2 - Sunday, August 23, 2015 · Football preview
National title talk at TLU is legitimate Tucker Stephenson sports@seguingazette.com
Leave it to TLU head coach Danny Padron and his staff to outdo themselves once again. A year after delivering the best season of football in Texas Lutheran’s DIII era, Padron reports that, somehow, his Bulldogs are even better in 2015. “This is the best team we’ve ever had here since we’ve been coaching — no question about it,” Padron said. “Whether we are as successful as we were last year remains to be seen. We can’t control the teams that we play, and we play great teams, but we think this is the best team we’ve had.” And TLU isn’t shy about where its sights are currently set coming off of the first NCAA Division III playoff berth in program history. “Our goals now are not just a conference championship, but now we’re working for a national championship — and we’re not afraid to say it,” Padron said. “We’re working toward that, and we’re pursuing it and so we’re believing that we’re in that group of elite teams and that’s what we want to be.” The reason why Padron is so excited about his 2015 squad is obvious — returners and talented youngsters abound throughout the roster. Perhaps the only area that looks like it has work to do on paper is the offensive line, which must find a way to replace All-American Kendall Wilkerson and All-SCAC performer Matt Hochstrasser. But Padron reported that there are plenty of players ready to thrive in a starter’s role. “I just don’t think that there’s an area that’s glaring that we will have to worry about,” Padron said. “I believe we’ve got guys that have been in our program and are ready to step up.” Back for 2015 along the O-line are three-year starter and senior Eddie Scott at right tackle, junior Daven Klein at center and junior Tyler Howlett, who will move from left guard to left tackle for Texas Lutheran. Padron said that sophomore Johnny Garcia will start at right guard, while a battle is currently underway at left guard between senior Andrew Rodriguez and freshman Chris Bennett. Senior Mac Prichard-Warren will occupy the starting tight end spot.
As long as the offensive line is able to create holes and protect the passer, the Bulldogs will likely continue to light up the scoreboard at a record pace. Junior Marquis Barrolle, who led all of NCAA Division III in rushing a year ago, returns — as does senior running back A.J. Saucedo. Barrolle was named a second-team preseason All-American by D3football.com after turning in an incredibly impressive résumé in 2014. The 5-foot-4 feature back scored 14 touchdowns and set or tied TLU school marks for rushing yards in a season (1,792), rushing yards in a game (288), rushing TDs in a game (four — tied with three others), total TDs in a game (four — tied with five others), points scored in a game (24 — tied with five others), carries in a game (50), all-purpose yardage in a game (324), all-purpose yardage in a season (2,068), total carries (297), games with more than 200 yards rushing (four) and games with more than 100 yards rushing (eight). If that’s not enough by itself, TLU will also have senior Trenton White back at quarterback to go along with an even more seasoned receiving corps. “I think we have really gained from experience,” Padron said of his wideouts. “We are just years and years ahead of where we were last year at this time with our wide receivers.” The Bulldogs’ wide receiving corps will include junior Caleb Oliver, sophomore J.B. Brown, sophomore Logan Thompson, sophomore Reggie Jackson, sophomore Al Pollard-Baylor, junior Jacob Tingle and freshman Jekovan Holmes. Dan Kinsey - Special to the Gazette On the defensive side of the ball, the biggest shoes to fill in 2015 belong to departed Texas Lutheran sophomore RB Marquis Barrolle — a 5-foot-4 dynamo — comes into this defensive ends Bryan Doolittle and Ethan season as NCAA Division III’s reigning rushing champion after racking up 1,792 yards in 2014. Powell and middle linebacker Joey Meza. Padron said that the defensive line won’t ulldogs be lacking experience or play-making ability, though, as senior Jonathan Olonade, junior Broderick Sargent, junior Brandon 2015 Schedule Stephens, senior Dominick Stives, senior Sept. 5 @ Sul Ross State 6 p.m. Andrew Syrinek and senior Tre La Grone Sept. 12 Hardin-Simmons 6 p.m. all have the ability to be impact players. Sept. 19 Louisiana College 6 p.m. At linebacker, all-conference choice Sept. 26 SAGU 6 p.m. Oct. 3 Howard Payne (Homecoming) 6 p.m. Darian Candler, a junior, will hold down Oct. 10 @ ETBU 6 p.m. the weakside spot, while senior Jake Bahr is Oct. 24 @ Mary Hardin-Baylor 1 p.m. set to step in for Meza in the middle. Junior Oct. 31 @ Trinity* 1 p.m. Matt McCullough and sophomore Casey Nov. 7 Austin College* 1 p.m. Nov. 14 @ Southwestern* 6 p.m. Viator are set to vie for playing time at the strongside position. * Denotes SCAC contest TLU - 8
TLU B
Football preview · Sunday, August 23, 2015 - 3
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Dan Kinsey - Special to the Gazette
Navarro junior Jared Leal is just one of the many talented backs that will take turns racking up yardage in the Panthers’ vaunted Slot-T rushing attack. Leal ran for 521 yards and 4 TDs in 2014.
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Fully-loaded Panthers set to make serious run Scot Kibbe Navarro Football Writer GERONIMO — Congratulations, Navarro Panther fans. It is finally 2015. Success on the gridiron has become as much a part of Geronimo as Loera’s Tamale Hut and the Grain Bin. But prospects for this season practically have fans driving circles around ErwinLee Field waiting for the gates to open. To understand why, look at these numbers: — 10 starters return on defense. — Eight starters return on offense. — 10 positions on the 13-4A-II AllDistrict team in 2014 were filled by Panthers who are returning this year. — Two MVPs (not counted on the all-district team) are back — District MVP Jake Wright and Defensive MVP Ty Shelton, both linebackers. — 42 of the 48 touchdowns Navarro scored last season came from players who are returning in 2015. — 30 wins in the past three years, including a district championship with a young team last season.
Navarro head coach Les Goad agreed there is “excitement in the air” regarding this team. But he is not quite ready to plan his holidays around the state championship game at the Alamodome. “We’re excited but cautious,” he said. “We’ve got a quality group with lots of experience. They compare well to any team we’ve had and can challenge anyone in this region. “But we have a lack of depth because we didn’t get as many kids coming out to play this year as we did before. That means we can afford very few injuries and may have to play some of our guys more than we would like.” As long as they’re able to stay healthy, however, the Panthers should give opponents fits. The defensive unit might be the best Navarro has ever put on the field. The leader is junior inside linebacker Wright, whose team-leading 144 tackles, four sacks and five forced fumbles earned him the district’s top honor. Goad said Wright has “a tenacious motor on defense.” NAVARRO - 8
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4 - Sunday, August 23, 2015 · Football preview
A year older, Bulldogs primed for playoff push Tucker Stephenson sports@seguingazette.com
Melanie Krause - Special to the Gazette
Marion junior Edher Nava Arroyo — a three-year starter — will use his athleticism and speed to provide the Bulldogs with a threat on the offensive side of the ball.
MARION — Despite all of Marion’s shortcomings in 2014, the team showed up each week as if its record was 0-0. And in the end, the Bulldogs’ 1-9 overall mark can be summed up in one brief evaluation from head coach Bruce Salmon. “We were just a little undersized and a little under-experienced,” Salmon said. But time has a funny way of turning yesterday’s rookies into today’s veterans. As far as senior running back Daron Rice is concerned, 2014 is nothing but a distant memory. “We’re not even thinking about last year,” Rice said. “We’re thinking about a whole new season, and we’ll get it this year. I have confidence in my team. I think we’re going to be real good.”
Rice transferred to Marion in midseason last year and ended up second on the team in rushing behind fellow returning senior Hayden Holmes. But the Bulldogs’ running game was hampered by a brand new offensive line in 2014 that struggled with the usual learning curve that goes along with moving up to varsity competition at a young age. This season looks like it will be a different story, however. “They’ve developed a lot,” Rice said of the offensive line. “They’re a lot quicker, they know what they’re doing and they have all the calls, so it’s easier to read.” With Rice and Holmes set to battle for carries alongside sophomore Jacob Berry at running back, the blocking up front will be vital to give all three a chance to keep the chains moving. MARION - 10
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Falcons aim to regain championship form Tucker Stephenson sports@seguingazette.com Just three short years ago, the Lifegate Falcons reached the summit in TAPPS Six-Man Division II, winning their first-ever state title on the gridiron. And while the years that followed were anything but rebuilding seasons, Lifegate has yet to plant another flag at the top of the mountain. After being moved to the new TAPPS Six-Man Division III in 2014, though, the Falcons gave eventual state champion Fredericksburg Heritage all it could handle in a second-round playoff matchup in Seguin. It was by far the Eagles’ biggest test en route to their sixth state championship. And with Lifegate bidding farewell to only one senior — while welcoming back three all-state performers — it may not be long until the Falcons join their rivals in the exclusive multi-title club. In fact, one of those all-state returnees — first-team wide receiver and defensive back Daniel Fiedler — thinks that there’s no better time than the present. “After last year losing to (Heritage) and seeing that they won state beating everyone by 45, we feel like we have a good chance,” Fiedler said. “We lost to them by eight (in the playoffs). We feel like this is our year.” Head coach John Rabon said the
amount of youth that saw playing time last season has turned into a huge positive for the 2015 campaign. “As freshmen, there’s several of those guys that had to play, and last year we improved quite a bit,” Rabon said. “This year we’ve got a couple of seniors who will lead us. We’ve got probably six or seven juniors and a couple of sophomores, so we ought to be in pretty good shape.” Lifegate is loaded at every position on the field, with Fiedler joining an offense that features fellow all-state honorees Mike McKinney and Steele Sullivan, both juniors. McKinney is a tight end that excels in the passing game, while Sullivan is a valuable chess piece, having Felicia Frazar - Seguin Gazette shown the ability to run, pass, catch and Lifegate junior Steele Sullivan has proven to be an all-around performer on both sides of the even throw an effective block. ball, earning all-state honors in 2014. He will move to safety this year for the Falcon defense. That trio will join senior spreadback Austin Rabon, sophomore spreadback/ running back Cayden Pruet, junior running back Logan Garrison, centers Matt McKinney, a junior, and Barry Osborne, a sophomore, and talented junior wideouts Hagen Tetzlaff, Matthew Foster and Johnnie Reneau to make up a formidable core on the offensive side of the ball. On defense, which is Coach Rabon’s specialty, the Falcons are just as tough, especially since most of his players are equally as good at tackling as they are at racking up first downs. LIFEGATE - 11
Lifegate Falcons
Football preview · Sunday, August 23, 2015 - 5
2015 Schedule
Aug. 28 @ Waco Methodist 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 @ Austin Veritas 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 @ SA Castle Hills 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 NB Christian 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 Capital Christian 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 @ Frederickburg Heritage* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 Living Rock Academy* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 Believers* (Homecoming) 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 @ SM Hill Country* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 @ SA Atonement 5 p.m. * Denotes TAPPS Six-Man Division III District 3 contest
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6 - Sunday, August 23, 2015 · Football preview
A more confident Seguin ready for ’15 Tucker Stephenson sports@seguingazette.com Entering year two of the Anthony Boykin era, the Seguin Matadors appear to be confident about their progress within the new system. With a full season — and offseason — under their belt, Seguin’s players are reporting that they’re able to play faster than at this point a season ago. “As soon as we came into twoa-days, everybody was clicking and everybody knew the plays,” senior running back Avion Dora said. “There was no confusion. Last year everybody was all over the place, but now there’s no excuse — we know everything.” But plenty of question marks still remain on both sides of the football, starting with the Mats’ offensive line. After bidding farewell to a seasoned group in 2014, Seguin will welcome five new starters into the fold this year — with four of those five set to make the transition from JV to varsity. The lone player with varsity experience is junior Damian Sanders, who will occupy the crucial center position. “That’s where it all starts,” Boykin said of Sanders’ spot. “Our two guards will be (junior) JC Castillo and a battle between (junior) Andrew Gaitan and Luis Arriaga, who’s the lone senior. The tackles we’re working with
Felicia Frazar - Seguin Gazette
Seguin senior wide receiver Brock Gerlich (right) is the team’s top returning pass-catcher this season. The 6-foot-6 wideout hauled in 34 receptions for 379 yards and six touchdowns a season ago. Also pictured is senior running back Avion Dora, who may line up at wide receiver in certain situations.
are (junior) Lucas Haskins, (junior) Hunter York, and we’re trying to see if (junior) Zach Hostetter can work himself in that mix also.” Thus far, however, Dora has been excited about what he’s seen from the revamped O-line. “A lot of people think we’re going to have problems because of our offensive line this year, but I don’t think that,” Dora said. “The offensive line is looking
pretty good — the holes are pretty big. We’re going to be alright.” Seguin will also move senior Will Downie from fullback to tight end in 2015, with Boykin saying that he’s looking for “a little more pass-catching” from the position this year. Dora leads a talented group of skill players on the Seguin offense and has proven to be a versatile weapon for the Matadors. Dora ran for 662
yards and eight touchdowns last season and also hauled in 21 passes for 289 yards and another score. Boykin said the team will continue to find ways to get Dora the ball in areas where he can do some damage. “He’s a guy we’ve got to get the ball in his hands at different positions and have him make plays,” the coach said. Seguin’s offense also features
two twin towers at wide receiver — 6-foot-6 senior Brock Gerlich and 6-foot-3 senior Dylan Taylor — to go along with slot receiver/running back Shay Boenig, who’s also a senior. Gerlich is the team’s top returning wideout, coming off of a season in which he recorded 34 catches for 379 yards and six TDs. Taylor is making the transition back to offense after playing linebacker in 2014.
Seguin Matadors 2015 Schedule Aug. 28 @ Cedar Park Vista Ridge 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 New Braunfels 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 @ Lockhart* 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 San Marcos* (Homecoming) 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 @ SA Memorial* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 Alamo Heights* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 @ Floresville* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 Kerrville Tivy* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 @ SA Kennedy* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 Boerne Champion* 7:30 p.m.
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Football preview · Sunday, August 23, 2015 - 7
“Both of them compete for the ball real well,” Boykin said of the receiving tandem, “so it’s a nice luxury to have.” The height at wide receiver should help new starting quarterback Mark Garcia, a junior who is making the move from fullback. Garcia’s backup — sophomore Brandon Palomares — has shown flashes of brilliance in scrimmages so far, though, and may even force the coaches to give him some carries at running back. Boykin is hoping that his players’ overall knowledge of his up-tempo offense will negate the lack of experience at certain areas. “We were still learning the guys’ names at this time last year,” Boykin said. “So just think about going through an offseason, spring ball, summer 7-on-7 — all of those things that we didn’t have last year, so we’re a lot better off. And the defense
will hold us down until we get going.” The Matadors return multiple key performers defensively, including senior defensive linemen Dylan Gaddis and Tyler Villegas. Boykin said that Villegas will play a hybrid defensive end position that allows him to rush the passer and also utilize his 6-foot-5 frame to affect the passing game. Also joining the defensive line are juniors Duncan Bauer, a transfer from Leander, and Caleb Pena, who moved from Odessa last season. Villegas said that Seguin’s front line is focused on keeping opponents from racking up yardage on the ground. “We have a lot of different packages,” Villegas said. “We’re coming along real well with a bunch of plays, and we’re focusing more on stopping the run game.” MATADORS - 9
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The Matadors will welcome back senior linebacker Joe Flores (right) and defensive end Tyler Villegas this season as Seguin hopes to be able to slow its high-powered district competitors.
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8 - Sunday, August 23, 2015 · Football preview NAVARRO - 3
TLU - 2
“He is so physical and plays with such emotional intensity,” Goad said. “He has one speed — all out.” Wright said the defense is helped by its “camaraderie.” “We’re all really hyped when we’re out there and everybody feeds off each other,” he said. “We worked hard in the offseason, and we’re ready to go on ‘D.’” Junior inside linebacker Ty Shelton, whom Wright calls, “my smash bro,” stands to wreak some havoc of his own. Shelton made 94 tackles last season and led the team with seven quarterback hurries. He appears to be fully recovered from the ACL tear he suffered in Navarro’s playoff loss to Cuero last November. The third inside linebacker in the Panther’s defense is Allan Jonas, who was first-team all-district. At outside linebacker, Jared Leal returns from an injury-plagued 2014 season. Sam Marbach will round out the starting linebacker corps. In the secondary, safety Will Eveld was the standout a year ago as a freshman when he picked off a school-record six passes. Manny Longoria will return at one corner, while Goad hopes Anthony Grant will be able to overcome a hamstring injury so he can play corner on the other side. Cedrick Lewis and Garrett Weaver will see time in that position at least until his return. On the defensive line, the Panthers expect to start Jeremy Rodriguez, Matt Gomez and Kyle Marshall. Rodriguez and Gomez were first-team all-district last year and Marshall was a second-team selection. Tanner Whitson, a transfer from Seguin, has gained a lot of attention in preseason scrimmages and may see significant playing time on the line. Offensively, Eveld will get his first full
Even more talent and experience will reside in the Texas Lutheran secondary, where three-year starter Drake Dowling, a senior safety, is set to wreak havoc alongside fellow safety Michael Wall, a junior, and cornerbacks Jordan Sims and Chantz Singletary — a senior and junior, respectively. All four are returning starters, but Padron said that junior Cameron Scott will also move to corner to add depth. The coach also mentioned that freshman defensive back Justus Parker — a La Vernia product — is just one of the newcomers in the secondary who has caught the eye of Padron and his staff. “We’ve got a slew of freshmen that are very, very talented — Jubias Cloud, Travis Cook and Taylor Hall to name a few,” Padron said. Texas Lutheran will play the same 10 teams it did a year ago, with the Bulldogs set to make a return trip to Belton for a playoff rematch against Mary Hardin-Baylor on Oct. 24. TLU gave UMHB all it could handle last season in a 27-20 defeat in Belton that came four weeks after the Bulldogs absorbed a 72-16 drubbing at the hands of the Cru in Seguin. Padron said that the way his team rebounded was a turning point for the program. “We knew we could play with them,” the coach said. “We just had to get out there and play like we were supposed to play. I think that’s a big deal for us. We learned from it, got better and the game, although we lost in the end, it showed we can play with these guys.” Texas Lutheran’s conference schedule will feature Trinity, Southwestern and Austin College. TLU will enter SCAC play as the two-time defending champion.
Felicia Frazar - Seguin Gazette
Navarro junior linebacker Jake Wright will spearhead a swarming Panther defense in 2015. Wright was named the District 13-4A-II MVP a season ago after making 144 total tackles.
season at quarterback after starting the last four games last season. Goad said he is “taking charge of the offense” and is steadily improving. His main target will likely be receiver Sam Marbach, a big play weapon who caught 10 passes for 284 yards and five touchdowns to lead the team last year. Expect Marbach and other Panther receivers and running backs to catch more passes this year. In addition to having a more experienced passer, Goad has been mixing in some spread offense in scrimmages to get his playmakers in open space. The Slot-T offense will continue to be the Panthers’ base, however, so the ground yards should pile up again this year. For the first time in Goad’s nineyear tenure, the Panthers did not have a 1,000-yard rusher last season. But they return their entire starting backfield — Grant at fullback, Tanner Law at slotback, and Leal at halfback. The three combined
Navarro Panthers 2015 Schedule Aug. 28 @ Medina Valley 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 Luling 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 @ Gonzales 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 St. Michael’s (Homecoming) 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 @ Comfort 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 La Vernia 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 @ Lytle* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 Hondo* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 @ Wimberley* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 Llano* 7:30 p.m. * Denotes District 13-4A-II contest
for 2,369 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns in 2014. Grant was first-team all-district. Wright and Shelton, both hard runners, will likely get significant carries again this year as well. Up front, the Panthers lost the middle of their line to graduation. The staff has moved all-district tackle Leo Juarez to guard to help in that area. Shawn Schmidt will start at center, while Joe Martella will be the other starting guard. Marshall Crabb and Lane Springs will line up at guard. Springs was secondteam all-district last year. Kellan Berry was expected to start at tight end, but a broken bone in his foot during an early practice makes his status uncertain. Goad is looking at several options at that position. Josh Ferrell will be the placekicker. He made all seven extra points in a scrimmage against South San. Shelton will get the nod at punter.
MATADORS - 7
Felicia Frazar - Seguin Gazette
Junior Mark Garcia started at fullback in 2014 but will transition to quarterback this year to captain head coach Anthony Boykin’s up-tempo offense.
Football preview · Sunday, August 23, 2015 - 9
The Mats don’t have a ton of experience returning at linebacker, but senior Joe Flores is back after seeing plenty of playing time a year ago. Sophomore Garrett Luensmann, senior Jacob Ortega, junior Cameron Gutierrez and senior Casey Jenschke are set to help occupy the middle tier of the Mats’ defense as well. The secondary appears to again be a strength, though, even with the loss of senior Trever Kilcrease, who moved out of state. Seguin is bringing back senior Benito Herrera, who recorded three interceptions last year, in addition to seniors Joseph Freeman and Johnaven Webb. Junior Christian Hampton has been getting some work at safety and junior Kory Ussery could see some playing time as well. Dora said he could even get some snaps at safety on thirdand-long situations in order to help with defending the pass. At the placekicker position, Boykin said that sophomores Daniel Salamanca and Brandon Gallegos are battling it out to try and win the job. The Matadors will have little time to gel as a team before their marathon eight-team district schedule begins. Seguin opens on the road against Cedar Park Vista Ridge before coming home to host New Braunfels in the 103rd edition of the Guadalupe River Bowl. Villegas feels that the Mats, who fell 42-21 to the Unicorns a year ago, will be much more prepared for
the rivalry this time around. “Honestly, I don’t think we were mentally prepared last year coming in with our new coach and not having spring ball,” Villegas said. “But this year, I mean, Coach Boykin was real hard on us and emphasized a lot of things and it’s a lot different now.” Herrera said that one of Boykin’s main philosophies revolves around one simple word. “Discipline,” the senior said. “That’s a big word for Coach Boykin.” Seguin will kick off its District 27-5A slate in the third week of the season and try to navigate a field that includes district favorite Kerrville Tivy as well as Alamo Heights, Boerne Champion, Floresville, Lockhart, San Marcos, San Antonio Memorial and San Antonio Kennedy. Despite the sheer number of teams vying for the four available playoff spots, Herrera said that it doesn’t change the Matadors’ mindset. “It’s just taking it game by game and week by week, and we’ll see how the season plays out,” Herrera said. “Our goal is to make the playoffs, and then after that we’ll see how things carry out.” And Boykin is quick to point out that his team won’t have to make trips to Kerrville, Boerne or Alamo Heights in 2015. “The good thing is that the quote-unquote leaders — the people who were predicted first in district — we’ve got here at Matador Stadium,” the coach said. “So we’re going to show them a little hospitality.”
10 - Sunday, August 23, 2015 · Football preview MARION - 4 Salmon said that sophomore Cole Doerr and junior Jacob Doerr will be “mainstays” on the O-line, while junior Kenton Spriggs returns as well. Senior Abe Bernardino is slated to step into a starting role, with senior John Fly and sophomore Cody Abrameit battling it out for the final slot. At the H-back position, juniors Matthew Dutton and Jon Daigle are expected to both see some time. If the offensive line can gel and do its job, Marion’s stable of skill-position players will be able to make things happen. The Bulldogs will feature senior RJ Torres, junior Edher Nava Arroyo, junior Anthony Coleman, senior Alex Arroyo and junior Jose Sanchez at the wide receiver spots, with Salmon saying that the group has done a “tremendous job” thus far. Nava Arroyo is the top returnee, coming off of a season in which he made 30 receptions for 214 yards and a score. At quarterback, the battle rages on between sophomore Nathan Newman and junior JD Raggio, who split time under center a year ago. Raggio passed for 742 yards and 11 TDs in 2014, while Newman tossed for 439 yards and a score. Salmon said that the competition has been too close to call just yet. “Both of them are really capable and they are making my job really tough as far as figuring out who to go with,” the coach said. No matter which signal caller the coaching staff chooses, Holmes said that the offense has taken huge strides from where it was last season. “We’re miles ahead of where we were last year after the first game,” Holmes said. “We’re definitely way more improved on offense.” Defensively, Holmes will combine with Sanchez to give Marion an athletic pair of defensive ends that can rush the passer and give opposing offensive tackles fits.
Melanie Krause - Special to the Gazette
Marion senior running back/linebacker Daron Rice, who transferred to the school last year, will likely have an expanded role in 2015.
Fly will mix in at defensive end as well. At the tackle positions, Cole and Jacob Doerr will share one spot, while senior Josh Duran, junior Keoki Jara and junior Ryan Bechtel are all performing well at the other spot. “We’ve got some size across the defensive line, so it’s going to be a little bit more difficult to push us around,” Salmon said. The coach said that the team will move to a 4-4 front in 2015 in an effort to contain the edge and stuff opponents’ rushing attack. Joining the fray at middle linebacker will be senior Aaron Wallace, a transfer from Stockdale. Salmon said he thinks that Wallace has all the makings of an impact performer. “He is something else,” the coach said.
Marion Bulldogs
2015 Schedule
Aug. 28 @ Yoakum 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 Karnes City 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 Canyon Lake 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 @ Poth 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 Odem 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 @ Comfort* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 Luling* (Homecoming) 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 @ SA Cole* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 Ingram Moore* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 @ Randolph* 7:30 p.m. * Denotes District 13-3A-I contest
“Aaron is a tremendous player and will probably end up being one the leaders within the bunch. His ol’ heart burns fast, and he makes sideline to sideline tackles.” As a first-year player, Wallace was impressed by the work ethic of his new teammates. “It’s a lot of competition, and everyone wants to get better all the time,” Wallace said. “I saw that at Stockdale, but it’s just something different here. The brotherhood, too. I came here and everyone just accepted me just like that, and I really appreciate that — the love and commitment from everybody.” Rice will likely play middle linebacker alongside Wallace, with sophomore Josh Rodriguez and junior Kyler Spriggs also set to battle for playing time. The outside linebackers will include Daigle, Dutton, Nava Arroyo, senior Bailey Ridgeway and senior Noah Torreros. In the secondary, Salmon said that Raggio and junior Harlan Vick will play free safety, while Torres, Newman, Alex Arroyo and senior Cullen Gonzales will also patrol the last line of the Bulldogs’ defense. Marion will again be a part of District 13-3A-I and face the likes of Comfort, Luling, Ingram Moore, Randolph and Cole. Salmon said that there’s a little bit of uncertainty surrounding certain teams due to coaching changes.
“Comfort’s got a new coach, Cole’s got a new coach and Luling’s got a new coach,” Salmon said. “It’s hard to tell what’s going to happen in those deals. Most of the teams we played last year were a little bit older, and we were a lot younger, so it’s going to be a little bit more balanced out.” However, the first order of business according to Salmon is to get something positive going before heading into district play. “I think the bigger deal for us coming off a 1-9 year is that we have some success early on in our non-district,” the coach said. “That’s my No. 1 concern right now, is that we have some success so we’ll keep our head up and keep working and keep doing the things that we’re supposed to, because I think we’re going to keep improving. “But with the confidence deal, you can’t tell them to be confident — you’ve got to have them understand it and have some success early on.” Bottom line, Holmes is determined not to suffer through another season as frustrating as 2014. “We played our hearts out last year — unfortunately we got the short end of the stick in most games, but it’s going to pay off,” Holmes said. “These kids put in a lot of work in the offseason and I’m not going out how those last seniors did — it’s not happening.”
LIFEGATE - 5 “Defensively, we’ve got returning starters at every position except safety, so Steele Sullivan will become the safety, and I’ve got to find another guy right in there,” Rabon said. “Logan Garrison, he started at defensive end last year and so did Cayden, so they’re back.” Using quick defensive ends to disrupt an opponent’s rhythm on offense has become a calling card of Rabon’s defense ever since it worked to perfection in 2012. But Fiedler said that won’t be the only thing that reminds him and his teammates of that championship season. “We always try to be like that 2012 state team,” Fiedler said. “Every time after we do our stretches, when we’re done we clap two times and say, ‘State,’ because that’s what our goal is. We’re trying to make it there again.” Fiedler will be a member of the Falcon secondary, while Mike McKinney looks to occupy a linebacker spot. Pruet, Austin Rabon, and a host of others will likely filter in at various spots on defense as well in an effort to keep players as fresh as possible. Given its depth and overall team speed, Austin Rabon thinks that Lifegate has the capability to shut teams down completely. “I think we can get up to that level of defense with this team,” he said “We have a lot of potential, a lot of speed, a lot of strength.” Not to mention a high level of conditioning. Ever since the Falcons began to incorporate CrossFit into their offseason and regular workouts, the players have seen big results. “We definitely feel like we can stay in the game a lot longer,” Fiedler said. John Rabon even said that Garrison came into fall camp ahead of the pack thanks to his own dedication through-
Football preview · Sunday, August 23, 2015 - 11
out the summer. “Logan has been involved in CrossFit competitions all summer, so he came out the first day and was just running everybody else down,” the coach said with a laugh. Lifegate is set to compete in TAPPS Six-Man Division III District 3 this year alongside Heritage, San Marcos Hill Country, Selma River City Believers and Spring Branch Living Rock Academy, which takes San Antonio New Life’s spot. To prepare for play within its league, the Falcons will again navigate a difficult non-district slate. “We’re going to go up and play Waco Methodist Children’s Home, and they had a really good team last year and of course we’re going to play our usual schedule with New Braunfels Christian and Castle Hills,” John Rabon said. “We all compete really, really hard against each other.” Lifegate will be road warriors for the first three weeks of the season before finally holding its home opener against New Braunfels Christian on Sept. 25. The Falcons will round out their nonFelicia Frazar - Seguin Gazette district schedule with another home game the following week and will have All-state wide receiver and defensive back Daniel Fiedler returns for his senior season in a bye before opening district play in 2015 to try and help the Falcons on their quest for a second state championship. Frederiscksburg on Oct. 9 against Heritage. One thing that Coach Rabon will have his eye on during the early portion of the season is how his team responds to having a lead. “Last year we had some trouble finishing games and it was just a lot of inexperience,” the coach said. “I think we’re going to get there. I’m real excited about it.” Fiedler agreed, saying that there’s really only one goal for the 2015 campaign. “It’s either state or nothing,” the senior said.
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