Football Preview 2023 | 1A, 2A, 3A , TAPPS

Monday, aug. 21, 2023 Class 1a , 2a , 3a , TaPPs

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

Juggling personnel is ongoing task for coaches

By JON BROOKS TELEGRAM SPORTS WRITER

Constructing a football team requires a great deal of moving parts. The game is undeniably a team sport, though the outcome continually hinges on an ongoing series of individual competitions.

Should one player miss a gap assignment or crucial block, another may be the one that pays the consequences, as will the team itself.

For a series of 80 or more plays on any given side, there are 11 players, each with a unique skill set, each time performing a vital task in the name of one cohesive goal — to win the game.

It is the coach’s job to prepare and put these players in their best position to succeed, not to mention the various other team-building tasks they must account for such as training methods, practice plans, film breakdown and motivational support, just to name a few.

But when it comes to the on-field product under the bright lights, namely constructing an offensive and defensive unit,

which is more important to overall success? Is it more beneficial to pour on the points or to turn it into a slugfest? Or is each side of equal value, with one working congruently with the other?

The answers are yes to all of the above,

each varying depending on the source, though the old adage that defense wins championships still carries weight with many area coaches.

“I think if you look at any team that wins a championship, they play great

defense,” said Cameron Yoe head coach Rick Rhoades, who guided the Yoemen to three consecutive state titles (2012-14) during his first stint there from 2009 to 2015.

“We build our program around our defense,” Rhoades continued. “When we draft our players, we give our offense the first two picks, and they take a quarterback and a running back. And then the next 11 best players, they go to defense.”

Rhoades said as the year progresses, his team’s offense typically catches up with its defense, sometimes even surpassing it. But especially in the season’s early stages, it is the defense that leads the way.

Rogers, another Class 3A program, shares a similar outlook. The Eagles missed the playoffs just once since head coach Charlie Roten took over in 2017, qualifying in each of the past five seasons. They boasted a top-three defense in the area last year when they surrendered

Please see BALANCE, Page 19

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Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram

Cameron Yoe head coach Rick Rhoades, who prefers to build his team around its defense, instructs his players during practice earlier this month.

There’s lofty expectations for Mullins, Academy

By TIM WAITS TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

LITTLE RIVER-ACADEMY — Two years ago, Mark Mullins was sitting in the stands at College Station High School watching a playoff game between Diboll and Academy.

It was then that Mullins, at the time on the Gatesville staff, wanted to be part of what the Bumblebees had to offer — if the opportunity ever arose.

Not long after, Mullins was hired as the Bees’ offensive coordinator for the 2022 season. He was promoted to head coach upon Chris Lancaster’s departure to Robinson last spring, and he’s set to enter his first season at the helm following a long and fruitful career as an assistant at numerous stops including Irving High, Arlington High, Fort Worth Brewer, Round Rock Stony Point, Pflugerville Connally, Round Rock Cedar Ridge and Gatesville.

The sophomores who were catalysts in the Bees’ longest playoff run in program history in 2021 are now seniors. Mullins’ first head coaching job is one many new mentors don’t get.

“The timing couldn’t have been better,” Mullins said. “It’s a great opportunity with the growth, the community support, the administration and just the excitement about Academy football. I inherited the leadership of a senior class that has talented, good people.”

The Bees are anxious to rebound from an injury-riddled 5-6 campaign and have the veteran star power to do so.

“Expectations are high to have a pretty good football team,” said Mullins, whose

through

Academy

Bumblebees

Coach: Mark Mullins

2022 record: 5-6

District: 11-3A-I

Venue: John Glover Stadium

Players to watch: QB Kasey Mraz, RB Cavalli Nealy, WR Luke Tomasek, WR Zane Clark, OL/DL

Caden Berry, OL Adam Caddell, LB Cartier Nealy, WR/DB Javion White Please see ACADEMY, Page 21

Mitchel Davis

Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram Academy battled

an injury-plagued season to reach the playoffs but hopes to improve on last year’s 5-6 record. The Bumblebees kick off their first season under new head coach Mark Mullins on Friday at Rogers.

Yoe aims to build on last year’s three-round run

By TIM WAITS TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

CAMERON — The mission to return Cameron Yoe football back into the statewide conversation was accomplished last season with a 9-4 record and a threeround run in the playoffs.

The object now is to take that and build it to even greater heights.

It’s the kind of challenge that keeps veteran head coach Rick Rhoades as enthusiastic as ever to get another season underway.

“I’m excited about this team,” said Rhoades, who enters the third season of his second stint in Cameron. “I think we have a chance to be really good. It’s not like where we were when I left (Cameron for the first time), but we’re getting there.

“I told the players that I’ve been doing this for 39 years and I still can’t sleep the night before two-a-days,” he said.

Along with a bevy of playmakers on both sides of the ball, the Yoe faithful should see some added innovation in the Yoemen repertoire.

The addition of Rhoades’ son Jack as offensive coordinator brings with it a wealth of variety to the Yoe offensive attack that has seen proven success at a higher divisional level.

Jack Rhoades served the last three years as an offensive coach of vaunted Austin Westlake — the first two of those under renowned offensive wizard Todd Dodge, who coincidentally began his head coaching career in Cameron in 1994 before going on to a legendary career at Southlake Carroll and Westlake.

Please see YOE, Page 21

Cameron Yoe Yoemen

Coach: Rick Rhoades

2022 record: 9-4

District: 11-3A-I

Venue: Yoe Field

Players to watch: QB Braylan

Drake, RB/DB Kardarius Bradley, WR/DB Kason Goolsby, WR/DB

Ja’Quorius Hardman, OL Mason

Leifeste, LB Cade Hubnik

Hamrick, Rockdale hope quality trumps quantity

By BRIAN COATS TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

ROCKDALE — Depth is an issue for all football teams, but it is often especially an issue for Class 2A and 3A programs. The line between having enough numbers needed to field a competitive team and struggling to keep up is razor thin for some schools.

In 2023, Rockdale might be one of those schools. The total number of football players is good — about 81 — but only 30 of those are listed on the varsity roster.

“Our concern is definitely depth,” firstyear head coach Hunter Hamrick said. “I have one kid coming off an ACL tear and another recovering from a car wreck. I looked over at practice the other day, and there were four linemen in street clothes. There’s a bunch of injury-related stuff like that.”

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football lists eight returning starters on the Tigers offense and seven on defense. Those numbers are down to seven and six, Hamrick said.

Quantity might be an issue, but at tradition-rich Rockdale, quality rarely is. Hamrick said he has several experienced players he will look toward for leadership on and off the field.

The list starts with senior quarterback Blaydn Barcak. Last year in his junior campaign he threw for 1,956 yards and ran for another 654, leading the team in both categories. Illustrating the depth issues, Barcak will probably have to play on both sides of the ball this year. Last year he focused solely on quarterback.

“He’s fired up to do that, though,” Hamrick said. “He’s a physical kid, and he

Rockdale Tigers

Coach: Hunter Hamrick

2022 record: 3-7

District: 11-3A-I

Venue: Tiger Stadium

Players to watch: QB/DB Blaydn

wants to be in the mix.”

Gerren Marrero is another player poised to have a big year. He mostly played defense as a sophomore last season but will be featured on both sides of the ball this year.

“He is a really, really smart football player,” Hamrick said. “He finds the ball as a free safety, and you can’t really get it over his head. We are going to have to find a way to increase his touches on offense. He’s a small package, but he can really play.”

Marrero will be one of Barcak’s primary receiving targets, along with De’Andre Stephens, Riley Spears and Sawyer Chalk, an assistant coach’s son and move-in who came from Ingleside High School, where Hamrick previously coached.

“Stephens should have a breakout year,” Hamrick said. “He had a really good basketball and track season, and came along in 7-on-7, too. He is our jump-ball guy.

“Chalk was all-district last year as a free safety. He is going to be our backup quarterback, start at running back and play defense.”

Speaking of Ingleside, Hamrick led the Mustangs to an 8-3 record and a playoff berth last season. His Central Texas roots run deep, though, as his dad was the head coach at Bremond for 13 years. Hamrick, a Bremond grad, was the Rockdale offen-

sive coordinator from 2012-2016, and his wife is from Troy.

“I have had years of service here,” Hamrick said. “This is not unfamiliar territory.”

Perhaps because of that familiarity, Hamrick knows District 11-3A-I is one of the toughest leagues in the state. Franklin will be looking for a state championship three-peat, and Lorena is only one year removed from hoisting the UIL state title trophy.

“Everybody has to put Lorena and Franklin up top, I would think,” he said. “That is the matchup I’m sure everyone will be keeping an eye on. Cameron

Barcak, DB Sawyer Chalk, WR/ DB De’Andre Stephens, WR/DB Gerren Marrero, RB/DB Tim Grice, TE/LB Riley Spears, OL Mason Willard, OL Mason Meschwitz

(Yoe) has a lot of quality coming back, and should be really good. Academy knocked us out last year, and is steadily growing. Troy has the most returning starters in the district.”

That gauntlet will not begin until late September, though. First up is a home game against Teague on Friday, followed by a trip to Taylor on Sept. 1.

“(Gerren Marrero) is a really, really smart football player. He finds the ball as a free safety, and you can’t really get it over his head. We’re going to have to find a way to increase his touches on offense. He’s a small package, but he can really play.”

Tigers coach Hunter Hamrick

Troy seeks turnaround with Brashear at the helm

By MARCUS HOOD TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

TROY — Tommy Brashear was content.

After a long stint as an assistant and then head coach at Cameron Yoe, Brashear moved on to administration and was a principal at small Westphalia ISD.

“I did the principal thing a couple of years,” he said. “I loved it. I loved the people in Westphalia, loved the community.”

He also loved spending time with his family and watching his own children play sports.

But, “I missed coaching football, and I’m not getting any younger,” he said.

Then the football head coaching position at Troy opened.

Brashear applied for it and was offered the job to lead the Trojans, but still wasn’t sure what he was going to do. His two sons are in college and his only daughter, Aubree, is entering her junior year at Yoe, where she, like her brothers, is a multisport athlete.

The longtime coach knew that taking a job in Troy would mean missing a lot of her competition.

“When this came open, I talked about it with my family and I knew I’d miss a lot of Aubree’s events,” he said. “That was a big deal to me. But she said ‘Dad, you love coaching. It makes you happy, so you have to do this. I’ll be fine, and you’ll still get to come to some of my stuff.’

“I thought that was very mature of her to say.”

So with his daughter’s blessing, Brashear has a new gig, plus renewed energy and spirit in a mostly familiar place.

Please see TROY, Page 18

Troy Trojans

Coach: Tommy Brashear

2022 record: 2-8

District: 11-3A-I

Venue: Trojan Stadium

Players to watch: QB Joseph McMurtry, WR Ethan Sorenson, WR Cooper Valle, WR Maverick Williams, RB/LB Kadyn Martinez, OL/DL

Joseph Tuck

Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram

Troy registered only two wins in 2022 but aims to bounce back in its first season under Tommy Brashear, the former head coach of district foe Cameron Yoe. The Trojans make their season debut Friday at Whitney.

Troy High S chool

Rogers still rumbling in Roten’s seventh season

By TIM WAITS TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

ROGERS — As far as Charlie Roten is concerned, continuity is central to success in Rogers.

Roten begins his seventh season as the Eagles’ head coach — the second-longest tenure in program history behind the legendary Donald Godwin — and it’s his consistent system that has Rogers in winning form on an annual basis.

Indeed, the Eagles are a favorite to return to the playoffs for the sixth straight season. Much of the core — or at least players who saw significant playing time — returns from last year’s 8-4 campaign. Almost the entire coaching staff is back as well, a luxury for a Class 3A outfit. Every player in the Eagles’ program has been under the same guidance since they first stepped on the field as seventh graders.

“Our kids here know how we practice and prepare offensively and defensively,” said Roten, whose Eagles teams are 4327 since he arrived after assisting Gunter to a state title in 2016. “We changed the defense last year and it will be the same. Continuity is so important.”

Rogers as a community is used to having a successful football program and the pieces are in place for that to continue this fall.

The continued growth and improvement of senior quarterback Cooper Sisneroz (5-foot-11, 162 pounds) is the epitome the Eagles’ balanced attack. Sisneroz threw for 761 yards with nine touchdowns while rushing for 647 and scoring 10 times in 2022.

Please see ROGERS, Page 21

Rogers Eagles

Coach: Charlie Roten 2022 record: 8-4

District: 13-3A-II

Venue: Merk Field

Players to watch: QB/DB Cooper Sisneroz, RB Abraham Hernandez, RB/DB Bryce Watson, OL/DL Jackson Dolgener, OL Josh Kohring, WR/DB Cooper Schiller

Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram

Rogers rides a streak of five consecutive playoff appearances into its seventh year under the guidance of Charlie Roten. The Eagles, who were 8-4 last season, kick off their campaign Friday at home against Academy.

Granger primed for another postseason charge

By GREG WILLE TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

GRANGER — In Stephen Brosch’s first season as Granger’s football head coach, the 2020 Lions reached the second round of the Class 2A Division II playoffs. They improved the next season, advancing to the third round. Granger then went one step farther last year, marching to the Region IV final.

Despite graduating all-state running back DJ McClelland and other stalwarts who helped fuel those postseason treks, Brosch and the Lions are confident that their established program is primed to push deeper into December.

“The long-term goal never changes. It’s always going to be a state title,” said the 33-year-old Brosch, who as a senior receiver/safety helped Granger reach the 2A state semifinals in 2007 — 10 years after its lone state championship. “Before last year, it wasn’t talked about a lot, but we couldn’t get over that third-round hump.

“That was our goal last year: ‘Let’s get

Lions coach Stephen Brosch

over that third-round spot.’ We accomplished that and it was extremely exciting. But we didn’t win it all, so we’re not satisfied.”

Granger has a program-record eight straight playoff appearances, including third-round trips in 2018 and 2019 with head coach Walt Brock and Brosch as the defensive coordinator.

The Lions’ primary obstacle remains Burton, which eliminated them 57-27 in a Region IV semifinal in 2021 and 27-7 in last year’s regional final.

“Burton’s our (nemesis). I’ll give it to them,” Brosch said. “They’re extremely physical, but we match up OK. Where they’ve had the edge is athleticism, a little more speed to get the edge. Last year was a heartbreaker because we turned the

ball over five times in one half.”

It’ll be difficult for Granger to replace four-year starter McClelland, now playing at Trinity. The versatile 200-pounder rushed for 2,011 yards and 33 touchdowns, compiled 511 yards on 22 receptions and scored 51 TDs overall for last year’s 11-3 squad.

“DJ was a remarkable player physically and also from the leadership standpoint,” Brosch said. “He’s the type where you coach one every few years.”

Granger’s 21-player roster includes numerous first-time starters.

“We graduated 10 seniors and all 10 started on offense or defense, so we’ve got big holes to fill. We’ve got potential to have breakout guys,” said Brosch, whose team hosts Hubbard in its opener Friday.

Senior quarterback and linebacker Chase Edwards likes what he sees.

“We had a really good season and a lot of big-time players, like DJ and (graduated quarterback/cornerback) Nathan Tucker,” said the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Edwards, who made a team-best 126

Granger Lions

Coach: Stephen Brosch

2022 record: 11-3

District: 13-2A-II

Venue: Lion Stadium

Players to watch: QB/LB Chase Edwards, RB/LB Caleb Hobratsch, WR Lucas Matta, WR/K Jose Valverde, OL/DL Grayson Smith, WR/DB Trae Herrera

tackles last season. “(Our first-year starters are) going to perform well, and we’re going to have seniors lead in the right direction.”

Rugged sophomore running back Caleb Hobratsch (5-11, 180) aims to replicate McClelland’s productivity.

“Caleb’s a dog,” Edwards said. “He reminds me of DJ because he’ll be a load to get down.”

Please see GRANGER, Page 20

“The long-term goal never changes. It’s always going to be a state title.”

Holland working to keep playoff streak intact

By MARCUS HOOD TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

HOLLAND — Since Brad Talbert took over in Holland, there have been a few constants about the Hornets: a winning record, a chance at a district title, making the playoffs, and a top defense.

Last season though, it looked like all of that was in jeopardy after the Hornets defense struggled from the start.

“It was tough,” Talbert said. “It may have been the worst defense we ever had yardage-wise, touchdown-wise.”

Holland was 1-3 after four weeks and, considering only twice in Talbert’s previous 10 seasons had the Hornets finished with more than three losses the entire season, far from where the team wanted to be.

However, those first four games were against some of the top small-school teams in the state (Burton, Granger, Bremond) and the Hornets were competitive in each one. There was concern but not panic.

The Hornets made some adjustments and went on to finish 6-6.

“We had so many things go wrong early,” Talbert said “But we still had a chance to be district champions if we beat Flatonia in Week 10.”

They didn’t and instead finished third in district, winning a first-round playoff game before drawing state powerhouse Refugio in Round 2. The result was a disappointing 56-9 loss.

“You could tell there were some guys with a little fear factor,” Holland quarterback Desi Cantu said. “It was their first year there. But I think seeing good teams

Please see HOLLAND, Page 18

Holland Hornets

Coach: Brad Talbert

2022 record: 6-6

District: 13-2A-I

Venue: Hornet Field

Players to watch: QB/DB Desi Cantu, RB/LB Gavin Cruz, RB/DB

Christian Michalek, RB/DB Ryan

Steglich, OL/DL Tyler Foster, WR

Trey Grinnan

Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram

Holland has made a habit of participating in the postseason since Brad Talbert took over as head coach, posting a 92-38 record through his first 11 years in charge. The Hornets kick off their 2023 season Friday at Burton.

Moody leans on experience, team-first approach

By BRIAN COATS TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

MOODY — With eight returning starters on both sides of the ball, the Moody Bearcats will be an experienced team in 2023.

Going into his second season, head coach Matt Hurst hopes that experience leads to success. He also hopes a selfless, team-first attitude reaps year-end rewards.

“Our theme this year is ‘Moody Over Me,’” Hurst said. “We want to make it about the team, and not about the individual. So far, the kids are embracing that and doing a good job with it. That is exciting to see.”

Hurst first stepped foot on the Moody campus in May of 2022. That put him and his staff behind schedule in terms of preparation with the new team. This year, the coaching staff is getting to focus more on X’s and O’s, and less on instilling a new culture.

“We still have a long ways to go,” Hurst said. “We are not where we want to be,

but ahead of where we were this time last year. It is not all brand new like it was at this time last year.”

Ben Matias, Ethan Gonzalez and Devonte Anderson are three returning starters. Matias, a senior wide receiver and defensive back, had 215 yards receiving, three touchdowns and 19 tackles last year. Gonzalez, an offensive and defensive lineman, and Anderson, a running back and defensive back, are looking to build on strong freshman seasons.

The Bearcats run a multiple spread offense. They often feature a tight end or H-back, and rarely run four wideouts.

Hurst knows for Moody to secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2016, it will need to compete better against pe-

rennial district champion Crawford and the league’s other playoff-contending squads. He is hopeful, and sees the gap between the top teams in District 8-2A-I and the other teams shrinking.

“Crawford won it wire-to-wire last year and they are in the driver’s seat to do that again,” he said. “They will remain there until someone knocks them off. I think the middle of the district is wide open. There are not big disparities between teams.”

Some returning starters, a team-first attitude, sprinkle in a blue-collar work ethic, and perhaps the ingredients are there for a special season.

“I am not a flashy guy,” Hurst said. “I try to keep my head down and be con-

Moody Bearcats

Coach: Matt Hurst

2022 record: 4-6

District: 8-2A-I

Venue: Bearcat Stadium

Players to watch: LB Ryder Casqueira, WR/DB Ben Matias, OL/DL Ethan Gonzalez, RB/LB Devonte Anderson, OL/DL Dominic Sanchez, TE/DL Hayden Stinson, OL Cole Alton, DB/K Dalton Cox, DL Mario Salas

sistent and do the right things. Footballwise, we try to keep doing that one day at a time and get better. It’s all I am focused on.”

The Bearcats open the season at home against Axtell on Friday. Following nondistrict road games at Hico and Hubbard, they travel to Valley Mills on Sept. 22 to open district play.

“I am not a flashy guy. I try to keep my head down and be consistent. Football-wise, we try to keep doing that one day at a time and get better. It’s all I’m focused on.”

Bearcats coach Matt Hurst

Rosebud-Lott ready to battle for district title

By BRIAN COATS TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

TRAVIS — Heading into head coach Brandon Hicks’ fourth season, the trajectory of the Rosebud-Lott football program is definitely moving in the right direction.

The Cougars went 7-4 last season and reached the playoffs. The year before, they crossed the .500 mark, going 6-5. Piling up more wins year to year has moved the winless 2019 campaign more and more to the distant-memory category.

“We are in a good place,” Hicks said after a recent preseason practice. “The culture is really installed at this point. The kids know what to expect.”

Though they play in rugged District 82A-I, Rosebud-Lott should be squarely in the playoff chase again this season.

The Cougars are led by Jamarquis Johnson, a wide receiver/defensive back who has a 4.3-second 40-yard dash on his résumé.

That number has the attention of college football recruiters. He has not com-

mitted yet, but UTSA, Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston have all shown interest in the senior, who also stars in basketball and was the 2A boys state champion in the long jump in May.

Last season, the speedster had 339 yards rushing and 464 yards receiving, with eight total touchdowns.

“He’s electric,” Hicks said. “This will be his fourth year starting. We are expecting big things.”

Johnson undoubtedly will draw the attention of fans — as well as opposing defenses — this fall, but football is definitely not a one-man show. Hicks said Daniel Rodriguez, an offensive lineman and linebacker, is a more behind-the-scenes but equally important leader.

“Rodriguez is our unsung hero behind it all,” he said. “He has a real physical presence. He gets the defense lined up, and he does a great job on the offensive line. He is a little more under the radar, but one of those kids you really lean on.”

The roster size is about where Hicks hopes it would be heading into the new season. He said there should not be any guys in the hallways not playing football who should be. That is a good thing, because numbers are always an issue for 2A programs.

“That whole ‘next man up’ thing is real. Our goal and our focus is to be gritty,” he said. “We talk about it daily as a team. When your number is called, you have to be that dude.”

Rosebud-Lott Cougars

Coach: Brandon Hicks

2022 record: 7-4

District: 8-2A-I

Venue: Cougar Field

Players to watch: WR/DB Jamarquis Johnson, OL/LB Daniel Rodriguez, RB/LB Johnnie Martinez, QB DJ Hicks, WR/DB Jayden Thomas, WR/DB Carson Kahlig, RB/LB Yahir Mendoza, OL/DL Cooper Emmons

Even though they recorded the most wins in at least six years, the 2022 season still left a little bit of a bitter taste in the Cougars’ mouths after it ended with a heartbreaking 28-27 loss to Axtell in the bi-district round. Hicks also said there were a lot of injuries last season.

Please see R-LOTT, Page 13

“That whole ‘next man up’ thing is real. Our goal and our focus is to be gritty. We talk about it daily as a team. When your number is called, you have to be that dude.”

Cougars coach Brandon Hicks

Bruceville-Eddy moves forward with Ramsey

By BRIAN COATS TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

BRUCEVILLE-EDDY — Following a winless 2022 season, the BrucevilleEddy Eagles know there is only one place to go, and that is up.

With a new coaching staff in place, there’s a good bit of optimism things will be different this year.

“The adjustment has gone pretty well,” first-year head coach Brian Ramsey said. “I have seen some pretty good excitement in our kids. Hopefully we will use that to our advantage.”

Ramsey came from Morton High School in West Texas, where he served as the head coach and athletic director for three years. He went to high school in Celina, home to eight state titles. Despite not being from Central Texas, he said he knows the brand of football in this part of the state is tough and competitive.

He got a glimpse of that when he met all of the other District 8-2A-I coaches at the league meeting.

“All of the coaches in this district are

R-Lott

Continued from 12

With expectations consistently on the rise, pressure to reach the new bar increases, too. Hicks welcomes the heightened standard, though, because it creates an exciting, enthusiastic atmosphere around Rosebud-Lott football.

“The type of practice you want and the type of energy you want from the kids is there,” he said. “I get to focus more on the X’s and O’s, which is enjoyable.”

Eagles coach Brian Ramsey

great people, and they do a phenomenal job,” he said. “They are willing to help you, and it is clear no one thinks they are too good for everybody. It’s always fun being in a district like that.”

One of the causes for optimism around the Bruceville-Eddy field house is the new offense being installed. The Eagles are moving to a Slot-T. Schools such as Liberty Hill and Salado have demonstrated over the years that when it is executed well, it is very difficult to stop.

“We are going to ground and pound a little bit,” Ramsey said. “With toughness and work ethic, the Slot-T can be suc-

Rosebud-Lott begins the season with three straight road games. The Cougars open at Jewett Leon, followed by trips to Wortham and Goldthwaite. Their first home game is the district opener Sept. 22 against defending district champion Crawford.

“It’s a gauntlet,” Hicks said, referring to the league race. “We are in an eight-team district, which is basically your whole schedule. You cannot have any off-weeks. You have to go in and battle from Day 1. You have to come with your A-game on a weekly basis.”

cessful. Hopefully, we can get that going and they can believe in it and have fun with it.”

A strong running game requires the big guys in the trenches controlling the line of scrimmage. Sammy Simons and Carson Carter are two offensive linemen Ramsey will look to for leadership and execution.

“Carter is a big, strong kid with a great work ethic, and Simons is a great leader,” Ramsey said. “We are excited about several of these kids. Hopefully we can build something around them.”

Carter, Simons and the rest of the offensive line will look to open holes for running back Tyrell Horne, who has the ability to generate explosive plays, Ramsey said.

The Bruceville-Eddy defense surrendered almost five times as many points as its offense scored in 2022. As is the case at just about every 2A school, most players — including Carter and Simons — will move over and play defense as well. In the secondary, Tylor Eddins and Christopher Bailey are returning starters.

Overall, the Eagles should be one of the

Bruceville-Eddy Eagles

Coach: Brian Ramsey

2022 record: 0-10

District: 8-2A-I

Venue: Eagle Field

Players to watch: QB/LB Ashton Rosas, RB/DB Tyrell Horne, WR/DB

Christopher Bailey, OL/DL Carson Carter, OL/DL Nich Squyres, OL/DL Sammy Simons, WR/DB Tylor Eddins

more veteran teams in the district. Eight starters return on offense, and 10 return on defense.

“Experience is going to be better than it has been,” Ramsey said. “We are going to put our heads down like a mule and start pushing forward. We will see if we can’t start achieving some goals.”

Bruceville-Eddy opens at home with Hico on Friday.

“We are going to put our heads down like a mule and start pushing forward. We will see if we can’t start achieving some goals.”

Coaching continuity should aid Buckholts’ push

By CLAY WHITTINGTON TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

BUCKHOLTS — A new season has arrived, but Buckholts’ goal remains exactly the same.

Since 2017, the Badgers have been attempting to replicate the success found during that campaign — in which a 2-1 district record earned the program its first playoff berth in three years — but their efforts have not yielded the desired results.

The next five seasons produced a combined two district victories and no playoff appearances.

Now, Buckholts sets its sights on reversing its recent fortunes and snapping the skid. Doing so will take some work, though, after graduation plucked four key seniors from the roster, including standout Chevo Luciano.

As a senior, Luciano earned All-District 11-1A-II first-team honors as a utility back, safety and punter, providing 1,221 yards and 25 touchdowns passing to go with 427 yards and two touchdowns rush-

ing. Defensively, he had 63 tackles, including 45 solo, and two interceptions.

Additionally, center Fabian Baez, receiver R.J. Vega and running back Ivan Baez departed, opening the door for new playmakers to emerge.

Among those expected to benefit are sophomore running back Luke Lorenz and sophomore receiver/linebacker Anthony Salomon.

Lorenz rushed for 442 yards and four touchdowns to go with 297 yards receiving and six scoring catches last season, and Salomon is expected to be the leader of the defense.

Roster turnover is not the Badgers’ only obstacle en route to returning to the playoffs, though.

Buckholts shares a district with Oglesby, which lost only four regular-season games over the last three years and essentially returns its entire roster, including five starters on each side of the ball.

The Badgers’ only other opponent in the three-team district is Calvert, which won the previous 17 meetings with Buckholts.

Texas High School Records

Career yards rushing — Kenneth Hall, 11,232 (Sugar Land, 1950-53); Johnathan Gray, 10,899 (Aledo, 2008-11); Traylon Shead, 10,298 (Cayuga, 2006-09)

Career 100-yard rushing games — Johnathan Gray, 51 (Aledo, 2008-11); Wes Danaher, 43 (Corpus Christi Calallen, 1992-95); Robert Strait, 41 (Cuero, 1985-88); Jacoby Jones, 41 (Bangs, 2001-03)

Career yards passing — Grant Gunnell, 16,108 (Houston St. Pius X, 2015-18); Hunter Lile, 14,408 (Booker, 2011-14); Travis Quintanilla, 14,223 (Refugio, 2011-13)

Career completions — Hunter Lile, 1,047 (Booker, 2011-14); Grant Gunnell, 1,024 (Houston St. Pius X, 2015-18); Drew Tate, 970 (Baytown Lee, 1999-2002)

Career touchdown passes — Grant Gunnell, 195 (Houston St. Pius X, 2015-18); Travis Quintanilla, 186 (Refugio, 2011-13); Graham Harrell, 167 (Ennis, 2000-03)

Career yards receiving — Marvin Mims, 5,485 (Frisco Lone Star, 2016-19); Jordan Shipley, 5,424 (Burnet, 2000-03); Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 5,403 (Rockwall, 2016-19)

Career receptions — Jared Reagan, 391 (Booker, 2011-14); Hunter Hawthorne, 350 (Bells, 2014-17); Jake Oliver, 308 (Dallas

Jesuit, 2009-12)

Career touchdown receptions — Tren’Davian Dickson, 76 (Navasota (2012-15); Jordan Shipley, 73 (Burnet, 2000-03); Jaxon SmithNjigba, 63 (Rockwall, 2016-19)

Career points — Johnathan Gray, 1,232 (Aledo, 2008-11); Hayden Martinez, 924 (Iola, 2011-14); Kenneth Hall, 899 (Sugar Land, 1950-53)

Career field goals — Cole Hedlund, 58 (Argyle, 2011-13); Tomas Sanchez, 48 (Fort Worth Arlington Heights, 1995-98); Juan Carranco, 42 (Dayton, 2010-12); Garrett Hartley, 42 (Southlake Carroll, 2001-03)

Career interceptions — Donald Moore, 59 (Splendora, 1976-79); Jim Linnstaeder, 55 (Brenham, 1956-58); Plez Atkins, 41 (Bartlett, 1989-92)

Program victories — Dallas Highland Park, 875; Mart, 825; Amarillo, 813; Temple, 799; Plano, 776

State championships — Aledo, 11; Carthage and Katy, 9; Celina, Mart and Southlake Carroll, 8; Abilene, Brownwood and Plano, 7; Austin Lake Travis, Breckenridge, Converse Judson, Daingerfield, Dallas Highland Park, Odessa Permian, Stephenville, Waco and Wichita Falls, 6

The road ahead might be arduous for the Badgers, but they enter the season with something that has been lacking for years — consistency in the head coach’s spot.

For the second consecutive season, Jason Kilgore will oversee the program, ending a recent rotating door at the position.

This year marks the first time one head coach opened back-to-back seasons for the team since James Shelton was at the helm for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Kyle Hauk and Edison Govea followed with one-year stints each in the role, and neither earned more than three victories.

History, however, proves a rapid transformation is possible.

Prior to reaching the playoffs with a 7-3 record in 2017, Buckholts won just two games in 2016. The Badgers had a similar turnaround following the 2009 season, in which they were 1-9. One year later, they went 8-3 to begin a streak of four consecutive playoff berths.

The pinnacle of the run occurred in 2012 with the celebration of a 66-60 win

Buckholts Badgers

Coach: Jason Kilgore

2022 record: 2-6

District: 11-1A-II

Venue: Jim Hauk Field

Players to watch: RB Luke Lorenz, WR/LB Anthony Salomon, OL Kaleb Ralston

against Aquilla in the first round. It was the program’s first postseason victory in 47 years.

Buckholts opens its schedule with three consecutive road games, starting Thursday at San Antonio Sunnybrook and continuing the next two weeks with contests at Gustine and Round Rock Concordia. The Badgers’ home opener is Sept. 15 against Holy Trinity Catholic, and they start district play against Calvert on Oct. 20.

NOTE: Kilgore was not made available for comment.

Buck holts High School

Oppermann aims to bring back Bartlett tradition

By GREG WILLE TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

BARTLETT — Motorists traveling through Bartlett are greeted by a large sign that reads “Team of the Decade,” celebrating the Bulldogs’ Class A football state championships in 1990, 1992 and 1999. The town’s fans fondly recall those accomplishments.

However, as the 2023 season approaches, Bartlett’s gone eight consecutive seasons without even winning a district game. The Bulldogs’ last playoff berth and postseason victory came in 2013, one year after their last winning season. It’s been tough sledding, as the phrase goes.

Enter Ty Oppermann, the optimistic first-time head coach and athletic director who steadfastly believes Bartlett’s fortunes will change — and sooner than later.

“We want to bring it back. When I interviewed here, I told them, ‘I’m not coming to chase ghosts. We’re going to respect the past and build the future,’” said the 51-year-old Oppermann, a longtime Killeen ISD football assistant and head baseball coach who coordinated Killeen Ellison’s defense the past four seasons.

“We’re going to bring that tradition back,” he continued. “This 2020s group is going to have success, but it’s going to look different. It’ll be fun. They are hungry for it here. There’s pride to being a Bartlett Bulldog.”

One source of excitement is a major ongoing project to upgrade Bartlett’s athletic facilities. Oppermann said the plan is to move into a rebuilt Bulldog Stadium featuring artificial turf in 2024. The Bulldogs’ four home games this season will be played at Jarrell’s Cougar Field, starting with the opener Friday against Frost. Bartlett’s other home games to be played in Jarrell are Sept. 15 against Itasca, Oct. 20 against Iola and Nov. 2 against Granger.

“It’s exciting times with new stuff coming in,” said Oppermann, a 1990 Academy graduate who began his Bartlett job March 20 and immediately emphasized diligent work in the weight room.

Another cause for optimism is the infusion of young talent. Freshmen and

Bartlett Bulldogs

Coach: Ty Oppermann

2022 record: 2-7

District: 13-2A-II

Venue: Cougar Field, Jarrell

Players to watch: RB/LB Raiden

sophomores make up 20 of the program’s 32 players. Oppermann thinks many are equipped to make their varsity mark right away.

“It’s a big youth movement. We’ve only got two seniors, but there’s good young talent coming through,” Oppermann said, mentioning that some players’ relatives played for a Bartlett state title team. “They don’t look like freshmen physically. They’ve hit the weight room. They had success in junior high and are used to winning. Our sophomores don’t look like sophomores. These are strong kids.”

Bartlett won last season’s first two games by a combined 59 points but finished 2-7 with coach Brian Kozma, who went 6-32 in four years. The Bulldogs were outscored 241-20 in five District 13-2A-II games.

Oppermann and eight assistants — including former Bartlett players Jonathan Garcia, Jason McCutchen, Eric Walker and Torrence Walker — are installing new schemes, including a spread offense and a multiple defense with a 3-4 base.

“I’m pleasantly surprised. These kids bust their tails every day,” Oppermann said. “They’re picking it up very quickly and looking really good.”

Oppermann said 6-foot-1 freshman quarterback Ryder Castro is “in the process of winning the starting job.” Bartlett’s top receivers include juniors Tristan Evans and Jordan Castellanos and sophomore Aidan Botts. Junior Raiden Castro — Ryder’s brother — and speedy freshman Eric “Deuce” Walker pace the running backs.

Three capable sophomores lead the line in 6-foot, 200-pound left tackle Luke Warfield and sturdy cousins Ivan Garcia and Jay Garcia at left guard and center, respectively.

Bulldogs coach Ty Oppermann

Warfield and the Garcia tandem also should solidify the defensive line. The linebacker corps features Raiden Castro and Eric Walker outside, and Botts and freshman Dreydon Rhea inside. Evans and senior Jeremy Ballentine are the safeties, and freshmen Frankee Gonzales and TJ Walker likely will start at cornerback.

Bartlett aims to contend in a challenging district that features defending champion Chilton, stout Highway 95 rival Granger and Bremond plus Milano and Iola.

Castro, RB/LB Eric Walker, WR/ DB Tristan Evans, OL/DL Luke Warfield, QB Ryder Castro, DB Jeremy Ballentine

“I keep telling these guys, ‘We’re playing Granger for the district championship in that 10th game.’ That’s our goal,” Oppermann said. “I’m a confident guy. We expect to be a playoff team this year with this group. We haven’t won a district game in eight years, so people look at me (strange) when I say those words. But I’m not setting the bar lower than that.”

“When I interviewed here, I told them, ‘I’m not coming to chase ghosts. We’re going to respect the past and build the future.’ We’re going to bring that tradition back. This 2020s group is going to have success, but it’s going to look different. It’ll be fun. They are hungry for it here. There’s pride to being a Bartlett Bulldog.”

Surging CTCS wants to keep foot on gas pedal

By CLAY WHITTINGTON TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

Central Texas Christian’s players are not satisfied with their recent success.

In 2020, the Lions put together the program’s best season in its short existence as an 11-man team, defeating Weatherford Christian 49-0 for the first playoff win in school history.

Then, CTCS built on the accomplishment by earning return berths in each of

CTCS Lions

Coach: Leif Johnston

2022 record: 8-4

District: TAPPS 2-IV

Venue: Frazee Field

Players to watch: OL/DL Tristan

Eanes, OL/DL Loyal Morris, QB Cooper Smith, WR Evan Allerkamp, RB Tabor Tyson

the following seasons, advancing to the second round last year when the Lions highlighted their 10th anniversary since moving up from 6-man football by producing the most wins in a single season with eight.

For some, the milestone moments, which were punctuated by the team’s first playoff victory at home, might become mundane, but CTCS head coach Leif Johnston is not concerned about his players becoming complacent.

“Our junior and senior class has won a lot of football games,” he said. “There for a while, we would get in the playoffs and be knocked out in the first round, but these guys helped get us over that hump. Now, they are getting a little tired of that.

“I can tell that this group wants to do something more.”

And the Lions have good reason to believe the upcoming season could be special.

Along with returning a majority of their starters, including two-way linemen

Please see CTCS, Page 20

Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram

Coming off its most successful season in 10 years as an 11-man program, Central Texas Christian wants to keep riding that momentum throughout 2023.

Youthful Holy Trinity squad learning on the fly

By CLAY WHITTINGTON TELEGRAM SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

Kyle Dorman is well aware his first season as Holy Trinity Catholic’s head coach will be an arduous task.

Entering his initial year overseeing the program, Dorman inherits a team virtually devoid of upperclassmen on the roster. Making matters more difficult, with an overall enrollment of only 75 students, replacements are extremely limited.

Holy Trinity Celtics

Coach: Kyle Dorman

2022 record: 2-7

District: TAPPS Six-man 3-II

Venue: Matous Field

Players to watch: QB Robert Campbell, LB Liam Ralston, RB/DL

Christopher Cruz, RB/LB Christian Demapan, TE Andrew Leurs

As a result, many of the Celtics have no previous experience playing the sport, and along with learning plays, positions and philosophies, newcomers are still attempting to grasp the mental approach necessary to thrive in such a competitive atmosphere.

Admittedly, achieving immediate success will be difficult, but Dorman believes the potential for long-term gains could be immense.

“Being a smaller school by the numbers and bottom heavy does nothing but raise our expectations as the years go on,” he said. “These younger guys might make some mistakes along the way initially, but they have athleticism and size. As we go on, they are only going to get better.

“And only having two seniors, it is going to fall on these younger kids to step up and take leadership roles sooner than usual.”

Although the future could be bright, expectations are contained entering the season.

Please see TRINITY, Page 20

Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram

Holy Trinity Catholic will field an inexperienced team in its first year under Kyle Dorman. The Celtics open the season Friday at home against Red Oak Ovilla.

Holland

Continued from 10

like that helps us grow.”

Talbert knows that the tough schedule and facing a stout opponent two rounds into the playoffs can help the team, but only if they learn from it.

“I’d like to see it, but the player has to take that game as a lesson,” he said. “If the kid doesn’t take it to heart, try to improve, then it doesn’t matter. You can get beat by the worst team in the state.”

Another tough schedule awaits the Hornets in 2023, and an even bigger challenge looms, as the defense entering 2023 looks even more raw than the 2022 version.

“That’s where we are young,” he said. “I don’t even think half of them can drive yet.”

Talbert said he has two sophomore linebackers, and a sophomore and two juniors on the line, but will have seniors at end, and a solid secondary.

The group overall is small, but quick, he added.

The Hornets are comfortable with their offense, led by Cantu, a four-year varsity player, who passed for more than 1,500 yards last season.

“I feel pretty comfortable,” Cantu said. “I’ve been with these guys all my life. There’s a little bit of pressure on me, but not much. I know we have good talent all around.”

The three main ball carries are back as well in fullback Gavin Cruz, and slot backs Christian Michalek and Ryan Steglich. The three each averaged more than 6 yards per carry last season.

So with talent back on offense and a young defense, are the Hornets expecting some high-scoring “track meet” style games?

“Ask me in about five weeks,” Talbert said with a laugh. “When you’re younger the coaches have to coach a little bit harder, have to be more on the technique side. I’ve got to learn to cut things. The kids have got to have confidence. A kid can be a great athlete as a 10th grader, but it’s overwhelming if they don’t have confidence or if it’s going too fast. When kids panic it’s because they don’t know what’s going on.

“We just have to improve on technique and toughness, especially because we are going to ask the kids to do things they are uncomfortable doing. We may be small, but we just can’t be intimidated. I’m excited to see this group play.”

Troy

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“I know what I’m getting into here,” Brashear said. “I always thought, when coaching against them, Troy had some kids that played hard, disciplined football. And, I see that. That attracted me. These kids are great. They will run through a brick wall for you.”

Over the last two seasons, the Trojans ran into a lot of brick walls, roadblocks as they were during back-to-back 2-8 records.

But with 13 starters back and 26 seniors, the Trojans are eager to get back on track and are excited about their new coach.

“Once we learned who we were getting, it gave everybody new hope,” senior receiver Maverick Williams said.

A winning coach and a lot of experience returning are two things, but how well they mesh is another, especially, since Brashear is changing the offense from the wing-T to the spread that he had success with in Cameron.

“They’ve never run a spread or multiple offense here,” Brashear said. “But I will say the kids seem very hungry and excited about it. Coming here, I wasn’t sure if

I could run a spread or if I’d have to modify. I didn’t know what we had quarterback-wise, but I’ve been very pleased.”

Brashear said he’s likely to start Joseph McMurtry at quarterback over last year’s starter Ethan Sorenson.

Brashear said both are good, but McMurtry, who started on junior varsity last season, is a more traditional pocket passer and Sorenson has the athleticism to help in other positions, including wide receiver. Whoever it will be will have some solid targets in Williams and Cooper Valle, who moves from a running back role to inside receiver.

“It’s a little adjustment, but in the (previous) offense, there were times I could get to the flat or get an out route,” Valle said. “Now I line up as receiver and since I have speed, seeing more of the field will help.” Only time will tell how much success the Trojans will have. But, one thing is for sure.

“We are really motivated to get things right,” Williams said. “As soon as school ended, we had that Saturday and Sunday off, then on Monday a lot of us where out here working out, and we’ve been here all summer, because no one likes losing. So, we are trying to get that winning culture back up.”

Balance

Continued from 3

the program’s least amount of points (16.8 per game) in a season since 2009.

“Our philosophy since I’ve been here, and will continue to be as long as I’m here, is we try to play our best players on defense,” Roten said, adding that it’s also imperative to cater the roster around available personnel that changes on an annual basis at the high school level.

“I think you have to look at who’s returning and who you have to replace, and then kind of structure your team around that,” he continued. “For example, our quarterback Cooper (Sisneroz) is back this year. We know what he can do and know what he’s capable of, so we have to try to build things that suit him best. Previous quarterbacks maybe had different skill sets than what he has, so we kind of had to tailor things to them.”

Another factor more prevalent at the lower levels than in Class 5A and above is the numbers game. Some smaller schools may suit out about 30 players or less on varsity, which necessitates playing athletes on both sides of the ball. This is where the give-and-take comes into play.

Granger, which competes at the 2A Division II level, is as familiar with this concept as any program. The Lions have been as competitive as any team in the area during head coach Stephen Brosch’s tenure, amassing 30 wins — five of which were in the playoffs — since he took over in 2020.

Brosch said he tries to build a balanced team and, with a roster size of about 20, it takes an across-the-board, all-around effort from top to bottom.

“I think our (first-string players), we can line up offensively, defensively and for four or five plays, we’re top-notch. But it’s that idea of that grind that starts to take place as kids get tired from playing both ways,” he said. “It’s just a matter of putting the kids in the best positions, not only for them, but for the big concept of how are we going to maximize what we have here and be able to sustain it for four quarters?”

It mostly comes down to finding rest for the two-way performers, which can be achieved in a variety of ways.

At Class 4A Jarrell, head coach Marty Murr has someone chart the total number of snaps for which each player is on the field on both sides of the ball.

“It varies from game to game because

some games you have more offensive snaps, some games you have more on defense. But any time a kid gets over 80 snaps, fatigue becomes a factor,” said Murr, who took over the Cougars in 2021 after they won just 11 games the previous five years and led them to the third round of the playoffs last season for the first time since 2000.

“We just try to put them where they help us the most,” Murr said. “And so we have some kids, if we have to give them a rest, we’ll give it to them on offense but others, we’ll give it to them on defense.”

One way Roten works around fatigue issues in Rogers is by employing a deeper stable of options at certain positions.

“We try to play numerous people at the running back position. We try to play a lot of people at our slot position, which is kind of the big position for us on offense, and then the same thing at outside receiver,” he said. “We try to play more guys on offense, and that allows those guys to have more rest on offense and then they can go the whole game, hopefully, on defense.”

The Eagles had 12 players get at least one carry last season in their run-heavy scheme that churned out 3,401 yards on the ground, second-most in the area behind only Granger.

Though Roten employs such tactics in order to maximize the time on defense, it’s a different story in the trenches.

“The exception to that rule is kind of up front,” he said. “We’re not going to sub those guys on offense unless we have to.

So the offensive line, we want some continuity there and we try to sub those big guys on the D-line.”

Rhoades, too, prefers to rest players on offense.

“If we have a kid that’s going to play

a bunch on both sides of the ball, we’re going to make sure that he gets every defensive snap,” the Yoe coach said.

The Yoemen ensure that happens by spacing out duties when they have possession of the ball.

“You have to work out some type of rotation within your personnel so that at some point, that kid that’s playing a lot on both sides, that kid gets a rest,” Rhoades said. “So he may only play every third series on offense, or something along those lines. Because once they get to a point where exhaustion sets in, not only are they not effective but their chance of injury increases as well. So we want to try to prevent our kids from getting to that point.”

While there are a variety of manners in which to arrive there, the bottom line is each team is trying to be as competitive as it possibly can by maximizing the talents of the players it has.

Whether it’s through a high-flying offense, a stalwart defense or a middle ground between the two, the primary goal is the same — to be playing games in December.

It’s just a matter of figuring out how to get there.

n jbrooks@tdtnews.com

Ray Swindle/Special to the Telegram Holland players get their assignments from a coach during practice earlier this month. The Hornets, like most Class 2A squads, have several two-way players.

Granger

Continued from 9

Playing QB for the first time since junior high, Edwards expects an effective attack.

“I’m looking forward to running it most of the time, and we have enough talent to throw the ball,” he said.

CTCS

Continued from 16

Tristan Eanes and Loyal Morris, quarterback Cooper Smith, a sophomore, and leading kickoff and punt returner Evan Allerkamp, CTCS added a standout talent to its roster.

Senior running back Tabor Tyson joins the Lions after accumulating more than 1,500 total yards at Austin Brentwood Christian last year.

Despite winning just one game with the Bears, Tyson shined individually, recording 1,321 yards and a dozen touchdowns rushing to go with 13 receptions for 226 yards and two scores en route to landing on the all-state second team. Additionally, Tyson posted 59 total tackles, including 44 solo, three interceptions and caused a fumble as a defensive back.

“He is a complete standout and we needed someone to fill that position,” Johnston said. “He has already shown that he has a lot to offer, because he can run the ball and catch the ball and he has 4.4-second speed. We haven’t had an athlete like him in a long time.

“I can only imagine that he is going to make some noise, so his arrival was a nice surprise.”

Ironically, CTCS opens its season by traveling to Brentwood, where Tyson will attempt to do something he could not ac-

Granger’s receiving corps features seniors Trae Herrera, Isaac Lizardo and Lucas Matta, and junior Jose Valverde, an all-state kicker. Senior Thomas Youngblood and junior Jet Jolly are the tight ends. The leading offensive linemen are senior guard Michael Selucky, junior center Marcus Martinez and emerging sophomore left tackle Grayson Smith, a 6-5, 295-pound force.

complish last season by winning a game on the Bears’ field.

The Lions, however, understand what home-field advantage can provide.

Entering the upcoming season, CTCS is riding a wave of momentum, but equally important, it is playing with pride after adorning its field with artificial turf prior to last year, and in its inaugural season, history was made.

Facing Dallas First Baptist to open the playoffs, the Lions cruised to a 54-14 victory despite missing several key players to injury, including Smith, who had completed 85 of 139 passes for 903 yards and five touchdowns in his debut season.

Regardless, CTCS totaled 505 yards on its home field to advance.

This season, CTCS opens its TAPPS District 2-IV schedule at home against preseason No. 25 Shiner St. Paul on Oct. 20.

Although last year’s playoff celebration was sweet, the Lions are not satisfied with their recent success, and Johnston is confident more milestones will be made.

“There are just a lot of dynamics running through this program right now,” he said. “Something is just a little bit different with this team. Getting that turf field was a key component because it is a lot more fun to play football when you have such a nice facility.

“Stuff like that just naturally brings momentum to the program.”

On defense, Edwards spearheads a linebacker group that includes Youngblood (6-3, 195), Jolly, Hobratsch and sophomore Stephen Rogers. Selucky, Martinez and Smith power the line, and senior Jayven Diaz, Herrera, Lizardo and Valverde form an athletic secondary.

Granger’s only District 13-2A-II defeat last year was 34-19 at Chilton. The Lions, Pirates, Bremond and Milano are expect-

Trinity

Continued from 17

The Celtics will open with freshmen and sophomores representing a majority of their 12-man roster after posting a 2-7 record last season behind now-graduated standouts Jace Martin, a quarterback, and receivers Neri Navarro and Austin Belbeck.

Additionally, Martin and Navarro were both all-district selections defensively as well.

While Holy Trinity is collectively young, it has experience.

Christian Demapan, a running back and linebacker, and tight end Andrew Leurs come in as the team’s lone seniors, and while the Celtics must focus on the future, the pair is embracing the opportunity.

“The attitudes of all the players has been nothing but helpful as we are getting ready for the season,” Dorman said. “We are kind of creating a bit of a culture change here, but it is going to take time. A lot of these guys don’t know how to flip the game-day switch.

“The new guys are having to learn from our returners about how to amp themselves up and get ready to play a game, but that inexperience is also causing them to just be really excited about getting out there.”

Christopher Cruz, a junior, is the Celt-

ed to battle for the four playoff spots. With Granger planning to open a new high school and stadium in 2025, Brosch intends to remain at his growing alma mater.

“We’ve been extremely successful and there have been opportunities to go other places, but I love Granger and I’m fully invested,” he said. “I hope we can keep the legacy rolling.”

ics’ most decorated player from a year ago, earning all-district recognition in all three phases of the game. Cruz was a first team punter, second team defensive lineman and honorable mention running back.

Offensively, he will be complemented by sophomore quarterback Robert Campbell, while sophomore linebacker Liam Ralston, who was an all-district secondteam selection as a freshman, will help spearhead the defensive unit in its effort to reach the playoffs.

Holy Trinity opens by hosting Red Oak Ovilla Christian before beginning its three-game TAPPS District 3-III six-man schedule Oct. 20 against visiting Waco Live Oak Classical.

Dorman altered the team’s schemes in order to help play to his advantages, but for some, fundamentals are still lacking.

So, until the team reaches a point of comfort, there is little choice but to be flexible, especially when it comes to the few who return. Dorman is confident in the process and his players.

“You can tell they are ready to play,” he said. “They are ready to help the new guys and step in anywhere they are needed. It’s six-man football, so there are no set positions.

“It is just up to me to put them in the right situations, because a lot of these guys just want to go.”

Yoe

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“It will be more evolving into it,” Rick Rhoades said. “We were already doing a lot of that before Todd Dodge was doing it at Southlake Carroll.”

With quarterback Braylan Drake back at the helm, the Yoemen have a talented, experienced hand from which to implement more wrinkles into an already potent strategy.

Drake (5-foot-10, 160 pounds) turned in a stellar junior season with 2,584 yards passing and 33 touchdowns.

“Braylan had a great year last year and he’s worked extremely hard to get even better,” Rhoades said.

Drake will have plenty of skilled company with the return of 1,000-yard rusher Kardarius Bradley, joined at times in the

Rogers

Continued from 8

“The first thing everybody wants is to have an experienced quarterback,” Roten said. “Last year we felt good about Cooper, but he just hadn’t done it yet (at the varsity level). He is a really good runner and what jumps out at us is his toughness. He makes everybody around him better. He’s not a rah-rah guy.”

Roten likes to rotate players where possible, particularly on offense, and Sisneroz will be surrounded by a talented cast.

“Our senior class last year was a great class with their work ethic,” he said.

backfield by junior Zachary Evans. The Yoemen have a bevy of options in the passing game with seniors Kason Goolsby and Ja’Quorius Hardman, and juniors Elijah Goodrum and Noah Vega to flood the zones.

“We have a lot of weapons who can make big plays for us,” Rhoades said. The offensive line for the Yoemen is led by imposing senior left tackle Colby Wilson (6-9, 345), who is back in the fold and flanked by freshman guard Enrique Luna (5-10, 335). Senior Mason Leifeste

“We’re going to miss those guys, but we have enough coming back to do well. On offense we try to play a lot of guys in skill positions.”

Senior Abraham Hernandez (5-9, 181) is at the top of the list of those scheduled to see ample time in the backfield. He will be aided by junior Bryce Watson (510, 167), and sophomore Kole Stephens (6-1, 187) will bolster the Eagles’ running game.

In a rather rare positional switch, senior Connor Woods (6-0, 184) is making the move from guard to slot and will be joined by fellow senior Cooper Schiller. The perimeter receivers figure to be rangy 6-7 senior Sam Richter and junior Jacob McCormick to maintain threats

(6-3, 235) returns at center with Landon Terry (5-9, 251) and Luis Peneda (5-10, 209) heading the corps on the right side. Homero Najera will handle the placekicking chores.

The Yoemen should be improved defensively in their 3-4 alignment. Junior Ricky Haynes (5-9, 225) manages the middle at nose guard joined by senior tackles T.J. Flow (6-1, 233) and John Torres (5-9, 231), who played as a sophomore but was injured much of his junior year. The linebacking unit is headed mostly by juniors

from sideline to sideline. Sisneroz and the rest of the skill players should be well-protected by a quality line with junior Jackson Dolgener (6-3, 270) back at center after missing part of last season with an injury. On his left will be fellow juniors Braidyn Youngblood (5-9, 211) and Jay Stirman (5-8, 171). On the right are seniors Nestor Solis (6-1, 270) and Josh Kohring (6-4, 237) to protect the blind side.

As with many small schools, some of the same players will be on the defensive side. Solis and Dolgener figure to see time on the defensive line — where there is a good amount of depth — along with senior stalwart Michael Jenkins (6-4, 325). Others rotating on the interior will

Tyrone Miller (5-9, 215), Cade Hubnik (6-2, 193) and Xavier Gilman (5-7, 163), and senior Cody Webb (6-3, 215).

The Bradley brothers — Kardarius and D’Auntray — figure to be on the corners with speedsters Goolsby and Hardman at safeties. Webb also is the team’s top punter.

Rhoades said the addition of his son to the staff will allow him to spend more time monitoring the defense than in the past.

District 11-3A-I is as tough they come with two-time defending champion Franklin leading the way, but the Yoemen mostly concern themselves with the Yoemen.

“Anybody who knows our district knows it’s the toughest 3A district in the state,” Rhoades said. “We can’t worry about what they’re doing, but we’ve got to worry about making ourselves as ready to play as we can.”

be Keyton Johns, Matthew Nunes, Eric Tatu, Kohring and Youngblood. Linebacker is an area that may require building experience, though the Eagles do have Woods back on the inside. He will be alongside Pat Higgins and Stirman. In the secondary, Watson moves from safety to corner with Schiller. Sisneroz, McCormick, Sergio Reyna, Dylan Stowe and Stephens will figure in as well.

“Defensively, we are light years ahead of where we were at this time last year,” Roten said. “We are fluid with what we do.”

Rogers is expected to once again battle Lexington for 13-3A-II supremacy in the league with Buffalo, Clifton, Elkhart and Florence.

Continued from 4

eldest brother, Mike, was the head coach at Cameron Yoe and Harker Heights among other stops. “Our goal is to be playing on Thanksgiving weekend. I try to be optimistic and realistic.”

It’s easier to be optimistic with veteran quarterback and playmaker Kasey Mraz (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) back for another season running the Bees’ offense. Mraz was one of the sophomores who propelled the Bees to an 11-2 mark in 2021.

“Having a veteran quarterback and three-year starter helps a whole lot,” Mullins said. “Kasey is a great leader for

the young guys. Coming off the successful run in ’21, he wasn’t satisfied and has gone above and beyond to get better. He is going to do what it takes to make a play and get in the end zone.”

Sophomore running back Cavalli Nealy (6-0, 180) will line up behind Mraz on a team that is light on juniors, but heavy on seniors and sophomores.

As for Mraz’s favorite targets, he will have a stable from which to choose. Fellow seniors Luke Tomasek (6-1, 205) and slot Zane Clark (5-7, 160) are joined by sophomores Vincent Williams (6-0, 175) and Josh Mann (5-10, 135). Javion White also figures to be in the receiving mix.

Everything starts with senior center Caden Berry (6-0, 250), who is flanked

by an all-senior offensive line and one of the great strengths of the Bees’ attack. Dylan Edelbrock (6-1, 275) is a stalwart at left tackle lining up next to guard Adam Caddell (6-0, 230). On the right of Berry will be Orlando Feregrino (6-0, 275) at guard and Jack Jones (6-3, 265) at tackle.

While much of the Bees’ offensive philosophy remains, the pace won’t be the same.

“Our tempo will be a lot different,” Mullins said. “We’re going to be a lot faster. I’m an up-tempo guy.”

As aggressive as the Bees will be on offense, much the same attitude exists on defense.

“We’re going to come after them,” Mullins said. “We will be aggressive up

front and conservative in the secondary. We want to keep everything in front of us.”

Elijah Lavan (6-2, 175) is expected to take the reins at one defensive end spot and Tomasek is back at the other. Brayden Ringold and Berry will get most of the snaps on the interior along with Kaleb Quilty, Jacob Chaffin and Jones.

The front will be backed by linebackers Tyler Burnett, Cartier Nealy and Adrian Branham. The secondary has a plethora of talent to rotate in Payton Wilson, Trey Vargas, Isaac Davenport, White, Clark and Mann.

“Our depth is better than it was last year,” Mullins said. “We’re going to focus on developing players.”

“Anybody who knows our district knows it’s the toughest 3A district in the state. We can’t worry about what they’re doing, but we’ve got to worry about making ourselves as ready to play as we can.”

Yoemen coach Rick Rhoades

2022 Area Statistical Leaders 2022 Playoffs

Team Offense

Yards Rushing

Receptions

60, Harker Heights 24

Class 5A Division I

Bi-district: Burleson Centennial 56, Lake Belton 28; Aledo 37, Killeen Shoemaker 0

Class 5A Division II

Bi-district: Belton 56, Austin Northeast 0

Area: Brenham 31, Belton 10

Class 4A Division I

Bi-district: Somerset 27, Lampasas 17

Class 4A Division II

Bi-district: Jarrell 32, Devine 14; Smithville 24, Gatesville 14; Cuero 13, Salado 7

Area: Jarrell 35, Port Isabel 21

Regional semifinals: Wimberley 64, Jarrell 6

Class 3A Division I

Team Defense

Yards Passing

Yards Receiving

Bi-district: Cameron Yoe 39, Yoakum 28; Hitchcock 22, Academy 14

Area: Cameron Yoe 42, Orangefield 19

Regional semifinals: Columbus 48, Cameron Yoe 14

Class 3A Division II

Bi-district: Rogers 22, Van Vleck 0

Area: Taft 31, Rogers 21

Class 2A Division I

Bi-district: Holland 36, Stockdale 31; Axtell 28, Rosebud-Lott 27

Area: Refugio 56, Holland 9

Class 2A Division II

Bi-district: Granger 60, Somerville 13

Area: Granger 41, D’Hanis 6

Regional semifinals: Granger 35, Falls City 15

Regional final: Burton 27, Granger 7