Football Preview | 2nd Edition

TUESDAY, AUG. 27, 2019

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

CLASS 4A, 6A, TAPPS

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2 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

12-6A teams seek to peak for playoffs

By JOSHUA WEAVER TELEGRAM ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

District 12-6A’s Hewitt Midway, Temple, Belton and Copperas Cove trudged into the Class 6A playoffs last November with a combined regular–season record of 30-9.

Neither of the four had more than three losses, even though the climb to reach the postseason wasn’t easy. Each had at least one league outcome decided by a touchdown or less. They played meaningful games and were tested throughout, in one way or another.

Awaiting the Central Texas programs were representatives from District 11-6A, a mixture of North and East Texas teams at a combined 26-13, including one squad four games below .500 and another just above that mark. The other two together were 17-2.

But all those records, as coaches warn over and over again, don’t

Cover story necessarily mean much when round one rolls around. Just a bunch of numbers to ignore.

It’s wise advice. Quite prophetic in 12-6A’s case, too, confirmed by the following. n Division II bi-district playoffs: Mesquite Horn, 45, Temple 38; Longview 70, Copperas Cove 22. n Division I: Rockwall 50, Belton 14.

Horn happened to be the team under .500, carrying a misleading 3-7 mark when it entered Wildcat Stadium and shocked Temple, which hadn’t been eliminated in the opening week since 2013, the first year of what currently is a streak of six straight playoff appearances.

The seven-point loss was a rude welcome back to the state’s highest classification and against the grain of recent big-time playoff

victories for the blue front, white back among its rich postseason pedigree.

“We’re not used to getting beat in the first round lately. The lessons from there are something we talk about, if not daily than almost,” said fourth-year Temple head coach Scott Stewart, who is 8-3 in the playoffs while in charge, including a run to the 5AI state championship game in 2016.

“These kids that we have now, all they have seen is (playoff) success. All they have seen is December — until last year. I think there was some expectancy. I think there was maybe some of, ‘Well, let’s get to December and see who we are going to play in December.’

“There’s a difference between 6A football and 5A football. Let’s be honest,” Stewart continued.

“The top of 5A is just as good as any team in 6A, but the breadth is

just not even close. Temple kids will play against anybody, but there was an adjustment there that we did not make well last year, and I think there was some premature anticipation of some stuff because those guys were just used to it. And I think there is a realization now that there are no freebies in this world.”

Longview went on to win the 6A-II state championship at 16-0, and Horn wound up in the division’s regional semifinals. In the second round, Rockwall encountered and lost to Allen, which then beat Midway — the only team to provide 12-6A some bragging rights with a fourthround showing one season after advancing to the 6A-II state final.

“Playoff-wise, it just depends on matchups in 6A football,” Belton head coach Sam Skidmore said, whose Tigers are 2-5 in the postseason over the last five years. “There are no cupcakes in

the first round, and especially not in the second.”

Fair enough. That’ll likely never change, at least not in the next few years for these area teams. The next district re-alignment is in February, and a drop in competition is far-fetched. Take the alignment prior to this current setup. In 2016-17, when it was District 8-6A, the playoff teams crossed first-round paths with then-7-6A’s contingent of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, South Grand Prairie, Irving, Irving MacArthur and Irving Nimitz.

“Any time you go up there, it’s a good brand of football,” Skidmore added.

But last season, three of four 12-6A teams fell short. That didn’t sit well, and not much will send a coach into the depths of his thoughts more than the end of a season, especially if that season Please see 12-6A, Page 21

Belton’s Jimenez succeeds with work ethic

By JOSHUA WEAVER TELEGRAM ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Michael Miller/Telegram

Belton cornerback Jonah Jimenez is a straight-A student who plans to make the most of his senior season as a starter.

BELTON — A demonstrative display such as forcefully kicking down a door doesn’t fit the personality of Jonah Jimenez, a seemingly down-to-earth, respectful and goal-oriented teenager.

But that’s what the Belton senior did — figuratively speaking.

Turns out it was quite effective and convincing, too.

“He came out in spring ball and it was like a different guy out there. He had always competed, but he shined at every practice, in every rep. It was like, ‘Whoa,’” Tigers head coach Sam Skidmore said. “He surprised a lot of people. And that all goes back to work ethic.”

The work ethic phrase tends to attach itself to Jimenez, who, after biding his time at the junior varsity level, is expected to be

one of Belton’s two starting cornerbacks when the Tigers take the field Friday night at Austin Westlake to kick off the season.

He uses it to explain the positive influence his parents, Raymon and Amy, have had on him.

And Skidmore mentioned it — multiple times in the same breath, on occasion — while hailing the 5-foot-10, 150-pound defender’s diligence and commitment on the field and off of it.

“The thing that immediately stands out about him is his tireless work ethic, whether it’s out here or in the classroom. He’s one of the best student-athletes we have,” Skidmore said. “He’s going to handle his business and get it done with class and get it done the right way. You never have to worry about him not handling anything he’s responsible for.

“You can tell he was raised to

exceed in everything he does because that’s what he tries to do.”

Jimenez, a straight-A student whose favorite subject is math, is the youngest of Raymon — a 25year Army veteran who now is retired — and Amy’s three children. During Jimenez’s lifetime, the family lived in El Paso and moved to New Jersey before settling in Belton just prior to his first-grade year.

“They are very inspirational to me. I look up to them. They support me in everything I do,” Jimenez said of his dad, a wrestler in his younger days, and mom, a cross country runner in college. “My parents instilled in us, you know, working hard, giving glory to God and just doing everything with all your might.”

His sister, Hannah, the eldest, attended Belton and just graduated Please see JIMENEZ, Page 20

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 3

Johnston, Jackson Temple’s dangerous duo

By GREG WILLE TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

With the Temple Wildcats returning only one defensive starter this season, a popular opinion is that their experienced offense must do the heavy lifting while a new-look defense of mostly unproven commodities attempts to solidify into a reliable unit.

Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen. But if Temple’s forced into having to win some high-scoring battles, it’s very comforting for the Wildcats to know they have running back Anthony Jackson and wide receiver Quentin Johnston on their side.

Two of Temple’s most dynamic offensive players in recent history, Jackson and Johnston scored a combined 31 touchdowns as juniors last season and were first-team All-District 126A selections for the Wildcats.

The 5-foot-8, 180-pound Jack-

son used explosive acceleration and elusiveness to produce 936 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns — 13 rushing scores, a 40-yard TD reception and a 100-yard kickoff return.

The 6-4, 190-pound Johnston, who committed to Texas earlier this month, employed a highleaping, smooth-striding style as he blazed onto the varsity scene with 16 touchdown receptions that averaged a staggering 35.9 yards, including eight scores in his first three games.

Regardless of how quickly Temple’s defense develops, Jackson and Johnston want to continue leaving defenders in their wake while leading the Wildcats back to postseason glory after last season disappointing first-round exit.

“The defense is going to come together. Offense, let’s light up the scoreboard and let the defense bring them up,” said Jackson, whose 15 touchdowns last

season averaged 30.5 yards.

“That’s the whole goal. Once they find themselves, we’ll be a very hard team to stop.”

Johnston said that although last season’s quarterback (Jared Wiley) graduated, he’s seen enough from new senior starting QB Vance Willis to be confident that the Wildcats’ offense will keep humming.

“It’s just knocking the rust off from freshman year,” Johnston said. “Vance and Anthony have played together since middle school, then freshman year was a good year passing for us.”

Even though Jackson and Johnston don’t play the same position, they admire each other’s skill set.

“He motivates me, especially with his speed,” Johnston said of Jackson, 18-5A’s top offensive newcomer in 2017 after rushing for a team-best 938 yards with seven touchdowns. “I can jump Please see DUO, Page 20

Michael Miller/Telegram

Quentin Johnston (left) and Anthony Jackson totaled 31 touchdowns last season and are Temple’s biggest playmakers.

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

Salado’s Self thrives on competition, work

By JOSHUA WEAVER TELEGRAM ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

SALADO — Eagles head coach Alan Haire described Salado senior Caleb Self as a competitor.

A 10-letter word might not seem like a very detailed characterization, but in Self’s case, it packs plenty with it. His feelings on what Salado’s mindset is this season are just the start.

“I think we’re trying to outwork people,” Self said with a quiet, confident and thought-out demeanor, which backed Haire’s slightly more lengthy profile on the three-year varsity starter.

“He takes things pretty serious,” Haire added.

Among those things Self is particularly serious about is his final year with the Eagles that will first include trying to get the football program a return ticket to the postseason after a 4-6 season in 2018, then basketball and then baseball.

Also grouped into what the multi-sport athlete places on his list of important priorities is making sure he follows as closely to the principles his dad, Nate, has passed on. Self said Nate, a retired Army veteran, has been and continues to be a major influence and guiding force during his youth.

Nate has had such an impact on Self that the 6-foot, 180-pound outside linebacker has aspirations of either getting into West Point or the University of Oklahoma’s

Michael Miller/Telegram

Senior Caleb Self is a multi-sport athlete for Salado, competing for the football, basketball and baseball teams. cuse to not be an upstanding citiROTC program.

“From a young age, he’s always zen if you have an example like taught me to treat others with re- that to look up to.” spect,” Self said. “He’s the epit- Self said he’s trying to emulate ome of selflessness. He was in on the field some of what he’s the Army and everything, so all learned, such as being a leader by of those values he has instilled in putting others before him. me and my siblings. He does “Senior year, I think for all of us everything the right way. He seniors that have stuck with it, there is a sense of urgency to win doesn’t take shortcuts.

“You don’t really have an ex- and to lead the younger guys to-

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ward success, not only on the football field but also be positive influences in the realm of life,” Self said.

Organized baseball and basketball preceded football. The gridiron beckoned in middle school, and Self played for the sixthgrade tackle team, but the helmets and pads didn’t replace the glove, bat or basketball shorts.

Self, who come spring time is the Eagles’ center fielder, said he’s always been encouraged to pursue multiple sports.

“I think it’s important to be versatile,” he said. “Each sport teaches you different things and different challenges and it does help your mindset when you take something from one sport and apply it to another.”

Self was an incoming freshman when Haire was hired by his alma mater to get the program back facing the right direction.

By his sophomore year, he was slotted in as the team’s starting safety, and what a year it turned out to be. The Eagles soared to a 12-2 record and advanced to the Class 4A Division II state quarterfinals.

“Watching the 12-2 seniors, how they carried themselves and how they worked, hard work really does pay off. And if you put in the work at practice and if you buy in to what the coaches are preaching then you’ll succeed on the field and in life,” Self said.

Last season wasn’t quite as

memorable but did pave way for Self’s move from the secondary to linebacker. An injury prompted the switch, one that likely was inevitable anyway, and Self credited Salado’s coaching staff for its part in aiding what’s mostly been a smooth transition to a position that requires much of the same energy and effort Self was used to producing.

Self also said he made sure to watch former Eagles linebackers such as Jacob Wilk, Tate Harvey and Rustin Hale, who “set the foundation of how to play the position, and it’s really been fun to watch them and learn from them.

Even though I was at safety, I kind of got the feel for it.”

“I think we kind of gradually worked him into his natural position of outside linebacker,” Haire said. “For us, we’re just looking for kids that work hard and go full speed, and that’s what he does. He just has a competitive spirit that you like. Winning and losing mean something to him.”

If the wins and losses mean something, the statistics apparently do not. Self said he has no idea the amount of tackles and turnovers he has to his credit over the last two seasons.

He knows this, though.

“It’s senior year. We’ve had success in the past, but we want to be our own team now and do what we can to win,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to competing.” n jweaver@tdtnews.com

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 5

Gatesville’s Jones gets job done up front

By MARCUS HOOD TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

GATESVILLE — Even people who have never read a comic book likely have heard of Penguin, Joker and Riddler — three of Batman’s most famous villains.

Among the lesser-known villains is Killer Croc, who is recognized for his brute strength.

Killer Croc’s “real” name is Waylon Jones and the description of the DC Comics’ creation as a powerful, yet relatively unknown character fits another Waylon Jones perfectly.

As the starting center for the Gatesville Hornets, Jones doesn’t get a lot of attention, quietly doing his job by making sure the ball safely gets to his quarterback, then clearing holes for the skill players behind him.

“Like every lineman, I have wanted to know what being a playmaker felt like,” the senior

admitted. “But if given the choice, I would choose going to work in the trenches with my brothers by my side over scoring every touchdown of the season.”

That’s every great lineman’s thought. Sure, the glory would be great but the team concept is what pioneers the wins.

And while most people don’t know who Jones is, his coaches and teammates are certainly glad he’s around.

“You would love to have 12 to 15 Waylon Joneses on your team,” Gatesville head coach Luke Howard said. “The reality is, we don’t. We have a few in this program that we can rely on their leadership. I think when you start looking at the culture of a program, guys like Waylon Jones are guys you want. He and (Stephen Fitzer) will set the physicality for this team up front but also provide great leadership.”

Jones was born shortly after the

death Waylon Jennings in 2002.

His parents, fans of the singer, named their son in honor of the country music legend. The military family moved several times before deciding to retire in Gatesville in 2011. Jones has been a Hornet ever since, learning the importance of hard work under previous coach Kyle Cooper.

Listed at 5-foot-11 and 245 pounds, Jones isn’t Gatesville’s biggest lineman, but he is skilled at his position and a true leader.

“He’s important in a lot of ways,” Howard said. “Obviously, he’s a good football player. But, he’s one of our team leaders and our young kids really look up to him, on how to practice, how to set the tone. We have very high expectations for him. And we are going to push him.”

Jones and fellow lineman Fitzer are the only returning starters on offense for the Hornets, so Jones Please see JONES, Page 12

Michael Miller/Telegram

Senior center Waylon Jones takes pride in paving the way for the Gatesville offense and serving as a leader for the Hornets.

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

Temple vows to bounce back from early exit

By GREG WILLE

Temple Wildcats

TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

Temple fourth-year head coach Scott Stewart says his current team brings to mind the first Wildcats squad he worked with in 2014 as defensive coordinator.

That group returned major offensive firepower, built a relentless scoring machine and steadily improved defensively while winning 13 games and reaching the verge of capturing the Class 5A Division I state championship.

Those 2014 Wildcats also came back from a heartbreaking firstround playoff defeat the previous season.

Five years later, Temple brings back several elite offensive performers, paced by Texas-committed receiver Quentin Johnston, running back Anthony Jackson and three-year linemen Markel Carter and Dakari White. But its defense is young and inexperi-

Coach: Scott Stewart 2018 record: 8-3 District: 12-6A Venue: Wildcat Stadium Players to watch: Stewart RB/KR Anthony Jackson, WR Quentin Johnston, QB Vance Willis, WR Montavian Carlysle, C Markel Carter, LG Dakari White, CB Roman Jackson, S DaMarco Williams mined during the coming months, Markel Carter (left), Montavian Carlysle, Vance Willis and Dakari White are some of the leaders for starting Friday at Round Rock Cedar Ridge before it unveils Temple’s offense, which will try to match last year’s production of 446 yards per game.

Wildcat Stadium’s new lights in enced, with senior cornerback gry to respond from a devastating back to finish on a three-game the Sept. 6 home opener.

Roman Jackson the only return- home defeat in last year’s 6A Di- losing streak after an 8-0 start.

“This team potentially reminds ing starter. vision II bi-district playoffs durWhether Temple responds with me a lot of 2014. We should have Seeking their seventh straight ing which they allowed 613 yards something resembling its unforplayoff trip, the Wildcats are hun- to Mesquite Horn in a 45-38 set- gettable 2014 run will be deterPlease see TEMPLE, Page 18 Michael Miller/Telegram

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 7

Belton intent to cash in more winning chances

By JOSHUA WEAVER

Belton Tigers

TELEGRAM ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

BELTON — It’s all just getting started, but Belton already is thinking about when the clock strikes zero. More specifically, shutting the door on opponents and locking up victories when the opportunities present themselves.

“When you get your chances, we have to be closers,” third-year head coach Sam Skidmore said.

“We have to finish.”

And that’s essentially where it all begins for the Tigers in 2019.

Game 1 is Friday night at Austin Westlake.

The emphasis on finishing likely stems from recent history, as recent as last October and the Tigers’ 58-55 three-overtime loss to Temple. That defeat was one of four setbacks decided by five points or less under Skidmore’s watch. (Belton lost three games

Coach: Sam Skidmore 2018 record: 7-4 District: 12-6A Venue: Tiger Field Players to watch: Skidmore QB Ruben Jimenez, RB D’emante Smith, OL Elijah Washington, OL Thomas Bowman, S Jason Stephens, LB Coby Trovinger, DL JJ Bowers, DL Derrance Daniels Michael Miller/Telegram

Chris Brown (left), Logan Smith, D’emante Smith and Jason Stephens are some of the key players for Belton as it seeks to earn a playoff berth for the sixth consecutive season. by three or less in 2017.)

Fixes have been implemented. the time, finishing through a “Sometimes you learn more in What that translates to remains to game,” offensive lineman your losses than you do your be seen.

Thomas Bowman said. “You wins. And there are a lot of les- “We have meetings as leaders, know, sometimes we’ll be up sons learned,” Skidmore said. as a team, and we talk about it all two, three touchdowns and let

them come back. We don’t want to do that anymore. We want to stay up and keep them down.”

Belton, which was 7-4 with a program-best fifth straight playoff appearance in 2018, waltzes into one of the more wonderful Please see BELTON, Page 19

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

Gatesville kicks off new era under Howard

By MARCUS HOOD

Gatesville Hornets

TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

GATESVILLE — Timing is everything.

As the senior starting quarterback for the Gatesville Hornets in 2006, Luke Howard never got the chance to play for coach Kyle Cooper, who took over the season after Howard graduated.

But given the chance to join Cooper’s staff earlier this year as an assistant coach, Howard jumped at the opportunity.

“I came here in early June and was excited to work for Kyle,” Howard said. “I have a lot of respect for him and what he stands for as a person and as a man.”

Shortly after Howard joined the staff, Cooper left for an assistant job on Art Briles’ Mount Vernon staff. Soon afterward, Howard was promoted to head coach.

“The way things went down, I really wasn’t expecting it,” Howard said. “I had started looking for

Coach: Luke Howard 2018 record: 3-7 District: 5-4A-I Venue: McKamie Stadium Players to watch: Howard OL Waylon Jones, OL/DL Stephen Fitzer, DE Luke Gregory, RB Isaiah Navejas, WR Tyler Godfrey

Michael Miller/Telegram

good for this community.”

Howard inherits a team that missed the playoffs last season, finishing in a three-way tie for third in five-team District 5-4A and losing out on the tiebreaker.

Most of the skill players from that team graduated, leaving a lot of questions for the Hornets.

Sophomores Wesley Brown and Logan Edwards are vying for the

Luke Gregory (left), Stephen Fitzer, Tyler Godfrey and Waylon Jones are some of the leaders for Gatesville in its first season under the guidance of Luke Howard, a former Hornets quarterback. head coaching opportunities. I thing plays out sometimes.” stock in this place and for me to knew it was something I wanted to For it to play out at his alma come back here and take over this do, and I hadn’t had any luck even mater is dream come true. program, a place that’s had such getting interviews. Things just fell “It’s very exciting and a big a great influence on my life, into place here. Funny how every- honor,” he said. “I put a lot of means a lot to me. I want to do Please see GATESVILLE, Page 14

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 9

Salado eager to leave last year in the past

By JOSHUA WEAVER

Salado Eagles

TELEGRAM ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

SALADO — The contributing factors to Salado’s sub-.500 season a year ago weren’t figments of the imagination. Inexperience loomed and injuries mounted, and none of that helped the Eagles, who were coming off a 12win campaign and in the midst of a refreshing turnaround.

Though Salado lost a bit of steam in its recent charge back to relevance — a 4-6 dip after 19 wins and two playoff appearances the previous two seasons — the Eagles are determined to toss last season into the anomaly bin, rev right back up and keep the good times rolling.

“We definitely want to improve on last season, fix the mistakes and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” said cornerback Ethan Scott, one of just 11 seniors on a squad with 35 juniors. “With the

Coach: Alan Haire 2018 record: 4-6 District: 8-4A-II Venue: Eagle Stadium Players to watch: Haire FB Hunter Turk, TB Wrook Brown, TB Reid Vincent, QB Hutton Haire, DL Ryan Poe, LB Peyton Miller, LB Caleb Self, DB Ethan Scott

Michael Miller/Telegram

Caleb Self (left), Hunter Turk and Ethan Scott are experience players for Salado and seek to help lead the Eagles on a long playoff run similar to their march to the state quarterfinals two years ago. returners we have coming back, I pick guys up, start off with a bang point loss to Madisonville that think we’ll be able to do that. and keep the momentum going was the third defeat in a crippling “Basically, we want to go into through the season.” three-game skid that left the Eaevery game with the right mental- Salado went 2-4 in District 8- gles out of the playoff mix. ity, more leadership on the field, 4A last season, including a one- Missing the postseason for the

first time in his tenure at his alma mater wasn’t ideal, but fourthyear Salado coach Alan Haire, as per his usual, saw some silver lining and took hold of the broader perspective after what around the program was considered a down season.

With the injuries and small senior class, the Eagles’ underclassmen Please see SALADO, Page 15

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

Ellison wants to make push for playoff spot

By THADDEUS IMERMAN FME NEWS SERVICE

KILLEEN — Head coach Todd Wright enters his second season at the helm of Killeen Ellison and has the Eagles hoping to make a push for a playoff berth after they went 4-6 (4-4 in District 12-6A) during his first year in charge.

To help the Eagles accomplish their goal, Wright hired two assistants from the Houston area — both with head coaching experience — to help his players prepare for the season.

On the offensive side of the ball, the newcomer is energetic wide receivers coach Jeffrey Sowells, whom Wright said coached receivers at the college level with Rice in addition to his high school experience.

“The thing that Coach Sowells will add is definitely confidence in that wide receiver position,” Wright said. “Coach Sowells is an energetic and very, very positive person.”

On the other side of the ball, the new guiding force is defensive coordinator Brent Verzwyvelt, whom Wright said has valu-

Ellison Eagles Coach: Todd Wright 2018 record: 4-6 District: 12-6A Venue: Buckley Stadium Players to watch: QB Breezion Spiller, WR Stacy Brown, WR Jeramiah Jones, OL Kaleb Luna, DL Everitt Rogers able experience coaching in the playoffs.

“We needed to add somebody who had coached multiple rounds deep into the playoffs, because that’s one of our goals, not just make the playoffs, but to make a little bit of a run,” Wright said. “He’s coached against some really good programs over his years.”

Wright said offensively there are a halfdozen senior returning starters including quarterback Breezion Spiller, wide receiver Stacy Brown and offensive tackle Kaleb Luna.

Spiller shared last season’s 12-6A offensive player of the year honors and is capable of producing big numbers on any given

night — evidenced by his 253 yards and three touchdowns passing along with 122 yards and three TDs rushing in last season’s 86-55 loss to Belton.

“He’s electric, and we need that,” Wright said. “When you have a good senior quarterback, you need to take advantage of that.”

Brown is a playmaker who had 42 catches for 493 yards before winning the gold medal in the triple jump at last spring’s UIL Track and Field State Championships. He’ll be joined at receiver by Jeramiah Jones, who enters his first season at Ellison after moving from Las Vegas.

Luna, a team captain and the anchor of a line that Wright believes is his offense’s strongest asset, is putting an emphasis on leading by example.

“When it comes to after practice, (it’s about) getting a little extra work in without the coaches telling you,” Luna said. “Me being a senior as well, I have to give the reins to the underclassmen.”

The biggest question mark on offense entering the season is at running back, where the Eagles must replace all-district

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Defensively, Ellison returns nine senior starters from last year’s team. The unit will be anchored by tackle Everitt Rogers, who committed to Tulsa after making 65 tackles — including six sacks — last season.

“Our team is young, and they’re also going to look up to me, because I’ve been there the longest,” Rogers said. “I know what it takes to get to the playoffs.”

Rogers believes this year’s senior class is different from any other he’s seen at Ellison.

“Talent-wise, we bring in so much talent, and then we also work together,” he said.

“We’ve already built that bond together since middle school.”

The biggest concern on defense is at linebacker. Wright said most of the linebackers coming into this season don’t have much varsity experience and will need to learn quickly.

Ellison opens the season Friday at College Station A&M Consolidated and wraps up non-district action next week at home against Leander Vandegrift.

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With skid snapped, Shoemaker looks ahead

By BEAU KEMP

Shoemaker Grey Wolves

FME NEWS SERVICE

KILLEEN — It might sound odd to hear that Killeen Shoemaker took a step in the right direction during last season’s 2-8 campaign, but even two wins are reasons for optimism for the Grey Wolves.

After all, those two victories snapped a 27-game losing streak.

“We were 0-10 when I got here,” said Shoemaker coach Toby Foreman, who enters his third season at the helm. “We were 0-10 my first year, but last year we broke our streak. It was really great for morale.”

The Grey Wolves split their final four games after an 0-6 start last year, and Foreman believes all the work the players have put in and the experience they gained will get them even closer to a winning season.

“Last year, we played 15 sophomores.

When that happens, it pays off in the upcoming seasons,” he said. “We’re going to have lots of experience, and we’ve put in a lot of hard work.”

Junior running back Devin Brown thinks

Coach: Toby Foreman 2018 record: 2-8 District: 12-6A Venue: Buckley Stadium Players to watch: RB Devin Brown, LB Keith Cunningham, DL Jalen Guillory, DB Devin Owens, WR Monaray Baldwin, RB DeAndre Exford, RB Ka’Jari Herrera the juniors who played last year will be productive.

“They’re going to bring a lot to the team this year,” he said. “They’re going to be offering more rotational depth.”

Foreman is excited to see the improvement in the 15 returning sophomores.

“I’m ready to see which ones are going to surprise me in a good way and which ones are going to surprise me in a bad way,” he said.

Brown feels the running backs will not disappoint.

“We’re going to be good,” he said. “I

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think our offensive line got stronger in the offseason. Our skill guys got faster and, overall, I think we got faster.”

Being mentally strong will be a key to success, according to Foreman.

“It’s all mental,” he said. “We had a few games where we were real close but couldn’t close it, so I really do believe it’s all mental.”

Among this year’s 15 juniors who got significant playing time last season is Keith Cunningham, a former defensive end who moves into a starting role at linebacker.

Cunningham feels the Wolves can make an even bigger leap in the right direction this season.

“I’m feeling good. I feel like this is our year. We’ve been focusing on the playbook, we’ve been working hard, and we’re very young,” Cunningham said.

The first order of improvement for the Shoemaker defense is to improve against the run, according to Cunningham.

“We need to improve on our run game on the defensive side of the ball. It was a big issue. We struggled a lot against the run,

especially against teams with good running backs,” he said. “Our defensive line has improved a lot over the summer and spring and we’ll have good rotation and good depth at those positions.”

Normally a bevy of young players would be a problem, but Cunningham isn’t worried about the underclassmen. He believes they will provide some needed help.

“They’ll be good,” he said. “They have good size, good speed. They pay attention to details, the little things. They’ll mainly be role players, and they’ll be giving us depth.”

Cunningham was one of the underclassmen providing support off the bench last year. Now he has stepped into more of a leadership role at his new position.

“After I realized the seniors are gone, I knew someone needs to step up. Someone needs to step into the leadership role and set an example for these younger players,” he said. “I have to make sure to use word of mouth and action and make sure it all comes together.”

Shoemaker opens the season Friday at home against San Angelo Central.

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12 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

Killeen betting on experience to succeed

By HUNTER KING

Killeen Kangaroos

FME NEWS SERVICE

KILLEEN — The Killeen Kangaroos return several offensive starters from last season, including their quarterback and primary running back, and are betting on their experience to be a key factor in their improvement.

It all starts with senior second-year starter James Terry at quarterback.

“For any offense when you’ve got your starting quarterback coming back, that’s going to be huge for us,” Killeen head coach Neil Searcy said.

Also back is junior ball carrier Kadarius Marshall — last year’s newcomer of the year in District 12-6A — and senior wide receiver Brandon Fox, who will be starting for the third straight season.

Fox believes the offense is very wellrounded and is going to perform well this year.

“We’re going to have a good year.

We’re going to play hard, play together and play as a family,” said Fox, who will be joined out wide by two other returning

Jones Continued from 5

doesn’t take his role of leadership lightly.

“It’s a huge role,” Jones said.

“Especially on the offensive line, make sure everybody has their gap and blocking right, and I have to perform 100 percent on every snap because they are going to be watching me. And if I start slacking, they start slacking.”

Coach: Neil Searcy 2018 record: 5-5 District: 12-6A Venue: Buckley Stadium Players to watch: QB James Terry, RB Kadarius Marshall, WR Brandon Fox, TE Nate Kamper, OL Isaiah Renteria, OL Jadin Jones, DL Ta’Shoyn Johnson starting receivers.

Another player to watch is 6-foot-6, 225pound tight end Nate Kamper, who has committed to Rice.

“We’re looking for big things from him from the tight end position,” Searcy said.

Searcy believes the offense will be spearheaded by Marshall and the line that returns three starters, including guard Isaiah Renteria and tackles Jadin Jones and Iese Vaitupa.

With Marshall running behind three veteran linemen, the Kangaroos hope to control the action up front.

“Our offense is going to go how our of-

Jones gathered his definition of leadership from his favorite football player in Houston Texans’ defensive lineman J.J. Watt.

“Mainly for how much of a standout individual he is off the field as well as an amazing player on the field,” Jones said of why he looks up to Watt.

According to Howard, Jones has a big personality just like Watt, and it makes him fun to watch in practice. “(Jones’) leadership extends

fensive line goes,” said Searcy, whose squad was 5-5 last season. “We have to be able to establish our running game. With Kadarius coming back, he’s going to have to have a good night for us to be successful. You have to be able to run the football for everything else to work.”

On the other side of the ball, the Kangaroos will be young after graduating most of the starters from last year’s defensive unit.

“We had a lot of seniors last year, so we graduated a lot of seniors,” Searcy said.

The only returning starter on defense is Ta’Shoyn Johnson, a 6-2, 297-pound lineman who committed to North Texas earlier this summer.

Despite the departures, Johnson is confident in what the Kangaroos can accomplish defensively.

“We’re going to have a good season this year,” he said. “During spring, we could see that our team could play a little football, and we’re going to go far this year.”

Johnson said his strength is stopping the run, and he believes he’ll have capable teammates to help him.

everywhere,” Howard said.

And that’s important for a Gatesville team hungry to get back to the playoffs and erase the memory of last season’s 3-7 record.

“Coach Cooper, one value he instilled in us was hard work,” Jones said. “This is a fresh plate for all of us with Coach Howard. My thing is work hard and work together and build a bond, and hopefully we can be a well-oiled machine by the time the playoffs come.”

With Howard’s run-based

“Everybody is going to step in and do what they need to do,” he said. “I’ve always been a leader. “I’m just going to be myself and be a leader.

“We’re going to make the playoffs this year. It’s going to happen this year. It’s our time now.”

So many new players on defense could be enough to worry a coach, but Searcy isn’t as concerned now as he was before last spring.

“We could really see where we were going to be defensively,” he said. “I was really impressed with our young guys that came in and played this spring on defense and how they played.

“Early on (in the season) will be the test.

But I think over the long haul, we’ll be pretty consistent on the defensive side of the ball and play well.”

Killeen opens the season Thursday at home against Round Rock Stony Point and wraps up non-district play next week at Cedar Park Vista Ridge. The Kangaroos begin 12-6A action Sept. 13 on the road against defending district champion Hewitt Midway.

spread offense, Jones and Fitzer often will be the lead blockers on every play, and their job is to make running backs Jason Delong, Isaiah Navejas and Hayden Mooney into a well-known trio.

In doing so, Jones knows the only credit he’ll get will come from the coaches, teammates and those true fans who watch his every move. And for Jones, that’s perfectly fine.

“I may never hear my name echoed over the stadium loud

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speakers,” Jones said. “But there is nothing more satisfying than mashing someone on a down block or blowing up an unsuspecting linebacker. I take tremendous pride in not only being part of the trench crew, but the leader of the trenches as well. Being on the line is the one position on the field whose main job is to protect someone every single play and to me that is way more gratifying than scoring a touchdown.” n mhood@tdtnews.com

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

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Copperas Cove offense loaded with weapons

By CLAY WHITTINGTON

Copperas Cove Bulldawgs

FME NEWS SERVICE

COPPERAS COVE — Every time Copperas Cove steps on the field this season, the intention will be to reach the end zone.

With a number of pieces returning on offense, including an all-district running back and a pair of standout receivers, the Bulldawgs are confident they can accomplish the goal with regularity.

According to senior Jaylin Smith, the mystery for opponents will be to figure out how the Bulldawgs will do it.

“Teams aren’t really going to know what to expect,” he said. “When people look at our offense, they are going to see a runfirst offense, and when we pass, it is going to shock people.

“So, this offense just works great for us, and we have the people to fit the system.”

Smith will line up along with senior Jahmeel Rice at wide receiver this season, while Micah Cox — Cove’s second leading rusher last season with 817 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior — should spearhead the ground game.

Coach: Jack Alvarez 2018 record: 7-4 District: 12-6A Venue: Bulldawg Stadium Players to watch: WR Jaylin Smith, WR Jahmeel Rice, RB Micah Cox, OL Aaron Shanahan, OL McKenzie Agnello, LB Nate David, DB Jerome Gaillard, LB Kendal Parker Along with Cox at running back, junior Brandon Ortega returns following an increased role last year after Elijah Delacruz suffered a season-ending leg injury during an intrasquad scrimmage. Now a senior, Delacruz also is set to contribute.

“Last year, I thought we showed signs of explosiveness, and we allowed a lot of people to touch the ball,” said head coach Jack Alvarez, who begins his second season in charge at Cove. “This year, that is going to be amplified.”

The Bulldawgs averaged 33.4 points per game last season, producing the program’s

first winning season since 2014 while reaching the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

To duplicate that success, the Bulldawgs must find a quarterback to replace departed Easton Simpson. During fall camp, the battle for the vacant position was between junior Russel Cochran and sophomore Shane Richey.

Four seniors, including center Aaron Shanahan, will anchor the offensive line along with returning left tackle McKenzie Agnello, a junior.

On the defensive side, Cove returns five starters from a unit that held opponents to 18 points or less four times last season, and the Bulldawgs believe they can be even better this year.

“We are way ahead of where we were last year when we had one of the best defenses in the district,” senior linebacker Nate David said. “We’re already looking really good, so we just have to go out and play smart.”

Along with David, senior cornerback Jerome Gaillard is expected to be a defensive leader this season, while safety Chris-

tian Tuiasosopo and outside linebacker Kendal Parker also will be relied upon to contribute.

On the line, Zachary Hoyle and Devyn Taylor return from last year to lead the group.

“We’ve got four really good guys on our defensive line,” Alvarez said. “We’ve got some spots in our defense where will still have to find out who is going to be the guy.

“The positive thing, though, is that we feel we have a lot of really good choices.”

Copperas Cove will need to be solid defensively to contend with high-scoring District 12-6A opponents Belton, Hewitt Midway and Temple, all of which scored more than 440 points last season.

David feels the Bulldawgs are ready for the challenge, though.

“We know we have to be ready when the time comes for district, but we also know we can do it,” he said. “We know how good we are, and we know we can compete with any team.”

Cove kicks off the season with a pair of home games — Friday against Burleson and next week against Manor.

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

Harker Heights seeks rapid improvement

By CLAY WHITTINGTON FME NEWS SERVICE

HARKER HEIGHTS — The Harker Heights Knights struggled to find the end zone last season, averaging just 15.4 points per game and scoring fewer than 10 points on four occasions, including a pair of shutouts.

It was a dark time for the Knights, but offensive lineman Chris Terry can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“There is a lot of chemistry between all the players on the field this year,” Terry said. “Last year, we had a lot of young guys, and things just weren’t clicking right.

But you can tell guys are jelling this year, and there is just a lot more chemistry.”

Terry, a second-team All-District 12-6A selection last season, is one of eight starters back on offense. While Terry was the Knights’ lone offensive all-district selection in 2018, Harker Heights head coach Jerry Edwards believes his team has the potential for improvement.

“We’ve added some skill guys, and that is something we were missing,” Edwards

Gatesville Continued from 8

quarterback role, with Howard saying they each have their own style and may play.

The starting running back also hasn’t been identified. Howard said three players — sophomores Jason Delong and Hayden Mooney and junior Isaiah Navejas — will see action. Delong and Navejas both saw limited time

Harker Heights Knights Coach: Jerry Edwards 2018 record: 1-9 District: 12-6A Venue: Buckley Stadium Players to watch: OL Chris Terry, QB Terrance Carter, RB Andre Gebhardt, WR LaPrinceton Dixon, LB Reece Vazquez, DL Malachi Robinson, DB Savonte Stanford-Page. said. “We didn’t have the guys who were explosive and could make a big impact when you got the ball in their hands.

“Now, some of those guys who were younger have the experience and maturity, and they’re stronger and faster. We have playmakers now.”

Among them is sophomore quarterback Terrance Carter, who started five games as a freshman and helped lead the Knights to their only victory — a 36-17 win against Waco — in his second career start.

At running back, Andre Gebhardt should carry the load for the rushing attack, while

last season, combining for 204 yards on 47 carries.

They’ll run behind a line that has just two returning starters in Stephen Fitzer and Waylon Jones, who both feel the need to uphold leadership roles.

“There’s a lot of pressure on us,” Fitzer said. “We have to learn new plays and keep the younger guys in place.”

Howard plans to implement a run-based spread offense, similar to what Cooper used, so the tran-

LaPrinceton Dixon, Marcus Maples and Mikelle Mason will serve as some of Carter’s primary targets in the passing game.

One of the Knights’ most significant strengths this season should be their offensive line. With all but one starter returning, Terry believes the group is set to perform at a high level.

“Everybody knows what to do,” he said.

“It’s very simple, we just stick to our rules, and we are already looking really sharp.

Everybody got in great condition over the summer, and we are a lot stronger as a whole than we were last season.”

To better last year’s record, though, the defense will need to show improvement after giving up 398 points during the season, including 317 throughout the eightgame district schedule.

“We had made a name for ourselves as being a good defensive football team,” Edwards said. “Last year, we didn’t uphold our end of the bargain to maintain that reputation.

“So, this year, we’re senior-heavy with guys who have been in the system for a

sition isn’t that big of a leap.

The abilities to run the ball and stop the run are at the root of Howard’s coaching style.

“You look at teams that play into December and they are going to have great defenses,” Howard said. “That great defense and the ability to run the ball more times than not is what’s going to win you championships. Certainly for us, up front stopping the run is very important.”

Fitzer and returning starter

while. They know what it takes, and I think they are going to get us back to where we were by being a hard-nosed, stop-the-run, good-tackling defense.”

The Knights bring back six starters on defense, and the unit sports a multitude of seniors at key positions. Among them is a trio of linebackers, including second-team all-district selection Reece Vazquez and Malik Wilson, and Idris Haith and Malachi Robinson at the end positions.

Along with the experience, the Knights are benefiting from renewed motivation, according to cornerback Darian Stephens.

“Last season stuck with all of us,” the senior said. “We all know that we can play better than that, and we should perform better than that. It has just pushed us to work harder in practice and pay attention.”

While Harker Heights has numerous seniors, it also possesses some talented juniors.

Safety Savonte Stanford-Page was the district’s defensive newcomer of the year as a sophomore, and linebacker Quintin Howard, lineman Elijah Setefano and varsity newcomer Donte Lopez are expected to produce this season.

Luke Gregory, a 6-foot-5 end, will anchor the defensive line.

“The great thing about Luke is he’s a hard-working kid, very coachable,” Howard said. “You can push Luke to do great things and he’s always going to respond the right way. He’s got a great future ahead of him.”

Like all teams, the big picture is getting to the playoffs and ultimately playing in December. The Hornets have an uphill battle in both aspects, with few returning

starters and a new coach, yet optimism remains.

“We had a lot better team than we showed last year,” Fitzer said.

“Knowing every team we played made the playoffs and we were just nine points away shows we can compete. We just have to be relentless and fierce.”

Howard knows it’s a process.

“It’s my job to get our kids focused on where we’re at and where we need to be,” he said. n mhood@tdtnews.com

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

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Lampasas ready to battle for district title

By CLAY WHITTINGTON FME NEWS SERVICE

LAMPASAS — Coming off their first trip to the area round of the playoffs in eight years, the Lampasas Badgers look to ride their offense back into the postseason after scoring at least 40 points seven times in 2018.

The Badgers return the District 14-4A-I offensive player of the year in junior quarterback Ace Whitehead, sport multiple playmaking receivers and welcome back a running back with two years varsity experience.

Having a roster full of talent is not enough, though, according to Lampasas head coach Troy Rogers.

“Offensively, we can have all the weapons in the world, but if we don’t protect each other and block for each other, then it is not going to matter,” he said.

Whitehead will guide the unit after throwing for 3,049 yards and 35 touchdowns last season, and he has plenty of familiar options at receiver, including seniors Cameron Everts and Jaylon Porter

Salado Continued from 9

gained playing time early in their careers.

Sure, some bumps, bruises and overall disappointments accompanied the valuable minutes on the field, but the experience as a whole became useful preparation for 2019.

“We were in every game. We just didn’t take advantage of scenarios and situations that were available,” Haire said, touting a new-year-type approach to this season.

“You start over with another group that has aspirations of being successful. One thing I’ve learned to do in all the years I’ve been in this is, we’re going to enjoy the journey and learn from the journey. We’re trying to learn along the way, each week, not only to be better football players but also people.”

Salado’s Slot-T offense — which posted 336.1 yards per game a year ago, down 66 yards from its Class 4A Division II state quarterfinal run of 2017 — will have some familiar components back with the return of sophomore quarterback Hutton Haire, who started eight games a freshman, fullback Hunter Turk, tailback Wrook Brown and halfback Reid Vincent. Chris Bates also is expected to see time in the backfield.

Lampasas Badgers Coach: Troy Rogers 2018 record: 7-5 District: 14-4A-I Venue: Badger Stadium Players to watch: QB Ace Whitehead, WR/DB Cameron Everts, WR Jaylon Porter, OL Austin Kielpinski, DB Koby Allen, DL Ethan Rascoe, DL Dustin Engdahl, LB Cade Brister and junior Michael Murray Jr. “We’re just so much further ahead than we’ve been in the past,” Whitehead said.

“We’ve been practicing and working our stuff all offseason. Now, it’s all coming together.”

While Lampasas has the ability to throw, it will also utilize a rushing attack being reinforced by the return of senior Daunte Cuffie, who missed all of last season with a knee injury and will compete with junior Jack Jerome for the bulk of the carries.

“We have competition at positions, and that hasn’t always been the case since I’ve

Turk was second on the team with 974 yards and 11 touchdowns on 152 carries, and Brown — the quarterback before injuries forced his move to halfback — churned out 930 yards rushing and eight scores last year. Turk said the team isn’t defining goals with numbers but more so with effort and hard work.

“If you’re working for the guy next to you and going all out, that’s success,” Turk said.

Junior center Bryce Dobbins, one of four players who started all 10 games in 2018 as a sophomore, anchors the Eagles’ offensive line. He’ll be flanked by Kory Walker, Gavin Keyser, Joe Sampson, Hunter Seymour, and either Baldimore Rodriguez or Nick Sibbit.

A slew of veterans boost the experience meter on Salado’s defense, which yielded 299.3 yards per game last season. Ryan Poe and Blake Madden are back on the line, Peyton Miller, Greg Washington and Caleb Self are slotted in at linebacker, and Latrell Jenkins and Ethan Scott bolster the secondary.

“We’re in 100-degree heat, but everybody loves to be out there and wants to be out there,” Scott said. “We’re competitors.

We go out there ready to play.” n jweaver@tdtnews.com

been here. We would have some here or there or we’d have some good players but not a lot of depth,” Rogers said. “When you don’t have any competition at a position, it is tough, but we have that now.”

The weak link for the Lampasas offense, at least in the early going, will be a line that returns only Austin Kielpinski and John Long as starters.

The Badgers have seven starters back on a defensive unit that doesn’t mind if their offensive teammates garner so much attention.

“I’m all right with people talking about the offense, because I know we are going to show up during the game,” senior defensive back Koby Allen said. “We’re going to surprise some people.”

Also among the returning defensive starters are all-district selections Everts and Clayton Bever in the secondary and Ethan Rascoe and Dustin Engdahl along the line. Linebacker Cade Brister also returns.

While the group will undoubtedly be tested by some strong offenses, including district foe and reigning state runner-up

Liberty Hill, Rogers is confident in his defense.

“We’ve got a lot of experience back on defense, and there is a lot of good leadership back,” he said. “That is a big positive that we are excited about.”

With expectations for Lampasas as high as they have been in years, the Badgers intend to deliver and return to the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since making trips in 1993 and ’94.

If everything goes according to plan, and the Badgers block out the distractions, they could contend for the district championship.

“It’s exciting because we’re not use to having this level of preseason hype, but we have to put that behind us,” Allen said.

“We’re focused on our season opener, because that’s the next game on our schedule.”

Lampasas begins the season with consecutive road games starting Friday at Joshua followed by a visit to Lago Vista. The Badgers play their home opener Sept. 13 against Lorena and open district action Oct. 10 by hosting Burnet.

16 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

CTCS wants to get over first-round hurdle

By DANIEL ZEPEDA

CTCS Lions

TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

Members of the Central Texas Christian Lions are adamant that come postseason time, they were their own worst enemy.

Head coach Jeremy Calahan was a little more diplomatic, believing CTCS lost to good teams the last two years.

One thing on which they all agree is that the Lions will get past the first round of the playoffs. Obviously, sooner would be better than later.

CTCS secured playoff berths the last two seasons but failed to earn the program’s first postseason win since switching to 11-man football in 2011. It was especially frustrating last season, when the Lions started 7-0 before losing three of their final four games, including a 35-7 decision to Tomball Rosehill Christian in the postseason opener.

“Finding a way to get into the playoffs is good, but finding a way to win one of those things is a different story,” said Calahan, the Lions’ fifth-year head coach. “The teams we have faced have been good, but we have got to get to the point that we can beat the teams that are as good as or better than we are.”

Junior lineman Tim Marwitz didn’t mince words about the Lions’ recent playoff struggles.

“It’s definitely a frustrating feeling. To go 8-2, get to the playoffs then lose that first game, it’s hard because you really feel like you can win that game,” Marwitz said.

“I think we kind of get psyched out when we hear the word playoffs. It messes with us. We have the ability to get past the first round and if we can do it, then who knows how far we can go.”

One thing that could help the Lions is a more balanced offensive attack. Traditionally a run-heavy squad, CTCS plans to use its passing game more this season after re-

Coach: Jeremy Calahan 2018 record: 8-3 District: TAPPS Division IV-3 Venue: Frazee Field Players to watch: QB Braydon Davis, OL/DL Tim MarCalahan witz, RB/LB Ryan Turley, WR/DB Matt Diguire, WR/LB Nathan Beck, OL/LB Christian Snyder, RB/LB Charlie Hudson, FB/DL Connor Ling

Michael Miller/Telegram

“Last year, everyone knew their job on defense,” junior defensive end Connor Ling said. “It was 11 guys going to the ball and playing 100 percent. We have a lot of returners on defense, so we should be even better.”

DuMont and Lange lead the Lions’ secondary. Hudson, Turley and senior Nathan Beck lead the charge at linebacker, and Marwitz and Clark will help out on the defensive line with sophomore Troy Troutman.

Nathan Beck (left), Connor Ling, Braydon Davis and Tim Marwitz aim to help CTCS reach the playoffs for a third straight year and get over the first-round hump. lying on now-graduated rushers Rylan CTCS had four shutouts last season Turner (2,056 yards, 29 touchdowns last when its defense was one of three in the year) and Marc Wood (1,286 yards, 19 area to hold opponents to less than 200 yards per game (192.5). The Lions expect TDs in 2017) the last two years. n dzepeda@tdtnews.com So with the continued growth of senior to be just as good this year. quarterback Braydon Davis (886 yards passing, seven touchdowns), Calahan says the offensive transition feels natural.

“He’s worked hard and shown a lot of talent as a starter, and we’re going to look to use his legs and arm,” Calahan said.

The Lions will rely on three running backs — juniors Ryan Turley and Charlie Hudson and sophomore Andrew Lange — with a variety of styles. The trio also will spend considerable time at receiver, along with senior Matt Diguire and junior Isaiah DuMont. The offensive line will be led by Market Loop West Adams senior three-year starter Christian Snyder.

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TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 17

Stronger Holy Trinity squad has high hopes

By DANIEL ZEPEDA

Holy Trinity Celtics

TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

Managing a roster full of injuries is nothing new for Greg Koch, but last year may have taken the cake.

The fourth-year Holy Trinity Catholic head coach watched helplessly as one-byone, many of his senior players were forced to the sideline, causing Koch to start freshmen exclusively for much of a season that yielded just a pair of victories.

Even more disappointing, the Celtics spent most of last year’s summer camp conditioning to avoid injuries, which are especially damaging for small six-man programs.

The solution? More conditioning and a lot of additional strength training.

“We brought in two strength training assistants and they’ve really helped these kids get stronger,” said Koch, who has led the Celtics to the playoffs every year since he took over. “They’ve worked the kids hard.

It’s gotten to the point that the kids are excited to see me after they work out with the trainers. That means they get a break.”

While short breaks are fine, it was the extended break during idle weeks that had become a problem for the Celtics, according to Koch. Rather than battling to keep his team focused during the mid-season lull, Koch decided to make Week 1 the Celtics’ idle week this season in hopes that a schedule with no stops keeps his team locked in.

“The past few years, I’ve lost some kids during that break for a variety of reasons,” Koch said. “So it takes away that break and takes away that feeling of the season stopping before it really does.”

Despite going 2-8 during the regular season last year, the banged-up Celtics limped into the playoffs for the third straight year before falling in the first round again. With

Coach: Greg Koch 2018 record: 2-9 District: TAPPS Six-Man II-2 Venue: Matous Field Players to watch: QB Guido Zecca, FB/DL Jonas Koch Muñoz, WR/CB Zaylin Blackwod, RB Patrick Weisbruch, TE/S Nikelis Estrada, OL/LB Christian Leurs, QB Jace Martin, OL Trent Lockhart

Michael Miller/Telegram

and safety. Sophomore Patrick Weisbruch will be another option at running back.

Muñoz is the leader of the defense for Holy Trinity, which is ready to get back to having fun again on the gridiron.

“I’ve had all-state running backs and I’ve coached teams that have made deep playoff runs, but I haven’t been this excited about a team in a while,” Koch said. “It’s the way they come together. They’re excited to be here and excited to get rolling.”

Christian Leurs (left), Jonas Muñoz, Guido Zecca and Nikelis Estrada will try to help guide Holy Trinity Catholic to a fourth straight appearance in the playoffs. inexperienced youngsters taking the bulk weapon, and freshman Jace Martin also will of the snaps, the Celtics weren’t surprised see time at quarterback. Sophomore Zaylin by the outcome but also weren’t satisfied. Blackwood is a speedy threat on offense “It drives a lot of us. Getting into the and defense, and sophomore Nikelis playoffs and then getting knocked out in Estrada provides athleticism at tight end n dzepeda@tdtnews.com that first game makes a lot of us mad,” junior quarterback Guido Zecca said. “We’ve been really pushing ourselves to get over Football doesn’t build character, it reveals one. that hump and go deep into the playoffs.”

Senior defensive end and four-year starter Jonas Muñoz sees the playoff losses as double-edged swords. While reaching the postseason three straight seasons is an accomplishment, the first-round defeats keep feeding the frustration that Muñoz is ready to put to bed.

Vot “I think it’s awesome to have the possied bility to make the playoffs all four years,” Bes Muñoz said. “But to play so hard and battW WingsInTemple.com tle and fight through injuries to make it ing and then lose those first games, it’s rough.” s fo 2112 HK Dodgen Loop, r1 Zecca takes the reins as the top offensive (Next to Hobby Lobby)

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DaMarco Williams (left), Roman Jackson, Quincy Marshall and Isaiah Fach will be relied upon to lead a youthful Temple defense that returns only one starter from last year’s team. stead of a road test at eventual spearhead the unit along with Bowers, Faylin Lee and Tavaris Tulsa-committed senior safety Sullivan competing for snaps. state champion Longview.

The Wildcats played their DaMarco Williams, who started “They’ve got to come up to starters well into the third quarter the playoff game in Jackson’s speed in a hurry,” Stewart said.

After graduating four producand led 18-7 against Cove, but place.

Stewart inserted backups after “I’ve got to step up and be more tive linemen, Temple’s replaceRoman Jackson suffered a sea- of a leader,” said the 6-foot, 170- ments are junior ends Isaiah Fach son-ending knee injury and John- pound Jackson, who aims to dou- and Cody Little, and senior Noah ston got hurt. Cove, in must-win ble his 2018 total of three Castillo and junior Jayven Taylor interceptions. “The seniors at the tackles. Sophomore linemode, rallied to prevail 22-18.

Stewart doesn’t regret how he helped me through last season.” man Tommy Torres is an emerghandled that complicated situa- Competing for the other corner- ing prospect. back job are juniors Keon “That’s probably our biggest tion.

“Not one bit. You can’t win Williams and Carlton Mack and question mark,” Stewart said. that,” Stewart said, adding that sophomore Devan Williams. “It’s a good challenge.”

Temple likely will play With the athletic, rangy DaMarco Stewart is bullish on the futures Longview at Arlington’s AT&T Williams at one safety, the duels of two freshmen who’ve gone Stadium to open the 2020 season. for the other two positions in- through varsity practices: 175“I’m very conscientious of how I clude seniors Coryell Fillmore pound safety Mikal Harrisonrun this program. It bothered me and Robert Flores and sopho- Pilot — also a skilled quarterback for two weeks, and I haven’t mores LeMichael Thompson and — and 190-pound linebacker Taurean York. Stewart planned to OT Peoples. thought about it since.”

Graduation decimated Temple’s Senior Quincy Marshall mans decide after last Friday’s College battle-tested defense, but Roman one linebacker position, with Station scrimmage whether Jackson is healthy and ready to sophomores Eric Shorter, Kani they’ll be on the varsity.

Temple’s dynamic, experienced offense will have a one-season starting quarterback for the third straight year, and senior Vance Willis will do well to approach the production of predecessors T.J. Rumfield and Jared Wiley. The shifty Willis (5-9, 175) rushed for 111 yards and two TDs last year.

“Vance is throwing really well,” Stewart said. “Our quarterback run game hopefully will open up a different element. And if we can throw the ball around, that’s going to open up our offense.”

Senior Montavian Carlysle (35 catches, 499 yards, five TDs) is vital to the receiving corps, which includes senior KD Freeman and juniors AJ McDuffy, Dylan Hinkle and Luke Allen.

The explosive Anthony Jackson already has two 930-yard rushing seasons and should be primed for a productive senior year. Expect elusive sophomore Samari Howard to make an immediate impact.

“We’re rolling with that twoheaded monster as much as we can,” said Stewart, whose offensive coordinator, Josh Sadler, takes over the play calling.

With Carter at center and White at left guard, Temple has confidence in its all-senior line that includes returning left tackle Dayton Lewis and two new starters in right guard Daniel Lopez and right tackle Blake Perez. The tight ends are senior Tyson Magana and junior Alex Rodriguez.

Accurate junior kicker Aaron Wagaman and senior punter Adrian Guzman lead the special teams.

18 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

Temple Continued from 6

those (game-changing) pieces on offense,” said Stewart, who is 3011 as Temple’s coach. “One hundred percent is going to be the learning curve of those young guys, how fast that turns. You hope to count on your (offense’s) experience. We might have to outscore some people early.”

Temple’s quest for its first district championship since 2015 must go through nemesis Hewitt Midway, which edged the Wildcats last year. District 12-6A’s playoff fight also includes Belton, Copperas Cove, Killeen and perhaps Killeen Ellison and Killeen Shoemaker.

The Wildcats haven’t completely erased the memories of their painful playoff defeat.

“I was the last one to walk off the field. I went to the middle of the T (logo) and broke down crying,” said Anthony Jackson, who scored 15 touchdowns last season. “From previous years going to state and then Round 4, I felt we could’ve done it again. To go out so early, it opened everybody’s eyes.”

Johnston, who had two TD catches against Horn to give him 16 for the season, agreed.

“The immediate feeling was regret — plays we messed up on and things we could have done better on offense and defense,” he said.

Stewart and Temple drew criticism for losing the 12-6A finale at Cove, giving them a home playoff game against Horn in-

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TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 19

Belton Continued from 7

times of the high school sports year — so much wide-eyed hope and limitless possibility — with a mixture of returning starters and fresh faces. That’s no different than any other August. What is slightly askew compared with this time last year is where the experience lies and those newbies have filled in.

On offense, a brand-new batch of receivers will line up wide of a veteran offensive line that will protect a quarterback entering his first full season as a starter and open lanes for what Skidmore hopes is an improved rushing attack.

Defensively, the Tigers have two new starting cornerbacks paired with veteran safeties and will boast depth on the line while plugging in a handful of linebackers with potential.

“The thing we keep talking about, like always, is being 1-0 in everything, but also rise as one.

Last year, you had a really good senior class that really was together and had good leaders.

Whenever you have a good leadership group depart, you always worry about struggling in that department,” said Skidmore, who has a 13-9 record as Belton’s coach following three years as offensive coordinator. “So that’s one thing we talked to the kids about is rising as one group, not individuals, and you saw it a lot through our progress during the offseason. We saw improvements in all facets. I’m excited about

Michael Miller/Telegram file

After being thrust into the starting role as a sophomore late last year, Belton junior quarterback Ruben Jimenez has the skills to build on his numbers of 952 yards passing and 11 touchdowns. the playoffs, finishing 1-2 as the senior will share reps with Mike this year’s group.”

Junior Ruben Jimenez is back starter while demonstrating a Davis.

Leading the charge will be any under center after a sophomore promising skill set. campaign that he spent, at first, “His talent level is through the combination of veteran linemen catching passes and doubling as roof,” Skidmore said of Jimenez, among a slew of returners includConnor Carothers’ backup. That who threw for 952 yards and 11 ing seniors Chris Brown, Elijah was until a shoulder injury side- touchdowns on 71-of-109 pass- Washington, Tim Apodaca, Jacob Sinkwich, Chase McLaughlin lined Carothers at halftime of a ing last season. record-setting 86-55 win over Primary targets for the right- and Logan Rodefer, and BowKilleen Ellison in Week 9 and hander will be all first-year offen- man, a junior. sive starters — Gunner Garrett, “Last year, we had to throw the sent Jimenez into the spotlight.

Jimenez certainly took the bull who is the team’s lone returner ball around a lot because we had by the horns against Ellison, com- with varsity experience, Kanyn really talented receivers and we pleting nine of 10 passes for 250 Utley, Keagan Wolfe and Kabyl had a great quarterback who could do a good job dissecting yards and four touchdowns. He Utley. led a rout of Waco the following The Tigers, who averaged 408.2 defenses, but our offensive line week before running into Hewitt yards per game last year to rank struggled at times,” Skidmore Midway in the regular-season fi- second in the area behind Tem- said. “This year, I expect our ofnale and Rockwall in the Class ple, return senior D’emante fensive linemen and our run 6A Division I bi-district round of Smith in the backfield, and the game to be big strengths. Our re-

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ceivers are inexperienced but I expect them to take great strides as the season goes.

“I’m an offensive line person so I want to run the ball, but that’s not who we were last year. This year, that might be who we are.

But we just have to put our kids in the right positions, and our kids understand that the identity of last year’s team might not be the identity of this year’s. We have to play to our kids’ strengths and do a good job as coaches to put our kids in situations to be successful.”

Safeties Jason Stephens and Tanner Holman are the only two returning full-time starters for a defense that is led by newly hired coach Ty Pattrick. Malik Jackson, Bryan Luna, JJ Bowers and Derrance Daniels are projected to anchor the defensive line. Edrick Holcombe, Jeremiah Wade, Grant Milligan and Coby Trovinger, who returns to football after a couple years off, are the Tigers’ linebackers.

Jonah Jimenez and Trent West will be first-year starters at cornerback.

Logan Smith, who shares the program’s record for longest field goal at 51 yards, is back to handle all the kicking duties.

“I think it’s always been important to finish through a game.

Even if you’re up by a mile, you have to keep going. You have to keep pushing because the other team, all they need is one play and they can turn the tide of the game,” Milligan said. “It’s always been important and the coaches have done a good job of enforcing that on us.” n jweaver@tdtnews.com

20 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

Jimenez Continued from 2

from Texas A&M. His brother, Jacob, is headed to Harvard after graduating last May as the high school’s valedictorian.

They both ran cross country in high school, though that never became Jimenez’s thing. “Oh, not a big runner,” he said with a laugh. “They run in the mornings. I don’t join.”

Football, however, stuck out among all the sports he tried in middle school because of its physical nature and the parallels it draws to the real world.

“It’s all about teamwork and being able to work with people,” he said. “You have to depend on people and be dependable, and I think that translates well to school and the workplace.”

Last season, Jimenez was asked to lend his services on JV while a pair of twoyear starters in Devyn Raper and Tre Berry finished out their reign at corner.

Skidmore said a varsity call-up would’ve been counter-productive in Jimenez’s case because his playing time likely would’ve been limited. Being on the field benefitted Jimenez much more than pacing the sideline on Friday nights. So, he did his job at the lower level. No questions asked.

“I understood that there were guys in front of me that had been there before and I respected that. So I just worked as hard as I could in the place they put me,” Jimenez said. “It’s kind of hard to take it serious sometimes when it sometimes feels like there isn’t much at stake, but it was just important to get prepared.”

That perspective paid dividends when offseason training began. And when spring practice rolled around in May, Jimenez was ready.

“I just knew that it was my time to step up and that there were spots to fill, and I had worked hard and knew the plays and I just gave it all I had,” he said.

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

Duo

self to something, he’s all-in. He’s very hard on himself. It’s uncommon for a teenager to have that hyper-focus. To watch him in his element is impressive.”

Johnston’s production slowed as defenses paid him increased attention, but he still made eight TD catches in Temple’s final eight games to compile 45 receptions for 923 yards.

“I had close to 1,000 yards. That’s not the No. 1 goal, but it would be nice to get there,” said Johnston, also a standout basketball player and high jumper. “As far as being a teammate, I need to work on blocking. That sets up big plays.”

His coach concurred.

“When you talk about speed, elevation, body control, hands and route-running, the dude’s a 10 across the board,” Stewart said. “So it’s hard to say, ‘Well, he stinks at blocking because he’s a 7.’”

While Johnston picked Texas over numerous other high-profile suitors, Jackson’s being recruited by Lamar, Incarnate Word and Angelo State. After forming a potent 1-2 punch with De’Jon Overton the last two seasons, Jackson’s aiming this year to reach the 1,500-yard and 20touchdown marks.

When Mesquite Horn’s defensive tactics limited his rushing opportunities in the bi-district loss, Jackson contributed an electrifying 100-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter to tie it before the Jaguars prevailed.

His vibrant personality sets the tone for his squad.

“Anthony’s the most personable kid.

He’ll talk to that lamp,” Stewart said. “He thrives in the team setting. He genuinely loves being a Temple Wildcat and what comes with that. He loves hard and plays hard.”

Jackson spoke for himself and Johnston when he stated their primary goal.

“For the young guys coming up, we want to leave this place better than we found it,” he said.

Smack. So long door.

Jimenez had arrived.

“Football-wise, his work ethic is unparalleled. I mean he is a grinder,” Skidmore said. “No matter who he goes against, he’s going to compete. You know we always talk about being 1-0, and that’s what he lives by — 1-0 in everything he does.”

Jimenez will need to sustain that energy level for the next three months while playing for what the Tigers envision being a revamped defense guided by new coordinator Ty Pattrick.

“I think we have a lot of potential. It’s pretty much a fresh defense so we’ll see what we’re made of when the season starts,” Jimenez said.

By all accounts, Pattrick is molding an aggressive unit that will be expected to fly to the football every play. The idea has Jimenez and his teammates anxious to perform, even though the system has taken some getting used to.

Defensive back Ivan Lemus provided R.T.P. as the term to sum up what to expect this season. “Run to punish. That’s what coach tells us,” he said.

“The one thing I can tell you is he looks for speed. He wants players that are going to get (to the ball). He’s enforced that pretty hard,” linebacker Grant Milligan said of Pattrick’s philosophy. “Spring ball and offseason was a lot of extra running and a lot of up-downs because we wouldn’t finish through the first couple weeks. But we kind of figured it out. If we don’t play by his rules, it’s not going to be a fun season.”

Jimenez has every intention of making the season memorable, going about that by preparing much like he did while trying to earn his way into the varsity starting 11.

That panned out, so odds are in his favor.

“It’s all about getting your mind right and getting the plays down, make sure you know everything, being fast and hitting hard,” he said. n jweaver@tdtnews.com

Continued from 3

and run routes, but his speed is unmatched. Coming up from seventh grade to freshman year to now, I’ve been looking up to him and trying to match him.”

Jackson said Johnston “makes it look easy.” But despite the receiver’s freakish physical abilities, it’s his character that impresses Jackson most.

“From watching him in the recruiting process, having classes with him and talking outside of football, he’s a great person overall,” Jackson said. “I learn a lot from him.”

Whereas Jackson played in a thirdround playoff win over Port Arthur Memorial as a freshman and emerged as a sophomore, Johnston was behind several older receivers and waited until his junior season for an opportunity to shine and wasted no time.

Combining exceptional jumping ability and body control with breakaway speed, Johnston had four touchdown catches in a scrimmage and made four long-distance scoring receptions — 55, 55, 29 and 71 yards — in Temple’s season-opening win.

“Going into the scrimmage and first game, it was all nerves,” he said. “But when I got that first touchdown and first hit, my nerves went away.”

Johnston caught two touchdowns in each of the next two games and tallied three TDs against rival Belton, including a 25-yard grab in triple overtime to give the Wildcats a 58-55 victory.

“Including the scrimmage, the first four things he did as a junior was he scored 11 touchdowns, so he had pretty quick success,” Temple coach Scott Stewart said.

“By the end of the year, everybody knew who he was. He handled it well. He’s very mature.

“What jumps off the page about Quentin is his demeanor. When he commits him-

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12-6A Continued from 2

concluded sooner than expected. Really, it doesn’t matter when the end arrives. If it’s before the bus pulls away from AT&T Stadium in Arlington a few days before Christmas, the inner wheels spin with haste.

What needs to be done? Mental? Physical? Major overhaul or minor adjustments?

The breaks for coaches are minimal.

Soon it was back to the drawing board.

“What we do works. What we’ve done in the past works. We believe in the program. We’ve tweaked a couple things but that happens every year,” Stewart said.

“But the mantra, if you will, for the offseason was don’t take anything for granted. Nothing. Nothing.”

After self-diagnosis, analysis and the decompression session that is the few weeks before the cycle starts up again, Stewart and Skidmore didn’t use excuses but merely faced reality, approached their new teams with messages long effective while adding emphasis on certain points, and geared their players for another crack at making extended journeys.

As Skidmore said and what many coaches utter as well about the playoffs, it’s all about matchups, who’s hot and who’s not in November and December, and travel distance.

Taking care of business in the regular season helps with those matchups, can cut down on first-round travel and certainly provides a boost into playoffs. Essentially, progress and peak.

However, a strong district showing doesn’t always guarantee a positive matchup.

Midway head coach Jeff Hulme recalled his first season with the Panthers in 2016, a district championship year that ended with a 52-17 defeat against Cedar Hill in the first round.

“I think a lot of it is favorable matchups and being on a roll at the end of the year.

That’s what everybody looks for,” Hulme said. “We say all the time that the season is divided in three seasons. With us, we usually don’t start out very fast. You obviously want to do your best and win, but non-district is a learning tool. When district starts, you hope to get on a roll and that takes you into what you want to do in the playoffs.”

Skidmore mentioned much of the same when looking back at his team’s loss to Rockwall and offered some antidotes for contending with what always will be a stout opponent.

“It all depends on what’s going on at that

time. You have to be healthy, have to be hot and the ball has to bounce your way a couple of times. Sports are funny. They can reveal a lot,” he said. “For us, I think a lot of it is we have to find ways to get stops at crucial times on defense. On offense, we have to find ways to put teams away and impose our will on people.”

That same year in which Midway bowed to Cedar Hill, Belton hosted and defeated South Grand Prairie in the opening round before battling Allen in the second round, and Temple advanced to the 5A-I title tilt.

Variables aside, collective success in the playoffs is something 12-6A coaches wouldn’t mind seeing.

“If we’re going to be the district we want, we’re going to have to go out there and try to get these (playoff) wins. Let’s go 4-0 or 3-1. But that’s a pretty tough task. Those guys play some good football,” Stewart said. “I think if you got the nine head coaches in here, they’d say let’s go. I’ll get after those guys one night a year but then I want them to go win (in the playoffs) because it makes all of us look better.”

Hulme said he thinks the playoff teams from a year ago are again built to contend for one of the district’s four spots, and he didn’t stop with that quartet while pointing out strengths of each team in the league.

“It’s going to be interesting to see. I’ve got so much respect for our head coaches in our district. I don’t think there is going to be an easy game or anything,” he said.

“We try to approach every game as a big game. We don’t look at it as a ‘circle this game because it’s a rival.’”

Consensus is to expect another tight race for the four playoff spots up for grabs.

Every week has at least one crucial contest. “(Before last season), every year that I’ve been here, we had a game or two where we didn’t have to finish,” Stewart said. “And there is a big difference between playing 87 plays and 52 plays on a Friday night and it being a physical deal the whole time.”

Added Skidmore: “I think it’s going to be very competitive. I think there are going to be some down teams but middle to top is going to be very competitive week in and week out.

“One thing this district does do is when you get to the playoffs and play teams with a lot of speed, you’ve seen teams with a lot of speed.”

And the hope for 12-6A’s playoff teams this year is that speed doesn’t lead to quick exits. n jweaver@tdtnews.com

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 21

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TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

2018 Area Season In Review Statistical Leaders Team Offense Team Temple Belton Cameron Yoe Rockdale Holland CTCS Troy Rogers Salado Gatesville Granger

Rush 2560 1415 2663 2320 3125 3159 2543 2536 3039 1850 2967

Pass 2350 3075 2431 1854 1399 895 1546 1113 322 1362 1188

Total 4910 4490 5094 4174 4524 4054 4089 3649 3361 3212 4155

Avg. 446.4 408.2 391.9 379.5 377.0 368.6 340.8 331.7 336.1 321.2 319.6

Team Defense Team Holland CTCS Granger Rosebud-Lott Cameron Yoe Troy Bruceville-Eddy Rockdale Salado Temple Jarrell

Rush 1269 1754 1456 1279 2193 1839 1637 1838 1791 1663 1844

Pass 990 363 1118 1014 1204 1305 1203 1427 1202 1848 1545

Total 2259 2117 2574 2293 3397 3144 2840 3265 2993 3511 3389

Avg. 188.3 192.5 198.0 229.3 261.3 262.0 284.0 296.8 299.3 319.2 338.9

Rushing Yards Player Rylan Turner, CTCS Zach Hrbacek, Troy Nathan Quattlebaum, B-Eddy Clay Cooper, Holland Cam’Ron Valdez, Rockdale

Att. 201 283 167 137 166

Yards 2056 1872 1266 1219 1129

Avg. TDs 10.2 29 6.6 25 7.6 12 8.9 16 6.8 17

Nico Vargas, Yoe Connor Cook, Salado Ryan Pickett, Granger Hunter Turk, Salado De’Jon Overton, Temple Anthony Jackson, Temple Wrook Brown, Salado Gerard Pink, Holy Trinity Lane Dach, Holy Trinity Zane Spinn, Holland Carlos Reyna, Granger Jasper Compton, Jarrell Christian Riley, Rogers Jordan Riley, Rogers Marques Aguilar, Belton Brady Shelton, Holland Joshua Minor, Rogers

161 191 142 152 143 104 116 115 61 114 118 161 103 55 113 58 40

1114 1108 1087 974 943 936 930 914 749 717 700 651 629 620 585 526 504

Playoff Scores

6.9 5.8 7.7 6.4 6.6 6.1 8.0 8.0 12.3 6.3 5.9 4.0 6.1 11.3 5.2 9.1 12.6

29 12 19 11 14 13 8 19 12 11 12 7 8 8 9 12 7

Quentin Johnston, Temple Jaylin McWilliams, Academy Kobe Young, Yoe Brady Shelton, Holland Anthony Fairbanks, Belton Tyler Lewis, Gatesville Kasey Kohring, Rogers Kadrian Hammond, Yoe Montavian Carlysle, Temple Kesean Raven, Rockdale Jose Perez, Belton Zach Mueller, Gatesville Joseph Crathers, Jarrell Britt Mauldin, Academy Nathan Garcia, Temple Eric Corona, Granger Ross Loth, Rockdale

Yards 2325 2311 2089 1670 1411 1399 1244 1154 1046 968 952

TDs 24 27 23 19 11 13 14 13 11 12 11

Player Anthony Brown, Belton Quentin Johnston, Temple Kadrian Hammond, Yoe Denver Holman, Belton Brady Shelton, Holland Jaylin McWilliams, Academy Kobe Young, Yoe Kasey Kohring, Rogers Anthony Fairbanks, Belton Ross Loth, Rockdale Eric Corona, Granger Tyler Lewis, Gatesville Joseph Crathers, Jarrell Britt Mauldin, Academy Montavian Carlysle, Temple Joseph Shamburger, Jarrell

Comp.-Att.-Int. 145-218-7 148-255-5 149-219-6 92-184-7 88-150-6 95-155-7 87-152-4 69-151-12 58-118-4 71-144-3 71-109-4

Receptions Player Anthony Brown, Belton Denver Holman, Belton

Rec. 75 46

Yards 1122 717

923 681 680 695 585 523 677 834 499 352 363 300 506 502 295 537 556

20.5 15.5 16.2 17.0 14.3 13.1 17.8 23.8 14.3 10.1 11.3 9.4 16.3 17.3 10.2 20.7 23.2

16 5 8 7 5 1 10 12 5 4 7 2 6 9 0 1 7

Receiving Yards

Passing Yards Player Braden Brashear, Yoe Jared Wiley, Temple Connor Carothers, Belton Jace Robinson, Rockdale Riley Cosper, Troy Zane Spinn, Holland Jerry Cephus, Academy Heron Rodriguez, Jarrell Thomas Rhoades, Granger Heath Schiller, Rogers Ruben Jimenez, Belton

45 44 42 41 41 40 38 35 35 35 32 32 31 29 29 26 24

Avg. TDs 15.0 14 15.9 6

Rec. 75 45 35 46 41 44 42 38 41 24 26 40 31 29 35 17

Yards 1122 923 834 717 695 681 680 677 585 556 537 523 506 502 499 367

Avg. TDs 15.0 14 20.5 16 23.8 12 15.9 6 17.0 7 15.5 5 16.2 8 17.8 10 14.3 5 23.2 7 20.7 1 13.1 1 16.3 6 17.3 9 14.3 5 21.6 3

Class 6A Division I Bi-district — Rockwall 50, Belton 14 Class 6A Division II Bi-district — Mesquite Horn 45, Temple 38; Longview 70, Copperas Cove 22 Class 4A Division I Bi-district — Lampasas 42, Freeport Brazosport 35 Area — La Vernia 28, Lampasas 21 Class 3A Division I Bi-district — West 55, Academy 28; Cameron Yoe 49, Whitney 28; Grandview 45, Rockdale 21; Troy 35, Teague 21 Area — Cameron Yoe 59, Diboll 34; Franklin 34, Troy 7 Regional semifinal — Winnie East Chambers 35, Cameron Yoe 34 Class 3A Division II Bi-district — Edgewood 50, Rogers 46 Class 2A Division I Bi-district — Holland 63, Junction 12 Area — Wallis Brazos 38, Holland 35 Class 2A Division II Bi-district — Granger 29, Louise 23 Area — Granger 40, La Villa 36 Regional semifinal — Burton 47, Granger 7 TAPPS Division IV Bi-district — Tomball Rosehill Christian 35, Central Texas Christian 7 TAPPS Six-man Division II Bi-district — Abilene Christian 62, Holy Trinity Catholic 14

umhb.edu/athletics Date Opponent

UMHB TICKET OFFICE 254.295.4216 all home games are played at

CRUSADER STADIUM

PLACE

Time

9/14

Albright college

belton, tx

6:00 Pm

9/21

belhaven university

belton, tx

6:00 PM

9/28

howard payne univ.

belton, TX

6:00 PM

10/5

mcmurry univ.

abilene, TX

1:00 PM

10/12

east texas baptist univ. belton, TX

2:00 PM

10/19

southwestern univ.

georgetown, TX

1:00 PM

10/26

hardin-simmons univ.

belton, tx

1:00 PM

11/2

louisiana college

pineville, la

1:00 PM

11/9

texas lutheran univ.

belton, tx

1:00 PM

11/16

sul ross state univ.

alpine, tx

12:00 PM

TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

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

FO OTBA L L 2 0 1 9 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 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 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

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 23 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, Bruceville-Eddy

FO OTBA L L 2 0 1 9

24 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

TUESDAY, August 27, 2019

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