Monday, aug. 26, 2024
TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM
“TannerRoofingdoesveryhigh-qualitywork andisverydependable.”-OdisP.ofBelton
Taking over a program daunting task for coaches
By WILL HOPKINS TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER
Leading a high school football program is a daunting task. From calling plays to player development, head coaches take on a wide array of responsibilities on the field. Those challenges are even more numerous off the field. With all of the moving parts, coaches are asked to manage a lot no matter how many seasons they’ve been at the same school.
Every year, though, there are some coaches who face a whole new challenge. Taking over a program can pose even more obstacles, with the variety of new players and circumstances that come at a new school. Coaches must adapt quickly and organize their program in order to have their players ready to hit the gridiron in August.
For some head coaches, taking the helm of a team is a completely new challenge. Ricky Beaty is in his first year as the head man at Salado following eight years as the offensive coordinator at Georgetown. It is Beaty’s first time leading a program.
The rookie head coach will continue to call plays and coach the Eagles offense but has taken on more behind-the-scenes responsibilities that come with being the man in charge.
“It’s been an adjustment to say the least as far as how to manage my time to have a quality offense, to have a quality program, to have parent communication correctly and all that stuff,” Beaty said. “It’s been really, really busy.”
Beaty also mentioned the challenge of managing logistics. From ordering pads to making sure players have their paperwork in order, the Eagles’ new head coach has dealt with all aspects of the program.
With all of the added responsibilities, on and off the field, having capable help is crucial for head coaches. Picking the right assistants is one of the most important things that a coach can do, because no individual can manage every aspect of running a football team.
“I think (good assistants) are everything,” said Granger’s Gaston McDorman, another rookie head coach entering his first year. “It’s so important in football because your assistant coaches have their own position group. And when you have
“It’s been an adjustment to say the least as far as how to manage my time to have a quality offense, to have a quality program, to have parent communication correctly and all that stuff.”
your own position group, you’re pretty much the head coach of your position group. They’re responsible for that group of players and them understanding concepts, them understanding scheme and technique.
“If they can’t relay that stuff and develop those relationships that they need to have with those guys then, ultimately in the big scheme of things, we’re not going to be successful.”
That task also brings with it many challenges. Some assistants might make the journey to a new school with their boss, while others may be holdovers from the previous staff. Heath Hohmann, whose first season at Holland will add to a long coaching journey throughout Texas, believes in having coordinators with whom he is familiar.
“To me, you need your two coordinators to come with you so that you have somebody that’s an anchor to your program,” Hohmann said.
After taking over, a coach must quickly learn a whole new set of players and find out who among them will be important to his program. Offseason programs are the first chance coaches have to impact their new teams.
“My first thing I was trying to manage and take care of was the offseason program, making sure we were lifting weights the right way and working hard and having the right approach to all the development,” Beaty said.
Talent development and training regimens are just small pieces of the puzzle as coaches are also tasked with helping their players grow beyond football. Fostering relationships with players is paramount for many coaches.
“I think one of the key things is you’ve got to try to get to know them as quickly as you can, help them understand that they’re not just a cog in your system,”
Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram
The Holland Hornets work through a blocking drill during a recent practice. They are one of eight teams with a new head coach this season.
Salado head coach Ricky Beaty
Academy reloading after another playoff trek
By TIM WAITS TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
LITTLE RIVER-ACADEMY — Much change is going on at Academy while it still celebrates its heritage.
As an institution, Academy is marking its 100th year of existence while at the same time moving into a new high school.
As a football program, the Bumblebees enter their 97th season with many different faces encased in their green and gold attire from the ones who took the field for a 10-3 record last year.
However, rebuilding isn’t in the Bees’ lexicon. They prefer to call it reloading.
Mark Mullins enters his second season as the Bees’ head coach and relishes the opportunity that lies ahead with a roster loaded with players whose varsity experience is limited if non-existent.
“We have to find our identity all over again and that’s our challenge — to make the adjustments necessary and put people in the right places,” said Mullins, a veteran assistant who was elevated to the head role a year ago. “That’s what makes this exciting and fun. Every year is different.”
Indeed, the Bees have half the number of the 16 seniors who led them three rounds deep in the postseason last year.
“We have a lot of guys who didn’t get a shot last year,” Mullins said. “They know it’s their turn. They can showcase their talent. We’re only guaranteed 10 games, but I’d love to play 16.”
A great deal of the new personnel will be in the backfield as the Bees undergo a quarterback battle to replace Kasey Mraz. Sophomore Brody Allen (5-foot-9, 160 pounds) is jousting with junior Preston Rowe (6-0, 160). Regardless of whom among the athletic pair gets the nod behind center, the other will be on the field somewhere.
The Bees will be without standout rusher Cavalli Nealy, who transferred to Temple for his senior season. That leaves the job open for Brian Grissom (5-10, 190), a potent downhill runner, along with fellow junior Marshall Hoelscher (5-7, 150) to fill the void. Holland transfer Charlie Butler (6-0, 190) should factor into the Bees’ scheme.
Academy will have a bevy of targets at receiver led by junior slot Vincent Williams (5-11, 170), who had 35 receptions
Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram Payton Wilson (4) and the Academy Bumblebees went three rounds deep in the playoffs last season but are having to replace some departed standouts. They believe they have the players to do so in their second year under Mark Mullins.
for a team-high 680 yards last season.
He’ll be flanked by outside receivers
sophomore Kamron Barker (6-1, 165), rangy junior Josh Mann (6-2, 180) and junior Kolton Schreier (5-10, 170). Junior Landon Stewart (6-0, 160) has the nod at tight end.
The Bees have size and some experience up front. Sophomore Deuce Nabours (58, 250) is set at center, with senior Jonathan Robinson (5-10, 200) and Isaiah Rodriguez (5-10, 260) at guard along with emerging freshman Matthew Sherburne (6-3, 260) and senior Kaleb Quilty (6-2, 250) as tackles.
“I feel good about our skill players and our offensive line,” Mullins said. “These are attention-to-detail types of guys.
“We will put our personnel in the right situations to be successful. A lot of the things we do on the junior varsity are sim-
ilar to the varsity to develop the younger guys.”
Defensively, the Bees are anchored by junior Elijah Lavan (6-1, 200), who was a powerhouse as a defensive end last year but will be utilized more as an outside linebacker.
Lavan will be joined in the linebackers corps by fellow juniors Payton Wilson (6-0, 185), Javionn White (5-7, 150) and perhaps freshman Tyler Robinson (5-7, 150). Up front, the Bees will have senior Tug Turner (5-10, 240), junior Jacob Chaffin (6-3, 205) and Brayden Ringold (6-3, 205).
The secondary will be manned by juniors Cylar Fuentes and Isaac Steeves on the corners.
Mullins is high on his kicking game with punter Luke Hudler and kicker Rylander Eidson providing flexibility on
Academy
Bumblebees
Coach: Mark Mullins
2023 record: 10-3
District: 11-3A-I
Venue: John Glover Stadium
Players to watch: LB Elijah Lavan, WR Vincent Williams, WR Kamron Barker, LB Payton Wilson, WR Josh Mann, DL Tug Turner, DL Brayden Ringold
special teams.
Academy is slotted by Texas Football magazine to be second in District 11-3AI behind Franklin.
“Our expectations are to be physical offensively and defensively,” Mullins said. “We will play as fast as we possibly can.”
New Yoe coach Babino wants Yoemen to play fast
By TIM WAITS
TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
CAMERON — Fans would be hardpressed to remember a time when Cameron Yoe went into a season a bit below the radar.
A football-loving town, such as it is, with a strong tradition is typically front of mind to Central Texas followers. That’s a place where new Yoemen head coach Aaron Babino is comfortable.
“I want to be the sleeper team,” Babino said. “We’ll play you hard every week, and we will play fast.”
Coming off of a 3-7 season and the retirement of highly successful Rick Rhoades, a new head coach in Babino with a mostly new staff make the Yoemen more of a curiosity. Over the last 30 years the succession of Yoe head coaches was mostly moves of familiarity from within the current staff. Rhoades was an outsider of sorts when he initially arrived in 2009 but quickly cultivated the tradition to new heights with three state titles to his credit.
Babino arrives as an enthusiastic former defensive coordinator, most recently at DeSoto where he joined with Bartlett native Claude Mathis to win the last two Class 6A Division II state crowns. The Port Arthur native played for University of Texas teams under John Mackovic and Mack Brown be-
fore spending a decade at Pflugerville Connally and stints at Tyler Legacy, Marshall (where he first connected with Mathis) and DeSoto.
Now a grandfather, Babino is getting his first shot as a head coach — mainly because he wasn’t applying — but isn’t tearing up the Yoe playbook. The Yoemen will remain in a spread formation, and the defensive-oriented Babino has the defense in an even front.
“Whatever they did previously that we do something similar to what they did, we will call it what they called it,” Babino said. “I don’t want them to have to think too much. I will learn the terminology.”
That is the primary focus in the transition for the Yoemen — to think less and react more. The tools are there to get it done.
Senior Cade Hubnik gets the nod at quarterback. He fills the hole left by Braylan Drake, who passed for 2,078 yards and 24 touchdowns last season.
Tim Grice will join Hubnik in the backfield. Receiving options are strong with
Elijah Goodrum, Xavier Gilmon, Brody Aguirre and sophomore Treveyon Miles flooding the zones.
Speed is of the essence with Babino.
“It will be different than what they’re used to,” the former Longhorns linebacker said. “It’s not that they didn’t play fast, but it will be a lot faster in comparison. We want them to play fast and think on the run. If you have to implement too many things, you’re thinking too much. I feel good about our skill positions.”
The Yoemen have veteran linemen in tackle Enrique Luna and center Ty Reyes to keep the offense moving.
Defensively, the Yoemen have a solid linebacker corps in Tyrone Miller, Aguirre and Gilmon to lead the way. Luna also plays along the defensive line, and the secondary is led by Goodrum and Grice. Homero Najera returns to provide kicking duties.
With the promotion of Lorena to Class 4A, some of the edge has been taken off District 11-3A-I. Franklin, which was 46-2 with two state titles in the last three
Cameron Yoe Yoemen
Coach: Aaron Babino 2023 record: 3-7
District: 11-3A-I
Venue: Yoe Field
Players to watch: QB Cade Hubnik, WR/DB Elijah Goodrum, RB/DB Tim Grice, WR/LB Brody Aguirre, OL/DL Enrique Luna, WR/LB Xavier Gilmon, OL Ty Reyes
years, is the heavy favorite again. Yoe tends to be picked third behind Academy, with Troy, McGregor and Rockdale in the mix.
The Yoemen are speeding up their process to keep up with the front-runners of their league.
“At 4A on down, you want to play fundamental football,” Babino said. “You don’t want to have to play catchup. Franklin knows what they’ve been doing for a long time, and we’re trying to get there.”
1981 — Yoe 26, Gilmer 3 in Waco; Yoemen head coach Toby York 2012 — Yoe 38, Daingerfield 20 in Arlington; Yoemen head coach Rick Rhoades
2013 — Yoe 35, Wall 14 in Arlington; Yoemen head coach Rick Rhoades
2014 — Yoe 70, Mineola 40 in Arlington; Yoemen head coach Rick Rhoades
Rockdale wants to duplicate successful past
By BRIAN COATS
SPECIAL TO THE TELEGRAM
ROCKDALE — The Rockdale Tigers are ready to put the past behind them. Well, that depends on which past is being discussed.
They want to move on from the last three seasons without winning records and get back to the successful ways that were highlighted by a state championship in 2017.
If the Tigers are going to begin taking steps in that direction, they will need extra measures of discipline, commitment and hard work, according to second-year head coach Hunter Hamrick. Through the first two weeks of practice, he saw some strides in those areas but would like to see more.
“We are looking for some growth in the area of maturity,” Hamrick said. “So far, they are working hard.”
Coaches
Continued from Page 3
McDorman said. “You want to get to know who they are as people. You want to know what their habits are. You want to know what they like to do when they go out with their friends. All those things, when they start to see that you look at them like a person and they’re not just a jersey number, I think that starts to help.”
Changing schemes and teaching players an entire playbook can add another challenge. For some coaches, going with the scheme that they previously used gives them a level of familiarity in their new surroundings, even if they have to make some adjustments to better utilize their personnel.
“I think the first thing that you’ve got to do is run what you’re comfortable with,” McDorman said. “I think as you go and you start to learn what kind of kids you have then you’ve got to adapt your scheme to fit the kids more.”
Some coaches, such as Hohmann, believe that picking a scheme that compliments the roster is an important part of their job, even if that may mean going to a playbook with which they’re less familiar.
There are several things working in the Tigers’ favor. First, they have experience along the offensive and defensive lines. Four of the five offensive line positions are set to be occupied by returning starters or players with significant experience. That includes Clay Eschberger, David Penny, Stephen Goodrich and a move-in from Taylor, Ernest Alderete.
On the other side of the line of scrimmage, Eschberger will be joined by Kobe Anderson and AJ Sandoval up front.
“We have a little bit more depth,” Hamrick said. “Our defensive line, especially, has a ton of experience.”
Protecting their quarterback and getting to the opponents’ QB will be critical for the Tigers, especially early as they break in a new signal-caller in sophomore Greyson Williams. He replaces three-year starter Bladyn Barcak, who led Rockdale in rushing and passing last year with 794 yards on the ground and 2,083 through
the air.
This season, the Tigers will need more rushing production from the traditional running back position. Hamrick said they are most likely going to utilize a committee approach as four players should get carries.
When the Tigers go to the passing game, Williams can target returning starter Deandre Stephens, who had 28 receptions for 413 yards and four touchdowns in 2023.
Before this season, it would not have been a stretch to say that Rockdale played in one of the most competitive Class 3A districts in the state as 11-3A-I members Lorena and Franklin won state titles. However, Lorena returned to 4A in the latest UIL realignment. Franklin will still be the team to beat, Hamrick believes. After the Lions, though, every squad in the district has reasons to believe it can make the playoffs.
Rockdale Tigers
Coach: Hunter Hamrick 2023 record: 3-8
District: 11-3A-I
Venue: Tiger Stadium
Players to watch: OL Ernest Alderete, OL/LB Clay Eschberger, OL/DL David Penny, RB/DB Radyn Hamilton, QB Greyson Williams, WR/DB Deandre Stephens
“I definitely think places two through six are wide open for everybody,” he said.
“There is no doubt we are all extremely hopeful to begin the year. Once you get hit in the mouth, reality sets in a little bit.
“We know where our experience lies. If our seniors lead with maturity, we could be very competitive.”
“My philosophy has always been you’ve got to be able to run an offense or a defense that works for your kids,” he said. “You’ve got to be able to come in and evaluate your kiddos and see what you think they’re going to be able to be successful at. To me, that’s our job as coaches. We’ve got to put the kids in a position to be successful.”
Flexibility in scheme is something Belton ISD athletic director Sam Skidmore said he looks for when bringing in a new coach.
“I think a really good coach does a good job of adapting their scheme to their personnel,” he said. “You may be a run-heavy team one year, but the next year you’re going to be more successful being pass-heavy. The main thing is understanding how (coaching candidates) may adjust their scheme to their personnel rather than just the scheme itself.”
Another task for coaches in their first year with a program is fostering a culture that will help it succeed. Players look to their leader to set the standard for how they carry themselves, meaning head coaches are under a microscope in everything they do.
Coaches need to be a beacon for their players, someone who emulates the culture. As a leader for everyone throughout
a locker room, that means setting an example at all times.
“When you show up and you have energy, I think that is a big step,” McDorman said. “You radiate what you want to put out into the world. I try to have a smile on my face when I see players, talk to them, fist bump, laugh with them, do everything I can to keep them going.”
The list of challenges coaches can face is almost endless. Obstacles can differ depending on each program and the experience that coaches bring to their new roles.
“I’m coming from a 5A Division I school. Now I’m at a 4A Division II school. There’s a huge difference,” Beaty said. “At Georgetown, this year they have 90 kids enrolled in freshman football. Here at Salado, I have 30. So the logistics of practice and everything have to be adjusted all the time based on what would normally go through our heads of how to do things. So moving from bigger schools to smaller schools is not always the easiest thing.”
While those challenges may differ, every coach across the state is prepping his players for the same thing. It’s a grueling, months-long season that will test coaches and their players in many unforeseen ways.
After months of preparation, adjust-
ments and other hard work that often goes unseen, the next step is the task of leading a program through a tumultuous season filled with ups and downs. Coaches’ lives can be consumed by work during the fall.
As for the reward, Hohmann, Beaty and McDorman were all in agreement. Getting to help guide their players to new heights both on and off the field is important to all coaches. No matter their different beliefs about any other philosophy, they agreed that setting up their players for success after their football careers is the top priority.
“It’s all about the kids,” Beaty said. “At the beginning of my career, it was more of, ‘Hey, I want to be this offensive genius that could call really good plays’ and all that. And then the more you influence the kids’ lives, the more you get validated that this is the right career because this is just kind of the one platform I have to change a kid’s life for good.
“I’m going to try to lead the whole team in a direction of good projection for the rest of their lives, and I’m hoping that the trajectory that they take after this is nothing but good and they can learn good life lessons and stuff like that. I think that’s why I do what I do.”
n whopkins@tdtnews.com
Troy aims to finish strong, return to postseason
By JON BROOKS
TELEGRAM ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
TROY — Troy was on the cusp of a playoff bid last fall until close late-season losses to Rockdale and Cameron Yoe ultimately sealed its fate.
The Trojans are convinced their offseason work, combined with returning experience, will reverse those fortunes this year.
“This offseason, we put in a lot of work, and it’s just going to prove when the pads come on,” senior lineman Joseph Tuck said. “I know we will make the playoffs this year, and we will go deep in the playoffs in my eyes.”
Tuck, a three-year letterman, is among four returning starters on the offensive line. The Trojans also bring back quarterback Joseph McMurtry and receiver Reed Ketcham after the duo set school passing and receiving records while helping the Trojans to a 4-6 mark in head coach Tommy Brashear’s first season.
Despite learning new schemes — Troy shifted from a slot-T to a spread offense and went from a 4-2 to 3-4 defense — Troy finished just a win shy of ending a playoff drought that stretches to 2019.
“I was disappointed that we didn’t make it last year. We were very close,” Brashear said. “We were up on Rockdale and let them come back and get us. We really felt like we let that one slip away from us. But we learn from those things, and we focus on what we have to do to get better, and that’s what we’ve been doing.”
A lot of Troy’s success stemmed from the fluid connection between McMurtry
Troy
Trojans
Coach: Tommy Brashear
2023 record: 4-6
District: 11-3A-I
Venue: Trojan Stadium
Players to watch: QB Joseph McMurtry, WR/DB Reed Ketcham, OL/DL Joseph Tuck, OL/DL Marshall Hall, OL Jon Dees, DB Peyton Valdez, RB Jayden Terrance-Lucky, LB Chandler Milton
Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram
The Troy Trojans were closing in a playoff berth last year until a pair of late-season setbacks doomed their hopes. Now they’re hoping all of that offseason work will help them down the stretch in their second campaign under Tommy Brashear.
Rugged Rogers strives to continue playoff tradition
By TIM WAITS TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
ROGERS — Being one of the smallest Class 3A schools in Texas may not have many advantages, but as established of a football program as Rogers has makes it much easier to handle.
The prospect of dropping into 2A was favorable when it comes to scheduling and travel. When that didn’t happen, the Eagles found themselves back in a District 13-3A-II with just five teams, two of them in the Hill Country towns of Blanco and Comfort.
At the same time, it’s territory to which the Eagles have become accustomed. The talent is there. More numbers would be nice.
“Our biggest concern is depth,” said Rogers head coach Charlie Roten, who is beginning his eighth year leading the Eagles — the second-longest tenure in school history behind Donald Godwin’s 31 seasons. “It’s not what it has been. It’s not a luxury this year. We’ve just got to get them ready.”
Bryce Watson is ready. The shifty senior slot back who is usually listed as “athlete” on the roster brings his gamechanging ability back to the Eagles’ lineup. Watson rushed for 1,386 yards for last year’s 9-4 team and tacked on 263 yards receiving for a combined 18 touchdowns.
Watson (5-foot-10, 157 pounds) might add more yards receiving as the Eagles expect to throw more this season. That’s because junior Tyson Sisneroz (6-0, 158) is succeeding graduated older brother Cooper Sisneroz at quarterback.
“We will still run first, but we may throw 10 times a game instead of five,” Roten said. “Tyson’s strength as a quarterback is passing. He could be a spread (offense) quarterback, but we’re not going to run that.”
The Eagles also have play-making runners in juniors Kole Stephens (6-1, 186), Dylan Stowe (6-0, 163) and senior Blayton Watkins (5-11, 150). That trio combined for 923 yards on the ground last season. The Eagles may also cash in with a couple of upstart freshmen, with Kash Stephens and Cash Smith seeing significant time.
Rogers has veterans up front with big Jackson Dolgener (6-3, 295) at center flanked by Braidyn Youngblood (5-9,
Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram
The Rogers Eagles begin their eighth season under the tutelage of head coach Charlie Roten, whose pillars have always been the running game and defense. The Eagles say they’re ready to open up the passing game this year, as well.
201) and Camryn Harper (5-11, 217) at guard. Parker Buck (6-0, 191), Wyatt McLean (5-10, 235) and Jay Stirman (58, 171) should all get shots at tackle or elsewhere on the line.
In the third year under defensive coordinator Austin Zundt, the Eagles are well established in their scheme. It will be a matter of fine-tuning in some cases and gaining experience in a hurry in others.
“There are spots to be won on the defensive line,” said Roten, who figures to rotate offensive linemen on the defensive side. “It’ll be a challenge for some to grow up fast.”
The linebacker corps will have some experience, led by Pat Higgins (6-0, 143).
He’ll be joined by a posse of Rodney Rosales (5-8, 151), Stirman, Smith, Watkins, Buck, Jaden Montalbo (5-10, 148) and Carson Erskine (6-3, 162).
The secondary has familiar personnel with Sisneroz and Watson on the corners, senior Jacob McCormick (6-0, 175) at free safety and Stowe at the other safety.
Elias Gonzalez should be a reliable kicker for the Eagles.
Somewhat like Rogers’ roster, its district is light on numbers but long on quality. Lexington is the favorite as those Eagles, like Rogers, went 9-4 last year. Blanco dropped to Division II after years of making multi-week postseason runs in the playoffs in Division I. Thrall and Comfort also were playoff teams last year.
“With five teams, they say all you have to do is win one game to make the playoffs,” Roten said. “Tell me which one is a guaranteed win.
Rogers Eagles
Coach: Charlie Roten
2023 record: 9-4
District: 13-3A-II
Venue: Merk Field
Players to watch: RB/DB Bryce Watson, RB Kole Stephens, QB/DB Tyson Sisneroz, OL Jackson Dolgener, RB Blayton Watkins, OL Braidyn Youngblood
“We don’t talk about winning games. We talk about doing things the right way and putting ourselves in position to win. We can beat anybody on our schedule, but they can also beat us. We just want to be playing our best football in the playoffs. Last year’s team was a perfect example of that.”
Rosebud-Lott banking on talented young players
By BRIAN COATS
TRAVIS — Heading into a new football season, some coaches will label their team as being pretty young or, on the other side of the spectrum, as having a lot of veteran leadership.
It is less common to hear a coach describe his team as both, but that is how Rosebud-Lott’s Brandon Hicks is sizing up his 2024 squad.
For instance, he said the Cougars will probably feature six freshmen on varsity. That is a large number, even for a Class 2A school. However, Hicks said they are very talented. The adjustment period is what will determine how positive their contributions are, at least initially.
“They are going to be good, but with the youth comes a lot of mistakes and freshman moments,” said Hicks, who is starting his fifth season in charge of the Cougars. “The tale of the tape is how quickly they can adjust to the Friday night lights. Some of that will be trial by fire. We will be throwing them in the deep end and letting them swim.”
Fortunately, Hicks also believes he has some returning starters and leaders to serve as lifeguards for the learning-to-swim freshmen. Carson Kahlig is a speedy wide receiver and defensive back who hauled in 31 receptions for 535 yards and five touchdowns last season. If the senior can avoid the injuries that limited him in the past, he is poised for a big year, according to Hicks.
Part of the reason Kahlig could have a strong season is he has a returning starter at quarterback in sophomore Pryce Rabroker, who started all 10 games and
“We
Rosebud-Lott head coach Brandon Hicks
threw for 1,472 yards and 15 touchdowns during last year’s 3-7 campaign.
It was quite a varsity debut after moving in from six-man Westphalia. Now that Rabroker has an entire year of 11-man football under his belt, Hicks believes he could easily surpass his numbers from last season.
“He is the best prospect at quarterback we’ve had since I have been here,” Hicks said. “He can really sling it around.”
Linebacker/defensive back Bo McGinniss and two-way lineman Cooper Emmons are two other returning starters. Both will serve as team captains and play pivotal roles, especially on defense.
Hicks’ tenure at Rosebud-Lott has seen mixed results. He took over a team in 2020 that was winless the year before, but COVID made just about everything strange and unpredictable that season.
The next two years were winning seasons with trips to the playoffs before last season’s slip.
He believes he has the right group to get back to winning ways.
“We probably have the best attitude and best culture we’ve ever had,” he said. “All
those talented freshmen get to learn from that leadership. They approach practice and really everything the right way. They get ready and go warm up early.”
Rosebud-Lott is in District 13-2A-I, which features Bruceville-Eddy, Crawford, Marlin, Moody and Riesel. It is now a six-team district after Bosqueville and Valley Mills were sent north in the latest round of UIL realignment.
“Anyone that tells you they’d rather be in an eight-team district than a six-team, they are lying to you,” Hicks said. “It is nice to have five games to get your team ready, especially in our situation in having to get all these freshmen up to speed, knowing they are going to take some lumps early on. It is nice to know those aren’t counting in your district standings.”
The Cougars open the season Friday at home against Florence then hit the road for two weeks against Thrall and Dawson. The non-district part of the schedule finishes with former district opponent Bosqueville then Normangee.
Rosebud-Lott hosts Riesel to kick off
Rosebud-Lott Cougars
Coach: Brandon Hicks 2023 record: 3-7
District: 13-2A-I
Venue: Cougar Field
Players to watch: QB Pryce Rabroker, WR/DB Carson Kahlig, RB/LB Yahir Mendoza, OL/DL Cooper Emmons, DB/LB Bo McGinnis, OL/DL Carson Layne, RB/DE Colby Colbert
league play.
“With the group we’ve got, their goals are set really high,” Hicks said. “I feel like we are at the point now where they believe they can win every game. We may face some opponents we are overmatched against, but our kids know how to win and how to compete now. A team like this that does things the right way is exciting because you aren’t coaching the effort side of it. It makes it a lot more fun.”
New coach, same lofty expectations for Holland
By TIM WAITS TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
HOLLAND — The fact that the Holland Hornets are in the midst of their most successful football era in school history is not lost on new head coach Heath Hohmann. If anything, it’s a relief.
The well-traveled Hohmann has been part of coaching staffs that turned moribund programs into winners in several places. In the case of Holland, Hohmann is out to keep the Hornets on the same course of deep playoff runs.
The 46-year-old Hohmann succeeds the retired Brad Talbert, who spent the last 12 years making Holland a consistent winner with a 104-39 record, including a 121 mark last season.
“I knew Brad when I was in Florence, and I have the utmost respect for how he changed the culture. He put Holland on the map,” said Hohmann, who spent the last two years as the head coach at Skidmore-Tynan in his only previous head coaching stint. “I look to continue that. I just get to go out and coach football.”
Talbert didn’t exactly leave Holland and Hohmann high and dry. The Hornets have a senior-laden squad that will need to make the transition, however slight, to Hohmann’s regime that includes new offensive coordinator Justin Dorian.
Senior Kallan Miller steps into the quarterback role to helm the Hornets’ offense.
Shayd Norwood (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) and Jared Garcia (5-8,150) are solid rushers surrounded by veteran slot backs
Christian Michalek (6-1, 174) — who rushed for 873 yards and 12 touchdowns last season — Meshach Griffin (6-0, 160) and Tyler Johnson (5-11, 150) while Marc Grinnan (6-1, 174) provides a threat on the perimeter.
Much of Hohmann’s career has been ensconced in the run-heavy slot-T offense, most notably at Liberty Hill under that scheme’s architect Jerry Vance. However, Hohmann will not roll out in the slot-T in Holland, at least not yet.
“These guys are way too athletic,” said Hohmann, a Llano native. “We’re going to run the veer out of the gun. When you have six or seven guys run sub-6’s in the 40, it would be hard to get all of them the ball.
“But we are going to run the ball 70 or 80 percent of the time. We have two good
After compiling a 104-39 record in 12 seasons with Brad Talbert in charge, the Holland
are
coach Heath Hohmann. However, the change on the sideline hasn’t altered the Hornets’ playoff goals.
fullbacks who are as strong as oxen. They are downhill runners who aren’t going down with arm tackles.”
The offensive line will be anchored by center James Keaveny (5-10, 180) and left guard William Oliver (5-10, 230).
The Hornets do not have the luxury of depth, a common issue among Class 2A programs, and the interior line is where it is most exposed.
Defensively, Holland has the stability of returning defensive coordinator
J.B. Chaney. Mason Chaney (5-11, 188) is back at middle linebacker, and James Steglich (6-1, 185) is solid at defensive end.
Holland is predicted to be second in District 14-2A-I behind powerhouse Mason, with solid competition to come from
Johnson City LBJ, San Saba, Thorndale and Harper. The Hornets’ non-district slate features Burton, Valley Mills, Granger, Florence and Crawford.
“There are no sleepers,” Hohmann said of the schedule. “If we want to be playing four and five rounds deep, we have to play against teams that may be there, too.”
The coaching transition figures to be smooth as the terminology is only slightly different from the previous staff. Hohmann doesn’t want his players overthinking and not reacting. He said playing the game should become like breathing.
Hohmann points to the Hornets’ senior class as their biggest strength with the veteran leadership. He also said it could be the team’s biggest weakness.
Holland Hornets
Coach: Heath Hohmann
2023 record: 12-1
District: 14-2A-I
Venue: Hornet Field
Players to watch: RB Christian Michalek, WR Marc Grinnan, RB Meshach Griffin, LB Mason Chaney, DE James Steglich, OL James Keaveny, OL William Oliver
“They can take us as far as they want to go,” he said. “Whereas, if they don’t buy in to what we’re doing, that would be detrimental to us.”
Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram
Hornets
now guided by head
By BRIAN COATS
SPECIAL TO THE TELEGRAM
Cooper hoping size pays dividends in Moody Moody Bearcats
MOODY — A next-man-up mentality usually applies when talking about injuries or players filling spots. It also applies to coaches as well.
After former Moody head coach Matt Hurst accepted a new position at Waco Live Oak, assistant Weston Cooper was promoted to head coach last April and will be in his third year with the program, which helps with the transition time for a new regime and new system.
“I was thrown right into the fire,” Cooper said. “At least I knew the kids and knew what they are capable of. I was not starting from scratch.”
Although the Bearcats finished 3-7 last season, there is reason to believe they could challenge for a playoff spot this year. For the first time in a while, there is depth and size on the team, two critical components at the Class 2A level. Cooper said the numbers for summer strength and conditioning were the best
“We’ve got some guys anxious to play. There is a lot of opportunity on our team for players to make a name for themselves this year.”
Moody
head coach Weston Cooper
they have been in several years, but it’s the added muscle on both sides of the line of scrimmage that has him really excited.
“I am pleased with our size,” he said. “It seems to be an asset this year. It always gives you a chance when you have some guys in the trenches.”
The Bearcats are beefed up thanks to some move-ins, some young players that are big and a few others coming out for football who had not previously played.
Tight end/defensive end Dominic Sanchez, two-way lineman Ethan Gonzalez and offensive lineman Roman Luna are some of the expected leaders up front. Tucker Bowen and Aaron Contreras-Bustos should also emerge.
Versatile athlete Ross Petree was thought to be the most likely candidate for Cooper’s first quarterback. He still might end up in that role, but he is starting the season a little banged up. So in yet another next-man-up situation, Lee Womack — the junior varsity quarterback in 2023 — is the expected signal-caller when the Bearcats line up for their season opener Friday against Itasca.
Running back Wentworth Eubanks is back after rushing for a team-best 635 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
“We’ve got some guys anxious to play,” Cooper said. “There is a lot of opportunity on our team for players to make a name for themselves this year.”
Cooper was the defensive coordinator last year and will be calling defensive plays again this season. He is entrusting the offense to Brady Nuner, who also was on the previous staff under Hurst.
Size and depth could be team strengths, but Moody will still be young. With a District 13-2A-I slate that includes perennial power Crawford along with Marlin, who
GET INSP IR ED
Coach: Weston Cooper 2023 record: 3-7
District: 13-2A-I
Venue: Bearcat Stadium
Players to watch: TE/DE Dominic Sanchez, OL/DL Ethan Gonzalez, QB Ross Petree, QB Lee Womack, RB Wentworth Eubanks, WR/DB Dalton Cox
has been formidable in recent seasons, the Bearcats will need to grow up fast.
“This will be the first time playing varsity football for a lot of kids,” Cooper said. “Some are still learning the game of football in general. They are learning assignments and responsibilities.
“There is always going to be a learning curve. My goal is to have us firing on all cylinders by the time district comes around.”
Beefed-up Bartlett seeking quick turnaround
By GREG WILLE TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
BARTLETT — For most high school football programs, there’s a direct correlation between recent results and current confidence. But for Bartlett and secondyear head coach Ty Oppermann, that’s not the case.
The Bulldogs have lost 17 consecutive games overall and absorbed 49 straight district defeats dating to 2014. Their last playoff victory was in 2013, a year after their last winning season. It’s been a difficult, painful stretch, especially for a tradition-rich program that won three Class A state championships in the 1990s, capped a quarter-century ago in 1999.
But although a youthful, inexperienced Bartlett team was outscored 488-164 in his 0-10 debut, Oppermann is exceedingly optimistic entering Year 2. He’s adamant that some observers might not recognize his maturing, hungry Bulldogs.
“We won’t look the same. It’s night and day. You can’t even wrap your head around it,” he said. “Those freshmen and sophomores who took those lumps and beatings, they’ve lived in the weight room. They’re bigger, stronger, faster and they know more football. We ordered new uniforms. We didn’t fit in the old ones.”
The big question is whether Bartlett’s talented, improved squad earn a playoff berth in eight-team District 13-2A-II that is paced by heavyweights Granger and Burton.
“Those
freshmen and sophomores who took those lumps and beatings, they’ve lived in the weight room. They’re bigger, stronger, faster and they know more football. We ordered new uniforms. We didn’t fit in the old ones.”
Bartlett head coach Ty Oppermann
“We tell them all the time, ‘We’re out to win a district championship this year. That’s the goal.’ We’re preaching that getting to the playoffs is expected, starting this year,” Oppermann said. “We’re where I hoped we’d be next year.”
After playing home games at Jarrell last season, Bartlett targets the Sept. 27 district opener against archrival Granger to move into its completely rebuilt Bulldog Stadium, featuring artificial turf and a new track.
“It will be a phenomenal facility. That’ll be great — big rivalry, packed house, energetic,” said Oppermann, whose squad’s non-district finale is Sept. 13 at powerhouse Mart.
After Bartlett’s offense generated 239.3 yards per game last year, the Bulldogs envision increased productivity with seasoned weapons. Oppermann and offensive coordinator Charles Poling praised 6-foot-2, 210-pound sophomore quarterback Ryder Castro, who passed for 1,519 yards and 15 touchdowns.
“Ryder’s a great passer, but he’s physical and can run, too,” Oppermann said
Area
of Castro, who helped Bartlett reach the 7-on-7 state tournament. “He’s throwing the deep ball better and reading defenses better.”
Poling agreed.
“Ryder wants to win and commands the huddle,” he said. “That’s contagious.”
The Bulldogs expect stellar performance from sophomore running back Eric Walker, who rushed for 564 yards and eight touchdowns and grabbed 19 receptions for 341 yards and four TDs last season. His backfield partner is senior Raiden Castro, the QB’s brother who missed the final nine games because of injury.
Athletic seniors Tristan Evans (25 catches, 380 yards, three TDs) and Jordan Castellanos key the receiving corps along with rugged junior Aidan Botts (27-369-3) and speedy sophomore Tywon Walker.
“We’re doing everything we can to make teams defend every blade of grass,” Poling said.
Senior David Gallegos and juniors Ivan Garcia, Brice Becker, Kaiden Clevenger and Luke Warfield are offensive line stalwarts. Oppermann predicted that powerful junior fullback/H-back Jay Garcia “will eliminate defenders.”
Bartlett’s youthful defense struggled in 2023, allowing 445.2 yards per game. Oppermann and defensive coordinator Dewey Hargraves believe greater physicality and hard-earned experience will pay huge dividends for a quick, aggressive group.
“The biggest thing was seeing how fast the game was,” Hargraves said. “They’ve
Bartlett Bulldogs
Coach: Ty Oppermann
2023 record: 0-10
District: 13-2A-II
Venue: Cougar Field, Jarrell
Players to watch: WR/DB Tristan Evans, QB/LB Ryder Castro, RB/DB Eric Walker, RB/LB Raiden Castro, WR/ DB Jordan Castellanos, FB/DL Jay Garcia, WR/LB Aidan Botts, OL/DL Luke Warfield
seen what it takes.”
Opperman believes the increased size of his players will help on the defensive side.
“A lot of times we’d be in the right place and just get run over,” he said. “We’ll run over a few this year, I bet.”
Leading tackler Warfield, Ivan Garcia, Jay Garcia and Gallegos spearhead the line, while seniors Raiden Castro and Jonathon Degollado and sophomore Frankie Gonzales man the linebacker posts. Skilled safeties Evans and Walker are complemented by cornerbacks Castellanos and Tywon Walker.
As Bartlett aims to surge from 0-10 to playoff qualifier, Oppermann offered the message that opponents should underestimate the determined Bulldogs at their own risk.
“Keep doubting them. It just motivates them to work,” he said. “It’s potential until we do it, but we have potential to be a great team.”
programs with state championships
Cameron Yoe — 4
1981 Class 3A: Cameron Yoe 26, Gilmer 3
2012 Class 2A Division I: Cameron Yoe 38, Daingerfield 20
2013 Class 2A Division I: Cameron Yoe 35, Wall 14
2014 Class 3A Division I: Cameron Yoe 70, Mineola 40
Bartlett — 3
1990 Class 1A: Bartlett 36, Munday 28
1992 Class 1A: Bartlett 33, Sudan 26
1999 Class 1A: Bartlett 35, Aspermont 6
Temple — 2
1979 Class 4A: Temple 28, Houston Memorial 6
1992 Class 5A Division II: Temple 38, Houston Yates 20
Rockdale — 2
1976 Class 2A: Rockdale 23, Childress 6 2017 Class 3A Division I: Rockdale 45, Brock 29 Gatesville — 1
2000 Class 3A Division I: Gatesville 14, Abilene Wylie 10 Granger — 1
1997 Class 1A: Granger 40, Wheeler 0 Killeen — 1
5A Division I: Killeen 14, Fort Bend Dulles 10 Rosebud-Lott — 1
2A
II: Rosebud-Lott 34, Cisco 0
Bruceville-Eddy ready for tough district battle
By BRIAN COATS SPECIAL TO THE TELEGRAM
BRUCEVILLE-EDDY — Bruceville-Eddy
has a new coach for the second year in a row after Marcial Chapa III came from Comanche High School in March to take over the Eagles. Despite being from a slightly different part of Texas, he arrived with his eyes wide open to the highlycompetitive District 13-2A-I.
“I have been a high school football junkie since the 1990s,” said Chapa, who grew up in Stanton before moving and graduating from Burnet High School. “I know exactly what I am getting into and what I am up against.”
“This is my first (head coaching) job, and there couldn’t be a better opportunity for me. No one is giving us a chance, and we are picked last in our district. There is nowhere else to go but up.”
Bruceville-Eddy head coach Marcial Chapa III
Chapa steps into a district that includes Marlin, a regional finalist last season, and a resurgent Riesel squad that went 9-2 last year. Then there’s Crawford, traditionally one of the top 2A programs in the state. on their minds.
Putting in the work to get back to that level is a challenge that excites Chapa.
“This is my first (head coaching) job, and there couldn’t be a better opportunity for me,” he said. “No one is giving us a chance, and we are picked last in our district. There is nowhere else to go but up.”
One reason for Chapa’s optimism is his belief that he has a solid player — and person — at the all-important quarter back position with Jack Dockstader. his tail off this sum mer,” Chapa said. “He was here every
We’re looking forward to home team wins on and off the field.
Stop by our local branch and see how we can help you meet your goals.
day, lifting, throwing and running. He is a super-great kid — a yes-sir, no-sir type guy. He is a leader for sure.”
Dockstader will be charged with running an offensive system that looks to wear down opponents and chew up game clock. He will look to get the ball into the hands of running back T.J. Horne and wide receiver Lance Bailey.
“We are going to try to run right at you and put their defense in some sticky situations,” Chapa said. “We will come out in some spread, but we will often line up in a two-back set.”
A self-described defensive-minded guy, Chapa said the Eagles will usually line up in a 4-2-5 formation on that side of the ball. That strategy is popular at every level of football right now because it takes advantage of athletic defenders who can line up as either a linebacker or a defensive back to defend the run and the pass.
Bruceville-Eddy Eagles
Coach: Marcial Chapa III
2023 record: 2-8
District: 13-2A-I
Venue: Eagle Field
Players to watch: RB/DB T.J. Horne, WR/LB Lance Bailey, QB/DB Jack Dockstader, OL/DL Asiel Perez
of the ball.
The Eagles open the season at Meridian before hosting Bartlett and Santo. They close out the non-district portion of the schedule with trips to Normangee and Jewett Leon.
By that time, Chapa hopes his squad is ready to tangle with the powers that be in
9369 Tarver Drive Temple, TX 76502
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“I am excited,” he said. “Hopefully, we can put together a quality product and
McDorman aims to keep Granger on winning path
By GREG WILLE TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
GRANGER — After guiding his alma mater to a 40-10 record and four playoff trips, Granger head coach and athletic director Stephen Brosch felt the timing was right to become the high school principal.
After helping lead traditional power Cuero to 25 wins in two seasons as the Gobblers’ offensive coordinator, Gaston McDorman felt the timing was right to become a head coach and AD for the first time.
So as the Lions seek their 10th consecutive playoff berth and fourth straight extended postseason run, Granger is exactly where the 40-year-old McDorman wants to be.
“It’s exciting. There’s been sustained success here,” said McDorman, who started working in Granger on April 2. “Coach Brosch has done an amazing job, and you know the standard has been set. It’s exciting to know there’s expectations. A 6-5 season isn’t awesome.”
The Glen Rose and Tarleton State graduate is energized to become a head coach, continuing his family’s tradition.
“It’s always been a goal of mine. My dad was a longtime head basketball coach and my brother’s a head basketball coach,” McDorman said. “As you become a coordinator and add different things, you think, ‘I might be ready for this.’ I think it really is (perfect timing).”
Troy
Continued from Page 7
(174-for-326 passing, 2,442 yards, 25 TDs), who set the school record for yards passing in a season, and Ketcham (66 catches, 1,212 yards, 16 TDs), who broke the school single-season mark for yards receiving and touchdowns. Cooper Valle, who graduated, also put up big receiving numbers.
“McMurtry at quarterback, he has really took to (the offense) well, learned a lot as he went along,” Brashear said. “He’s very smart and has really strong arm. He made huge improvements as the year went along.”
“Two values we talk about a lot are effort and toughness. That stands out on film. They already had it. We just want to make sure we keep that edge and continue to grow that because hopefully, it’s going to be a long season.”
Granger head coach Gaston McDorman
McDorman was an assistant coach on Wimberley’s 15-0 state championship team in 2011. As Cuero offensive coordinator, McDorman helped the Class 4A Division II Gobblers compile 46.2 points per game while reaching the state semifinals in 2022 and last year’s regional semifinal.
McDorman takes charge of a successful Granger program that’s produced three straight seasons of 10-plus wins for the first time since 1995-97. The Lions went 10-3 last year, sharing the District 132A-II crown with Bremond and Chilton before losing a rematch with Chilton in a regional semifinal.
Granger faces a grueling non-district schedule against Johnson City LBJ, Thorndale and Holland before beginning its seven-game district slate Sept. 27 at rival Bartlett. The Lions’ likely top challenger for the league title is previous playoff nemesis Burton, which Granger finally defeated 21-7 in bi-district last season.
Senior center/defensive lineman Mar-
cus Martinez believes Granger’s primed to prolong its success.
“The schemes that Coach McDorman has brought in, I think it will go very well,” Martinez said. “The main thing for this program is working hard and just winning games. Both sides of the ball are equally good. We’ve been pushing hard.”
McDorman will call plays for Granger’s shotgun-spread offense and expects major production from rugged junior running back Caleb Hobratsch.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder rushed for 245 yards and six touchdowns in three games before lower-leg injuries ended his sophomore season.
“Caleb seems full-speed and ready to go. He’s a big kid who runs violently and loves it,” McDorman said.
Granger’s successor to two-way standout Chase Edwards at quarterback is athletic junior Wyatt Rochner (5-10, 160), whom McDorman described as a natural leader and a football junkie.
The Lions’ threats include junior running back Dayton Knippa, versatile senior receiver Jose Valverde and junior receivers Kael Jackson, Jo Sifuentes, Ryder Bice and Caleb Tucker.
McDorman is enthusiastic about Granger’s offensive line with Martinez, imposing junior tackle Grayson Smith (6-5, 300), junior guards Keegan Cotten and Chase Selucky and senior tackle Luke Stefek.
“Their goal is to be the best offensive line in 2A in Texas,” McDorman said. “If we can build that mindset then the
Granger Lions
Coach: Gaston McDorman
2023 record: 10-3
District: 13-2A-II
Venue: Lion Stadium
Players to watch: OL/DL Marcus Martinez, RB/LB Caleb Hobratsch, WR/DB/K Jose Valverde, QB Wyatt Rochner, OL/DL Grayson Smith, WR/DB Jo Sifuentes, TE/LB Jett Jolly, WR Kael Jackson
whole team will follow. They set the tone.”
Granger’s defense was stout for the defensive-minded Brosch, permitting an area-low 214.1 yards per game last year. McDorman believes that dominant form will continue, paced by senior Jett Jolly and Hobratsch at linebacker, linemen Martinez and Smith, and safeties Valverde and Sifuentes.
“Two values we talk about a lot are effort and toughness. That stands out on film,” said McDorman, whose Lions expect to move into a new stadium in 2025. “They already had it. We just want to make sure we keep that edge and continue to grow that because hopefully, it’s going to be a long season.”
The Lions open the season Friday night at Johnson City LBJ then visit Thorndale before hosting Holland for their home opener Sept. 13.
The head coach admitted that the team’s running game wasn’t where it needed to be, but Brashear is confident that will change.
“We like to be balanced on offense. Last year, we probably threw the ball a little more than we prefer to just because we struggled to run the ball. But the more balanced we are, I think it’s a little harder to defend us,” he said.
Jayden Terrance-Lucky, a sophomore who rushed for 74 yards in the final game last year in his lone varsity action, will be first in line to see some touches out of the backfield.
Paving the way up front for him will be Tuck, and fellow three-year letterman
Marshall Hall, as well as Jon Dees, Daniel Witcher and Kade Donohoe, among others.
Depending on how camp competitions turn out, some of those players may play defense, or be mixed in on both sides.
Troy, which competes in the revamped District 11-3A-I, has a bit more to replace on the defensive front — where it lost seven starters — but the leadership and effort is there.
“We had a very productive offseason. We had a lot of guys up here lifting and working every single day,” said Ketcham, one of 24 seniors. “A huge part of the season is finishing games. That’s one of the main goals this year. That’s where we’ve
been lacking in years before.”
Ketcham also will see time at defensive back, along with Peyton Valdez, while Chandler Milton and Anthony Medrano figure to contribute at linebacker.
Tyler Williams and Landon Garrison also will be worked in along the lines.
“We need to win some games early on,” Brashear said. “That really helps with the confidence, because just believing you can is so huge. I think last year a lot of those kids, they wanted to believe and there was a whole lot of want to, but I think deep down some of them just never believed we could. I think that’s a hump we have to get over.”
n jbrooks@tdtnews.com
Optimistic Buckholts ready to right the ship
By WILL HOPKINS TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER
BUCKHOLTS — Head coach Reggie Rosas is optimistic that his Buckholts Badgers can make a turnaround after finishing last season with an 0-10 record. The Badgers hope that a promising group of young players joining the program will bring new blood and reinvigorate the sixman team in addition to providing a solid core around which to build for years to come.
“(Last year) I knew I’ve got a big group of eighth graders that are going to be in high school the next year that I can start building around,” Rosas said. “Having them join the high school group that I could depend on last year, it’s going to give me a decent group to play with this year.”
Those young players will join a squad with an established lineup that returns all of its starters on both sides of the ball. Alongside Rosas, who is entering his second year of coaching six-man football, the experience should help the
“Right now, practice has been going good and guys have been fully committed, so hopefully that carries on through the season. Putting together a few wins this year would be a successful season. I’m hoping we can do more than that.”
newcomers grow.
Rosas says he’s felt a shift in the culture during the offseason. With veteran players leading the way, there is even more reason for Badgers fans to believe the program will take a step forward.
“These guys, they bought into my philosophy,” Rosas said. “They worked hard through the offseason last year, and then they kind of carried over into the summer. They put in a lot of work. I was real happy with seeing the numbers I
saw this summer.”
Seniors Kaleb Ralston and Anthony Salomon will be asked to provide leadership in addition to reprising their productive roles on the field. Both are two-way players, with Ralston at quarterback and linebacker, and Salomon at running back and defensive back. Ralston will have his weapons bolstered by the incoming young talent.
Speed will be the name of the game for the Badgers, with freshman Marc King being one of the newcomers to watch. Rosas hopes he can utilize that quickness to make up for the team’s lack of size.
“That was my philosophy on attacking this year. I know I’m going to have speed,” Rosas said. “I have to attack with speed because that’s what we have. I’ve got some guys that can probably make a difference on the field, so my offense is going to be situated to utilize that speed that I have.”
With the shift in mindset and the infusion of speed, the Badgers aim to bounce back from a disappointing season last year and
Buckholts Badgers
Coach: Reggie Rosas
2023 record: 0-10
District: 16-1A-II
Venue: Jim Hauk Field
Players to watch: Kaleb Ralston, Anthony Salomon, Marc King, Jaxson Sliger
continue to build a winning culture.
“Last year was kind of a patchwork, game-to-game situation where I didn’t know what I was going to have each game,” Rosas said. “Right now, practice has been going good and guys have been fully committed, so hopefully that carries on throughout the season. Putting together a few wins this year would be a successful season. I’m hoping we can do more than that.”
Buckholts opens the season Thursday at Austin Texas School for the Deaf. n whopkins@tdtnews.com
Buckholts head coach Reggie Rosas
CTCS working to get over second-round hurdle
By JON BROOKS TELEGRAM ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Central Texas Christian has settled in nicely to the 11-man football scene since joining its ranks more than a decade ago, advancing to the TAPPS playoffs each of the past four years.
“We’re at three years in a row of making it to the second round, so we’re looking to get over that hump,” Lions head coach Leif Johnston said. “And really what it comes down to is having depth at every position, creating that next-man-up mentality. I think we’ve got a team that can do that. Numbers are a little down, but I think every single kid we’ve got has the capability of making plays.”
CTCS, which had 30 players report for the start of camp, sees its defense as a strength, a notion that could bode well when the postseason finally rolls around.
Led by returning all-state selection Loyal Morris at defensive end and junior middle linebacker Ike Klimchuk — whom Johnston said is capable of making plays all over the field — the Lions bring back most of their experience on that side of the ball after going 6-6 last year.
“We’re definitely going to have some speed and some strength on both sides of the ball,” the senior Morris said. “I think there are some standout leaders. We have a great set of running backs and a great line on the defensive side, and a great secondary as well.”
Junior defensive back Rhett Humphrey spearheads that unit after leading the team with seven interceptions last fall, while sophomore Coulter Ragsdale slots in at free safety.
Gabe Logsdon, a senior who earned allstate honors at center last year, also figures to see time at linebacker when he’s not resting up from leading the offensive line.
“Our defense is always pretty much a strength,” Logsdon said. “It has held up even though we lost, I think, two or three seniors from last year. We have some good upcoming sophomores who I think are ready to play. It looks awesome. The team’s looking really put together.”
Offensively, the Lions return junior Cooper Smith under center as well as senior Evan Allerkamp at wide receiver. Smith has started at quarterback since his freshman year and has a familiarity with what his team is trying to accomplish with its pro-style scheme.
Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram
The Central Texas Christian Lions made it to the second round of the TAPPS playoffs each of the past three years. With experienced players back on both sides of the ball, they hope this is the season they make a third-round push.
“He’s been the starter since he was a freshman, so we’re looking for him to break out and have a big season in the air and with the run,” Johnston said. “There’s certainly a level of comfort that you’re not teaching scheme anymore, so you can get to the next level of when the play breaks down, ‘What are we doing with the ball?’ And hopefully it’s that we’re making plays.”
Gone from the Lions is the majority of their offensive line — Logsdon is the lone returning starter — and outgoing running back Tabor Tyson, who rushed for an area-leading 2,745 yards last year.
But Johnston still sees their running game as being a major pillar, partly because of the physical mentality of some
of the sophomores and other newcomers set to step in up front, and also because of the pattern the Lions’ backfield has set in the past.
“We’re seven, eight years running with a 2,000-yard rusher,” he said. “A lot of that is because our offensive line blocks well. We think that we’ve got the kids that can replace that. We’ve got a couple that can divvy up the carries and make it more multiple where defenses have to cover more players on the field.”
Junior Austin Evans and sophomore Princeton Schneider will likely share carries out of the backfield, a prospect that at least one teammate is excited about.
“I feel like our quarterback has gotten a lot better over the summer, so that is a big
Coach: Leif Johnston
2023 record: 6-6
District: TAPPS District 2-IV
Venue: Frazee Field
Players to watch: OL Gabe Logsdon, DE Loyal Morris, QB Cooper Smith, RB Princeton Schneider, DB Rhett Humphrey, RB Austin Evans, WR Evan Allerkamp, LB Ike Klimchuk
strength. And our running backs are looking really good, and we’re going to see it on Friday nights,” Logsdon said. n jbrooks@tdtnews.com
Team Offense
2023 Area Statistical Leaders
Yards Rushing
Team Defense
Yards Passing
Texas UIL 11-man records
Career yards rushing — Kenneth Hall, 11,232 (Sugar Land, 1950-53); Johnathan Gray, 10,899 (Aledo, 2008-11); Traylon Shead, 10,298 (Cayuga, 2006-09)
Single-season yards rushing — Kenneth Hall, 4,045 (Sugar Land, 1953); Trey Williams, 3,890 (Spring Dekaney, 2011); Johnathan Gray, 3,888 (Aledo, 2011)
Single-game yards rushing — Matt Gadek, 599 (McKinney, 2017); Daryl Ellis, 587 (Somerville, 1998); Daimarqua Foster, 580 (Wichita Falls Hirschi, 2017)
Career yards passing — Hunter Lile, 14,408 (Booker, 2011-14); Travis Quintanilla, 14,223 (Refugio, 2011-13); Andrew Body, 13,222 (Corpus Christi Miller, 2017-20)
Single-season yards passing — Nick Gerber, 5,617 (Levelland, 2016); Travis Quintanilla, 5,557 (Refugio, 2013); Shelton Eppler, 5,444 (Navasota, 2014)
Single-game yards passing — Peyton Bevel, 789 (Stamford, 2018); Mike Richardson, 725 (Marble Falls, 2012); Will Hammond, 719 (Hutto, 2023)
Career completions — Hunter Lile, 1,047 (Booker, 2011-14); Drew Tate, 970 (Baytown Lee, 19992002); Derrick Ponder, 933 (Bells, 2013-15)
Single-season completions — Logan Jenkins, 378 (Collinsville, 2023); Garrett Gilbert, 360 (Austin
Lake Travis, 2007); Aaron Brown, 352 (Gilmer, 2016)
Career touchdown passes — Travis Quintanilla, 186 (Refugio, 2011-13); Graham Harrell, 167 (Ennis, 2000-03); Hunter Lile, 162 (Booker, 2011-14)
Single-season touchdown passes — Nick Gerber, 77 (Levelland, 2016); Shelton Eppler, 71 (Navasota, 2014); Travis Quintanilla, 68 (Refugio, 2013)
Career yards receiving — Marvin Mims, 5,485 (Frisco Lone Star, 2016-19); Jordan Shipley, 5,424 (Burnet, 2000-03); Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 5,403 (Rockwall, 2016-19)
Single-season yards receiving — Marvin Mims, 2,629 (Frisco Lone Star, 2019); Cody Cardwell, 2,427 (Stephenville, 1998); Philip Bekc, 2,202 (Crosby, 2003)
Single-game yards receiving — Marc Lozoya, 454 (Laredo Alexander, 2013); Yzerick Oliver, 419 (Houston Worthing, 2013); Cameron O’Banan, 412 (Drippins Springs, 2020)
Career receptions — Jared Reagan, 391 (Booker, 2011-14); Hunter Hawthorne, 350 (Bells, 201417); Jake Oliver, 308 (Dallas Jesuit, 2009-12)
Career touchdown receptions — Tren’Davian Dickson, 76 (Navasota (2012-15); Jordan Shipley, 73 (Burnet, 2000-03); Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 63 (Rockwall, 2016-19)
Career points — Johnathan Gray, 1,232 (Aledo, 2008-11); Hayden Martinez, 924 (Iola, 2011-14);
Traylon Shead, 146 (Cayuga, 2006-09)
Career touchdowns — Johnathan Gray, 205 (Aledo, 2008-11); Hayden Martinez, 154 (Iola, 2011-14); Kenneth Hall, 899 (Sugar Land, 1950-53)
Career field goals — Cole Hedlund, 58 (Argyle, 2011-13); Tomas Sanchez, 48 (Fort Worth Arlington Heights, 1995-98); Juan Carranco, 42 (Dayton, 2010-12); Garrett Hartley, 42 (Southlake Carroll, 2001-03)
Career interceptions — Donald Moore, 59 (Splendora, 1976-79); Jim Linnstaeder, 55 (Brenham, 1956-58); Plez Atkins, 41 (Bartlett, 1989-92)
Program victories — Dallas Highland Park, 886; Mart, 835; Amarillo, 819; Temple, 800; Refugio, 787; Brownwod, 781; Longview, 780; Plano, 778; Cuero, 773; Cameron Yoe, 753
State championships — Aledo, 12; Carthage and Katy, 9; Celina, Mart and Southlake Carroll, 8; Abilene, Brownwood and Plano, 7; Austin Lake Travis, Breckenridge, Converse Judson, Daingerfield, Dallas Highland Park, Odessa Permian, Stephenville, Waco and Wichita Falls, 6; Allen, Canadian, Ennis, Galena Park North Shore, La Marque, Newton, Refugio, Sealy, Sonora, and Stamford 5
State title game appearances — Katy and Mart, 15; Aledo, 14; Austin Westlake, Celina, Converse Judson, Cuero, Odessa Permian and Refugio, 11; Carthage, Southlake Carroll, La Marque and Wichita Falls, 10
2023 Playoffs
Class 6A Division II
Bi-district: DeSoto 50, Harker Heights 10
Class 5A Division I
Bi-district: Denton Ryan 38, Lake Belton 13; Aledo 27, Killeen Shoemaker 6
Class 5A Division II
Bi-district: Belton 61, Austin Travis 6
Area: Richmond Randle 47, Belton 21
Class 4A Division I
Bi-district: Lampasas 52, Uvalde 0
Area: Alice 35, Lampasas 14
Class 4A Division II
Bi-district: Gatesville 34, Gonzales 31; Bandera 32, Jarrell 27
Area: Silsbee 35, Gatesville 10
Class 3A Division I
Bi-district: Academy 42, Hitchcock 36; Columbus 56, Rockdale 8
Area: Academy 39, Diboll 28
Regional semifinals: Franklin 52, Academy 27
Class 3A Division II
Bi-district: Rogers 42, Van Vleck 15
Area: Rogers 58, Comfort 27
Regional semifinals: El Maton Tidehaven 56, Rogers 21
Class 2A Division I
Bi-district: Holland 55, Harper 6
Area: Holland 28, Shiner 14
Regional semifinals: Ganado 50, Holland 22
Class 2A Division II
Bi-district: Granger 21, Burton 7
Area: Granger 27, Brackettville Brackett 0
Regional semifinals: Chilton 21, Granger 0
WEEK 1
Thursday, Aug. 29
Non-district
Pflugerville Hendrickson at Belton
Cameron Yoe at La Grange
Buckholts at Austin Texas School for the Deaf
Friday, Aug. 30
Non-district
Nuevo Leon at Temple
Killeen Ellison at Copperas Cove
Cedar Park at Harker Heights
Cedar Park Vista Ridge at Killeen
Killeen Shoemaker at Round Rock
College Station A&M Consolidated at Lake Belton
Killeen Chaparral at Kyle Lehman
Fredericksburg at Lampasas
Gatesville at Taylor
Giddings at Jarrell
Troy at Salado
Academy at Waco Connally
Smithville at Rockdale
Groesbeck at Rogers
Bruceville-Eddy at Meridian
Moody at Itasca
Florence at Rosebud-Lott
Holland at Burton
Bosqueville at Bartlett
Granger at Johnson City LBJ
Austin Brentwood at Central Texas
Christian
WEEK 2
Thursday, Sept. 5
Non-district
Manor at Harker Heights
Round Rock McNeil at Lake Belton
Manor New Tech at Killeen Chaparral
Friday, Sept. 6
Non-district
Round Rock at Temple
Leander Glenn at Copperas Cove
Killeen at Killeen Ellison
Nuevo Leon at Killeen Shoemaker
Georgetown at Belton
Lampasas at Salado
Glen Rose at Gatesville
Marble Falls at Jarrell
Lexington at Academy
Sealy at Cameron Yoe
Rockdale at Hempstead
Troy at Hillsboro
Schulenburg at Rogers
Bartlett at Bruceville-Eddy
Hico at Moody
Rosebud-Lott at Thrall
Valley Mills at Holland
Granger at Thorndale
Gustine at Buckholts
Central Texas Christian at Florence
WEEK 3
Thursday, Sept. 12
Non-district
Lake Belton at Killeen
Killeen Shoemaker vs. Killeen Ellison at UMHB
Belton at Georgetown East View
Friday, Sept. 13
Non-district
Temple at San Antonio Reagan
Copperas Cove at Georgetown
Dripping Springs at Harker Heights
Lampasas at Killeen Chaparral
Gatesville at Mexia
Jarrell at Caldwell
2024 Area Composite Schedule
Salado at Giddings
Burnet at Academy
Cameron Yoe at Maypearl
Lexington at Rockdale
Rogers at Troy
Santo at Bruceville-Eddy
Moody at Bremond
Rosebud-Lott at Dawson
Holland at Granger
Mart at Bartlett
Central Texas Christian at Waco Live
Oak
Idle: Buckholts
WEEK 4
Thursday, Sept. 19
Non-district
Waco University at Killeen Shoemaker
Friday, Sept. 20
Non-district
Austin at Temple
Copperas Cove at Austin Del Valle
Harker Heights at Midlothian
Killeen at Brenham
Belton at San Angelo Central
Red Oak at Killeen Ellison
Wimberley at Lampasas
McGregor at Gatesville
Jarrell at Llano
Salado at Academy
Lorena at Cameron Yoe
Rockdale at Giddings
Thrall at Troy
Rogers at Whitney
Bruceville-Eddy at Normangee
Milano at Moody
Bosqueville at Rosebud-Lott
Florence at Holland
Hill County Homeschool at Buckholts
Houston St. Francis at Central Texas
Christian
Idle: Lake Belton, Killeen Chaparral, Bartlett, Granger
WEEK 5
Thursday, Sept. 26
District 12-6A
Temple at Killeen Shoemaker
Non-district
Lampasas at Waco University
Friday, Sept. 27
District 12-6A
Hewitt Midway at Harker Heights
Killeen at Copperas Cove
District 8-5A-I
Lake Belton at Leander Rouse
Cedar Park at Killeen Chaparral
District 13-4A-II
Jarrell at Smithville
Salado at Lago Vista
District 13-2A-II
Granger at Bartlett
Non-district
Cuero at Belton
Gatesville at Burnet
Academy at Whitney
Cameron Yoe at Mexia
Groesbeck at Rockdale
Troy at Maypearl
Rogers at Centerville
Bruceville-Eddy at Jewett Leon
Corsicana Mildred at Moody
Rosebud-Lott at Normangee
Holland at Crawford
Buckholts at Morgan
Magnolia Legacy at Central Texas
Christian
Saturday, Sept. 28
Non-district
Killeen Ellison vs. Odessa in Abilene
WEEK 6
Thursday, Oct. 3
Non-district
Lorena at Lampasas
Friday, Oct. 4
District 12-6A
Copperas Cove at Bryan
Harker Heights at Killeen
Killeen Shoemaker at Hewitt Midway
District 8-5A-I
Georgetown East View at Lake Belton
Killeen Chaparral at Georgetown District 13-4A-II
Lago Vista at Jarrell
Geronimo Navarro at Salado District 13-2A-II
Bartlett at McDade
Milano at Granger
Non-district
Columbus at Rogers
Buckholts at Evant
Tomball Rosehill at Central Texas
Christian
Idle: Temple, Belton, Killeen Ellison, Gatesville, Academy, Cameron Yoe, Rockdale, Troy, Bruceville-Eddy, Moody, Rosebud-Lott, Holland
WEEK 7
Thursday, Oct. 10
District 12-6A
Killeen at Killeen Shoemaker
District 10-5A-II
Belton at Killeen Ellison
Friday, Oct. 11
District 12-6A
Hewitt Midway at Temple
Bryan at Harker Heights
District 8-5A-I
Lake Belton at Leander Glenn
Leander at Killeen Chaparral District 4-4A-I
Brownwood at Lampasas District 12-4A-II
Waco La Vega at Gatesville District 13-4A-II
Jarrell at Geronimo Navarro
Salado at Wimberley
District 11-3A-I
Academy at Rockdale
McGregor at Cameron Yoe
Franklin at Troy
District 13-3A-II
Blanco at Rogers
District 13-2A-I
Moody at Bruceville-Eddy
Riesel at Rosebud-Lott
District 14-2A-I
Harper at Holland
District 13-2A-II
Snook at Bartlett
Granger at Iola
Non-district
Idle: Copperas Cove, Buckholts, Central Texas Christian
WEEK 8
Thursday, Oct. 17
Non-district
McLennan County Homeschool at Buckholts
Friday, Oct. 18
District 12-6A
Temple at Killeen
Harker Heights at Copperas Cove
Killeen Shoemaker at Bryan
District 8-5A-I
Lake Belton at Leander
Leander Rouse at Killeen Chaparral
District 10-5A-II
Waco University at Belton
Killeen Ellison at Waco
District 4-4A-I
Lampasas at Burnet
District 12-4A-II
Lorena at Gatesville
District 13-4A-II
Wimberley at Jarrell
District 11-3A-I
Franklin at Academy
Troy at Cameron Yoe
Rockdale at McGregor
District 13-3A-II
Rogers at Comfort
District 13-2A-I
Marlin at Bruceville-Eddy
Rosebud-Lott at Moody
District 14-2A-I
Johnson City LBJ at Holland
District 13-2A-II
Bartlett at Burton
Granger at Somerville
TAPPS District 2-IV
Central Texas Christian at Bryan
Brazos
Idle: Salado
Non-district
WEEK 9
Thursday, Oct. 24
TAPPS District 2-IV
Conroe Covenant at Central Texas
Christian
Friday, Oct. 25
District 12-6A
Bryan at Temple
Copperas Cove at Killeen Shoemaker
Killeen at Hewitt Midway
District 8-5A-I
Cedar Park at Lake Belton
Killeen Chaparral at Georgetown East View
District 10-5A-II
Belton at Bryan Rudder
Brenham at Killeen Ellison
District 4-4A-I
Stephenville at Lampasas
District 12-4A-II
Gatesville at China Spring
District 13-4A-II
Jarrell at Salado
District 11-3A-I
Academy at Troy
Cameron Yoe at Rockdale
District 13-2A-I
Bruceville-Eddy at Rosebud-Lott
Moody at Crawford
District 14-2A-I
Holland at Mason
District 13-2A-II
Somerville at Bartlett
McDade at Granger
District 16-1A-II
Buckholts at Calvert
Non-district
Idle: Harker Heights, Rogers
WEEK 10
Thursday, Oct. 31
District 10-5A-II
Bryan Rudder at Killeen Ellison
Friday, Nov. 1
District 12-6A
Temple at Copperas Cove
Killeen Shoemaker at Harker Heights
District 8-5A-I
Lake Belton at Georgetown
Leander Glenn at Killeen Chaparral
District 10-5A-II
Belton at Waco
District 4-4A-I
Lampasas at Marble Falls District 12-4A-II
Robinson at Gatesville District 13-4A-II
Salado at Gonzales
District 11-3A-I
Academy at McGregor
Franklin at Cameron Yoe
Troy at Rockdale District 13-3A-II
Thrall at Rogers District 13-2A-I
Crawford at Bruceville-Eddy
Riesel at Moody
Marlin at Rosebud-Lott District 14-2A-I
San Saba at Holland District 13-2A-II
Milano at Bartlett
Granger at Snook District 16-1A-II
Buckholts at Cherokee
TAPPS District 2-IV
Hallettsville Sacred Heart at Central Texas Christian Non-district
Idle: Killeen, Jarrell WEEK 11
Thursday, Nov. 7
District 12-6A
Harker Heights at Temple Copperas Cove at Hewitt Midway
Bryan at Killeen District 10-5A-II
Brenham at Belton
Friday, Nov. 8 District 8-5A-I
Killeen Chaparral at Lake Belton District 10-5A-II
Killeen Ellison at Waco University District 12-4A-II
Gatesville at Waco Connally District 13-4A-II
Gonzales at Jarrell
Smithville at Salado District 11-3A-I
Cameron Yoe at Academy
Rockdale at Franklin
McGregor at Troy District 13-3A-II
Rogers at Lexington District 13-2A-I
Bruceville-Eddy at Riesel
Moody at Marlin
Rosebud-Lott at Crawford District 14-2A-I
Holland at Thorndale District 13-2A-II
Bartlett at Iola
Burton at Granger District 16-1A-II
Pawnee at Buckholts
TAPPS District 2-IV
Central Texas Christian at Shiner St. Paul Non-district
Idle: Killeen Shoemaker, Lampasas
