return 15 starters in the quest to win a fourth consecutive state title.

“We feel like we have the opportunity to have a good year,” said St. Paul coach Jake Wachsmuth. “We have a long way to go, but the teams that are successful are the teams that work at it everyday and keep getting better and better.”

St. Paul won TAPPS Division IV, District 3 last season, going 8-1 overall and 3-1 in district.

The Cardinals beat Bryan Brazos Christian, Tombau Rosehill Christian and Waco Reicher in the playoffs, averaging 51 points per game.

Running back Zak Johnson will lead the offense, while Noah and Nate Boedeker will anchor the defense.

Hallettsville Sacred Heart will be under the direction of first-year head coach Brad

Oden. The Indians wrapped up the 2020 season with a 2-4 record, going 1-2 in district. Sacred Heart lost in the first round to Houston Lutheran North.

The offense will feature returning quarterback Austin Kutac, along with running backs Korbin Koehne and Brady Haas.

The trio will also anchor the defense alongside linebacker Will Harper and defensive lineman Trey Daniels. Nick Angerstein returns at kicker for the Indians.

“Our players have worked very hard and they are very determined to have the best football team they can possibly have,” said Oden.

St. Paul and Sacred Heart compete in TAPPS Division IV, District 3, which includes Central Texas Christian, San Antonio Holy Cross, and New Braunfels John Paul II. St. Paul and Sacred Heart play in Shiner on Oct. 15.

ERNESTO GARCIA/SPECIAL TO THE ADVOCATE

Shiner St. Paul is looking to win its fourth state championship in a row and sixth in the last seven seasons.

F22 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021

VictoriaAdvocate.com

2021 High School Football Schedules Victoria East

September 24 vs Victoria St. Joseph 7:30 p.m.

October 1 vs Weimar 7:30 p.m.

August 27 @ West Columbia 7 p.m.

October 8 @ Refugio 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Alice 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Three Rivers 7:30 p.m.

September 9 vs Carroll 7 p.m.

October 22 @ Kenedy 7:30 p.m.

September 16 @ Veterans Memorial 7 p.m. October 29 vs Freer 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs Flour Bluff 7:30 p.m.

October 1 @ Victoria West 7:30 p.m.

October 8 vs King 7:30 p.m.

October 22 @ Gregory-Portland 7:30 p.m.

August 27 @ Navarro TBD October 29 vs Ray 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Stafford 7 p.m.

November 5 @ Moody 7:30 p.m.

September 10 @ El Campo 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Bryan Rudder 7 p.m.

September 24 vs Houston Second Baptist 7 p.m.

August 27 @ Lockhart 7:30 p.m.

October 8 vs Beeville 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Beeville 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Tuloso-Midway 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Flour Bluff 7:30 p.m.

October 23 @ Miller 2:30 p.m.

September 24 @ King 7:30 p.m.

October 29 vs Alice 7:30 p.m.

October 1 vs Victoria East 7:30 p.m.

November 5 @ Calallen 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Gregory-Portland 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Ray 7:30 p.m.

October 22 @ Moody 7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ Carroll 7:30 p.m.

August 27 vs LaVernia 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs Veterans Memorial 7:30 p.m. September 3 vs Wimberley 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Yoakum 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Navarro 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Karnes City 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs Somerset 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Northland Christian 7 p.m. October 8 @ La Grange 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Premont 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Giddings 7:30 p.m.

September 24 @ Bloomington 7:30 p.m.

October 22 @ Navasota 7:30 p.m.

October 1 @ Wallis Brazos 7:30 p.m.

October 29 vs Smithville 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Houston Second Baptist 7 p.m. November 5 @ Gonzales 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Lutheran South 7 p.m.

October 22 @ Fort Bend Christian 7 p.m.

October 30 vs Woodsland Christian 11 a.m.

August 27 vs East Bernard 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs Spring Frassati 7 p.m.

September 3 vs Bay City 7:30 p.m.

September 10 @ Refugio 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Columbus 7:30 p.m.

August 27 vs Sweeny 7:30 p.m.

September 24 @ Goliad 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Edna 7:30 p.m.

October 1 vs Mathis 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Wharton 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Aransas Pass 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Vidor 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Orange Grove 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs Sealy 7:30 p.m.

October 22 @ Palacios 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Brazosport 7 p.m.

October 29 vs Industrial 7:30 p.m.

October 15 @ Columbia 7 p.m.

October 22 vs El Campo 7 p.m.

October 29 @ Needville 7 p.m.

November 5 vs Stafford 7 p.m.

August 27 vs Gonzales 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Fulshear 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Calhoun 7:30 p.m.

August 27 vs Flour Bluff 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Wharton 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Victoria West 7:30 p.m.

September 24 @ Boerne Champion September 10 vs Pearsall 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Somerset 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Stafford 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs La Feria 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Brazosport 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Calhoun 7:30 p.m.

October 22 @ Bay City 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Alice 7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ Columbia 7:30 p.m.

October 22 @ Tuloso Midway 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs Needville 7:30 p.m.

October 29 vs Calallen 7:30 p.m.

November 5 @ Miller 7:30 p.m.

Calhoun

Victoria West

Cuero

Victoria St. Joseph

October 8 vs Yorktown 7 p.m.

October 15 @ Louise 7 p.m.

October 22 vs Runge 7 p.m.

October 29 @ Agua Dulce 7 p.m.

November 5 vs Woodsboro 7 p.m.

Flatonia

August 27 vs Runge 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Stockdale 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Mart 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Palacios 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs East Bernard 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Schulenburg 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Shiner 7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ Weimar 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs Ganado 7:30 p.m.

Ganado

August 27 vs Industrial 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Tidehaven 7:30 p.m.

September 10 @ Hallettsville 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Palacios 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs East Bernard 7:30 p.m.

October 1 vs Refugio 7:30 p.m.

October 8 vs Weimar 7:30 p.m.

October 22 @ Schulenburg 7:30 p.m.

October 29 vs Shiner 7:30 p.m.

November 5 @ Flatonia 7:30 p.m.

Goliad

August 27 vs Rice Consolidated 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Marion 7:30 p.m.

September 10 @ George West 7:30 p.m.

September 17 vs Bishop 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs Edna 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Mathis 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Aransas Pass 7:30 p.m.

October 22 @ Orange Grove 7:30 p.m.

October 29 vs Palacios 7:30 p.m.

November 5 @ Industrial 7:30 p.m.

Gonzales

August 27 @ El Campo 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Austin Crockett 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Fredericksburg 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Ingleside 7:30 p.m.

September 24 @ Jarrell 7:30 p.m.

October 8 vs Giddings 7:30 p.m.

October 15 @ Smithville 7:30 p.m.

October 22 vs La Grange 7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ Navasota 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs Cuero 7:30 p.m.

SEE SCHEDULES, PG. 23

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Edna

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Bay City

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El Campo

Beeville

Bloomington

August 27 vs Nixon-Smiley 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Louise 7:30 p.m.

September 10 @ Benavides 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Runge 7:30 p.m.

Falls City

August 27 vs Three Rivers 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Poth 7:30 p.m.

September 10 @ Stockdale 7:30 p.m.

September 17 vs Flatonia 7:30 p.m.

October 1 @ Pettus 7 p.m.

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VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021 —

VictoriaAdvocate.com

F23

SCHEDULES CONT. FROM F22

Louise

September 10 vs Charlotte 7:30 p.m.

September 17 vs Bloomington 7:30 p.m.

August 27 @ Danbury 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs Louise 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Bloomington 7:30 p.m.

August 27 vs Shiner 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Agua Dulce 7:30 p.m.

September 10 @ High Island 7 p.m.

October 15 vs Woodsboro 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Industrial 7:30 p.m.

September 17 vs Hallettsville Sacred Heart 7:30 p.m. October 22 @ Falls City 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Ganado 7:30 p.m.

October 29 vs Pettus 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Rice Consolidated 7:30 p.m. September 24 @ Runge 7:30 p.m.

October 1 vs Agua Dulce 7 p.m.

November 5 @ Yorktown 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs Schulenburg 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Woodsboro 7 p.m.

October 8 @ Hempstead 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Falls City 7 p.m.

October 15 vs Boling 7:30 p.m.

October 22 @ Pettus 7:30 p.m.

October 22 @ Yoakum 7:30 p.m.

August 27 @ Stockdale 7:30 p.m.

October 29 vs Yorktown 7 p.m.

October 29 @ Columbus 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Universal City Randolph November 5 vs Hitchcock 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Shiner St. Paul 7:30 p.m.

August 27 @ Bloomington 7:30 p.m.

September 17 vs East Bernard 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Three Rivers 7:30 p.m.

September 24 @ Hallettsville 7:30 p.m.

August 27 @ Brazos Christian 7 p.m.

September 10 vs Hallettsville Sacred Heart 7:30 p.m. October 1 @ Luling 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Rosehill Christian 7 p.m.

September 17 @ Charlotte 7:30 p.m.

October 8 vs Flatonia 7:30 p.m.

September 10 @ Nixon-Smiley 7:30 p.m.

September 24 @ Stockdale 7:30 p.m.

October 15 @ Weimar 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Louise 7:30 p.m.

October 1 vs George West 7:30 p.m.

October 22 vs Ganado 7:30 p.m.

September 24 @ Lee Academy TBD October 15 @ Natalia 7:30 p.m.

November 5 @ Shiner 7:30 p.m.

October 1 vs Lutheran South Academy October 22 vs Poth 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ Karnes City 7:30 p.m.

October 8 vs Central Texas Christian 7:30 p.m. November 5 vs Dilley 7:30 p.m.

August 27 @ Hallettsville 7:30 p.m.

October 15 @ St. Paul 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Blanco 7:30 p.m.

October 22 vs John Paul II 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs San Antonio Davenport 7:30 p.m.

November 5 @ Holy Cross 6:30 p.m.

August 27 vs Yoakum 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Poth 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Rice Consolidated September 24 vs Burton 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

October 1 vs Wall (@ Fredericksburg) 7 p.m.

August 27 @ Ganado 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Tidehaven 7:30 p.m.

October 15 @ Flatonia 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Hallettsville 7:30 p.m.

September 17 vs Ganado 7:30 p.m.

October 22 vs Weimar 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Van Vleck 7:30 p.m.

September 24 @ Aransas Pass 7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ Ganado 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Tidehaven 7:30 p.m.

October 1 vs Orange Grove 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs Schulenburg 7:30 p.m.

September 24 @ Mathis 7:30 p.m.

October 15 @ Industrial 7:30 p.m.

October 22 vs Edna 7:30 p.m.

October 1 vs Aransas Pass 7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ Goliad 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Orange Grove 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs Mathis 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Palacios 7:30 p.m.

August 27 vs Yorktown 7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ Edna 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Cypress Community Christian 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs Goliad 7:30 p.m.

September 10 @ Schulenburg 7:30 p.m.

August 27 @ Bruni 7 p.m.

September 24 @ Magnolia Legacy Prep 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs George West 7:30 p.m.

October 1 @ Houston Lutheran North 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Edna 7:30 p.m.

August 27 @ Kenedy 7:30 p.m.

October 8 vs San Antonio Holy Cross 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Sabinal 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Victoria St. Joseph October 15 vs Hallettsville Sacred Heart 7:30 p.m.

September 24 @ Crystal City 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ Temple Central Christian 7:30 p.m.

October 1 @ Ganado 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Mathis 7:30 p.m.

November 5 @ Schertz John Paul II 7:30 p.m.

October 8 vs Bloomington 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Three Rivers 7:30 p.m.

October 22 vs Three Rivers 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs Poth 7:30 p.m.

October 29 vs Kenedy 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Dilley 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs Freer 7:30 p.m.

August 27 vs Weimar 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Stockdale 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Ganado 7:30 p.m.

October 22 @ George West 7:30 p.m.

September 10 @ Palacios 7:30 p.m.

October 29 vs Nixon-Smiley 7:30 p.m.

August 27 @ Goliad 7:30 p.m.

September 17 vs Industrial 7:30 p.m.

November 5 @ Natalia 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Palacios 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs Flatonia 7:30 p.m.

September 9 @ Columbus 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Rice Consolidated 7:30 p.m.

September 17 vs Hallettsville 7:30 p.m.

October 15 @ Brazos 7:30 p.m.

August 27 vs Karnes City 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs Hempstead 7:30 p.m.

October 22 vs Van Vleck 7:30 p.m.

September 4 vs Progreso @ Premont 2 p.m. October 8 vs Tidehaven 7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ East Bernard 7:30 p.m.

October 15 @ Van Vleck 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Woodsboro 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs Danbury 7:30 p.m.

October 22 vs East Bernard 7:30 p.m.

September 17 @ Taft 7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ Danbury 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs La Villa 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs Brazos 7:30 p.m.

October 1 vs Riviera-Kaufer 7:30 p.m.

August 27 vs Hitchcock 7:30 p.m.

October 15 @ Freer 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Boling 7:30 p.m.

October 22 vs Bloomington 7:30 p.m.

September 10 @ Industrial 7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ Refugio 7:30 p.m.

August 27 @ Flatonia 7:30 p.m.

September 17 vs Fort Bend Christian 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs Three Rivers 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Bruni 7:30 p.m.

September 24 @ Weimar 7:30 p.m.

Hallettsville

Schulenburg

Hallettsville Sacred Heart

Nixon-Smiley

Shiner

Palacios

Industrial

Weimar

August 27 @ Tidehaven 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Yorktown 7:30 p.m.

September 10 @ Luling 7:30 p.m.

September 17 vs Brazos 7:30 p.m.

September 24 vs Van Vleck 7:30 p.m.

October 1 @ Bloomington 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Ganado 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Schulenburg 7:30 p.m.

October 22 @ Shiner 7:30 p.m.

October 29 vs Flatonia 7:30 p.m.

Wharton

August 27 vs Navasota 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ West Columbia 7 p.m.

September 10 @ Bay City 7:30 p.m.

September 17 vs El Campo 7:30 p.m.

September 24 @ Stafford 7 p.m.

October 8 vs Bellville 7 p.m.

October 15 @ Sweeny 7 p.m.

October 22 vs La Marque 7 p.m.

October 29 vs Sealy 7 p.m.

November 5 @ Brookshire Royal 7 p.m.

Woodsboro

Shiner St. Paul

August 27 vs Taft 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Riviera-Kaufer 7 p.m.

September 10 @ Kenedy 7:30 p.m.

September 18 vs Ben Bolt 6 p.m.

September 24 vs Pettus 7 p.m.

October 1 @ Yorktown 7 p.m.

October 8 vs Louise 7 p.m.

October 15 @ Runge 7 p.m.

October 22 @ Agua Dulce 7 p.m.

November 5 @ Falls City 7 p.m.

Tidehaven

August 27 @ Palacios 7:30 p.m.

September 3 vs Smithville 7:30 p.m.

September 10 @ Cuero 7:30 p.m.

September 17 vs Needville 7:30 p.m.

September 24 @ Navasota 7:30 p.m.

October 8 @ Boling 7:30 p.m.

October 15 @ Columbus 7:30 p.m.

October 22 vs Hallettsville 7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ Hitchcock 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs Hempstead 7:30 p.m.

Van Vleck

August 27 @ Shiner St. Paul 7:30 p.m.

September 3 @ Weimar 7:30 p.m.

September 10 vs Austin Brentwood Christian 7 p.m.

September 17 vs Stockdale 7 p.m.

September 24 @ Agua Dulce 7 p.m.

October 1 vs Woodsboro 7 p.m.

October 8 @ Falls City 7 p.m.

October 15 vs Pettus 7 p.m.

October 29 @ Louise 7 p.m.

November 5 vs Runge 7 p.m.

Refugio

Karnes City

Rice Consolidated

Kenedy

Runge

October 8 @ Danbury 7:30 p.m.

October 15 vs Rice Consolidated 7:30 p.m.

October 22 @ Tidehaven 7:30 p.m.

October 29 @ Brazos 7:30 p.m.

November 5 vs East Bernard 7:30 p.m.

Yoakum

Yorktown

F24 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE, August 26, 2021

VictoriaAdvocate.com

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