Football Preview | 1st Edition

MONDAY, AUG. 26, 2019

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

CLASS 1A, 2A, 3A

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

QB Brashear fulfilling his Yoemen destiny

By JOSHUA WEAVER TELEGRAM ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Michael Miller/Telegram

Braden Brashear is following in the Cameron Yoe footsteps of his father, a Yoe graduate and head coach of the Yoemen.

CAMERON — As a ball boy for Cameron Yoe from third grade through eighth grade, Braden Brashear recognized, even from the sideline, that Yoemen Friday night’s were special.

He witnessed plenty of winning as a youngster — five state championship game appearances and three crowns — and daydreamed of his chance to take the field suited up in maroon and gray with the famed “oYe” on his helmet. Maybe even for one of those exhilarating title tilts.

That he longed for his shot is no surprise given that his dad, Tommy Brashear, was a Cameron Yoe class of 1992 member and returned to his alma mater in 2004 as a baseball coach. He later also coached basketball, became the defensive coordinator in 2011 and in 2016

took over as head football coach and athletic director.

Among the many mementos in Tommy’s office, there’s a photo in which he is flanked by Braden and younger son Nolan on the field after Yoe’s state championship win in 2013. The snapshot reinforces a couple things: time flies, and the Brashears are Yoemen through and through.

“He’s grown up around it his whole life,” Tommy said.

And when Braden finally stepped onto the field as a varsity player last season as the team’s starting quarterback, the moment was even more than he imagined.

“I knew it was a lot more pressure but also a lot more fun,” he said. “Once I got out there, the atmosphere was even better than I expected.”

His performance — 13-of-19 passing, 237 yards, three touchdowns, one interception — that Aug. 31 night in a win over Mexia

turned out better than expected, too, based on his pregame worries.

“I was scared to death in warmups. I didn’t know if I was ready or good enough,” he said. “By the end I was like, ‘Ah, I can do this. I’ll be fine.’”

The team was more than fine with Braden guiding the offense.

Yoe bounced back from a subpar 2017 by winning the District 103A-I title and advancing to the Class 3A Region III semifinals.

The Yoemen lost that game 28-27 in overtime but finished with an 11-2 record — the 25th time the program posted double-digit wins.

Braden closed the season with 2,325 yards, 24 touchdowns to just seven interceptions, and a 66percent completion percentage.

“The first few games I was very nervous. I’m sure that’s normal.

But I was very nervous. As the year went along, it just got more Please see BRASHEAR, Page 16

Academy’s McWilliams made right choice

By DANIEL ZEPEDA TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

LITTLE RIVER–ACADEMY — Peer pressure is almost an exclusively negative term that is rarely used in a positive sense. Most teenagers hear warnings from their parents about the harmful effects peer pressure can have when it comes to decision making.

For Academy football fans, peer pressure might not be such a bad thing. If it wasn’t for the desire to do what his friends were doing, Jaylin McWilliams may have donned a hat and glove rather than a helmet and shoulder pads.

The Bumblebees’ 6-foot-2, 175pound junior wide receiver, who led the team in receptions (44) and yards receiving (681) last season, almost opted not to step onto the gridiron during middle school. McWilliams never envisioned himself as a football player. In fact, it was baseball that

held his heart early in life.

However, like any 12- or 13year-old boy, McWilliams wanted to be around his friends.

So, when his pals decided to try out for the football team in seventh grade, McWilliams followed — albeit hesitantly.

“I played football and baseball when I was younger. But as I got a little older, my mom gave me a choice to choose football or baseball. I chose baseball,” said McWilliams, who still plays basketball. “I didn’t really like the contact of football. I didn’t like getting hit. Seventh grade came, and all my friends went out for football, so I decided to play.

“I’m pretty sure that if they would have played baseball, I’d be playing baseball. But I’m glad I went with football.”

Although McWilliams’ opportunities to step onto a baseball diamond are limited as of late, his days of hauling in long receptions

seem far from over. As a sophomore, he had five touchdown catches and gained the reputation of being a deep-ball threat, averaging 15.5 yards per catch.

According to head coach Paul Williams, it’s McWilliams’ size, athleticism and speed that make him a key piece in the Bees’ everevolving passing game.

“He’s got great hands and a great understanding of the game,” Williams said. “In this day and age, they all play Madden football and they know the plays and the schemes. He’s the same way. He has a situational awareness to put himself in the right place at the right time.”

Late last season, McWilliams consistently drew double-coverage that had little impact on his production. He continued to out leap defenders, come away with the ball and make everything Please see DECISION, Page 18

Michael Miller/Telegram

Academy’s Jaylin McWilliams, who chose football over baseball, had 44 catches for 681 yards and five touchdowns last season.

MONDAY, August 26, 2019

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Workman can handle several roles for Troy

By DANIEL ZEPEDA TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

TROY — Beau Workman didn’t expect a lot of change going into last season. He had the same coach for whom he played the previous two years on varsity, worked in the same defensive scheme that allowed him to become a play-making linebacker and was finally healthy after battling injuries as a sophomore.

His focus was on leading Troy’s defense, and he was ready.

Turns out, he also assisted the offense — a lot actually — as the Trojans’ new starting tight end.

So much for routine as usual.

“I wasn’t really asked in all honesty. I was kind of told politely that I would be playing tight end,” Workman joked. “I enjoy it.

I’m willing to do anything that will help the team out. My answer was always yes.”

Troy head coach Ronnie Porter had few reservations about Workman’s ability to become just as successful a tight end as he was a linebacker. At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, he had the size to block for the Trojans’ running game and the speed to make plays in the open field.

All he needed was to learn the offense. And after a few frustrating weeks, Workman caught up.

Then he started knocking people down.

“He got a little better every week until the point that he started blowing people off the

Michael Miller/Telegram

Troy’s Beau Workman has become a dependable tight end while continuing to make plays on defense as a productive linebacker. ground,” Porter said. “As a sen- key blocking for an offense that ior, he’s got a ton of experience. averaged 340.8 yards per game.

He works hard and does every- Defensively, he registered 84 thing for us. Wherever we put tackles, including eight for losses, him, whatever we ask him to do, and five sacks in helping Troy advance to the second round of the he’s on board.”

It all panned out nicely for playoffs for the first time since Workman, who received first- 2013. team all-district honors at tight The move also provided college end and linebacker after catching opportunities for Workman, who 17 passes for 344 yards and three has offers from Division I Illinois touchdowns while also providing State and Division II Angelo

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State. In typical Workman fashion, his thoughts on playing college ball don’t begin with himself.

“To be able to tell my mom that she doesn’t have to pay for college, that’s exciting,” Workman said. “So is knowing that just because this is your last year of high school football, it doesn’t end here. You can still enjoy and play the game you love after this.”

With Workman on the field for nearly every snap, the number in the Trojans’ win column grew.

And with every victory, a trip to Taco Bell for a beefy five-layer burrito became a regular occurrence.

“That’s my go-to meal after a win. We would all go there and celebrate last year,” Workman said. “With the talent we have this season, we’re expecting a lot of trips to Taco Bell.”

It’s no secret that Workman’s physique and commitment to staying strong makes him a formidable opponent, but his edge comes from his drive for knowledge about the game. He remembers watching University of Texas games from a young age and can recall players’ names and stats for many NFL and college teams.

And when he’s not watching football, he’s playing it.

“I’ve always been the kid that’s been big into football,” Workman said. “I’ve always sat down and watched football since as long as I can remember. It’s a part of me.

Once I stepped onto the field, I felt like this is where I belonged and where I needed to be.”

Four years as a varsity football player has brought a number of positive and negative experiences. Whether it was learning the speed of the game as a freshman, suffering through a losing season as a sophomore, or becoming one of Troy’s most wellrounded players, Workman has remained level-headed through it all.

He just shows up ready to work.

“Some guys get that success and recognition and they let it affect them,” Porter said. “He’s really just kept on working to get better. He really shows a passion for the game. He’s a fun one to coach for a lot of reasons.”

Workman hasn’t decided where he’ll continue his football career, but one thing is certain. He won’t spend time playing catch-up this season. He’s well-versed in both playbooks and has memories from three seasons’ worth of snaps on which to rely.

Now, it’s time to go to work.

After all, someone has to eat those Taco Bell burritos.

“Last year was just a stepping stone for this team,” Workman said. “We bring back a lot of talent and experience and we’re ready to build on what we accomplished. Getting to the playoffs was amazing, but our goals are a lot bigger than just getting into the playoffs.” n dzepeda@tdtnews.com

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

Spinn’s mental toughness a boon for Holland

By GREG WILLE TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

HOLLAND — Zane Spinn is a successful young man and student-athlete.

As a junior last school year, he helped Holland win 10 games by producing 2,116 yards and 24 touchdowns as the quarterback and making seven interceptions on defense, earned second-team all-state recognition in baseball as a shortstop and competed for a relay team in a regional track meet.

However, it might be how Spinn handles rare moments of failure that makes him the mature, steely competitor he is.

In a Class 2A Division I arearound playoff game last November, Holland led Wallis Brazos 27-18 late in the third quarter and seemingly was charging toward a clash with top-ranked Mason.

Spinn completed 20 passes for

260 yards, but his only interception set up Brazos’ go-ahead touchdown in the fourth. Holland reclaimed the lead, but Spinn — playing cornerback — allowed a 9-yard touchdown pass on fourth down with 1:10 remaining, and the Hornets absorbed a crushing 38-35 defeat.

“That sat on me for a while,” Spinn recalled. “It reminds you that when the last quarter’s coming down to it, you need to know you have that last little bit in you to get it done.”

Spinn emerged from the Hornets’ somber postgame locker room and forthrightly answered a reporter’s questions.

“I can’t even describe how I feel. I’m disappointed. This will make us hungrier,” Spinn said that night.

That response didn’t surprise Holland coach Brad Talbert, who appreciates Spinn’s level-headed approach and ability to keep neg-

ative from lingering too long.

“Zane’s mentally the toughest kid on our team. He’s going to be ready the next play. He’s a gamer,” Talbert said. “That (adversity) didn’t bother him. He came right back. His parents and his brother and sister, they’re allin. They must preach (mental toughness), because they’ve all been gamers for us.”

The 6-foot-4, 175-pound Spinn is the latest family member to achieve athletic success for Holland, where brother Seth and sister Zoe were multi-sport performers.

“I hear from everyone around town that I have humongous shoes to fill. I mean, they’ve made a real impact on my life,” Zane said. “I don’t think I’d work as hard as I do now if it wasn’t for them. They are an inspiration.”

In turn, Spinn — who enjoys hunting, fishing and hanging out Please see SPINN, Page 22

Michael Miller/Telegram

Holland senior Zane Spinn is prepared to bounce back from last year’s playoff loss and lead the Hornets back to the postseason.

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

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Rogers’ Sebek living his dream with Eagles

By TIM WAITS TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

ROGERS — The dreams of many young football players as they mature is to one day play for their favorite college program and later in the NFL. Before any of that, they have to go through the high school ranks.

For Ty Sebek, playing for his high school team and representing his community is the realization of his dream.

“Kids grow up and want to play for teams like the Cowboys or the Aggies,” the Rogers junior said. “All I ever wanted to do was play for the Rogers Eagles.”

And play he has.

Sebek has been one of the linchpins of the Eagles’ offensive and defensive lines since he got to the high school campus as a freshman, which coincided with Charlie Roten’s first year as head coach.

“He’s just gotten better and better,” Roten said. “In junior high, he played quarterback, but he just got bigger and bigger. We had a need on the offensive line and he filled it.”

Sebek has watched and heard about Rogers football his entire life. It’s in his genes. His father, Ryan, quarterbacked some of the most successful Eagles teams in the early 1980s. Rogers went 22-3-1 over his final two seasons, and the 1982 squad was the first Eagles team to win 12 games.

It appeared throughout junior high that Ty might be on track to follow in his dad’s footsteps as a quarterback. His body dictated otherwise.

“My dad’s a big guy, and I like to eat I guess,” Sebek said. “I was never really fast.

I got his speed. A lot of Sebeks are big.”

While he can only hear stories of his father’s playing days, Ty’s hero was his cousin Brody Malovets, the program’s all-

time leading rusher. The powerhouse running back was a 3,000-yard rusher as a senior in 2014 for the last Rogers team to win a postseason game.

“I’ve had cousins who have gone through it and made deep playoff runs,” Sebek said. “It’s a Friday night tradition.

Brody was my biggest influence just watching him play ball.”

Sebek hopes this season will be like those of the past in which the Eagles are legitimate threats to play well into November. The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder is on a senior-laden team that enters the season on the heels of Rogers’ first playoff appearance following a three-year absence.

Even though he’s a year behind many of his teammates, Sebek has developed qualities of leadership and respect through his work ethic and just the fact that he has already played in 21 varsity games.

“As a junior, I’m not a guy going out there to hype up everybody,” he said.

“That’s just not me. But as I get older, I want younger ones to look up to me.”

Sebek’s regard for the game and his team is not lost on the coaching staff.

“He’s a great kid who makes straight A’s,” Roten said. “If my son is like Ty Sebek, then I know I’ve done a good job as a parent. He’s quiet but leads through his work ethic and the way he approaches the game.”

The Eagles were 6-5 last year to finish with their first winning record since 2014, and few things mean more to Sebek than being part of the process of putting Rogers back into consideration as a district title contender and playoff winner following a few years of struggles with coaching changes and a dryer talent pool.

Last season not only stopped the skid of three straight sub-.500 seasons, it also saw Please see SEBEK, Page 8

Michael Miller/Telegram

Junior lineman Ty Sebek grew up watching Rogers play and dreaming of suiting up for the Eagles, for whom he is a valuable lineman on both sides of the ball.

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

Valdez gets chance as RB at Rosebud-Lott

By MARCUS HOOD TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

TRAVIS — Adrian Valdez is returning to his roots.

After spending the last two seasons primarily as a tight end and linebacker, Valdez will be the featured running back for a Rosebud-Lott offense that will rely heavily on the run.

“He played the position on junior varsity,” first-year Cougars head coach Rafael Williams said. “Last year, we asked him to play a lot of different roles because we had someone at running back. I think he’ll be really good.”

If Valdez’s success elsewhere is any indication, he should be great. He was a second-team all-district tight end as a sophomore in 2017 and led the Cougars in tackles last season.

Now he’s ready to return to being the primary ball carrier.

“I’m up to the challenge,” Valdez said.

“I just have to keep working at it.”

The first part of the process was getting accustomed to having the ball handed to him again instead of thrown to him. It’s simple enough in theory, but not always in reality. “(Last season), the only time I touched the ball is when they threw it to me,” he said. “It’s hard because you have to remember new stuff on certain plays. (Running back) is a lot more than just getting behind blockers. I have to be conditioned.”

Williams, who was the defensive coordinator before assuming head coaching duties, said he believes in a run-based offense because the rushing attack opens up the passing game. It won’t be much of a change for the Cougars, who ran the ball

338 times for 1,401 yards last season, compared to just 113 pass attempts and 535 yards through the air.

However, Williams is establishing a more up-tempo pace with a spread offense that could do more passing this season.

“Last year, we did a lot of running plays,” Valdez said. “He wants to pass a little more but still have running plays in there. It’s more pass this year, with a lot of new stuff.”

Learning the plays on offense hasn’t been an issue for Valdez, who said that “the way (the coaching staff) has it, it’s pretty easy to remember. Everybody has to check in and every sign means something.”

Like many small-town football players growing up, Valdez was found most Friday nights watching the Rosebud-Lott teams of the past.

“Watching them play, I wanted to be like them,” he said. “Now it’s like a dream come true.”

He also has participated in multiple sports and became one of the school’s top long-distance runners during his first couple of years of high school, competing in cross country as well at the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs in track. He then turned his focus to the heavy implements and was Rosebud-Lott’s top competitor in the shot put last spring.

His combination of skills is something his teammates have noticed.

“He brings speed.” lineman Kenneth Benson said. “He’s not as fast as he was last year, but he’s still got the speed that we need and he has speed that matches his size. He brings strength, speed and smarts.”

Please see VALDEZ, Page 10

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Rosebud-Lott senior Adrian Valdez spent the last two seasons making plays as a tight end and linebacker but is now primed to shine as the Cougars’ primary ball carrier.

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 7

Academy wants second straight playoff berth

By DANIEL ZEPEDA

Academy Bumblebees

TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

Coach: Paul Williams 2018 record: 4-7 District: 10-3A-1 Venue: John Glover Stadium Players to watch: Williams WR Jaylin McWilliams, QB Jerry Cephus, S Dalton Head, LB/OL Wyatt Gardner, TE Braeden Lilly, QB Kollin Mraz, S Corbin Bush, OL/DL Tanner Rambeau Michael Miller/Telegram

Dalton Head (left), Braeden Lilly, Jaylin McWilliams and Wyatt Gardner want to keep the competitive fire burning at Academy, which reached the playoffs last year in Paul Williams’ first season as coach. it again this year,” Academy’s secWith a taste of the playoffs still staff has adopted a philosophy ond-year head coach said. “Com- on their palates, the Bees are that goes beyond the traditional paring how things were before last eager to ensure that last season game plan and focuses on the perseason to how things are now, it’s isn’t remembered as a fluke. In sonal development of the players. night and day.” order to achieve that, the coaching “The first step in trying to estab-

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lish this new expectation had nothing to do with football,” Williams said. “It really was all about addressing the individual and developing relationships with our athletes. We had a lot of talks with our guys about character development and what it means to be a respectful young man.”

TEM P

LITTLE RIVER-ACADEMY — Considering the overwhelming odds stacked against the Academy Bumblebees at the start of last season, Paul Williams can’t help but grin when he thinks about the positive strides his team made.

Not only did Williams take the reins as head coach last season, he was tasked with replacing eight coaches, implementing a new offensive scheme and finding a new quarterback, all while starting several sophomores.

Despite those obstacles, Academy garnered a playoff berth for the first time since 2015. The Bees lost to West in the bi-district round, but the fire to keep their recent success alive had been lit.

“The saying goes, ‘For every sophomore you’re starting, you’ve got a loss on the schedule.’ But this team contradicted that last year, and we’re hoping we can do

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

No. 4 Yoe ready to live up to high ranking

By JOSHUA WEAVER

Cameron Yoe Yoemen

TELEGRAM ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

CAMERON — Numbers are important at Cameron Yoe, mostly because they illustrate a rich history.

All-time wins: 724.

State titles: 4.

Seasons with 10 or more wins: 25.

And so on.

One particular numeral — a No. 1 ranking to begin the 2017 season — is, perhaps, the most significant digit for this year’s senior class that includes players such as wide receiver Kobe Young and running back/linebacker Nico Vargas who endured a valuable lesson as sophomores.

“We were ranked No. 1 and,” Young said before pausing and closing his thought with “4-7.”

“Rank doesn’t mean nothing.

We have to go out and prove we deserve a ranking.”

The 4-7 was 2017’s final record, which left a lasting impression on

Coach: Tommy Brashear 2018 record: 11-2 District: 10-3A-1 Venue: Yoe Field Players to watch: Brashear QB Braden Brashear, RB Nico Vargas, WR Kobe Young, OL Will Scott, OL Dominic Lewis, LB Patrick England, DB Calvin Stewart, LB/RB James Debose Michael Miller/Telegram

Nico Vargas (left), Kobe Young, Braden Brashear and Will Scott are some of the experienced leaders for Cameron Yoe, which carries the No. 4 ranking into the 2019 season. returning Yoemen in 2018 who 11 victories dating to 2010. posting a record three games dealt with the disappointment of Remarkably — or naturally below .500 still lingers. the program’s first losing season considering the lofty goals that “Every time we do something since 2007 and turned it into the circulate yearly inside Yoe’s bad, the coaches bring up that 4school’s seventh year of at least fieldhouse — the bitterness of 7 season and it’ll hit us,” Vargas

Sebek Continued from 5

the end of a four-game losing streak against rival Academy in the season opener. Sebek points to that game as a turning point for the Eagles’ confidence and ability to compete for the postseason.

“That made us feel confident, and we needed to build on it,” he said. “Even though it’s the first of 10 games, there’s pressure to win that one. That set the tone for the season and just kind of

flipped a switch.”

While Sebek’s days of throwing passes and running the ball are gone, he gets plenty of satisfaction from creating space for speedier teammate Jordan Riley to run through and protecting quarterback Heath Schiller from danger, not to mention making key stops or plugging gaps as a defender.

“We can do so much in our offense.

We’re going to be hard to stop,” he said.

“On defense, we all know what we’re supposed to do and can trust that guys will do their job when called upon. This year should be special.”

said. “We don’t want that happening again.”

Added to that hovering, humbling experience now is the sting left over from a one-point overtime loss to Winnie East Chambers in the Class 3A Region III semifinals last season that concluded a march much sooner than hoped.

Please see YOE, Page 21

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 9

Troy believes it can compete for district title

By DANIEL ZEPEDA

Troy Trojans

TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

TROY — Last year produced several memorable moments for the Troy Trojans, but Oct. 19 might stand above the rest. The Week 8 road matchup with reigning Class 3A Division I state champion Rockdale presented a history-making opportunity, and the Trojans capitalized.

Troy secured a 21-17 win that night for the program’s first victory against one of its longtime Central Texas rivals. It also marked the Trojans’ third win through the first four district games and boosted their confidence and expectations.

“When we beat Rockdale, that was probably the point when we knew last year was different,” senior lineman Jordan Cotanny said. “That was probably the best game of my life.”

Troy ended the regular season on a six-game winning streak that catapulted the Trojans into the

Coach: Ronnie Porter 2018 record: 9-3 District: 10-3A-1 Venue: Trojan Stadium Players to watch: Porter RB Zach Hrbacek, LB/TE Beau Workman, FB/LB Sam Jones, OL/DL Ian McDonald, OL/DL Jordan Cotanny, QB/DB Tyler Jarolik, QB/DB Ben Presley, S Kody Kaminski Michael Miller/Telegram

Troy linemen Ian McDonald, Zach Westbrook, Jordan Cotanny and Brady Mays will pave the way as the Trojans make their case for the District 10-3A-I crown and another postseason berth. playoffs, where the streak contin- turning this year, the Trojans are Ronnie Porter said. “A lot of ued with a win over Teague. Troy ready to make more history. these seniors have been with us advanced to the second round for “This is the first time that we’ve since the very beginning. They the first time since 2013 before had this many seniors in one sea- know our terminology, technique falling and, with 22 seniors re- son,” sixth-year Troy head coach and all the basics. Now, all we’re

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trying to do is get better.”

The abundance of veteran leaders has presented Porter with a unique challenge in which he must navigate between keeping his seniors’ interest piqued and not reinventing the wheel.

“Having all this experience, as Please see TROY, Page 21

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

Rockdale loaded to make another deep run

By TIM WAITS

Rockdale Tigers

TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

ROCKDALE — Jeff Miller isn’t a man who undersells his team so it can sneak up on opponents come Friday nights.

So if the Rockdale coach thinks his squad is talented and has a chance to have major success, then that’s the case.

Of course, it’s been a while since the Tigers sneaked up on anybody.

Rockdale won 61 games over the last six seasons to account for the most successful six-year span in school history. The 2018 campaign was something of a “rebuilding” season, and the Tigers still went 7-4 as a follow-up to their state championship year.

“It’s exciting out here,” said Miller, who is the dean of all area coaches as he enters his 14th season leading the Tigers. “We have a lot of retention with a lot of starters and lettermen coming back on both sides of the ball. We

Coach: Jeff Miller 2018 record: 7-4 District: 10-3A-1 Venue: Tiger Stadium Players to watch: Miller RB Cam’Ron Valdez, QB Jace Robinson, WR/CB Kesean Raven, WR Ross Loth, OL Alex Ellison, S Levi Baggerly, DL Ty Mayberry, LB Chase Mayfield Michael Miller/Telegram

Levi Baggerly (left), Kesean Raven, Cam’Ron Valdez and Ross Loth want to help lead Rockdale on another lengthy postseason run two years after the Tigers won a state title. have good athletes. huge when you’re talking about The Tigers’ third win this season “Experience is our No. 1 high school kids.” will be his 100th in Rockdale. strength. We have good team Miller, already the winningest They figure to win much more speed and good chemistry and coach in Rockdale history, is on than three, though they will be in not a lot of distractions, which is the cusp of a personal milestone. a significant fight for the su-

Valdez Continued from 6

There is a quarterback competition brewing for the Cougars, and Williams expects three players to see time at the position.

Valdez isn’t concerned about who hands him the ball, though.

“All the quarterbacks are doing a good job,” he said. “I’ve worked with all of them.

They just have to keep working at it.”

The same holds true for Valdez as he returns to a position he hasn’t played in a

couple of years while being heavily relied upon until the quarterback situation is settled.

In the end though, the goal for all of the Cougars is to get Rosebud-Lott back into the playoffs. Valdez hopes his lone season at running back can help accomplish that.

“There’s a lot of new stuff,” he said. “We just have to stay committed to it. That means a lot of hard work and dedication.

If we all just do our roles, stay committed and work as a team, I think we’ll get there.”

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premacy of District 10-3A-I, primarily against Milam County rival Cameron Yoe and Troy.

Even though the Tigers are experienced, some of their top players are juniors. Jace Robinson is back at quarterback after throwing for 1,670 yards and 19 touchdowns last season as a sophomore.

Please see ROCKDALE, Page 20

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 11

Jarrell hopes to ride offense into postseason

By MARCUS HOOD

Jarrell Cougars

TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

JARRELL — Amos Davidson walked into the locker room and saw his Jarrell Cougars devastated after losing to Academy 38-13 last season.

In stout District 10-3A-I, the game was essentially for the final playoff spot, and Jarrell knew it gave away its postseason chance with six turnovers that night. The Bees were playoff-bound. The Cougars stayed home for a third year in a row.

“That game after Academy, our whole locker room was just devastated,” lineman Jake Copeland said. “We just moped around.”

For Davidson, entering his third year, along with the pain came one of his proudest moments as the Cougars’ coach.

“I was disappointed we lost,” he said.

“But at the same time, it was encouraging because, ‘All right. It means something.’

It’s kind of something they’ve held onto: ‘Hey, let’s not have that feeling again.

Let’s work now so after that game next year, we have the opposite feeling.’”

Jarrell was winless the first season under Davidson and went 4-6 last season. With almost all of their starting offense back, the Cougars believe this could be their breakout year.

“With all of our starters coming back, I feel pretty confident, especially on the offensive line,” Copeland said. “We went to the state lineman challenge this year for the first time and were able to stay up with them. We competed well as a group, and I feel like we communicate well with each other and the backs.”

The senior-laden offense includes Anthony Gadison, Thomas Clawson and Billy LaFrance along with Copeland on the line, Heron Rodriguez at quarterback

Coach: Amos Davidson 2018 record: 4-6 District: 10-3A-1 Venue: Cougar Field Players to watch: QB Heron Rodriguez, RB Jasper Compton, WR Joseph Davidson Crathers, WR Joseph Shamburger, OL/DL Jake Copeland, OL/DL Billy LaFrance main targets again this season.

The offensive unit’s experience has the Cougars confident that they can rack up yards. It’s all the new faces on their deMichael Miller/Telegram fense that could be problematic.

Davidson said he isn’t too concerned, Linemen Anthony Gadison (left), Thomas Clawson, Jake Copeland and Billy LaFrance though, and anticipates several players aim to anchor Jarrell in its quest for a playoff berth out of District 10-3A-I. starting on both sides of the ball. so both options would be good.” and Jasper Compton in the backfield.

“Obviously, it’s up to the kids,” he said.

“We kind of did that on purpose,” David- Compton rushed for 651 yards on 161 “I tell them all the time they can play with son said of having a lot of returners on of- carries last season, and top receivers anybody that’s out here. They just have to fense. “We looked a little bit to the future Joseph Crathers (31 catches, 506 yards) believe it. Anything can happen.” last year and tried to plan this. We had a and Joseph Shamburger (17, 367) will be n mhood@tdtnews.com good group of seniors last year and they really fit us on defense, so we put younger Football doesn’t build character, it reveals one. guys on offense and just said, ‘We are going to take two years to build the offense and try to give us a pretty good chance in 2019.’”

The offense was balanced in 2018, producing 1,503 yards on the ground and 1,463 through the air. Rodriguez was 69of-151 passing for 1,154 yards, but DavidVot son said junior Aden Edgar is making a ed strong case to be the quarterback.

Bes “They’re both good quarterbacks,” tW Davidson said. “Both bring different WingsInTemple.com ing threats on offense and defense. Heron can s fo 2112 HK Dodgen Loop, play receiver, and Aden can play tight end, r1

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

Rogers getting back to its successful ways

By TIM WAITS

Rogers Eagles

TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

ROGERS — Sometimes expectations of a coming football season are stated but are done so more with fingers crossed than with wholehearted belief.

While that may have been closer to the case for Rogers the last few years, the Eagles have rebuilt their belief system to match the lofty goals of their successful tradition.

Returning 19 starters from a 65 playoff team and adding an influx of players from a junior varsity team that was 9-1 will do that to expectations.

“I think there are different expectations externally every year,” third-year Rogers coach Charlie Roten said. “The internal expectations are always there. You want to perform to the best of your ability every year.

“Practices are going pretty smooth. We have a lot of kids who have been doing it for three years on varsity. You have to have good practices so you feel like on Friday nights, you’ll have a chance for success.”

The experience allows the Eagles to expand their repertoire a bit on offense and makes sure everyone remains in sync on both sides of the ball. Part of the offensive expansion will be to incorporate veteran quarterback Heath Schiller (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) as a runner to go with his passing and distribution skills. Schiller threw for 968 yards and 12 touch-

Coach: Charlie Roten 2018 record: 6-5 District: 8-3A-II Venue: Merk Field Players to watch: Roten RB/CB Jordan Riley, RB/S Joshua Minor, RB/LB Christian Riley, QB/LB Heath Schiller, OL/DL Ty Sebek, OL/DL Troy Glaser, WR Brady Sisneroz Michael Miller/Telegram

Troy Glaser (left), J.J. Frieden, Evan Doskocil and Conner Arney are some of the leaders for Rogers, which believes it is on the path to match the successful runs of past Eagles teams. downs last year but is capable of veteran corps with Evan Doskocil Sebek, Doskocil, Glaser and impacting defenses with his legs. (5-7, 200) at center, flanked by Arney will flip sides to be stalSpeedy seniors Jordan Riley (5- guards Conner Arney (5-11, 230) warts on the defensive front. J.J. 9, 170) and Joshua Minor (5-8, and sophomore Mason Davis (5- Frieden (5-8, 160), Schiller and 160) and sophomore Christian 10, 185). Junior Ty Sebek (6-2, Hutka will be part of the lineRiley (5-9, 160) return after ac- 250) is back for his third season backer rotation along with Goodcounting for more than 1,700 at right tackle, with senior Troy win and Christian Riley. Jordan yards rushing last season in the Glaser (6-1, 275) on the left side. Riley and Lashbrook are penciled “With (Schiller) being a differ- in as the cornerbacks, and Minor Eagles’ flex-bone attack.

Rangy senior receiver Brady ent type of quarterback, we want is at free safety. Lashbrook reSisneroz (6-3, 180) and Julian to run him more,” Roten said. turns as an able placekicker, and Lashbrook (5-11, 155) provide “We want to get the ball to the Minor handles the punting duties. targets for Schiller through the air slot with Jordan Riley and Joshua After going through three head along with a bevy of other up- Minor. We’re going to spread it coaches in three years as the current senior class entered high and-coming threats in Ben Hutka out a little more.”

(6-1, 165), Logan Hare (5-11, With many guys playing both school, the stability of the current 150), Christian Watkins (5-11, ways, the veteran nature of the staff has aided in Rogers’ pro155), Hayden Sisneroz (5-8, 150), Eagles will be just as evident on gression. a brotherhood,” Thomas Goodwin (5-7, 160) and the defense, which will have “We’re enough depth to rotate in fresh Doskocil said. “We’re all pretty Jacob Glasgow (6-2, 180). tight with each other. We’ve just The Eagles’ offensive line is a players.

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got to keep building on what we had last year.”

Although the Eagles expect to be even better than last year, that doesn’t mean the path to the District 8-3A-II title is clear. Defending league champion Clifton was 11-1 last season and is still the team to beat in the small district, which includes Lexington, Hamilton and Florence.

“To be honest, Lexington put it on us pretty good, and Clifton is strong,” Roten said. “We may be the third-best team. Lexington lost a lot, but those coaches do a good job. Clifton is a lot like us with all their skill kids back.

Hamilton sometimes gets lost in the shuffle, but Coach Casey Jones knows what he’s doing.”

At the very least, the Eagles are considered playoff contenders — not just based on the tradition of the past, but on the talent at their disposal.

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 13

Long-awaited opportunity arrives for Holland

By GREG WILLE

Holland Hornets

TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

HOLLAND — The Holland Hornets have been waiting for this season for a long time.

Sure, they’ve produced plenty of success already by winning 10 games in 2017 and 10 more last year, but they’ve known for quite a while that 2019 has all the ingredients needed for a truly special season.

“We’ve talked about this year ever since middle school, really,” senior running back and defensive end Clay Cooper said.

“It’s all you hear about in town,” said senior receiver/linebacker Brady Shelton, last year’s MVP of District 13-2A-I. “You see any dad who’s gone to Holland and that’s what he’s talking to you about right away.”

Senior quarterback, cornerback and punter Zane Spinn can sum it all up.

“We’re all hungry and we want

Coach: Brad Talbert 2018 record: 10-2 District: 13-2A-I Venue: Hornet Field Players to watch: Talbert QB/CB/P Zane Spinn, RB/DE Clay Cooper, WR/LB Brady Shelton, WR/CB Caleb Cearley, WR Logan Mann, WR/S Josh Evans, LT/DL Jae’Vone Brown, S Ayden Tomasek Michael Miller/Telegram

Brady Shelton (left), Clay Cooper, Jae’Vone Brown and Caleb Cearley are some of the leaders for Holland, which is primed for a longer playoff run after last year’s march ended in the second round. it this year,” he said. “A bunch of amazing journey and experience.” Football magazine’s preseason people are expecting stuff. We’re With nine starters on offense rankings — clearly has the availexpecting stuff. We’ve been and eight on defense returning able talent to achieve a third conworking hard and we’re going to from a 10-2 district championship secutive 10-victory season and get after it. It’s going to be an team, Holland — No. 13 in Texas advance deep into the playoffs.

Perhaps even more important for the Hornets of eighth-year coach Brad Talbert is the motivation they derived from last season’s painful conclusion.

Holland led Wallis Brazos 2718 late in the third quarter of an area-round playoff game before Please see HOLLAND, Page 21

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

Williams, Rosebud-Lott seek consistency

By MARCUS HOOD

Rosebud-Lott Cougars

TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

TRAVIS — In the 16 seasons since their 2002 state championship, the RosebudLott Cougars have been striving to find consistent success.

They had just five winning seasons, six playoff appearances and only two playoff victories in those 16 years, and now they have their seventh head coach since that title run.

Rafael Williams is the next man charged with restoring Rosebud-Lott’s winning ways after being promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach earlier this year in place of Brad Ballard, who stayed on as athletic director.

“When I found out in early spring, there was an excitement,” Williams said of accepting the job. “Then after the excitement comes: ‘I still have all these many things to do.’ You realize you aren’t just coaching X’s and O’s. You are in charge of the program. There’s a lot more responsibility.”

At Rosebud-Lott, there are also a lot of expectations, especially when state titles are being won by teams all around Central Texas.

“I think that gives them something to shoot for, and hopefully it can happen in the near future,” Williams said. “A lot of kids around here run in the same circles as kids from Bremond, Mart, Rockdale and Cameron. So it’s personal. They know it’s within reach.”

A state title is every team’s ultimate goal, but Williams is a realist. He knows the Cougars are unlikely to go from 2-8 in 2018 to a state title in 2019. More than anything else, he hopes to build the program to get back to that level.

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work and some patience to be successful,” he said.

“It’s a process. Fast growth is not always

Coach: Rafael Williams 2018 record: 2-8 District: 13-2A-I Venue: Cougar Field Players to watch: RB Adrian Valdez, WR Damonte Hargrow, WR Zach Buhl, Williams OL/DL Kenneth Benson, WR/S John Paul Reyna, OL/DL Sam Taggart

Michael Miller/Telegram

Coltin Ward (left), Damonte Hargrow, Kenneth Benson and Samuel Taggart are some of the key players for Rosebud-Lott in its first season under Rafael Williams. great growth. But at the same time, you speed up the tempo or slow it down.” want to be growing daily. Getting better Benson and fellow lineman Eric Roevery day and changing the mentality are driguez are two of only a small number of important. You look at the Marts and Hol- returning starters along with Adrian lands — no matter who comes in year after Valdez, who’s moved from tight end to year, they believe they can win. They be- running back, and top receivers John Paul lieve they can get the job done no matter who is out there playing.”

Not much will change for the Cougars scheme-wise. Williams will utilize an uptempo, no-huddle offense that relies on the running game, and he plans to use multiple defensive sets.

Offensive lineman Kenneth Benson, who said the biggest transition under Williams is how practice is set up, likes what the offense has to offer so far.

“It’s simple, yet effective,” Benson said.

“With the transition, we need an offense that’s easier to learn, and this is. While it’s easy, the calls can mean different things.

And once we get into the game, we can

Reyna and Damonte Hargrow. Reyna also is in a battle with Colby Coker and Jordyn Watson for the starting quarterback job.

There’s a new coach and some new players at new positions, but the expectations are still there to right the ship at Rosebud-Lott.

“Really, the want is there. We want to get in the playoffs,” Benson said. “Yes, last year didn’t go the way we wanted it to. We are using that to fuel this year. We got a taste of it two years ago and we want to get there again.” n mhood@tdtnews.com

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TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 15

Shoppach has Bruceville-Eddy ready to fly

By MARCUS HOOD

Bruceville-Eddy Eagles

TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

BRUCEVILLE-EDDY — Kyle Shoppach had been an assistant coach 16 years, with stops at Mart, McGregor and Robinson along the way.

Through all those seasons, he said he always remembered one night in BrucevilleEddy.

“I thought we were just going to go over there and whip them,” he recalled. “But at halftime, it’s like 21-6 or something and these Bruceville-Eddy kids are whipping us. I’m like, ‘All right. These boys can play.’

“That game always resonated with me. It told me I always have to be on my game, and it told me Bruceville-Eddy has some grittiness.”

So when the athletic director/head football coach’s job opened earlier this year, Shoppach didn’t hesitate to apply.

“I had always thought they had good kids here. They just need some leadership,” he said. “(Previous coach J.B. Chaney) came in here and crushed it on the football side, and proved they have players. But for whatever reason, people make their choices. He decided to leave, so it opened up a great opportunity for me.”

Shoppach inherits an experienced team that finished in a three-way tie for third in District 8-2A-I and missed the playoffs by virtue of a tiebreaker.

Junior quarterback Trapper Ensor, running back Nathan Quattlebaum and receivers John Lopez and T.J. Jarmon highlight the group of returners.

Shoppach — the passing game coordinator at Robinson last season — plans to use an up-tempo offense triggered by Ensor, who was 62-of-129 passing for 760 yards

Coach: Kyle Shoppach 2018 record: 5-5 District: 8-2A-I Venue: Eagle Field Players to watch: OL Jed Davis, RB Nathan Quattlebaum, QB Trapper Shoppach Ensor, WR John Lopez, WR/QB T.J. Jarmon, SS Brandon Stratton

Michael Miller/Telegram

to drive the ship. You’ve been winning football games since you were 5 years old.

It wouldn’t matter if it was me or Vince Lombardi walking in that door, you are all still football players, so play football.

When you do that a lot will happen for you.’ Once we got through the newness, they have worked hard.

“Football is such a great sport and it teaches you life lessons. Getting a new coach and adapting is just one of those lessons.”

Nathan Quattlebaum (left), John Lopez, Trapper Ensor and T.J. Jarmon will help ease Bruceville-Eddy’s transition under new head coach Kyle Shoppach. a kid goes to a new school or a new coach last year.

“He’s shown me he can handle it,” Shop- comes in, there’s going to be some trepipach said. “He’s very smart. I told him I dation,” he said. “Once we got in here and was going to coach him hard. For me, it’s we started showing them, they warmed up to it. And I told them, ‘Guys, I’m just here n mhood@tdtnews.com just seeing how far I can push him.”

Ensor said not much has changed since Shoppach came aboard, saying the transition “has been fluid and easy. He’s very adaptable.”

Quattlebaum rushed for 1,266 yards last season and, despite more emphasis on the pass, Shoppach said he expects a big year from the running back “He’s a good running back,” Shoppach said. “He rushed for 1,200 yards last year.

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

Moody intent on taking next step toward top

By TIM WAITS

Moody Bearcats

TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

MOODY — The time of transition for the Moody Bearcats looks to be done other than, hopefully, a move to the top tier of the district standings.

Jason Hill was promoted to head coach just three months before last season, when the Bearcats struggled to a 1-9 campaign and finished at the bottom of District 8-2A-I. Obviously, there’s nowhere to go but up, and that’s the intention.

“I wholeheartedly believe that if our offense and defense stay on the same page, we are a playoff team,” Hill said.

With a mixture of veterans and youth, the Bearcats have the makings to be much better. On the flip side, most of the players will need to play on both sides of the ball — a common issue for 2A teams — and keeping them healthy is vital.

“Having a spring this year as an

Brashear Continued from 2

fun and I gained that confidence in myself,” Braden said. “You can tell watching film. The first few games, I did some stuff that you’d be like, ‘Why’d he do that?’ By the end, I was pretty confident.”

Confident and a long way removed from the player who didn’t exactly want to play quarterback.

Tommy tells of a time, seventh

Coach: Jason Hill 2018 record: 1-9 District: 8-2A-I Venue: Bearcat Stadium Players to watch: Hill QB/S Da’Mon Allen, QB/S Ryder Hohhertz, RB/LB Trashawn Hill, OL/DL Jackson Orr, OL/DL Davis Orr, RB/CB Evan Norward, OL/LB Hunter Mauch, OL/LB Rene Contreras Michael Miller/Telegram

Jackson Orr (left), Barrett Hubbard, Da’Mon Allen and Trashawn Hill are some of the leaders as Moody strives to compete for a playoff berth in its second season under Jason Hill. offseason to prepare will be the On both sides of the ball, Hill “We spent less time on the track biggest difference,” Hill said. wants to have a “downhill” foot- and more time in the hills pushing “We’ve had great summer work- ball team that always goes for- and pulling things,” he said. “You outs, and I feel like we are a lot ward rather than side to side. Team have to work to take that position.”

The quarterback position is a more ready.” workouts have reflected that.

grade to be exact, when Braden wanted to be a receiver.

“As a kid, receiver and running back looked fun, and those were the people running with the ball and making the juke moves and stuff,” Braden said.

It dawned on him that all of the running and juking essentially started with the signal-caller. From then on he was a quarterback, and it’s all led him to the cusp of his senior year and one final chance to get onto the AT&T Stadium turf.

“It’s kind of sad in a way because I have been here forever,” Braden said. “I want to try to win state. Since we went there when I was a ball boy, it’s kind of been my goal to play in it.”

He’s looking forward to chasing that dream with 22 other seniors and the rest of his teammates, a group of players with which he cherishes the time spent in the weight room and in practice. The feeling appears mutual.

“He’s fantastic back there (at

quarterback),” senior running back Nico Vargas said. “I love being back there with him.”

Braden also plays for the basketball and tennis teams, dabbles in golf and baseball, and plans to attend Texas A&M and study business. He said if he lived anywhere else, he could see himself liking basketball or tennis more than football.

But, he added, “Not in Cameron. It’s not really possible.”

Really, there’s no place he

competition between senior Da’ Mon Allen (6-foot-4, 180 pounds) and freshman Ryder Hohhertz (61, 160). If Hohhertz can mature quickly, Allen could become a game-changer as a receiver.

In the backfield, Moody is bolstered by similarly built running Please see MOODY, Page 22

would rather be anyway. And there’s no other coach he’d rather play for, even if that coach might get a tad louder with him.

“You ask any coach who’s coached his own kid and they’ll tell you they’re harder on them,” Tommy said. “And I’ll holler at him maybe more than I holler at other kids. I know he can handle it.”

True, Braden?

“Usually I don’t mind,” he said. n jweaver@tdtnews.com

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TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 17

Bartlett busy rebuilding program with Kozma

By DANIEL ZEPEDA TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

BARTLETT — Brian Kozma’s first week at Bartlett had little to do with football. He didn’t focus on the playbook, didn’t pour over the schedule or ponder who his starters would be.

That’s not to say he didn’t hit the ground running.

After being unanimously approved as Bartlett’s football head coach and athletic director in July, Kozma’s first order of business was to grab cans of paint, brushes and rollers and give the Bulldogs’ football facilities a little tender love and care.

“We painted the place up and we’ve updated this fieldhouse,” Kozma said. “The first week I was here, we didn’t even focus on football. We just updated the place so the kids would feel proud of it.”

His players noticed and were asked to help supply a little elbow grease themselves. It didn’t take long for the Bulldogs to get an idea of what their new coach was all about.

“We redid this whole locker room over the summer and he was here every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.,” senior offensive lineman J.J. Shaw said. “He’s a worker, likes to do things fast and likes to do them just once.”

With more than 25 years of experience as an assistant coach ranging from Class 6A to 2A, there are very few aspects of the game Kozma has not experienced. He spent the last four seasons as offensive coordinator at Liberty Hill — helping the Panthers reach two regional semifinals, a regional final and finally the state championship game last year — after spending the bulk of his career in the Forth Worth area.

Having his own program is a first on the veteran coach’s resume, but even that feels somewhat mundane, considering the vari-

Bartlett Bulldogs Coach: Brian Kozma 2018 record: 0-10 District: 13-2A-II Venue: Bulldog Stadium Players to watch: QB Daniel Juarez, OL/DL J.J. Shaw, OL/DL Myles Buchhorn, Kozma RB/DB Levonta Davis, DB Devonta Davis, DB Josua Garcia, OL/DL Kenneth Smith, WR/DB Jared Cooper Levonta Davis and Marcus Belcher will be the main weapons out of the backfield, while Kenneth Smith, Myles Buchhorn and Shaw remain as anchors along the ofMichael Miller/Telegram fensive line.

Devonta Davis, Josua Garcia and Gabe Myles Buchhorn (left), J.J. Shaw, Daniel Juarez and Kenneth Smith are some of Montanez are the standouts on defense. the players helping new head coach Brian Kozma rebuild the Bartlett program.

Levonta Davis, Smith and several others that it’s time to work.” ety of hats he’s worn over the years. will spend considerable time on both sides “A lot of the things I’ve done here or I’m Juarez — part of a senior class that’s of the ball this year in what Kozma has alexpecting to do here, I’ve already experi- eager to start a new tradition of winning at ready deemed “will be a season of iron enced before,” Kozma said. “I’ve seen Bartlett — leads the offense along with re- man football.” what it takes and know what separates the ceivers Jared Cooper and Jason Barrera. n dzepeda@tdtnews.com good from the great teams. I’m confident these kids will buy in and once that fully happens, we’ll be OK.” The Bulldogs hope to be shifty and quick on offense. Kozma plans to use a strong dose of misdirection against opposing defenses and has already gotten the Bulldogs to pick up the pace during the first weeks of practice.

“Things are already coming together faster than they did last year,” senior quarterback Daniel Juarez said. “We’re getting a lot more accomplished and learning a lot 254- 778-0444 more than we did last year. (Kozma) comes out and is ready to get to work. As 1201 S 49th St Temple soon as we step onto that field, we know

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

Granger playing with a chip on its shoulder

By MARCUS HOOD

Granger Lions

TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

GRANGER — Coaches and players often say they don’t pay attention to polls or predictions.

Not in Granger.

After winning District 13-2A-II, becoming the league’s only team to sport an overall winning record (11-2) and going three rounds deep in the playoffs last year, the Lions opened up Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine only to find themselves not just unranked, but not even predicted to repeat as district champions.

“Last year was a great run and a great season,” senior Carlos Reyna said. “But I feel like nobody believes we can do it again.”

Losing 13 players to graduation, including buzz-saw running back and defensive lineman Ryan Pickett, is the biggest factor in the lack of respect for the Lions.

“They were really upset we weren’t ranked in the top 25,”

Decision Continued from 2

look easy on his way to earning first-team all-district honors.

One thing that hasn’t come as easily is a responsibility some players might not expect entering their junior seasons. The Bees have just eight seniors, making several juniors — especially those with varsity success as sophomores — candidates for leadership positions.

Coach: Walt Brock 2018 record: 11-2 District: 13-2A-II Venue: Lion Stadium Players to watch: Brock QB/S Thomas Rhoades, WR Johnny Ryder, WR/LB Wyatt Bolding, RB/S Carlos Reyna, LB/K Carlos Garza, LB Nathan Flores

Michael Miller/Telegram

Johnny Ryder (left), Carlos Reyna, Thomas Rhoades and Carlos Garza want to lead Granger on another playoff run after the Lions reached the postseason’s third round last year. third-year Granger coach Walt the kids that are back feel like whether or not the Lions prove Brock said. “The kids are going to they have something to prove… their point. After rushing for 700 carry a chip on their shoulder. You that it wasn’t just that senior class. yards and 12 touchdowns on 118 go through a season in which we They were a big part of that.” carries last season, he will replace went 11-2 and went three rounds, Reyna will be a big factor in Pickett as the featured back.

McWilliams is one of them, and his advice has already been sought by younger teammates.

“It’s a little bit different,” he said. “I’m so used to looking up to someone else. Now I’ve got younger guys looking up to me and asking me questions. I feel ready to be in a leadership role, but it’s a new feeling.

“It makes me want to push myself even harder to be better. I want to set the bar high for the rest of my teammates.”

McWilliams has even been arbitrating a position battle between junior quarterbacks Jerry Cephus and Kollin Mraz. While the competition is friendly, it still provides tense moments during practice.

That’s when McWilliams steps in and does what he does best — make everything easier.

“He’s more of a cut-up than you’d anticipate,” Williams said.

“He likes to cut up a little bit and make comments on the sideline.

He likes to jab Jerry and Kollin a

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lot and that helps break the ice between those two.”

When not causing laughter, McWilliams is serious when it comes to his ambitions on the field. He wants the Bees to build on last year’s playoff berth and get another chance to experience the exhilarating feeling of competing in the postseason.

It’s a goal he’s had since he followed his friends onto the gridiron.

“When we were in seventh grade, the seniors here went to the

Reyna also will spend time as a wide receiver, quarterback and kick returner, and he’ll be a starting safety on a defense anchored by senior linebackers Wyatt Bolding, Carlos Garza, and Nathan Flores.

“It’s just a great feeling to know that I have the trust of my coaches to play anywhere,” Please see GRANGER, Page 22

third round of the playoffs. Ever since then, we’ve used that as motivation to try to get Academy back there,” McWilliams said.

And on the rare occasion he thinks back to his diamond days, he realizes that baseball was fun but football is on a different level.

“Nothing against baseball, I love it, but football is a man’s sport,” McWilliams said. “You really have to want to play football to stay with it. It’s just a different mindset.” n dzepeda@tdtnews.com

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 19

Youthful Buckholts focused on building bonds

By DANIEL ZEPEDA

Buckholts Badgers

TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

BUCKHOLTS — The Buckholts Badgers carried a lot of confidence into last season, when James Shelton had a talented senior class to begin his first year as head coach as well as a team eyeing a district crown and a second straight playoff berth.

That was before the injury bug set up a permanent residence in Buckholts and wreaked havoc, resulting in a sub-.500 record, quieting the often exuberant Shelton and forcing the young coach to recalibrate his strategy.

“I’m a very loud, jump-up-anddown kind of coach. I’m very excited and I want to win. I think last year really humbled me,” Shelton said. “Last year, I really expected us to go undefeated. I believed we had that amount of talent. Then we lose key guys in the first two weeks and it spiraled from there.

It made me re-evaluate myself as

Coach: James Shelton 2018 record: 4-6 District: 14-1A-II Venue: Jim Hauk Field Players to watch: Shelton TE/LB Kenneth Shelton, QB/DB Zachary Hafley, WR/DB Thomas Maldonado, WR/CB David Lansford, RB/DL Ivan Baez, RB/LB Issacc Alvarez Michael Miller/Telegram

ton now hopes those sophomores continue to progress along with the juniors, while this season’s freshmen learn the ropes.

“Some of these guys have never played six-man before. We’re trying to get them up to speed and continue to build the chemistry around here,” senior tight end

Zachary Hafley (left), Juan Melendez and Kenneth Shelton aim to help Buckholts bounce back from last year’s injury-plagued season and get the Badgers back into the playoffs. a teacher and coach.” the Badgers are focused on build- Zachary Hafley said. “That’s an Shelton’s message quickly turned ing from one game to the next. exciting thing for this year and from focusing on the playoffs to “We have a bunch of fresh faces hopefully the next few years.” taking last season one day at a that want to get out here and want After relying on freshmen to time. With a young group this year, to learn,” junior quarterback play a lot of snaps last year, Shel- Please see BUCKHOLTS, Page 20

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Buckholts Continued from 19

Kenneth Shelton said. “We lost a lot of starters from last year, so we’re really trying to work on getting them ready and build our relationships.”

Family is the term Buckholts is using to get ready for the season. Last year taught the Badgers that focusing solely on the results made for an empty feeling. This season, James Shelton wants his team to build a bond that goes beyond the gridiron.

“Forget about me, I love you —

Rockdale Continued from 10

“It makes things easier when your quarterback is your hardest worker, “ Miller said. “He did a great job last year, and he’s going to make huge strides.”

Two more juniors — Cam’Ron Valdez (5-foot-9, 175 pounds) and Kesean Raven (5-9, 150) — have big-play abilities.

Valdez rushed for 1,129 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, while Raven adds more versatility after running for 468 yards and four TDs to go with 352 yards receiving and four scores along with his work as a return specialist.

“Every coach in the nation wants to get their best athletes out in open space,” said Miller, who added that Valdez fits in the mold of the long line of productive backs who have come through Rockdale.

Ross Loth (556 yards receiving, seven TDs) returns as an experienced receiver for Robinson, who’ll also have targets in junior Anthony Dansby (6-2, 165) and senior tight end Keylan Hairston (6-0, 210).

The offensive line also is loaded with experience and size. Junior Alex Ellison (58, 220) is at center and is flanked by guards Aaron Avila (5-5, 235) and Key-

F.A.M.I.L.Y. That’s our focus this year,” the coach said. “Yes we want to win games, but we want to play for each other and grow as a team. We want to continue this brotherhood and get it back to the way things were when I was a player here. I think if we focus on that, it’ll show on the field.”

Hafley has a strong arm, and Thomas Maldonado will be on the receiving end of many of the throws. David Lansford and Ivan Baez stabilize the running back spot while assisting in the passing game.

Kenneth Shelton will anchor the defense as one of the few seniors on the team.

MONDAY, August 26, 2019

UMHB CRUSADERS

n dzepeda@tdtnews.com

mani Hamilton (5-8, 250), both juniors. At the tackle spots, the Tigers have senior Cole Rickman (6-2, 290) on the left and junior Ethan Taylor (6-4, 310) on the right.

Defensively, Rockdale will have a few newcomers on a unit anchored by senior free safety Levi Baggerly (5-9, 150), who is back after picking off seven passes.

Ty Mayberry, a 6-1, 240-pound junior who started on the offensive line during the postseason in 2018, has moved to nose guard where he is most comfortable. He’ll be joined on the line by ends Kaden Kruse (6-1, 275) and Colby Monroe (6-1, 210).

Brandon Hernandez (5-10, 225) and Drayton Castaneda (5-10, 190) are the inside linebackers, with Chase Mayfield (5-9, 160) and Christian Briggs (6-0, 165) on the outside. In the secondary, Raven and Jabez Dunn (5-9, 175) are the cornerbacks. Kobe Mitchell (5-9, 165), the only sophomore on the roster, is at strong safety.

Could Rockdale be in the mix for another run to the state title game? Miller isn’t going to that extreme, but he expects this year’s team to have its identity established much sooner than the 2017 squad.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had this much depth since I’ve been here,” he said. “That doesn’t mean all of our players are great.

But we have a lot of good ones.”

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MONDAY, August 26, 2019

Academy Continued from 7

The second step of the process is to increase the team’s understanding of the playbook. The Bees, a traditionally runoriented team, increased their passing attack last year and are expected to do the same this season. The name of the quarterback attempting the throws is undecided, with juniors Jerry Cephus (1,244 yards passing, 14 touchdowns last season) and Kollin Mraz vying for the position.

Cephus won the starting spot midway through last season after competing with now-senior Rian White — who has made the move to wide receiver — and led the Bees in carries (94) and yards rushing (459). Mraz spent most of last year on the junior varsity team.

“They both have the skills to help this offense,” Williams said. “They both have the ability to use their legs to hurt defenses. Kollin has a strong arm, and Jerry has a little bit stronger understanding of the offense because of his experience last year. It’ll be a tough decision that’ll have to be made a lot sooner this year.”

The receiving corps is expected to be the bread and butter for the Bees, who return

Troy Continued from 9

a coach, it almost makes it too easy,” Porter joked. “Part of it is that we want to keep it simple and continue to get better at the basic stuff. But on the flip side, it’s almost boring for these seniors.”

The Trojans aren’t bored. They’re motivated after going 9-3 last season — a drastic turnaround from their 3-7 mark two years ago — and losing just one district game. Now they’re ready to make a run at the District 10-3A-I title.

“I think we’re very close to winning this district,” senior lineman Ian McDonald said. “I think after last year and the fact that we’re just getting better, it’ll be a tough battle for the top.”

Junior running back Zach Hrbacek (1,872 yards rushing, 25 touchdowns last season) burst onto the scene last year by earning the district’s offensive MVP award as a sophomore. He’ll continue to lead the Trojans’ running game, which Porter said will be their primary source of attack.

“He’s shifty. If we miss a block, he’ll make it right and go score a touchdown,” McDonald said. “He definitely makes our jobs a lot more enjoyable when you’re

junior Jaylin McWilliams (44 receptions, 681 yards, five touchdowns), a first-team all-district selection last season. White will be the other wideout, and senior Braeden Lilly — a senior transfer from Cedar Park — is expected to start at tight end.

“I think we’re just overall more experienced than last year,” Cephus said.

“Everyone is hungry to get better and get rolling. Getting that taste of the playoffs last year, it just made everyone want to go deeper and push themselves harder and further in practice.”

Defensively, Academy boasts three seniors in the secondary. Corbin Bush and Dalton Head will start as safeties, and Taygen Jones will fill one of the cornerback positions. Junior Wyatt Gardner — a firstteam all-district selection last year — anchors the group of linebackers, which will be rounded out with players from last year’s junior varsity team. The defensive line returns junior starters Tanner Rambeau, Tyler Lambert and Eddie Hernandez.

“We’re determined not to let last year just become something that happens every few years,” Head said. “We’re ready to make it an expectation and something that people will expect us to do every year. We want that challenge, and we’re ready for it.” n dzepeda@tdtnews.com

blocking for a guy like that.”

First-team all-district selections McDonald and Cotanny anchor the offensive line as three-year varsity starters. Junior Zach Westbrook and sophomore Brady Mays also will spend time blocking for Hrbacek and senior fullback Sam Jones.

The defense will rely on a group of experienced linebackers led by senior Beau Workman. Jones and senior Mason Cooke round out the group, while seniors Kody Kaminski, Ben Presley and Tyler Jarolik are the nucleus of the secondary.

“We’re changing things up a little bit on defense this year,” Porter said. “It’s the same defense we had a few years ago, so it’s not that hard of a transition. We have a lot of experience on defense, and I expect us to be fast and mean.”

The window of opportunity is open and expectations are high in Troy. The Trojans are aware that seasons like this could change the reputation of a program, and they don’t think that’s too much to handle.

“When people talk about football in this area, it’s a lot of Cameron and Rockdale.

We want to be part of that conversation,” Porter said. “That’s one of the things this senior class is trying to do is set the legacy for years to come.” n dzepeda@tdtnews.com

Yoe Continued from 8

So, for Young, Vargas and their teammates, the No. 4 preseason ranking bestowed upon the 2019 Yoemen by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football is just another number at this point for a highly motivated team determined to be defined by the effort it gives.

“I think our kids learned from (2017).

We came in with a high ranking and I think they thought they were going to roll over everybody. You still have to put in the work and the time and focus,” fourthyear Yoe head coach Tommy Brashear said. “Those kids last year, that senior group, understood that, and it was a big deal to them to kind of right the ship there.

“And, with that said, the seniors this year, that’s all they’re talking about. They have that same mentality.”

Young (team-high 42 catches, 680 yards, eight touchdowns in 2018) and Vargas (161 carries, 1,114 yards rushing, 29 TDs) are among six returning offensive starters for the reigning District 103A-I champs, a group that also has senior quarterback Braden Brashear and three linemen (Will Scott, Dominic Lewis and

Holland Continued from 13

falling 38-35. That gutting defeat prevented Holland from getting a shot at eventual state champion Mason.

“We started off bad. We got the lead but we didn’t finish. Did we want to play Mason? Were we looking ahead? Yes, we were, and that’s my fault,” said Talbert, a former Temple and Belton assistant who’s coached Holland to a 54-25 record.

“We just overlooked Brazos. We drank the Kool-Aid. We’re not now.”

That memory is fuel for the Hornets.

“That was definitely a humbling experience,” Cooper said. “I watch film of it all the time. It motivates me to push harder and be ready every play.”

After Holland hosts Moody on Friday, tests against defending 2A Division II state champion Mart, 3A Florence and Crawford will prepare the Hornets as they try to defend their 13-2A-I crown.

“We have high expectations for these guys. They’re a mature group physically and mentally. We’re trying to get ready to play these big games,” Talbert said.

Holland’s utility player is the 5-foot-10, 170-pound Shelton, a second-team all-

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 21 Richie Acosta) back in the fold.

In his first season as the top signal-caller, Brashear threw for 2,325 yards and 24 scores, with seven interceptions, for an offense that averaged 391.9 yards per game.

A utility player last season, James Debose, who’ll double as a starting linebacker, should also get carries out of the backfield, while Za’Korian Spikes, Thomas Melton (who started in the secondary and had four interceptions last season) and Iverson Braziel will complement Young out wide.

Yoe welcomes back five defensive starters for a unit that surrendered 261.3 yards a night last year. Tommy Brashear said there could be some philosophy changes on defense given the depth the Yoemen look to have on a line that should include Eduardo Gil, Dominique Borgas, Kendell Fincher, Trenton Nix and Brayden Hollomon.

Joining Debose at linebacker are Patrick England, Heath Hollas, Brent Wright and Vargas. Calvin Stewart, Zane Zeinert, Billy Collier and Braziel are expected to fill out the secondary.

“High expectations as always, but I like that. It makes it more fun,” Tommy Brashear said. n jweaver@tdtnews.com

state all-around player last season. He caught 41 passes for 695 yards and seven touchdowns, rushed for 526 yards and 12 TDs and made the most tackles for a defense that allowed 188.3 yards per game.

Cooper’s physical style helped him rush for 1,219 yards and 16 touchdowns and earn all-state honorable mention as a defensive end.

The versatile Spinn is primed for a stellar senior season after passing for 1,399 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushing for 717 yards and 11 TDs. “Zane is a better quarterback now than last year. He’s got 12 games under him,” Talbert said.

Senior receiver, cornerback and kick returner Caleb Cearley features breakaway speed, as evidenced by two touchdowns totaling 124 yards in the playoff loss.

An intriguing player is 6-4, 320-pound senior Jae’Vone Brown, a hulking defensive tackle who’ll also start at left tackle on offense, a new spot for him. Holland’s other returning standouts include safety Ayden Tomasek, receiver Logan Mann, receiver/safety Josh Evans, right guard Tommy Strickland and defensive linemen Heath Hutka and Brandon Ramos.

“The sky’s the limit,” Spinn said. “We have the ability to go as far as we work.”

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22 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

Moody Continued from 16

backs. The leader of that group is senior Trashawn Hill (5-9,180), and sophomore Gavin Green (5-9, 160), senior Barrett Hubbard (5-8, 150) and junior Evan Norward (5-10, 175) are other viable options.

The tackles figure to be brothers Jackson (5-10, 260) and Davis Orr (6-1, 275), and both will also man tackle positions on defense. The guards are sophomores Hunter Mauch (5-10, 180) and Rene Contreras (510, 180). Ryan Davidson was slated to be the center, but a collar bone injury delayed

Spinn Continued from 4

with friends — has made a similar impact on his teammates.

“Zane’s a great teammate to work with. He’s a really friendly guy, a great person,” senior running back and defensive end Clay Cooper said. “He loves being a multi-sport athlete. We have a great bond being in the backfield

the start of his season at a position that is now uncertain, as is tight end.

The Bearcats are moving to a 4-3 defensive set with Green, Hill and either Mauch or Contreras as the linebackers. Positional battles are ongoing for both end spots.

In the secondary Allen, Hohhertz and Hubbard will rotate as safeties, with Norward and sophomore Jayden Fletcher as the cornerbacks.

“Our strength is the unity,” Jason Hill said. “I’ve been in Moody for five years, and this is the most unified we’ve been.

Everybody is on the same page. They understand what we’re doing and have bought in.”

together the whole game.”

Spinn was a backup cornerback most of his sophomore season but gained vital experience by starting area-round and regional semifinal games. Grabbing the quarterback reins last season, he completed 95 of 155 passes (61.3 percent) for 1,399 yards and 13 touchdowns with seven interceptions. He generated 717 yards and 11 TDs as a nimble runner.

“It’s a lot better now, because

MONDAY, August 26, 2019

Granger Continued from 18

Reyna said. “Knowing they depend on me makes me more hungry.

“Obviously, (opponents knew about) Ryan last year. He worked for it and was the go-to guy. He was the leader and just that guy. This year, I’m going to try to get up there and be the best I can be.”

Junior Thomas Rhoades enters his third season as the starting quarterback. He was 58-of-118 passing for 1,046 yards and 11 touchdowns last season and could get more opportunities to throw this season.

last year they were kind of holding my hand. Now I understand a lot more,” Spinn said. “We do a lot of option stuff, so I have more understanding about what our line and backs are doing.”

Talbert shared the same sentiments.

“Last year was the first time Zane had taken a varsity snap,” Talbert said. “He’s doing things in practice now that he was not doing in Game 12 last year.”

While Rhoades’ passing skills have improved annually, so has his leadership.

“I feel like most of them try to listen to me,” Rhoades said. “I try to lead them, send them in the right direction, help them out when I can.”

Rhoades believes that just because the Lions aren’t picked as district champs, it doesn’t mean teams won’t be gunning for them.

“I think coming off our undefeated district championship, we have a target on our back,” he said. “People are going to come after us. I think we have something to prove to show them we’ve still got it.” n mhood@tdtnews.com

Spinn puts equal emphasis on defense. His rangy frame helped him snare a team-leading seven interceptions last year.

“You’ve got to be quick, especially when we play man-toman,” said Spinn, who’s also Holland’s punter and holder. “It’s a struggle to stay on someone every play.”

Spinn is being recruited by Temple College, Texas State, Texas-Arlington and Texas

A&M-Kingsville for his baseball skills, but he’s currently focused on enjoying one more long-lasting football season with his lifelong buddies.

“We’ve been playing football together since fourth or fifth grade and we went through middle school undefeated. We’ve dreamed of doing something our senior year,” he said. “We have all the talent in the world. I can see us doing big things.”

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Area Schedule WEEK 1 Thursday, Aug. 29 Non-district Academy vs. Rogers, at UMHB Round Rock Stony Point at Killeen Friday, Aug. 30 Non-district Temple at Round Rock Cedar Ridge Belton at Austin Westlake Burleson at Copperas Cove Harker Heights at Round Rock Killeen Ellison at College Station A&M Consolidated San Angelo Central at Killeen Shoemaker Gatesville at Midlothian Heritage Lampasas at Joshua Troy vs. Salado, at UMHB Mexia at Cameron Yoe Jarrell at Whitney Giddings at Rockdale Bruceville-Eddy at Rio Vista Moody at Holland Rosebud-Lott at Anderson-Shiro Hubbard at Bartlett Snook at Granger Penelope at Buckholts Schertz John Paul II at Central Texas Christian Idle: Holy Trinity Catholic WEEK 2 Thursday, Sept. 5 Non-district Killeen at Cedar Park Vista Ridge Leander Vandegrift at Killeen Ellison Friday, Sept. 6 Non-district Monterrey, Mexico at Temple Round Rock at Belton Manor at Copperas Cove Round Rock Stony Point at Harker Heights Killeen Shoemaker at Midlothian Robinson at Gatesville Lampasas at Lago Vista Academy at Salado Florence at Jarrell Caldwell at Rockdale Troy at Lexington Rogers at Bruceville-Eddy Holland at Mart Thrall at Moody Chilton at Rosebud-Lott Bartlett at Dawson Frost at Granger Buckholts at Richland Springs JV Fort Worth Lake Country at Central Texas Christian Saturday, Sept. 7 Non-district Holy Trinity Catholic at Bryan St. Joseph Idle: Cameron Yoe WEEK 3 Friday, Sept. 13 District 12-6A Temple at Harker Heights Belton at Copperas Cove Killeen at Hewitt Midway Killeen Ellison at Waco

Non-district Gatesville at Cameron Yoe Lorena at Lampasas Austin Travis at Salado Hempstead at Academy Jarrell at Riesel Rockdale at Lexington Robinson at Troy McGregor at Rogers Bruceville-Eddy at Chilton Holland at Florence Hamilton at Moody Rio Vista at Rosebud-Lott Bartlett at Wortham Meridian at Granger San Marcos Academy at Central Texas Christian Saturday, Sept. 14 Non-district Round Rock Christian at Holy Trinity Catholic Idle: Killeen Shoemaker, Buckholts WEEK 4 Thursday, Sept. 19 District 12-6A Hewitt Midway at Killeen Ellison Friday, Sept. 20 District 12-6A Killeen Shoemaker at Temple Harker Heights at Belton Copperas Cove at Killeen Non-district Waco Connally at Gatesville La Vernia at Lampasas Salado at Taylor Academy at Florence Cameron Yoe at Giddings Rosebud-Lott at Jarrell Austin Hyde Park at Rockdale Troy at Hillsboro Rogers at Bosqueville Granger at Bruceville-Eddy Crawford at Holland Moody at Meridian Central Texas Christian at Bartlett Buckholts at Round Rock Concordia Saturday, Sept. 21 Non-district Holy Trinity Catholic at Bryan Allen WEEK 5 Thursday, Sept. 26 District 12-6A Belton at Killeen Shoemaker Friday, Sept. 27 District 12-6A Killeen at Harker Heights Killeen Ellison at Copperas Cove District 8-4A-II Salado at Waco Connally District 10-3A-I Manor New Tech at Academy Troy at Cameron Yoe Lago Vista at Jarrell District 8-2A-I Bruceville-Eddy at Axtell Moody at Italy District 13-2A-I Holland at Hearne Rosebud-Lott at Thorndale Non-district Lampasas at Gatesville Rogers at Crawford

FO OTBA L L 2 0 1 9 Bartlett at Frost Anderson-Shiro at Granger Buckholts at Gholson Fort Worth Calvary at Central Texas Christian Holy Trinity Catholic at Jonesboro Idle: Temple, Rockdale WEEK 6 Thursday, Oct. 3 District 12-6A Harker Heights at Killeen Ellison Friday, Oct. 4 District 12-6A Temple at Belton Copperas Cove at Waco Killeen Shoemaker at Killeen District 8-4A-II Robinson at Salado District 10-3A-I Academy at Lago Vista Rockdale at Manor New Tech Jarrell at Troy District 8-2A-I Itasca at Bruceville-Eddy Riesel at Moody District 13-2A-I Thorndale at Holland Marlin at Rosebud-Lott Non-district Gatesville at Glen Rose Katy St. John at Cameron Yoe Burton at Rogers Snook at Bartlett Buda Johnson at Granger Buckholts at Round Rock Christian Dallas Covenant at Central Texas Christian Holy Trinity Catholic at Marble Falls Faith Idle Lampasas WEEK 7 Thursday, Oct. 10 District 12-6A Waco at Harker Heights Friday, Oct. 11 District 12-6A Killeen at Temple Hewitt Midway at Copperas Cove Killeen Ellison at Killeen Shoemaker District 5-4A-I Gatesville at Brownwood District 14-4A-I Burnet at Lampasas District 10-3A-I Troy at Academy Cameron Yoe at Jarrell Lago Vista at Rockdale District 8-2A-I Bruceville-Eddy at Italy District 13-2A-I Holland at Marlin District 13-2A-II Bremond at Bartlett Iola at Granger TAPPS Six-man Division II-2 Bulverde Bracken Christian at Holy Trinity Catholic Non-district Buckholts at Prairie Lea Idle: Belton, Salado, Rogers, Moody, Rosebud-Lott, Central Texas Christian

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 23

WEEK 8 Thursday, Oct. 17 District 12-6A Belton at Killeen Friday, Oct. 18 District 12-6A Temple at Killeen Ellison Harker Heights at Hewitt Midway Killeen Shoemaker at Waco District 5-4A-I China Spring at Gatesville District 14-4A-I Liberty Hill at Lampasas District 8-4A-II Salado at Lorena District 10-3A-I Academy at Cameron Yoe Rockdale at Troy District 8-3A-II Rogers at Hamilton District 8-2A-I Riesel at Bruceville-Eddy Moody at Bosqueville District 13-2A-I Rosebud-Lott at Holland District 13-2A-II Granger at Bremond TAPPS Division IV-3 Central Texas Christian at Shiner St. Paul TAPPS Six-man Division II-2 Holy Trinity Catholic at Victoria Faith Non-district La Grange Homeschool at Buckholts Idle: Copperas Cove, Jarrell, Bartlett WEEK 9 Thursday, Oct. 24 District 12-6A Hewitt Midway at Killeen Shoemaker Friday, Oct. 25 District 12-6A Waco at Temple Killeen Ellison at Belton Copperas Cove at Harker Heights District 14-4A-I Lampasas at Taylor District 8-4A-II Madisonville at Salado

District 10-3A-I Jarrell at Academy Cameron Yoe at Rockdale Troy at Manor New Tech District 8-3A-II Lexington at Rogers District 8-2A-I Bruceville-Eddy at Moody District 13-2A-I Thrall at Rosebud-Lott District 13-2A-II Bartlett at Granger District 14-1A-II McDade at Buckholts TAPPS Six-man Division II-2 Holy Trinity Catholic at Kerrville Our Lady of the Hills Non-district Central Texas Christian at Dallas First Baptist Idle: Killeen, Gatesville, Holland WEEK 10 Friday, Nov. 1 District 12-6A Temple at Hewitt Midway Belton at Waco Killeen at Killeen Ellison Killeen Shoemaker at Copperas Cove District 5-4A-I Stephenville at Gatesville District 14-4A-I Fischer Canyon Lake at Lampasas District 8-4A-II Salado at Mexia District 10-3A-I Manor New Tech at Cameron Yoe Rockdale at Jarrell Lago Vista at Troy District 8-3A-II Rogers at Florence District 8-2A-I Bosqueville at Bruceville-Eddy Moody at Axtell District 13-2A-I Holland at Thrall Rosebud-Lott at Milano District 13-2A-II Chilton at Bartlett

District 14-1A-II Calvert at Buckholts TAPPS Division IV-3 Central Texas Christian at San Antonio St. Gerard TAPPS Six-man Division II-2 Holy Trinity Catholic at Waco Live Oak Idle: Harker Heights, Academy, Granger WEEK 11 Thursday, Nov. 7 District 12-6A Waco at Killeen Friday, Nov. 8 District 12-6A Copperas Cove at Temple Hewitt Midway at Belton Harker Heights at Killeen Shoemaker District 5-4A-I Gatesville at Waco La Vega District 14-4A-I Lampasas at Fredericksburg District 8-4A-II Fairfield at Salado District 10-3A-I Academy at Rockdale Cameron Yoe at Lago Vista Jarrell at Manor New Tech District 8-3A-II Clifton at Rogers District 8-2A-I Itasca at Moody District 13-2A-I Milano at Holland Hearne at Rosebud-Lott District 13-2A-II Bartlett at Iola Granger at Chilton District 14-1A-II Buckholts at Oglesby TAPPS Division IV-3 Hallettsville Sacred Heart at Central Texas Christian TAPPS Six-man Division II-2 New Braunfels Christian at Holy Trinity Catholic Idle: Killeen Ellison, Troy, BrucevilleEddy

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