Lufkin Special Section, September 2019 by The Lufkin Daily News

2019 ETX FNL

LUFKIN DIBOLL HUNTINGTON CORRIGAN-CAMDEN GROVETON APPLE SPRINGS A LT O

#ETXFNL

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to help. Vera proud to support our East Texas high schools!

verabank.com | Member FDIC

EAST TEXAS FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS 2019

A PUBLICATION OF

lufkin Editor

Josh Havard jhavard@lufkindailynews.com 936.631.2608

editorial advertising Art Director Lance Kingrey Copy Editor Jeff Pownall

Director Tammy Kedrowicz tkedrowicz@lufkindailynews.com 936.631.2630

Account Executives Sports Editor Vanessa Durham Josh Havard Debra Hughs Writers Jenna Lenderman Grace Juarez Lindsey Stutts Gary Stallard Creative Services Staff Photographer Robin Nevills Leslie Nemec Cara Campbell Contributing Photographers Nate Johnson John Krueger Gary Stallard Graphic Artists Megan McConnell Uriel Vega Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1089, Lufkin, TX 75902-1089 Street Address: 300 Ellis, Lufkin, TX 75904-3817 USPS 321-820 Southern Newspapers Inc., doing business as The Lufkin Daily News, is published mornings daily. Periodicals postage is paid at Lufkin, Texas. Postmaster: Send address changes to THE LUFKIN DAILY NEWS, P.O. Box 1089, Lufkin, TX 75902-1089.

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2019 2018

HOUSE WASHING | COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS |SOFT WASH ROOFS DECKS/PATIO |CONCRETE CLEANING & MUCH MORE

Residential & Commercial We travel all of East Texas

(936) 676-9801

Lopezpressurewash.com

Contents 22

SCHOOLS

DISTRICTS

SCHOOL SPIRIT

10 LUFKIN PANTHERS 22 DIBOLL LUMBERJACKS 34 HUNTINGTON RED DEVILS 44 CORRIGAN-CAMDEN BULLDOGS 52 GROVETON INDIANS 62 APPLE SPRINGS EAGLES 72 ALTO YELLOWJACKETS

19 8-5A, DIVISION I 32 11-3A, DIVISION I 39 9-4A, DIVISION II 49 12-3A, DIVISION II 69 13-1A, DIVISION II 82 10-2A, DIVISION I

20 LUFKIN PANTHERS 30 DIBOLL LUMBERJACKS 42 HUNTINGTON RED DEVILS 50 CORRIGAN-CAMDEN BULLDOGS 60 GROVETON INDIANS 70 APPLE SPRINGS EAGLES 80 ALTO YELLOWJACKETS

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

PREPARE YOUR TOUCHDOWN CELEBRATIONS. RAM TRUCKS ARE ABOUT TO TAKE THE FIELD.

Proudly Serving Texas SOUTHERN for over 12 years Proudly Supporting All of Our East Texas Football Teams 2711 South Medford • Lufkin • 936.634.7793 • www.southernchryslerdodgejeep.net

Texas State Senator Robert Nichols, Senate District 3 Political Ad. Paid for by Robert Nichols for Texas Senate

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You Can East Texas Lives Football... ROY TRUSS M-10366

RORY TRUSS M-21835

RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL SALES - SERVICE & PLUMBING REPAIRS SLAB LEAKS WATER HEATERS BACKFLOW TESTING & INSTALLATION DRAIN LINE VIDEO INSPECTION SYSTEMS TANKLESS WATER HEATERS

Proud to Support All of Our Area High School Football Boys on the Field...

TrussandSonPlumbing.com

Trust Truss!” Family Owned and Operated Since 1979

HOUR in Lufkin

EMERGENCY SERVICE

936-639-3960

SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING

Aerobic Septic System Experts Don’t be fooled by imitations...

2204 N. John Redditt Dr. • Lufkin, Texas

Panthers

TEAM INFO LUFKIN PANTHERS ENROLLMENT 2,158 DISTRICT 8-5A DI STADIUM JOHN OUTLAW MEMORIAL FIELD AT ABE MARTIN STADIUM

PLAYOFFS SEEMS LIKE A GIVEN, BUT PANTHERS LOOKING FOR MORE s t o ry b y

JOSH HAVARD |

photos by

CARA CAMPBELL

Playoff appearances have become a given for the Lufkin Panthers. Since missing out on the postseason in 1997, the Panthers have been to the playoffs in each of the last 22 seasons. However, since making it to the state semifinals in four of the five seasons from 2001 to 2005, the Panthers have only made it past the area round of the playoffs on two different occasions. After making the regional finals in 2017, everything seemed to be in place for the Panthers last season when a loaded roster entered the season as Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s No. 1 team in the state. That season ended in frustration when Lufkin was pounded 49-21 by Frisco Lone Star in the area round. With the loss of some top talent, putting that defeat in the rearview mirror won’t be an easy task. However, a long memory and some top-tier talent in the mix can still make Lufkin a dangerous team in 2019. “Of course they remember how that one felt,” Lufkin head coach Todd Quick said, referring to the playoff loss. “We’ve got a great group of senior leaders who can take charge out there. “We’re just like everybody else in that we’ve got 25-30 guys that can really go. If we can stay healthy, have the right mindset and go out there and work hard every day, we like our chances against anybody.”

OFFENSE

Wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk is the headliner of an offense that lost some of the big men up front but should be stocked at the skill positions. Polk, a top recruit, gave his verbal commitment to Texas Tech in June to join an offense that always stands out among the nation’s best. He’ll bring a dynamic that should keep the Panthers putting up points at a prolific pace. Last season, Polk was among the team leaders with 37 F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

receptions for 695 yards and nine touchdowns. Those numbers should rise even more despite him drawing the attention of almost every defense. “He’s like Bugg ( Jerrin Thompson) in that he’s outworked everyone in the building,” Quick said. “When he says something’s not good enough, then the others are listening to him.” Kelton Wright and Christian Reggie also return to the Lufkin receiving corps. Reggie had 28 catches for 372 yards and six touchdowns, while Wright added three scores of his own. A.J. Montgomery is another weapon for the Panthers who saw limited time last year. “Reggie and A.J. are inside receivers who can get the ball quickly and make things happen,” Quick said. “Kelton is a 6-4 guy that can go up and get it at the high point. Each of those guys can make things happen for us.” Regardless of who is making the catches, they’ll have a talented quarterback that can get them the ball. Junior QB Jordan Moore started five games last season, including the first four when Kewone Thomas was out with an injury. Moore threw for 883 yards and 13 touchdowns on 56of-88 passing. He also ran for 261 yards and a touchdown. In terms of true passing, he should be a dynamic force for the Lufkin offense over the next two seasons. “He had a really good spring and summer, and 7-on-7 helped him develop with the receivers,” Quick said. “We consider him a returning starter with the experience he’s got, and he really went to work in the weight room this offseason.”

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

Lufkin has some quality competition in the backfield with Caleb Berry being the top returner. Last season, the powerful running back carried for 573 yards and four touchdowns on 76 carries. Terrance Fields is a speedster in the backfield who ran for 298 yards and four scores. Keshawn Clark is a third threat from the backfield. “The biggest thing with those guys is the competition for the number of touches,” Quick said. “When you’ve got a quarterback like Jordan and receivers like we have, there’s a lot of competition for who will get carries in the backfield. “Caleb has a big body. Terrance isn’t as big but has good speed. Keshawn had a great spring on the track to put himself into the mix. He’s got a little bit of what Terrance and Caleb bring.” The Panthers have a mixture of youth and returning talent on the offensive line. Quick said offensive tackle Jacolten Jones may be the most athletic player on the line. Zykee Allen makes the move from the defensive line to play at offensive guard, and Zhadestian Griffin is set to make an impact at center. “(Griffin) has probably been the most improved player for us this offseason,” Quick said. “He makes the calls for us, and he’s put himself in this position.

DEFENSE

Much of the talk around this year’s defense has been what it lost in the graduation of defensive linemen Carl Williams, Breylon Garcia and JaVasia Brunson. However, they also have plenty of talent coming back, starting with one of the

best defensive players in the state in Thompson. The sensational senior is entering his fourth season with the Panthers. He was the district’s Defensive Player of the Year last season and a first-teamer as a sophomore. In August, he announced he’ll be headed to Austin to play for the Texas Longhorns next season. With that type of player serving as the quarterback of the defense, Lufkin has plenty to build around. “He knows where everybody is supposed to line up, but he’s still going to do his job,” Quick said. “He’s been here every step along the way for the last four years. He’s a very good high school football player.” Thompson has plenty of talent around him at safety with Tre Odom and Christian Stafford both returning. Niko Hood is another returning player at cornerback. “Along with our running backs and receivers, our safeties are ones we really need to rely on early,” Quick said. “We feel good about what we have there.” While the safety position is solidified, the Panthers are looking both for new faces as well as others who will see bigger roles on the defensive line. “We’re trying to replace three really good guys up front,” Quick said. “We rotated a lot last year, so we’ve got guys with experience. Now some of them are going to have to learn to be the guy up there.” Wilburn Smallwood and Kasen Elijah are two of the players expected to make an impact at defensive end. Justin Patton and Romel Garcia, two players who saw action last year, will step in at the nose guard position. Tavaris Owens is a player who was on JV last year that will make the move to varsity. Jamarcus Ingram leads the way for Lufkin’s returners at linebacker while Darius Murphy, Kalen Parks and Terry Johnson are all expected to be playmakers. “(Ingram) started every game for us last year and he’s really worked hard in the offseason,” Quick said. “Murphy was kind of a surprise in the spring. He’s a player that is nothing flashy, but he makes tackles. “Parks rotated in last year at the bandit spot, and Johnson is like a third safety. He’s had a good 7-on-7 season and spring, and we’re excited about what he brings to us.” On special teams, Alberto Medina and Kaleb Encarnacion are competing for the spots at punter and kicker. That roster should have the Panthers prepared for a season that has some solid challenges. Lufkin will have six home games, including the season opener against the Longview Lobos. Lufkin welcomed in 2018 Class 6A Division II state champion Longview in the first week and will host College Station along with Magnolia West, another team that competed for the district title last season. “We’ve got six home games this year, and we want to make sure this is a tough place to play,” Quick said. “Teams shouldn’t want to come in here and play.”

LUFKIN 2019 SCHEDULE DATE AUG. 30 SEPT. 6 SEPT. 13 SEPT. 27 OCT. 4 OCT. 11 OCT. 18 OCT. 25 NOV. 1 NOV. 8

OPPONENT ’18 RECORD LONGVIEW 16-0 AT NACOGDOCHES 5-6 REDSKINS DEL ESTADO N/A WILLIS 2-8 AT MAGNOLIA 5-5 COLLEGE STATION 9-3 AT TOMBALL 6-5 MAGNOLIA WEST 9-3 AT CANEY CREEK 2-8 WALLER 3-7

LUFKIN 2018 RESULTS

10-2, 6-0 L AT LONGVIEW 35-28 W NACOGDOCHES 45-7 W MONTERREY 68-0 AT WILLIS 49-6 W W MAGNOLIA 41-34 W AT COLLEGE STATION 35-3 TOMBALL 35-24 W W AT MAGNOLIA WEST 31-7 W CANEY CREEK 63-0 W AT WALLER 38-7 MCKINNEY NORTH 50-27 W L FRISCO LONE STAR 49-21 F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

LUFKIN PANTHERS 2019 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

photo by

LESLIE NEMEC

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2019 LUFKIN PANTHERS VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

NICCO HOOD

ROMEL GARCIA

DYLAN HAYES

CHRISTIAN ARTHUR

DARRICK TURNER

DARIUS MURPHY

NATHAN SNOWDEN

CB, SR

DL, SR

LB, SR

CB, SR

WR, SR

CHRISTIAN REGGIE

JORDAN MOORE

LEONARDO AGUILAR

KALEB ENCARNACION

CHRISTIAN DIAZ

TAVARIS OWENS

ZION MORELAND

WR, JR

QB, JR

WR, JR

K/P, JR

WR, JR

DL, JR

LATREVION SHAW

JUAN DIOSDADO

TODDRICK JOHNSON

JULIAN DIAZ

JERRIN THOMPSON

ERICK AGUILAR

ALBERTO MEDINA

DL, JR

OL, JR

RB, JR

CB, JR

S, SR

K/P, JR

WILLIAM MCCALL

DJ HUMPHREY

JUAN AGUILAR

ALEX PRUITT

CHARLIE ARNOLD

DAVION WACASEY

LARSON KAY

OL, JR

CB, JR

OL, JR

S, JR

LB, JR

CHRISTIAN STAFFORD

KESHAWN CLARK

KAYSON ELIJAH

TERRANCE FIELDS

NY'ZHE FORD

KALEN PARK

MONQUINCY HORN

CB, SR

RB, SR

• Lego Club • Storytime • Youth Make & Take • Coffee & Conversation 55+ • Family Story Night & Dinner • Computer & Technology Classes 16

LB, SR

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

DL, JR

RB, SR

S, SR

LB, SR

706 S. Raguet Lufkin .com/library ufkin cityofl

LB, SR

JAMARCUS INGRAM

ISAAC ZAVALA

DAMARQUISE GARNER

JULIUS ARGUMON

JUSTIN PATTON

JACOLTEN JONES

TERRY JOHNSON

LB, SR

CB, SR

OL, SR

DL, SR

OL, SR

S, SR

BRENDAN TAYLOR

J'QUAYLON TAYLOR

WILBURN SMALLWOOD

DEONDROS CALHOUN

AJ MONTGOMERY

SETH WILLIAMS

KEDAREN HOLMAN

RB, SR

OL, SR

DL, JR

S, JR

WR, JR

OL, SR

OL, JR

TRE ODOM

VICTOR SOLIS

RILEY SELF

ZHADESTIAN GRIFFEN

KELTON WRIGHT

CALEB BERRY

JOSEPH MONTES

S, SR

OL, JR

OL, SR

WR, JR

RB, JR

DL, SR

KHADEN MAXIE

ISAAC HUERTA

ZYKEE ALLEN

JA'LYNN POLK

JACKSON WARDEN

GERARD FROST

AUSTIN MCCARROLL

LB, JR

DS, JR

OL, SR

WR, SR

S, JR

DL, JR

DS, SR

5 DAVID HUGHES WR, SR

The Muffler Shop ALUMINUM WHEEL REPAIR • GOOSENECK HITCHES • STATE INSPECTIONS • ALUMINUM WELDING Custom BBQ Pits • 811 N RAGUET ST • (936) 639-0055

Supports All Local Teams! ZESTY BURGER

Stop by and eat before the game!

Call Ins Welcome 637-7007

400 W. Frank Ave. • Mon.-Sat. 10am-8pm

Get Your Team Sports apparel at

f ki Lu n

Panthers

TROPHY & T-SHIRT SHOP

www.aaatrophy.com • 305 E. Denman • Lufkin • 936-634-5229 F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

LUFKIN AT A GLANCE

returns Berry. Lufkin also has a wealth of talent at safety, which is led by Thompson, a Texas commit.

2018: 10-2 OVERALL, 7-0 IN DISTRICT 8-5A DII. AREA FINALISTS COACH: TODD QUICK – 55-28 OVERALL AT LUFKIN: 55-28, 8TH YEAR RETURNING STARTERS: 6 OFFENSE, 5 DEFENSE PLAYERS TO WATCH: S Jerrin Thompson, WR Ja’Lynn Polk, QB Jordan Moore, RB Caleb Berry, LB Jamarcus Ingram, WR Christian Reggie, OL Jacolten Jones, DB Christian Stafford KEY LOSSES: DT Carl Williams, DE Breylon Garcia, DE JaVasia Brunson, QB Kewone Thomas, WR Titan Williams, RB Quvontae Smallwood PRIMARY STRENGTHS: The Panthers have plenty of talent at the skill positions with a receiving corps that features returning talent in Polk, Reggie and Kelton Wright and a backfield that

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: The biggest glaring loss from last year is the graduation of a defensive line that featured three big-time recruits. Lufkin has the talent to fill in at those positions, although building up to last year’s domination will be a tough task. OVERVIEW: Lufkin has reached the point where even big graduation losses don’t stop the team’s optimism. This year will be no different as Lufkin features an offense that has the potential to be even better than last season. If the Panthers can find a few answers on the defensive side, it should be a district favorite and a potential problem for opponents when the postseason starts. KEY NUMBER: 2 The Panthers are going after a second straight district title, a task that won’t be an easy one with the likes of College Station among the top competitors. If Lufkin can capture another district title, it should be in line to make a run in the playoffs.

Supporting the dreams of our local teams! ORDER EARLY!

Homecoming Mums & Garters Real or Faux Mums Simple or Elaborate Call For A Don’t Be Left Out – Flor ll Your al Needs Order Early!

2019

Owner, Susie Carroway

818 N. Raguet • Lufkin 936-632-7765 Master License#39390

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2014

936.637.1337 | 1206 S Chestnut Dr.

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2018 LUFKIN PANTHERS DISTRICT 8-5A DI

PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB TRISTAN BRADY, DB RYAN FRANK, WR PAYTON FINCH, LB GAGE WADE, WR MARCUS COLLINS, CB LANDON THOMAS

COLLEGE STATION LAST YEAR: 9-3, 5-2 IN DISTRICT – AREA FINALIST RETURNERS: 6 OFFENSIVE/5 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB/WR AUSTIN SOSA, C HAYDEN GOODLETT, DB MARK TAPLETTE, KB KOLBE CASHIO, OL BLAIR PAYTON, RB RODERICK BROWN, TE RUSK PAYTON OVERVIEW: Even though Lufkin was the class of the district, College Station proved its 2017 state title was no one-year wonder when it advanced to the area round of the playoffs before falling to eventual state champion Highland Park. This season, Sosa is expected to take over an offense that was usually hard to stop. MAGNOLIA LAST YEAR: 5-5, 3-4 IN DISTRICT RETURNERS: 6 OFFENSIVE, 6 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR/DB BEN RENFRO, LB WILL SPICER, OL DEREK BOWMAN, OL KADE BOND, WR AIDAN GARRIGAN, DB HUNTER KITCHENS, DB NATHAN HAKES, QB TRAVIS MOORE MAGNOLIA WEST LAST YEAR: 9-3, 6-1 IN DISTRICT — AREA FINALIST RETURNERS: 4 OFFENSIVE, 5 DEFENSIVE

TOMBALL LAST YEAR: 6-5, 4-3 IN DISTRICT – BI-DISTRICT FINALIST RETURNERS: 7 OFFENSIVE, 3 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB HUNTER DUNN, WR JAKE JOHNSON, C TYLER MARKS, DE JORDAON DURING, RB JERMAINE MAYES WALLER LAST YEAR: 3-7, 2-5 IN DISTRICT RETURNERS: 4 OFFENSIVE, 4 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: S MASON STEWART, S JATEAVEON BOLEY, C JUAN MUNOZ, RB PRICE HUBBARD, S PABLO ZAMUDIO, TE ROBBIE LARSON WILLIS LAST YEAR: 2-8, 1-6 IN DISTRICT RETURNERS: 4 OFFENSIVE, 4 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB JOHNNY MCHENRY, S/WR JADARIUS BROWN, WR JOSHUA KING, DT RASHAAD WYNNE, DE CONNOR FISHER, QB STEEL BARDWELL CANEY CREEK LAST YEAR: 2-8, 0-7 RETURNERS: 3 OFFENSIVE, 4 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR/DB ISAIAH MENDOZA, WR CODY PALMER, RB SPENCER BRANDON, LB BRANDON FORNERO

Twin City Housing

h and to E

Start the year with a financial portfolio review Joining with our friends and

Supports Our Local Football Teams!

neighbors to CELEBRATE

P®, AAMS®

EAST TEXAS FOOTBALL Vince Treadwell, CFP®, AAMS® www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

Financial Advisor .

321 SouthCFP First ®, AAMS® Vince Treadwell, Lufkin, TX 75901 Financial Advisor 936-634-6116

321 S. First Street Lufkin, Texas 75901 936-634-6116 www.edwardjones.com MKT-5894F-A-A1

Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

CAROLINA MODEL

1400 S. Medford • Lufkin 936-632-1919 F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

Panthers

2019 LUFKIN PANTHERS CHEER | BAND | DRILL

LUFKIN HIGH SCHOOL CHEER SQUAD HEAD COACH: KIRSTIE RUSSELL HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? 41 members WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? Our group of athletes is diverse and rich in talent. Each team brings a slightly different personality and edge to their routines. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? This year, we will make a splash at the Texas State Forest Festival competition. It has been many years since Lufkin High School Cheer has competed at the Forest Festival, and we are excited to go head to head with local teams. We are already well known for our sideline performances at games. This year, our goal is to also achieve recognition for our talent in cheer competitions. 20

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

We have been working hard and look forward to showing off our talent! WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? Our organization works to instill leadership qualities that will transcend the Lufkin Cheer Organization. Our core values are integrity, respect, hard work and tradition. We believe these core values set our organization apart and help our athletes to develop into well-rounded, respectful individuals. WHY DO YOU LIKE BEING A PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION? “We love being a part of this organization because we are able to create a family within our team. All of the hard work and hours put in during practice help us to grow stronger together, and these bonds last forever,” captains Maci Walker and Sarah Anne Scoggins said.

PANTHER BAND DIRECTOR OF BANDS: GEORGE LITTLE HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? 195 members WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? We are a military-style marching band, which is fairly common in East Texas. However, when we travel outside of East Texas for football games we always get compliments from people who usually see only corps-style marching bands. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? We strive to do our best at all times. By doing our best in rehearsals and at football game performances, we hope to continue our tradition of superior ratings at marching competitions. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? Band teaches students how to work hard, treat others with respect, be a team player and value others over themselves.

Band students will take away a better understanding of what it means to be a better human being. We also hope that our students will take away a higher level of understanding for what it takes to perform musically at a high level. WHY DO YOU LIKE BEING A PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION? “I love being a part of the of the band because it gives us a sense of family! The Lufkin Panther Band is one big family, and even though we might play different instruments, we still love each and everyone in our big happy family,” drum major Kaelin Morris said. “There’s nothing better than being surrounded by people that love the same thing. Everyone loves music — it’s like a language with no barriers — but it’s even better when you know the tradition behind it. All of the band students value the tradition that the band brings to the community with timeless music, especially during football season, and it’s an amazing feeling to be surrounded by that level of commitment and love,” drum major Verania Martinez said.

PANTHER PRIDE DRILL TEAM DIRECTOR: JOHNNA WALKER HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? Panther Pride has 54 members and junior varsity drill has 32 WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? We are a dynamic performing group with a 48-year history of rich tradition. As a team, we perform, volunteer, always promote school spirit and hope to be ambassadors for Lufkin High School. Drill team practices five days a week

and twice a day on Tuesday and Thursday. We also work with Lufkin Middle School Panther Pom on Mondays. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? Our goal is to be a positive, cohesive team. We look forward to performing under those Friday night lights and our Christmas show this semester. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? We want our members to take away a sense of pride, teamwork, community involvement and school spirit. F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

Lumberjacks

TEAM INFO DIBOLL LUMBERJACKS ENROLLMENT 498 DISTRICT 11-3A DI STADIUM LUMBERJACK STADIUM

10-WIN SEASON IN THE BOOKS, LUMBERJACKS NOT SATISFIED YET story by

JOSH HAVARD |

photos by

GARY STALLARD

The 2018 season was one in which the Diboll Lumberjacks transformed from a program that hopes to win into one that expects it. Instead of riding the roller coaster of a season, Diboll was able to maintain a steady balance throughout the year. When the ride finally came to an end, Diboll had a 10-win season and an area playoff appearance under its belt. While that type of season is something to be proud of, the Lumberjacks are determined for that to be just a start instead of a final highlight. With that on their minds, the Lumberjacks want to take yet another step when they kick off the 2019 season. “We had a 10-win season and a two-round deep run in the playoffs, which is something that hasn’t happened here in awhile,” Diboll head coach Blake Morrison said. “We’re building with a good group of kids, and we’re excited about the potential we have here. Potential doesn’t win any games though unless that potential is ready to put in the work.” While the Lumberjacks flew under the radar last year, this year’s group won’t be afforded that same luxury. Diboll is the No. 21 team in the state in Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. The ’Jacks also are picked second in District 11-3A DI, trailing only Franklin, which is the No. 9 team in the state. Reaching the level of a Franklin is one of the main goals Morrison has for the Lumberjacks in his sixth season in Diboll. “When it gets to that time of year, we’re hoping the game against them is one of the biggest ones in the state,” Morrison said. “They’ve really got it down over there. They know what they’re doing, they’re well coached and everybody has bought into the program. “They’re kind of like Lorena, which is another team that has it down. They do the little things that make everything possible.” Diboll proved it was ready to compete on the level of Franklin in a 34-20 home loss last season. This season they F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

are hoping to reverse that result while getting ready for a playoff run they hope extends even further than the second round.

OFFENSE

Diboll’s offense was on another level last season when it averaged 37 points per contest. They did that in spite of an early-season 9-6 win over Liberty in a game that was called in the third quarter due to the weather. They’ve got the ingredients to be even better this time around. The Lumberjacks’ explosiveness starts in the backfield, where they have an embarrassment of resources, starting with returning starter Daris McMillan. Last season, he took his game to a new level by running for 2,100 yards. Herbert Gums, who is one of the state’s top recruits on the defensive side, gives another major threat to Diboll. Gums easily surpassed the 1,000-yard marker as a sophomore before being injured early last season. He is a game changer wherever Morrison chooses to play him. “We have to see how all of the pieces fit to see where we want to use him,” Morrison said. “He’s excited to be out there and he’s good to go. He’s a really good player regardless of where we put him.” Other options in the backfield include Chase Tamez, Jaylen McMillan, Tyveon Williams and Jeremiah Gums. Diboll also returns Dylan Maskunas, who had a successful

Grizzly’s

Keeping The Tradition Alive For The Past 39 40Years! Years! Shop Local

Dancewear, Dancewear, Twirling Supplies, Custom Twirling Supplies, Custom Framing Window Decals Custom Window Decals

Custom Signage Custom Signage Homecoming Mums Homecoming and moreMums and more

www.facebook.com/Grizzlyslufkin grizzlyslufkin.webs.com grizzlys@consolidated.net grizzlys@consolidated.net grizzlys@consolidated.net

628 628 S. S. First First St. St. ••• Lufkin Lufkin 628 S. First St. Lufkin 936-632-5924 • 936-632-5924 •• 936-465-1590 936-465-1590 936-632-5924 936-465-1590

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

junior year in his first season as a starting quarterback. “Twelve games of experience means a ton to him,” Morrison said. “He needs to get back there and get in the groove, but he’s a guy we have confidence in running our offense.” In addition to Diboll’s talent in the backfield, they also have plenty of experience at wide receiver. Javaughn Luster, Hagen Pierce, Demaria Cook, Agustin Martinez and Jeremiah Settler are returning players. Jordan Thompson and Zach Albro are also newcomers to the receiving corps. “We’ve got quite a bit of depth at the skill positions,” Morrison said. “Our main question mark is on the offensive line. We’re having to replace some good ones there.” Ricardo Harrison, Kristian Mireles and Billy Leverett each saw playing time last season, while Nomar Flores is returning after a knee injury. Diboll is looking to replace Drew Richard, Jose Acevedo and Cam Cheshire, three of the most consistent players from last year’s squad. “When I got here six years ago, we had right tackles all over the place,” Morrison said. “Now we’re looking to find a few of them. We’ve got candidates that are working hard, but that’s one spot we need to get ready.”

DEFENSE

On the defensive side of the ball, Diboll returns eight

Wells LTC Nursing & Rehabilitation Now Offering: · Male AND Female segregated secure units for those residents requiring additional assistance due to Alzheimer’s or Dementia. · Specializing in Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapies. · Private and Semi-Private rooms available. · Specialized Dietary Services. Medicaid & Medicare · Pain Management Certified · Wheelchair lift van for appointments and outings!

WellsComeLTC Nursing & Rehabilitation tour the facility and see the renovations for yourself. Only a short drive from Rusk orOffering: Lufkin, and we always feel like home. Now · Male AND Female segregated secureCAREGIVERS! units for those residents ATTENTION Do you need a little break your full timeor care giving duties? requiring additional assistance duefrom to Alzheimer’s Dementia. Consider short term respite care for your loved one. · Specializing in Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapies. Rooms available now, call for more information. · Private and Semi-Private rooms available. MEDICAID & MEDICARE ROOMS NOW AVAILABLE · Specialized Dietary Services. Medicaid & Medicare ·46 PainMay Management Street ‫ ׀‬Wells ‫ ׀‬936-867-4707 Certified · Wheelchair lift van for appointments and outings!

www.wellsltc.com

Come tour the facility and see the renovations for yourself. Only a short drive from Rusk or Lufkin, and we always feel like home.

ATTENTION CAREGIVERS!

Do you need a little break from your full time care giving duties? Consider short term respite care for your loved one. Rooms available now, call for more information. MEDICAID & MEDICARE ROOMS NOW AVAILABLE

46 May Street ‫ ׀‬Wells ‫ ׀‬936-867-4707 www.wellsltc.com

players from a team that allowed just 15 points per game. And like the offense, there is reason to believe this year’s group won’t be even better. Ethan Mendoza and Jeremiah Gums are big-time players up front, while Herbert Gums could easily work his way into the mix. At linebacker, the ’Jacks boast Hayden McElroy and Martinez. Morrison said Hunter Smith could serve as a wild card. Settler and McMillan are returning players at safety. Diboll also has several returning starters in the secondary, which should be one of the team’s strengths. “We’ve never had this type of luxury where we have so many guys that are capable of being out there,” Morrison said. “I could name six guys, but it’s all going to come down to who we need to put at which positions. We’re still looking for an inside linebacker and an outside linebacker. Adrian Garcia is expected to return at kicker for the Lumberjacks. Morrison stressed that while the team has several starters returning, the real work has yet to begin. “We’re going to find out who wants to step in and start,” Morrison said. “Some guys might get lost and some might get seen. We had Tristan Page last year, where something just clicked and he turned into one of our best players. At a school as small as we are, we have to be right early, so we have to find the right spots for everyone.”

DIBOLL 2019 SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT ’18 RECORD AUG. 30 BRIDGE CITY 2-8 SEPT. 6 HUNTINGTON 3-8 SEPT. 13 AT CLEVELAND 0-10 SEPT. 20 LIBERTY 7-5 OCT. 5 AT CROCKETT 7-4 OCT. 11 COLDSPRING 3-8 OCT. 18 AT ELKHART 3-7 OCT. 25 WESTWOOD 1-9 NOV. 1 AT FRANKLIN 10-2 NOV. 8 TRINITY 2-8

DIBOLL 2018 RESULTS

10-2, 5-1 W AT BRIDGE CITY 42-7 W AT HUNTINGTON 55-0 W CLEVELAND 42-0 W AT LIBERTY 9-6 W CROCKETT 39-28 W AT COLDSPRING 15-13 W ELKHART 41-14 W AT WESTWOOD 69-0 L FRANKLIN 34-20 W AT TRINITY 48-0 31-26 W BUNA L CAMERON YOE 59-34

RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW! Select dates through November & December 1-855-632-7729 • www.TexasStateRailroad.net THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements are trademarks of © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WB SHIELD: TM & © WBEI (s19) F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

DIBOLL AT A GLANCE 2018: 10-2 OVERALL, 5-1 IN DISTRICT 11-3A DI. AREA FINALISTS COACH: BLAKE MORRISON AT DIBOLL: 29-27, 6TH YEAR RETURNING STARTERS: 8 OFFENSE, 8 DEFENSE PLAYERS TO WATCH: LB/RB Herbert Gums, RB Daris McMillan, QB Dylan Maskunas, WR Javaughn Luster, OL Ricardo Harrison, LB Hayden McElroy, LB Agustin Martinez, DL Ethan Mendoza, DL Jeremiah Gums KEY LOSSES: DE Tristan Page, OL Drew Richard, OL Jose Acevedo, OL Cam Cheshire PRIMARY STRENGTHS: The Lumberjacks’ skill position players can match up with the best of the best. Diboll’s backfield returns 2,000yard rusher McMillan and Herbert Gums, who missed last year with an injury. After averaging 37 points per game last season, don’t be surprised if the Lumberjacks surpass that total this year. POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: One of the few spots where Diboll is replacing multiple starters is on the offensive line. If they can piece that part of the team together, the sky is the limit for the ’Jacks. OVERVIEW: The Lumberjacks are coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory and have the majority of their playmakers back. Adding in an all-state caliber player like Herbert Gums should only help Diboll. If Diboll can stay healthy and fill in the few holes it has on both sides of the ball, it could be a contender for the district title as well as a legitimate player when the playoffs begin. KEY NUMBER: 10 The Lumberjacks reached double digits in the win column last season. They’ve got a good shot of surpassing that win toal this year. With a team that’s starting the season in the Top 25, a trip to the Top 10 isn’t that much of a stretch.

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

DIBOLL LUMBERJACKS 2019 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2019 DIBOLL LUMBERJACKS VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

JAVAUGHN LUSTER

DARRYL WEAVER

CHASE TAMEZ

CHRIS TEAL

JORRIN THOMPSON TYVEON WILLIAMS SR

7 JERMIAH SETTLER-WATTS SR

BRADLEY FENNER

JESUS GARCIA

JAYLEN MCMILLAN

DARIS MCMILLAN

MICAH SMITH

TYLER IBARRA

JEREMIAH GUMS

SOPH

JAYLON JACKSON

KRISTIAN MIRELES

ETHAN MENDOZA

NOMAR FLORES

East Texas Eye Associates is a proud supporter of 30

1306 W Frank Ave, Lufkin, TX 75904 • (936) 634 - 8381 • easttexaseyeassociates.com

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

Lufkin Panther Football!

DEMARIA COOK

ZACH ALBRO

HERBERT GUMS

HAGAN PIERCE

KOBE CLARK

DYLAN MASKUNAS AGUSTIN MARTINEZ SR

HUGO CEPEDA

BOBBY CAVAZOS

JULIAN ACEVEDO

HUNTER SMITH

HAYDEN MCLEROY

LANDON DODGE

HEZEKIAH FREEMAN

ETHAN SMITH

VICTOR AYALA

BILLY LEVERTT

RICARDO HARRISON

Carylon’s Florist & More 2755 US HWY 69 NORTH LUFKIN, TX 75904 936-634-1730

We Support Our Local Football Players! FIND US ON FACEBOOK

QUINCY COLEMAN FERNANDO VASQUEZ JR

Get Your Team Sports apparel at

JR.

Diboll

Lumberjacks

TROPHY & T-SHIRT SHOP

www.aaatrophy.com • 305 E. Denman • Lufkin • 936-634-5229 F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

Lumberjacks 2019 DIBOLL LUMBERJACKS DRILL | CHEER | BAND

DIBOLL DAZZLERS DRILL TEAM TEAM SPONSOR: CHRISTIE STEPHENS HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? 22 Dazzlers, one honor guardsman and two managers WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? Our girls work very hard. In Diboll, our drill team doesn’t get time during the school day to practice or have a class. All they learn and accomplish comes in time they put in after school. They practice and dance for two to three hours each evening to get ready for our Friday performances and upcoming competitions. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? First of all, I am so proud of this group of students. Our girls are outstanding in academics and are involved in many activities. These young ladies do a great job of representing our town, our district, our school, their families and, most of all, themselves. I hope to continue to build our program and help our girls understand that hard work pays off. Last year we competed in the Forest Festival and received first place Hip Hop. We also competed at SFA winning first in the same event. I hope to build on the confidence they have gained and continue to grow our skills in other types of dance as well.

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? I hope our members will remember that our team worked together. Our hard work was completed together, and our accomplishments were due to all of their hard work. I also hope they remember how many friends they have made during their time as a Dazzler. Our young ladies have formed friendships that are strong, and they truly care for each other. They have built each other up, and our girls have supported one another during both good and troubled times. Most of all, I hope they know how much I care for each one of my girls. I have been so blessed to be their director. WHY DO YOU LIKE BEING A PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION? “I love being a Dazzler. I have been dancing since I was very young, so dance has been a big part of my life. I enjoy being part of our drill team, not only because I get to dance, but because I am part of a family — our drill team family. During our season, we are around each other sometimes more than our family, or it seems that way. It is important for us to work together, support each other and encourage one another. I am lucky to be part of this amazing group of young women!” captain Jessie Stephens said.

DIBOLL HIGH SCHOOL CHEER SQUAD HEAD COACH: CHANEY CHITTUM

DIBOLL HIGH SCHOOL BAND DIRECTOR OF BANDS: TODD DOCK HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? 96 members WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? I think what makes our group stand out is that we don’t let our size determine the quality of sound we have. We are a growing program, but even when we marched with 36 people, we worked tirelessly to create a good sound. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? I hope that we can go beyond being a first division band. That alone is a huge achievement, but there are levels

and contests that the best of the best go to, and I want to introduce the band to that level of greatness. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? I hope they understand that hard work pays off, and I want them to learn to push past what they think their limits are. That’s the only time something great will happen. WHY DO YOU LIKE BEING A PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION? “I like being a part of the band because it’s a good social experience and it teaches anyone who is in it good teamwork and discipline,” drum major Zakk Bonham said.

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2019 DIBOLL LUMBERJACKS DISTRICT 11-3A DI FRANKLIN LAST YEAR: 10-2, 6-0 IN DISTRICT — REGIONAL SEMIFINALIST RETURNERS: 5 OFFENSIVE, 4 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/DB SETH SPILLER, RB/DB DATRON DIXON, OL KOBE SEBRECHE, OL CODY DUEWALL OVERVIEW: Until knocked off, Franklin is the team to beat in District 11-3A DI. Last season, Franklin ran through the district slate with an unbeaten record before advancing three rounds deep. That won’t be an easy feat to duplicate with the graduation of several key players, but the Lions have the program in place that can’t be overlooked. Dixon is the top threat in the backfield after Franklin averaged 45 points per game last season. CROCKETT LAST YEAR: 7-4, 4-2 IN DISTRICT — BI-DISTRICT FINALIST RETURNERS: 7 OFFENSIVE, 9 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB JORDAN BEDFORD, RB/LB JOSEPH PORTER, WR/DB CRISTIAN BRICE, DB JA’LYNE CARRUTHERS, WR/DB SHANNON BACON, OL/DL WESTON REYES, OL/DL JARED GIFFORD OVERVIEW: The Bulldogs were a playoff team a year ago and should be even better with most of their starters returning on

Exceptional handcrafted jewelry in Lufkin, Texas We Support our local teams!

LUFKIN JEWELRY

on the Square

121 E. Frank • 936-639-6369 • lufkinjewelry.com 32

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

both sides of the ball. Bedford threw for 2,244 yards and 34 touchdowns last season, while Horace had 468 yards and nine receiving touchdowns. Jones returns after making 111 tackles last season. COLDSPRING LAST YEAR: 3-8, 3-3 IN DISTRICT — BI-DISTRICT FINALIST RETURNERS: 8 OFFENSIVE, 8 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/DB KHYRIN ROGERS, RB/LB CONTAVIOUS PARKER-HARDEN, CB/RB TAYDREAN SHAW-RUCKER, OL/DL JADEN WHITTEN, DL CAMERON BURLESON, OL/DL DANE ELDRIDGE OVERVIEW: The Trojans made the playoffs last season despite a 3-8 record. That record should improve with eight starters returning on both sides of the ball. Parker-Harden ran for 1,024 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. On the defensive side, Shaw-Rucker had 72 tackles and Vincent Rankin had six sacks. ELKHART LAST YEAR: 2-7, 2-4 IN DISTRICT RETURNERS: 6 OFFENSIVE, 7 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB/LB CADE STARR, TE/DE KY THOMAS, LB HOLDEN BUSH, RB/DB R.J. MOORE, OL WELDON BROOKS, OL/DL CONNOR DUNCAN, LB/WR CHASE WALKER, WR/DB JOHN ASHFORD, OL/SL TRISTAN MAYS OVERVIEW: Elkhart missed out on the playoffs thanks to a 2018 loss to Coldspring in the regular season finale. They’ll look to regroup with Moore and Ashford expected to carry the

load on the offense while Thomas and Bush are two of the top playmakers on the other side of the ball. TRINITY LAST YEAR: 2-8, 1-5 IN DISTRICT RETURNERS: 6 OFFENSIVE, 5 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/DB TREYLIN GOODMAN, QB GRISHAM VAUGHT, WR/DB JACE STOUT, FB/DE ANDREW CRABTREE, OL/DL HUNTER SMITH, WR BRICE SMITH, WR/LB BRAYDEN GREER, OL/DL TERIUS MAXIE OVERVIEW: 2018 was a struggle for Trinity, although they have higher expectations this season. Vaught is back at quarterback after throwing for 600 yards and five touchdowns. Goodman ran for 1,100 yards and four scores while Stout also ran for 250 yards. PALESTINE WESTWOOD LAST YEAR: 1-9, 0-6 IN DISTRICT RETURNERS: 6 OFFENSIVE, 6 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB DALTON BROOKS, WR/DB AENEAS PAGE, RYLIE THIEME, WR/DB TYLER JOHNSON, LB/RB KYLANCE PARISH, OL JORDAN BROWN, OL JADEN CRUTCHER, LB/RB DEANTHONY THOMAS, LB KADONTE WATKINS OVERVIEW: Westwood’s winless district mark finished a season that ended with an eight-game losing streak. They’ll have returning players at some of the key positions, including Brooks, who threw for 1,500 yards last season. Page is a top target after catching passes for 400 yards and Watkins had 65 tackles from his linebacker position.

Proud to Support Our Area High School Teams

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

Red Devils

TEAM INFO HUNTINGTON RED DEVILS ENROLLMENT 533 DISTRICT 9-4A DII STADIUM RED DEVIL STADIUM

HUNTINGTON LOOKS FOR NEW NORMAL TO BE WINNING SEASONS, PLAYOFF APPEARANCES story by

JOSH HAVARD | photos by GARY STALLARD & LESLIE NEMEC

The Huntington Red Devils know all about their history on the football field. The team has never had a winning season and had never even made the playoffs until last year. In 2018, the Red Devils took care of the second part of that equation. This season, they set their sights on their first winning season. “I think we’ve had three seasons where we’ve won three games,” firstyear head coach Josh Colvert said. “At minimum this season, we think we should be a .500 team. We want to have the first winning season in school history, and we feel we’ve got the players to make that happen.” Huntington took a solid first step last season when it made the postseason for the first time in school history before an openinground loss. They’ll look to build on that success with a team that features eight starters returning on offense as well as nine on defense. That leaves the expectations in Huntington at an all-time high. “The playoffs are an expectation of this team,” Colvert said. “Our goal is to compete for a district championship. We know Jasper is the No. 2 team in the state and that’s a huge mountain to climb. We’re setting extraordinary goals and still hoping to surpass them.” Colvert took over for the team after serving as the associate head coach and offensive coordinator last season. Jim Kerbow left the program to take the head coaching job at Itasca. F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

The continuity of the coaching staff should help Huntington not miss a beat on a team that returns most of its key players. “The familiarity between the kids and the coaching staff was vital for our unique situation,” Colvert said. “This is a seamless transition and one that I think sets us up for success. We haven’t had to adapt to a whole new system, which is something that’s huge for us.” Now Huntington is ready to embrace the optimism of a community that is ready to cheer their team to success the program has never seen. “The level of excitement and positivity is through the roof,” Colvert said. “We feel like success is no longer a pipe dream. It’s a long road to hoe, but with a lot of hard work, we feel like we’re ready.”

OFFENSE

The Red Devils will be led by sophomore Garrett Chancellor, a player who started three games as a freshman. Colvert said he had no problems in a young player leading the offense. “He’s a strong-armed kid who took every snap in 7-on-7,” Colvert said. “He’s got the ability to throw the ball down the field as well as read the defenses. He’s a student of the game whose strength is in throwing the ball.” He will have a senior behind him in the backfield in Andrew Faulk, who was a 1,000-yard runner and a second-team alldistrict player one season ago. “It’s nice to have an established hard-working kid at running

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

back,” Colvert said. “He’s capable of making big plays.” The Red Devils have three returning starters on the offensive line, starting with left tackle Andrew Culpepper. He is a fouryear starter who has been an all-district selection in each of the last two seasons. Colvert describes him as the “backbone of the offensive line.” Jasper Conn is a returning starter after making the secondteam all-district team last year. “He’s the most physical kid on the football team,” Colvert said. “There’s a true toughness about him and he’s the emotional leader on the offensive line. Jordan Payne returns at right guard. Colvert said he is the strongest player in the program. Huntington will be looking to fill in spots at left guard and center. The Red Devils return Austin Harris and Tee Lane at wide receiver. “Austin started every game for us last year and he’s got great hands,” Colvert said. “(Lane) started as a sophomore and he really gives us a deep threat.” Devin Luker returns to the team as an H-back as a two-time all-district selection. He is a key player both in the running and passing game.

DEFENSE

Like the offense, the defense is loaded with returning starters. Jasper Conn, Carson Hooks, Noah Ross and Luke Smith each started games on the defensive line last season.

e e

t l

t e

e d

. h

Conn was a first-team all-district player, while Ross was a secondteamer. Hooks is a returning starter that has made strides in the offseason while Smith started two games as a freshman last year. Huntington also appears set at the inside linebacker position where Chase Calhoun will be a four-year starter. Last season, he was second on the team in tackles. “He’s the leader of the defense,” Colvert said. “He missed two games last year or he would have led the team in tackles. He’s the heart of our defense, a really physical, aggressive and intense player.” Devin Snell is another returning starter at linebacker after making strides in the weight room in the offseason. Huntington also returns two outside linebackers in Blaine Trekell and John Kenny Flood. Trekell was a second-team all-district player last season. “Blaine is a physical player that plays the run really well,” Colvert said. “(Flood) is a very good athlete who is an intelligent and hard working kid. He makes us better by being on the field.” Hunter Mayes and Harris return at safety for the Red Devils. With so many players, Huntington has the potential to turn the corner in 2019. However, Colvert said the team still has plenty of work before it can celebrate a winning season. “We feel like we’re set up for success with the players we have this year,” Colvert said. “They’ve got a lot of responsibility with that as well. “The big thing now is they expect to compete every Friday night. And to get to that point, you’ve got to work just as hard Monday through Thursday.”

HUNTINGTON 2019 SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT ’18 RECORD AUG. 30 WARREN 0-10 SEPT. 6 AT DIBOLL 10-2 SEPT. 13 AT BROOK HILL 6-6 SEPT. 20 HAMSHIRE-FANNETT 5-6 SEPT. 27 LIVINGSTON 0-10 OCT. 4 LIBERTY 7-5 OCT. 18 AT JASPER 12-1 OCT. 25 TARKINGTON 2-8 NOV. 1 AT CENTER 6-5 NOV. 8 SHEPHERD 6-5

HUNTINGTON 2018 RESULTS

3-8, 1-3 W AT WARREN 24-14 L DIBOLL 55-0 L BROOK HILL 42-20 L AT HAMSHIRE-FANNETT 47-0 LIVINGSTON 28-15 W L AT LIBERTY 45-7 L JASPER 64-0 AT TARKINGTON 21-14 W 42-24 L CENTER L AT SHEPHERD 27-7 L WEST ORANGE-STARK 76-3

EXPIRES 12/31/2019

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

HUNTINGTON AT A GLANCE

2018: 3-8 OVERALL, 1-3 IN DISTRICT 9-4A DII. BI-DISTRICT FINALISTS

success, should give Huntington the confidence it needs in its push to turn the corner.

COACH: JOSH COLVERT

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Huntington comes into the season riding the wave of last year’s playoff appearance. However, it needs to get off to a good start in order to have the confidence in can compete for a playoff spot and more.

AT DIBOLL: FIRST YEAR AS HEAD COACH RETURNING STARTERS: 8 OFFENSE, 9 DEFENSE PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Garrett Chancellor, RB Andrew Faulk, LT Andrew Culpepper, RG Jasper Conn, TE Devin Luker, DL Jasper Conn, ILB Chase Calhoun, OLB Blaine Trekell, FS Hunter Mayes KEY LOSSES: WR Hayden Flynt, WR Carson Hopper PRIMARY STRENGTHS: The Red Devils are loaded with experience, which should be a positive for a team that made the playoffs for the first time in school history. Huntington returns starters at almost every position on the field. That experience, mixed with the recent

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

OVERVIEW: Expectations are at an all-time high for the Red Devils and it’s easy to see why. If Chancellor can excel in his first full season as a starting quarterback, Huntington should be a playoff team once again. If it can pick up a few more wins along the way in the early portion of the season, then it could compete for the school’s first winning season. KEY NUMBER: 1 The Red Devils only have one playoff appearance to their credit. The expectation around the program is that that number should increase starting this season.

2019 HUNTINGTON RED DEVILS DISTRICT 9-4A DII

JASPER LAST YEAR: 12-1, 4-0 IN DISTRICT — REGIONAL SEMIFINALISTS RETURNERS: 8 OFFENSIVE, 9 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB MONTAVIEN HUNT, RB CARL LIMBRICK, WR BRYCE BARBAY, FS TERRIEN COLLINS, LB TRENTON COOPER, DL/RB BRASHAUN HUBBARD, LB AVION BENNETT OVERVIEW: As scary as it may sound, the Jasper Bulldogs may be even better than the 2018 version that went undefeated in the regular season and advanced to the regional semifinals. Hunt returns after running for 1,514 yards and 20 touchdowns and winning district MVP honors. Limbrick also had a solid season with 677 yards and eight touchdowns. Barbay finished with 454 receiving yards and six touchdowns. On the defensive side, Cooper had 67 tackles and Bennett had 48 tackles and a pair of interceptions. CENTER LAST YEAR: 6-5, 3-1 IN DISTRICT — BI-DISTRICT FINALIST RETURNERS: 8 OFFENSIVE, 7 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR ZAC SMITH, WR JAKERION WILSON, ATH MARQUES HALL, RB KEOMODRE HORACE, LB JAKE LIKER, DB JERMAINE PRESTON, DE CHRIS TAYLOR, LB DAKOTA WAGSTAFF, TE MALIK PATRON, QB JAKE HANSON OVERVIEW: The Roughriders are building off a playoff season under new head coach Scott Ponder. With an offense expected to spread the ball around, Smith and Watson are two of the top receivers. Hanson is likely to take over the quarterback position after spending his freshman season at linebacker. Liker returns to the team after missing last season with an injury. SHEPHERD LAST YEAR: 6-5, 2-2 IN DISTRICT RETURNERS: 3 OFFENSIVE, 4 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB DEZMON YATES, LB KENAN TURNER, LB JERRITT WHITMIRE, RB KOLTON BURTON, S BEN GOFFNEY JR, RB JOSH WEEKS, DL JONAH BELLARD, OL JAKIRY BROWN OVERVIEW: Shepherd was hit hard by graduation after last year’s playoff run but should have plenty in reserve to make a return to the postseason. Turner and Whitmire were two of the defensive playmakers. Yates is expected to take over at quarterback, while Burton is a threat at running back. TARKINGTON LAST YEAR: 2-8, 0-4 IN DISTRICT RETURNERS: 8 OFFENSIVE, 7 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB/DB COLE MCLAWCHLIN, QB/DB TRAE DECK, WR/DB CHRISTIAN HOWARD, NT GARRETT HLAVATY, RB RYAN HANNAH, DT TREVONTE BOGANY, RB/CB JOEY WELLS, DB/RB ALEX ARMSTRONG, DE/TE CAMRYN HAHN OVERVIEW: It’s a two-way battle for quarterback between McLawchlin and Deck. Whoever takes over, Tarkington will be looking to turn the corner in making the postseason. Deck threw for 543 yards and six touchdowns last season. On the defensive side, Hlavaty had 52 tackles and four sacks. F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2019 HUNTINGTON RED DEVILS VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

HUNTER MAYES

ANDREW FAULK

NICK PAXON

PERRIN TEER

CHASE CALHOUN

JACOB SMITH

QB/WR/DB, JR

RB/DB, SR

WR.DB, JR

K/P, SR

WR/LB, SR

WR/LB, JR

GARRETT CHANCELLOR

JOHN KENNY FLOOD

LUKE SMITH

JAMES PAXON

DEVIN SNELL

NOAH ROSS

RB/DB, JR

TE/DL, SOPH

TE/LB, SOPH

TE/LB, SR

OL/DL, JR

QB/DB, SOPH

JORDAN PAYNE

AIDAN HENSON

COLTON KELLEY

OL/DT, JR

OL/DL, SOPH

OL/DT, JR

Get Your Team Sports apparel at

Wishing all area teams good luck this season! 1827 W. FRANK • LUFKIN • NEXT TO BROOKSHIRE BROTHERS

936-632-3456

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

TROPHY & T-SHIRT SHOP

www.aaatrophy.com • 305 E. Denman • Lufkin • 936-634-5229

DEVIN LUKER

BLAINE TREKELL

TEE LANE

AUSTIN HARRIS

ANDREW QUICK

AYDEN COLBERT

TE/LB, SR

WR/LB, JR

WR/DB, SR

WR/DB, SOPH

JASPER CONN

JOEY CLARK

CARSON HOOKS

KENNY REPPOND

JOHN DEE JOHNSON

ANDREW CULPEPPER

OL/DL, SR

OL/LB, JR

OL/DL, SR

OL/LB, JR

OL/DL, JR

OL/DT, SR

Hang Them Out to Dry

1709 W. Frank • 936-634-1700

Get Your Team Sports apparel at

tington un

Red Devils

TROPHY & T-SHIRT SHOP

www.aaatrophy.com • 305 E. Denman • Lufkin • 936-634-5229 F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

Red Devils 2019 HUNTINGTON RED DEVILS DRILL | CHEER | BAND

HUNTINGTON HIGH STEPPERS DRILL TEAM TEAM DIRECTOR: MIRANDA CLIFTON HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? We have 22 dancers this year and one manager. WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? The team’s dedication to continue strong traditions by taking pride in themselves and in our school and community. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? Every year brings new opportunities and challenges for the girls! It’s exciting to see how each year will unfold. We know we will compete this year rather than travel, so we will focus on precision and technique working up to the spring semester. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? I hope they will not only increase their knowledge in dance/drill team, but also gain lifelong lessons through lots of prep leading up to exciting and fun performances! WHY DO YOU LIKE BEING A PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION? “I love being a part of Highsteppers because I get many opportunities to fulfill my dream of dancing and continue to dance for the glory of God. Highsteppers has taught me many things that I will take with me once I graduate. I love creating bonds with my team that I know make lasting impressions on their hearts. This team is like no other and that’s why I love being a part of it!” Captain Nevaeh Davis said.

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

HUNTINGTON HIGH SCHOOL CHEER TEAM HEAD COACH: DASHA DEARING HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? We have a total of 15 cheerleaders, one mascot and two managers. WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? This year’s group has a high level of optimism. They’re willing to try new things and step outside of their comfort zone. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR?

HUNTINGTON HIGH SCHOOL RED DEVIL BAND DIRECTOR OF BANDS: JONATHAN WILLSON HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? We have 30 members. WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? Their work ethic is what stands out. This is a great group of students and they work hard every day. We also incorporate our dance team, The Highsteppers, into our halftime show. With these two organizations collaborating, we have a highly successful halftime show for our hometown fans! It’s A Great Time To Be A Red Devil. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? We hope to continue our success on and off the field. Mr. Albert and I push our

As with every year, we hope to encourage school spirit and school involvement with students and our community. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? I hope they will learn skills to help them develop a strong work ethic after high school and a sense of pride for their school and community. WHY DO YOU LIKE BEING A PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION? ‘’I like being a part of cheer because I love to stunt. Also, cheer has given me a second family. I have many new friendships because of cheer,’’ senior Christina Brayton said.

students to be the best all around students walking the halls of HHS. We strive for each and every student to be the best musician possible as an individual and as an ensemble. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? We want our band students to have that band family that will always be with you. We want want them to take away that music can take you places you never thought were imaginable. Music can reach your soul on many different levels. WHY DO YOU LIKE BEING A PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION? “I love being a part of the Huntington High School band because it gives me somewhere to express myself. Being a part of this program has given me a second home. We’re not just an organization; we’re a big family that would do anything for each other,’’ drum major Gabby Self said.

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

Bulldogs

TEAM INFO CORRIGAN-CAMDEN BULLDOGS ENROLLMENT 273 DISTRICT 12-3A DII STADIUM BULLDOG STADIUM

CORRIGAN-CAMDEN HAS HIGH HOPES DESPITE KEY LOSSES TO GRADUATION story and photos by

GA RY STA LLA RD

Two years ago, Corrigan-Camden head coach Seven Armstrong coined a classic quote regarding his team’s preseason prospects: “We were so young last year that we’re still young this year.” Armstrong was in the midst of a massive rebuild with a team filled with underclassmen. In 2018, the patience paid off, with the Bulldogs rolling to a 10-3 season ending with an appearance in the regional semifinals. Once again, Armstrong and his staff find themselves reloading after a heavy graduating class. One big thing going in the team’s favor? Tradition. “We talk a lot of tradition around here,” Armstrong said. “We’ve been good for a long time, and even when we don’t think we’re very good, we’re better than we think. A lot of that has to do with tradition. Nobody wants to be the class that misses the playoffs. We’ve been in the postseason every F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

year since 1997, and nobody wants to be ‘that guy’ who ends that. “An awful lot of that has to do with our tradition. Pride can be a great driving force.” Fortunately, despite another youth movement, the ’Dawgs will hit the field in 2019 with several key players whose cleats have already spent plenty of time on the varsity field. “Our quarterback (Dohn Freeman) is back from last season, as well as our running back ( Jaylon Hunt), who’s a real bull. Those are good to have, especially when you do what we do. “We just have to build around them, especially with such a young group. We’ve got some holes to fill, and we’re going to play some freshmen. We’re starting over in a few spots, but we’ve also got some good people returning to spots. We’ve just got to get it all to jell.”

OFFENSE

Anyone wondering how the Bulldog offense will operate hasn’t been paying attention to Armstrong’s approach. This team will run the football. Freeman will be the guy calling the shots. According to Armstrong, Freeman “runs the offense well, he’s a very smart player, and he’s a threat. He can throw it, and he can run it.” Hunt, who played fullback last year, will move to tailback this season. In addition, the wingback will be David Lazcano, who’s spent most of his time on the defensive side of the ball. “He’s made a ton of plays defensively the past couple of years, but he’s going to have to step in and play both sides of the ball now,” Armstrong said. Other than those three, the rest of the backfield is up in the air. Armstrong said he’s waiting for a fullback to emerge from a list of candidates. Up front, Armstrong has three established players (Kade Elliott, Marco Martinez

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

and Cole Casper) as foundations, but he’s quick to remind one that a line needs more than three players. “Our line is getting bigger and better, but I’m a kid or two away from feeling completely comfortable,” Armstrong said. “We’ve got depth issues, and that’s the stuff you deal with in Smalltown, USA.” Teaching guys how to play the line is something Armstrong, a former offensive lineman, does with pride. “It’s just a matter of enjoying the physicality, of wanting to be the toughest guy out there,” Armstrong said. “I still coach our offensive line, and it’s one of those things that when I became a head coach, I knew where my bread was buttered and I’m not giving it up. I still coach those guys every day. If I’m down there with them, they know it’s important.” For teams hoping to stack the box and stuff the run, Armstrong’s offense will be more than ready to employ a play-action passing game, especially with Freeman there to pull the trigger. One new weapon, according to Armstrong, is tight end Keyshawn Whitfield, a former offensive tackle who can “really catch the football.” “If we see people not being honest up front and trying to bunch up and stop our run, we’ve got to be able to throw it,” Armstrong said. “We feel we’ve got the players to do that.”

DEFENSE

At this level, most players see action on both sides of the ball, and the Bulldogs are no different. Freeman and Lazcano, who Armstrong praises as “great tacklers,” will run the field from the safety positions. Elliott at linebacker and Aarron Smith, Martinez and Hunt on the defensive line are also well-known playmakers. “Overall, we got a lot back defensively, and we’re leaning on those players quite a bit right now,” Armstrong said.

CORRIGAN-CAMDEN 2019 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT ’18 RECORD AUG. 30 AT TRINITY 2-8 SEPT. 6 AT CENTERVILLE 8-4 SEPT. 13 KIRBYVILLE 1-9 SEPT. 20 JOAQUIN 9-3 SEPT. 27 AT ALTO 8-4 OCT. 11 AT NEW WAVERLY 1-9 OCT. 18 AT KOUNTZE 1-9 OCT. 25 ANDERSON-SHIRO 6-4 NOV. 1 AT NEWTON 15-0 NOV. 8 HEMPHILL 4-7

CORRIGAN-CAMDEN 2017 RESULTS 10-3, 4-1

Selected as one of W TRINITY 22-19 W CENTERVILLE 43-8 the BestW AT KIRBYVILLE 21-14 L AT JOAQUIN 21-0 nursing homes W AT ALTO 39-26 W NEW WAVERLY 37-0 in Texas 2012 KOUNTZE 52-0 W W AT ANDERSON-SHIRO 27-0 by US NewsL NEWTON & 56-7 W AT HEMPHILL 47-6 World Report. ELYSIAN FIELDS 34-27 W W WINONA 54-40 L DAINGERFIELD 62-0

• Call for your free assessment! • Medicare & Private Insurances Accepted. • Medicaid & Medicaid Pending.

ed as one of• Call for Selected as one of the best nursing your free assessment! e Best homes in Texas 2012 by US News & Insurances Accepted. Report. ng homes • Medicare & Private World xas 2012 • Medicaid & Medicaid Pending. S News & d Report.

ms or

• 24-Hour Skilled Nursing Services • Secure Unit for Residents with Dementia & Alzheimer’s • Specialized Skin and Wound Care • Physical, Occupational Speech • Private and semi Private Rooms ServicesandAvailable: • 24-hour skilled nursing services • Secure unit for residents • Wheelchair Liftwith Van Available for Therapy services • Specialized skin & wound care Dementia & Alzheimer’s appointments and • Weekend Admissions Accepted • Physical, occupational & • Private & semi private rooms outings • Wheelchair lift van available for appointments & outings

936-398-2220 • www.corriganltc.com 936-398-2220 300 Hyde Street • Corrigan, TX Hyde Street

300 Corrigan, Texas

Corrigan LTC Nursing & Rehabilitation admits residents without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, age, sex, religion, handicap, ancestry, marital or veteran status, and/or payment source. Equal Opportunity Employer.

www.corriganltc.com

300 Hyde Street Area Teams! Corrigan, Texas We are proud to have

www.corriganltc.com served you for 40 years!

Convenient 2-Lane Drive Thru • Mobile App Refills

Corrigan LTCDelivery Nursing &Service Rehabilitation admitsSupplies residents without City Wide • Medical and regard to race, color, creed, national origin, age, sex, religion, Equipment Jobst Compression Hosehandicap, ancestry, marital Therapeutic or veteran status, and/or payment source.Lab Equal Opportunity Shoes • Compounding Employer. Mastectomy Fitting Room BCBS, Medicare & Most Other Insurance Accepted

LUFKIN Hwy 59 N

ith

936-398-2220 Supporting All

Services Available:

speech therapy services • Weekend admissions accepted

2019

Abeldt’s Gaslight Pharmacy

Hospital Dr. CORRIGAN Hy de S

LIVINGSTON

200 Gaslight Blvd. • 936.639.2346 M-F 8 am–6:30 pm Sat. 9 am–1 pm

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

CORRIGAN-CAMDEN AT A GLANCE 2018: 10-3 OVERALL, 4-1 DISTRICT, REGIONAL SEMIFINALIST COACH: SEVEN ARMSTRONG RETURNING STARTERS: 7 OFFENSIVE, 8 DEFENSIVE TOP NEWCOMERS: There aren’t any. Seriously. Armstrong wasn’t joking when he said he was fielding a youth movement. Early August was far too early to offer full evaluations of his newer players. “I hope I know more about those guys in two hours than I do right now,” Armstrong laughs.

F t r s

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Freeman, Hunt, Elliott and Lazcano certainly will find their names mentioned considerably throughout the season. However, Armstrong said he’s certain there’ll be more earning attention once the team begins to come together. “Those are some of the main guys we’re building around, and we’ve just got to do a good job building a strong team around them,” Armstrong said. “We don’t have the depth to rely on a single person.” KEY LOSSES: There were several, as one would expect with such a senior-heavy 2018 class, but Armstrong mentioned a couple of guys who he knows will be hard to replace. “We had some good seniors last year for sure,” Armstrong said. “Our back, Ashton Jones, was a great kid and became even better than I thought he would. Zach Ivey was a great player, smart enough to do a lot of things for us.” PRIMARY STRENGTHS: Mostly, it’s the team’s overall physical attitude. It’s an attribute guaranteed to play well on both sides of the ball. “Offensively, I think we’re going to be good at running the football,” Armstrong said. “I don’t know for sure how we’re going to run it; we may be even more smash-mouth than we’ve in the past, just because our guys love to hit. Defensively, we’re going to get 10 or 11 people to the football on every play. We’ve got guys who are ready to show what they can do, and their attitude is going to help us while we’re growing.”

w d M

t r

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: “Depth, 100 percent,” Armstrong said. “We’ve got some freshman up with the varsity already, and they’re not there to stand on the sideline. They’re going to need to be able to play, so they’re going to have to grow up fast. I haven’t coached many freshmen who were ready to step out there on a Friday night, but we don’t have a choice but to get them there. We need to make sure they’re ready by district.” OVERVIEW: To continue its 21-year playoff streak, the Bulldog team is going to have to learn on the fly in 2019. “Guys are going to have to play older than they are, and we’ll have to do our part as coaches to keep building them up,” Armstrong said. “The faster they develop their confidence and skills, the better this whole team is going to be.” KEY NUMBER: 4 As in, four yards at a time. That’s if the team doesn’t commit penalties and set up long yardage situations. “We harp on the penalty issue from day one, especially the offside and motion penalties,” Armstrong said. “That’s giving away five yards every time. One thing I’ve always said to our offense is ‘Go get four (yards).’ If we get four every play, we’re on track. I’m no math teacher, but three times four is twelve, and if we’re doing that, we’re moving the chains. We don’t want those third-and-fifteen situations, because then my math isn’t as good.”

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

e h t

h o

2019 CORRIGAN-CAMDEN BULLDOGS DISTRICT 12-3A DII NEWTON LAST YEAR: 15-0, 5-0 IN DISTRICT — CLASS 3A DII STATE CHAMPIONS RETURNERS: 5 OFFENSIVE, 4 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR/DB DOMINIQUE SEASTRUNK, DE JAMES SYLVESTER, RB VALDERIAN FOWLER, OL/DL AVANTE BURNHAM, FS ZACH GULLEY, DE DRESHAUN SPIKES, DB ROBBIE PHILLIPS, OL/DL JAMARION SAMUEL OVERVIEW: The defending Class 3A DII champs are the No. 1 team in the state once again, according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. In his final season, W.T. Johnson led the team to a final state title shortly before his death. The Eagles lost plenty of talent but have expectations of chasing another title. Sylvester finished last season with 140 tackles and 11 sacks and is a top recruit. Seastrunk finished with 450 receiving yards to go along with five touchdowns. Fowler finished with 807 yards and 10 scores. ANDERSON-SHIRO LAST YEAR: 6-4, 3-2 IN DISTRICT — BI-DISTRICT FINALIST RETURNERS: 8 OFFENSIVE, 8 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/CB ZACARRIUS HAYNES, QB COLE WERNER, DL/TE CHAD ROEBUCK, DE/TE KELVIN ADAIR, OT/DT ZANE MORIARTY, WR/S CHALON PRATT, LB LANDON STERN, FS/WR CA’DARRIUS WILLIAMS OVERVIEW: As a playoff team from a season ago, Haynes will carry the load in trying to return his team to the postseason. He was a workhorse last season when he ran for 1,126 yards and eight touchdowns and also caught a pair of touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Anderson-Shiro will be bolstered by the return of eight starters, including three-year starters Adair, Moriarty and Pratt. HEMPHILL LAST YEAR: LAST YEAR: 4-7, 2-3 IN DISTRICT — BI-DISTRICT FINALIST RETURNERS: 7 OFFENSIVE, 9 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/LB DRE’LYN WASHINGTON, RB/LB JAMARIOUS HALL, RB/DB CLAY BUTLER, C KOLTIN ROSS, OG JED SCOTT, OT SETH MURRAY, OG MALIK WILKERSON, WR/DB LOGAN WILKERSON OVERVIEW: Washington is coming off a season in which he ran for 1,202 yards and eight touchdowns in leading Hemphill to the playoffs. He’ll be running behind four returning starters on the offensive line. The defense only lost two starters with Hall returning after making 64 tackles as a freshman. Burns added 48 tackles and five sacks. NEW WAVERLY LAST YEAR: 1-9, 1-4 IN DISTRICT RETURNERS: 9 OFFENSIVE, 8 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: LB BRENNAN HARRELL, DT KHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ, S TY ELDER, QB SEBASTINE AMARO, C JACOB ABRAHAM, WR/DB JACOB KUTCHEY OVERVIEW: New Waverly avoided a winless season by taking a narrow 22-17 win over Kountze in the finale. With almost the entire starting lineup returning, things should be better for the Bulldogs. Harrell made 89 tackles last season while Hammack had 61. Elder was a playmaker in the secondary. The key for New Waverly will be in revamping an offense that averaged fewer than seven points per game last year. KOUNTZE LAST YEAR: 1-9, 0-5 IN DISTRICT RETURNERS: 5 OFFENSIVE, 6 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: CB/WR DRELYN AKBAR, RB/S DEMOND HAMILTON, OL/DL EASTON PETERS, WR/DB ZACH PAINE, OL/DL CALEB FLOWERS, LB/RB ROBERT PEREZ OVERVIEW: Todd Paine takes over a team that went 1-9 last season. Kountze will look to improve on a season in which it was held to a total of 76 points in 10 games. Meanwhile, the defense allowed 39 points per contest. Akbar is a threat on both sides of the ball. F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2019 CORRIGAN-CAMDEN BULLDOGS BAND | CHEER

CORRIGAN-CAMDEN BULLDOG CHEER TEAM CHEER COACH: MISTY MOODY HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? There are 13 members in our squad. We have 12 cheerleaders and 1 mascot. WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? Our group stands out because of their close relationship with one another. Most of them have cheered for several years together. We have one freshman this year, the other girls have welcomed her to our squad with open arms. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? I hope to accomplish several things this year. One of the most important things I hope will happen is the girls will continue to grow, not only as cheerleaders, but as young ladies. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? I hope the members of our squad will take away that hard work, dedication and respect will take them far in life.

BULLDOG BAND DIRECTOR OF BANDS: JOSEPH ACKER HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? Our Bulldog Band has grown over the past three years from a membership of 21 to the current 54 members. WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? The work ethic of this group impresses me daily. No matter what kind of task or project I set in front of them, they dig in and accomplish it. One recent notion in education is the need to develop grit in students. This thought process is based on the correlation of people who are successful in their endeavors having that willpower and drive to power through adversity and make an outcome they desire. Our band students at Corrigan-Camden exhibit this type of behavior daily. I can also say with certainty that the students in bands in neighboring districts are exhibiting this same trait, so if a person needed to see to understand, a visit to a band practice will show you some good news in education. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? Our intent this year is to continue the growth that we have

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

been experiencing for the past couple of years. One of the changes that our audience will notice this year is a warmer, richer sound. As the size and maturity of the band grows, the kind of sound they will make changes along with it. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? I hope that students will take away some of the same kinds of memories and experiences that I did as a student in band. Most of the memories that matter to me from high school and college center around something related to band. I do not have many stories that begin with “Remember that day or that trip (in some regular class)...” The family we gain in band is an important social support structure that stays with us through life. WHY DO YOU LIKE BEING A PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION? “I enjoy being in the Corrigan-Camden band because music has been, and continues to be, an important aspect of my life. My love for music, though, is not the only reason being in band is so great. Our band director, Mr. Acker, inspires me to challenge myself. Because of his encouragement, I have been able to accomplish goals that I first thought were unreachable,” Sierra Poage said.

Carlton Driving School Inc. • Teen and Adult Classroom • BTW Training, Assessment of Driving Skills • Texas DPS Third-Party Drive Testing

For Those You Love the Most, We Provide the Best! 406 S. Medford Drive | Lufkin, TX | 936-634-9259 carltondrivingschool.com

(TDLR 2611)

Proudly supporting East Texas area football!

ExcEptional SErvicE. no ExcEptionS. Proudly Serving Our Community.

No matter what kind of memorial you have in mind, we’ll provide you with the best service available, bar none.

600 N. John Redditt Drive • Lufkin • 936-634-7788 F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

Indians

TEAM INFO GROVETON INDIANS ENROLLMENT 222 DISTRICT 12-2A DI STADIUM INDIAN STADIUM

FRESH OFF A SUCCESSFUL SEASON, GROVETON STILL NOT SATISFIED s to ry b y

GARY STALLARD |

p h oto s b y

GARY STALLARD

Just before one of the team’s first practices, Groveton lineman Braxton Terry stood out of the blistering afternoon heat and waited beneath the large shade tree on the side of the practice field. He was a little early, and he was bouncing up and down in anticipation. Asked if putting on the pads in such heat was going to bother him much, he simply strapped on his helmet and headed off to join his teammates. “No,” he said around his mouthpiece. “I’m ready to get out and hit somebody.” The Indians in 2018 went 5-6 and finished the season as bi-district finalists. Not bad at all, but what has gotten the Groveton coaching staff and players excited has been the momentum the team built over the final several games. “I thought last year our offense started clicking toward the end of the season,” head coach Richard Steubing said. “We had some guys really figuring things out. I was very pleased with that. Defensively, we have to get better, get better at tackling and all the other components. We know what to do; we just need to get out there and get it done. F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

“Last year was the first year running that style of offense, and we had our struggles early. But I thought toward the end of the season, offense might have been our strong point.” No wonder Terry was in a hurry to get started.

OFFENSE

When a team’s quarterback (Cade Steubing) is returning after throwing 25 touchdown passes in 2018, it’s hard to believe a coach would speak about putting more emphasis on running the football. But the head coach has been trying since he arrived to create a more balanced attack, and by the end of ’18, he was seeing progress. “Before this, offensively, we threw the ball a lot, so our offensive linemen weren’t real sure about run blocking, about how to come off the ball,” Richard Steubing said. “I wanted to be able to control the clock and limit other teams’ possessions. That was a big goal of mine coming in last year. I thought we did improve on our run blocking, and we were so much better at it by the end.” Richard Steubing says Malachi Stewart, a sophomore last year, ran the ball very well over the final games, especially in the playoff game against Garrison. “That’s what I want to see,” Richard Steubing said. “I want to see us run block well, and run the ball no matter

what. If an opponent shows it can stop our run, we want to be able to attack in other ways.” One big reason for the passing game’s success was the now-graduated Eli Stewart, who accounted for the majority of those touchdowns from his quarterback position. “All our receivers did a great job,” Richard Steubing said. “We just want to stay balanced and not have to rely on any one aspect of the offense.

DEFENSE

Terry isn’t the only member of the Tribe who loves to hit. Linebacker Trevion Bloodworth and Cade Steubing led the team in tackles, and defensive lineman Martin Chavez returns to wreak havoc up front. Still, Richard Steubing said, the team needs that type of effort all the way across the field. “We just have to improve overall as a unit,” Richard Steubing said. “We need to get to the point that we’re not depending on one or two players to make all the plays. We need all 11 defenders running to the football. “We had a lot of young players on defense last year. We’re returning nine, and that means a lot of sophomores got playing time. Those guys had to learn on the fly last season, but we feel it’s going to pay dividends for us now. Their first season under the Friday night lights is behind them, and they gained some valuable experience.”

Look up, get up, but never give up

Groveton Family Medical & Alto Family Medical Clinic 110 N Magee Ave, Groveton • 936-642-0841 | 123 Busy Bee St, Alto • 936-858-2327 54

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

GROVETON 2019 SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT â&#x20AC;&#x2122;18 RECORD AUG. 30 AT LOVELADY 9-3 SEPT. 6 TRINITY 2-8 SEPT. 13 BUFFALO 12-1 SEPT. 20 AT KERENS 2-9 SEPT. 27 AT CENTERVILLE 8-4 OCT. 11 WEST SABINE 5-6 OCT. 18 SAN AUGUSTINE 12-3 OCT. 25 AT DEWEYVILLE 3-7 NOV. 1 SHELBYVILLE 5-6 NOV. 8 AT HULL-DAISETTA 5-5

GROVETON 2018 RESULTS

5-6, 2-3 L LOVELADY 48-6 W AT TRINITY 46-8 L AT BUFFALO 47-12 W KERENS 26-22 CENTERVILLE 36-30 W L AT WEST SABINE 48-40 AT SAN AUGUSTINE 41-20 L W DEWEYVILLE 54-6 L AT SHELBYVILLE 42-28 W HULL-DAISETTA 32-18 L GARRISON 56-28

#1 in East Texas for

multiple policy discounts! Jay Clarke (936)642-1245 F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

GROVETON AT A GLANCE 2018: 5-6 OVERALL, 2-3 DISTRICT, BI-DISTRICT FINALIST COACH: RICHARD STEUBING RETURNING STARTERS: 8 OFFENSIVE, 9 DEFENSIVE TOP NEWCOMERS: Considering his late season success, it’s hard to believe Malachi Stewart, then a sophomore, was on the JV. Now he’s expected to be the main guy out of the backfield. In addition, Ethan McCrory is a senior who didn’t play his first season until last year. Head Coach Richard Steubing said McCrory’s off-season work has led to an impressive showing early in camp. “We have some sophomores we’re watching, but we won’t know until after some of these first scrimmages,” Steubing said. “They’re going to have to come up and fill some spots for us.” PLAYERS TO WATCH: Offensively, keep an eye on Stewart coming out of the backfield, but keep the other eye on Trenton Torregrossa. Steubing said he’s a playmaker waiting to happen. “Trenton is a really good athlete,” Steubing said. “We can put him in the slot or at running back, or even at quarterback in the wildcat. He’s a good football player, period.” Steubing also noted the early returns on Cole Dewitt, who’s earning positive attention at wide receiver. KEY LOSSES: Losing Eli Stewart’s overall ability hurts, Steubing said, but Torregrossa “did a great job” last season and is there to ensure there’s no massive drop-off. PRIMARY STRENGTHS: The Indians are set at nearly ever starting position, and the benefits aren’t lost on Steubing. “We feel like our starters on both sides gained a ton of needed experience last season,” he said. “They know what to expect now, so there won’t be any fear factor. We have to make sure we take all that knowledge and experience and use it to get us to the next step.” POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: “We have to get back to getting physical up front the way we were at the end of last season,” Steubing said. “We have to get better defensively, and every player has to get a better grasp on what they can do to get better.” OVERVIEW: With depth an early concern, the focus will remain on keeping starters upright while developing the younger talent. “If we stay healthy, we’ll be a playoff team,”Steubing said.“If we can stop the run defensively and turn around and run the ball on offense, we’ve got a good shot.” KEY NUMBER: 15 When the Indians held their Media Day for individual and team photos, only 15 players were in uniform. It wasn’t that players were absent. As of the beginning of camp, those 15 were the only ones identified as varsity players. “That’s our varsity right now, those returners from last year,” Steubing said. “I know we’re going to bring some guys up, but at this point, we’re still looking to see who’s going to show us he’s ready to play at this level. They’re going to have to earn the white helmet. Right now, they’re still JV players.”

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

GROVETON INDIANS 2019 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2018 GROVETON INDIANS VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

ETHAN McRORY

RYAN LUNA

COLE DEWITT

MARTIN CHAVEZ

MALACHI STEWART

WR/DB, JR

WR/DB, SR

RB/DL, JR

RB/DB, JR

CADE STEUBING

DYLAN WELLS

ZACH FISHER

TREVION BLOODWORTH

LUKE TAYLOR

QB/LB, JR

WR/DB, JR

RB/LB, SR

WR/DL, JR

BRIAN WILLIAMS

ROSS MODELAND

RILEY MOREHEAD

RYAN TURNER

BRAXTON TERRY

OL/DL, SR

We Support Our Local Team! Located N of Huntington on Hwy 69S 936.422.9909 • Open M-F 9am-5pm

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

We Love Football! 1702 N. Timberland Dr., Lufkin • 936-632-1123

HOUSTON TEXAN #16 KEKE COUTEE

HOUSTON TEXANS DATE OPPONENT TIME SEPT. 9 AT NEW ORLEANS 6:10 P.M. SEPT. 15 JACKSONVILLE NOON SEPT. 22 AT L.A. CHARGERS 3:20 P.M. SEPT. 29 CAROLINA NOON OCT. 6 ATLANTA NOON OCT. 13 AT KANSAS CITY NOON OCT. 20 AT INDIANAPOLIS NOON OCT. 27 OAKLAND NOON NOV. 3 AT JACKSONVILLE 8:30 A.M. NOV. 17 AT BALTIMORE NOON NOV. 21 INDIANAPOLIS 7:20 P.M. DEC. 1 NEW ENGLAND 7:20 P.M. DEC. 8 DENVER NOON DEC. 15 AT TENNESSEE NOON DEC. 22 AT TAMPA BAY NOON DEC. 29 TENNESSEE NOON

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASSOCIATED PRESS

DALLAS COWBOYS

Lyons LP Gas Inc Lyons LP GAS INC

DATE OPPONENT TIME SEPT. 8 N.Y. GIANTS 3:25 P.M. SEPT. 15 AT WASHINGTON NOON SEPT. 22 MIAMI NOON SEPT. 29 AT NEW ORLEANS 7:20 P.M. OCT. 6 GREEN BAY 3:25 P.M. OCT. 13 AT N.Y. JETS 3:25 P.M. OCT. 20 PHILADELPHIA 7:20 P.M. NOV. 4 AT N.Y. GIANTS 7:15 P.M. NOV. 10 MINNESOTA 7:20 P.M. NOV. 17 AT DETROIT NOON NOV. 24 AT NEW ENGLAND 3:25 P.M. NOV. 28 BUFFALO 3:30 P.M. DEC. 5 AT CHICAGO 7:20 P.M. DEC. 15 L.A. RAMS 3:25 P.M. DEC. 22 AT PHILADELPHIA 3:25 P.M. DEC. 29 WASHINGTON NOON

Get Your Team Sports apparel at

o v et o n Gr

APPLE SPRINGS, TEXAS

TROPHY & T-SHIRT SHOP

PO Box 214 • Apple Springs, TX • 936-831-2016

www.aaatrophy.com • 305 E. Denman • Lufkin • 936-634-5229 F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2019 GROVETON INDIANS BAND

Mark Ferden (936) 824-2178 (936) 824-2931 4100 S. US Hwy 69 â&#x20AC;¢ Lufkin

Proudly serving Angelina County

Since 1995

Acadian.com/Texas 60

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

Flooring, Decorative Tile & More

GROVETON HIGH SCHOOL BAND DIRECTOR OF BANDS: JASON TURRENTINE HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? 83 members WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? Great student musicians that work hard. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? Have great performances and enhance school spirit. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? Learn many life skills that will help them in real life such as goal setting,

Helping East Texans Work & Play

PAIN FREE

working with others to accomplish great things and how to be a positive influence on those they interact with. WHY DO YOU LIKE BEING A PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION? “I like being a part of this organization because the people I’m with are like my family. We all love music and want to represent the school to show how much we care. I’m very honored to do this and be a part of a group that puts their heart and soul into music. It just fills me with pride and happiness. I would never have liked it as much if we didn’t have a devoted band director like Mr. Turrentine putting time and energy into band to make us who we are now,” drum major Makahla Johnson said.

The Seafood Restaurant

“The Seafood of New Orleans” Since 1969

Proud to Support Angelina County Athletes!

Angelina

CHIROPRACTIC R. Keith Calda, D.C.

3906 S. Medford Dr. ~ Lufkin Across the loop from Cheddars Restaurant

936-639-1014

Come join us on the PATIO with live music!

Voted Best Seafood & One Of The Best Live Music & Bread/Rolls

634-8000

3107 South First Street www.ralphandkacoos.com F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

Eagles

TEAM INFO APPLE SPRINGS EAGLES ENROLLMENT 53 DISTRICT 13-1A DII STADIUM EAGLE STADIUM

APPLE SPRINGS HAS HIGH HOPES BUT CHALLENGES LIE AHEAD s t o ry b y

GARY STALLARD |

photos by

GARY STALLARD

Apple Springs head coach Cody Moree is probably one of those guys who doesn’t check out of his hotel room until the very last second. He definitely isn’t a big fan of packing his stuff early. The Eagles in 2018 showed impressive improvement, winning six games, but what bothers Moree and his players is that the team still came up just short of a playoff berth, leaving the Eagles out of the tournament for the third straight season. This year could snap the streak, however, as the team returns eight starters in a bid to play until late November — at the earliest. “We had a good year last year, even though we missed out F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

on the postseason,” Moree said. “We had some kids do some really good things, and we won six ball games. “But we weren’t satisfied. We were still packing our stuff too early in November. We want to carry over the work ethic from last year, and we’ve got to finish a couple of those games in district to get where we want to be.” Moree pointed out just how tough his district is, noting that all four teams have a shot at earning playoff spots. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see every one of the teams in this league beating on the playoff door,” Moree said.

OFFENSE

The Eagles, for the first time in a long time, will return every starter from their 2018 offense. Drayden Tullos and Ethan Hollis are the feature backs, and both come with four years of experience. Cody Baird, whose 2018 season led to an all-district selection, returns at quarterback. Mason Suggs, Blayne Coleman and Jacob Freeman will start at receiver. “They’ve all played a lot of football, so they know what to do and how to get things done,” Moree said. Moree added that this team has more ability to spread the ball around via both ground and air, and having Baird’s experience at a key position will offer plenty of diversity in the offensive attack. “We really think we can spread the ball around more,” Moree said. “We put some new wrinkles into our spread game, just because Cody is very proficient at running the ball, and we’ve got some guys out there who can create some space. We’re going to get our athletes out there and let them make some plays.”

APPLE SPRINGS 2019 SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT ’18 RECORD AUG. 30 COVENANT CHRISTIAN 4-5 SEPT. 6 AT LEVERETT’S CHAPEL 5-3 SEPT. 13 HIGH ISLAND 4-7 SEPT. 20 TYLER HEAT 2-7 SEPT. 27 AT KING’S ACADEMY 7-3 OCT. 4 FORT WORTH THESA 3-8 OCT. 11 AVALON 5-4 OCT. 25 TRINIDAD 6-4 NOV. 1 AT OAKWOOD 10-4 NOV. 8 CHESTER 2-7

APPLE SPRINGS 2018 RESULTS

5-4, 1-2 L KING’S ACADEMY 32-22 L LEVERETT’S CHAPEL 28-20 W TYLER HEAT 36-7 TEXAS CHRISTIAN 66-0 W AT COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN 69-19 W W WILLOWBEND 54-6 AT TRINIDAD 49-23 L L OAKWOOD 51-6 W CHESTER 52-6

DEFENSE

It’s six-man football, meaning more wide-open spaces and plenty of offensive fireworks. That’s why having playmakers on defense is crucial. Moree in the past has expressed his concerns when his teams lacked speed, and while the 2019 Eagles won’t break any track records, their ability to close on the ball will more than make up for sprinting speed. “It’s not the out-and-out speed on this team,” Moree said. “If you time us in 40s and 100s and those types of measurements, we may not look as good as others. But we’ve got some good football quickness I feel will keep us around the ball defensively. The kids who are going to play a lot on defense are the headhunter types of players. They’re always around the ball, and they’re always ready to make a hit. “Our experience certainly will help. Being in the right place can knock five yards off any sprint. They have some confidence. It’s not their first rodeo. Of the 13 kids we have playing football, eight of those are seniors. Terminology, responsibility and all the other stuff involved are like the backs of their hands now. That makes us feel pretty good.” F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

APPLE SPRINGS AT A GLANCE 2018: 4-5 OVERALL, 1-2 IN DISTRICT COACH: CODY MOREE RETURNING STARTERS: 1 OFFENSIVE, 3 DEFENSIVE TOP NEWCOMERS: With summer practice just getting underway, Moree said the need to look at newcomers isn’t a priority as far as starting positions go. He has plenty of veterans holding down positions. Those anonymous (for now) underclassmen will need time to develop, and the team will need them to move quickly in order to provide depth. “We really don’t have any newcomers labeled yet, just because of all the experience we have returning,” Moree said. “We’re a senior-heavy ball club this year. We have some freshman working their way up, but it’s going to be our upperclassmen who get us where we want to go.” PLAYERS TO WATCH: “You’re going to hear about Ethan Hollis, especially defensively,” Moree said. “He and Drayden Tullos were First-Team All-District last year. They’re going to make a lot of tackles. On the offensive side, Drayden’s going to carry the rock a lot. And we’re really looking forward to seeing what Cody Baird can do in this offense.” KEY LOSSES: Running back Layne Spring played a huge role in the Eagles’ 2018 success, and the Eagles certainly will miss his productivity. However, Moree thinks his current crop of backs won’t let the offensive output slip. PRIMARY STRENGTHS: Easy call here: Experience. The current Eagle upperclassmen have been part of the program for four years. They know what every practice whistle means, and they know what it’s going to take to win games. “Our leadership and experience is a huge plus, without a doubt,” Moree said. “In fact, we talked about it after a recent practice. We had some distractions, it was unbelievably hot, and some of the younger players were having a hard time with all of it. But those seniors never skipped a beat. I told them after practice, ‘Guys, I don’t know a better way to describe that other than leadership and maturity.’ When the players are setting the tempo and the standards rather than the coaches setting it, a team has a chance to go from good to great in a hurry.”

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Eight veterans sounds great for a six-man team, but after those players, the depth chart looks a little worrisome at this point. “We have to be honest with ourselves and call it what it is: Our lack of depth is scary,” Moree said. “We feel we’re in great shape with our starters, but we drop off from our seniors to our sophomores and freshmen in a hurry. We’re looking at six or eight kids playing all night long. We know we have to be in real good shape, and we have to be smart offensively, catch our breath and use the play clock when we can. The main thing is we have to stay healthy.”

APPLE SPRINGS EAGLES 2019 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

OVERVIEW: Think of six-man football as a basketball game. Some of the scores reach the 60s and 70s, and points can come in a hurry. For that reason, no lead is safe, and Moree wants his players to remember that when they’re on the wrong end of a shootout. “I think we have to learn — and you only do this through playing — that we’re never really out of a ball game,” Moree said. “We need to face a little adversity and overcome it. It’s nice when you have those weeks when you’re head and shoulders

above your competition, but that doesn’t make you a better football player. Our non-district schedule should accomplish that for us. We’ve got some tough folks on our schedule. We need to learn to fight through all of it to see how it feels once we come out on the other side.” KEY NUMBER: 8 Eight returning seniors. All experienced veterans with plenty of talent. They’ve worked for years for this, so expect the Eagles to fly even higher in 2019. F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2019 APPLE SPRINGS EAGLES VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

MASON SUGGS

JASON CHOATE

JACKSON CHOATE

ETHAN HOLLIS

DRAYDEN TULLOS

BLAYNE COLEMAN

RB/LB, SR

RB/DB, JR

WR/DB, JR

WR/DB, FR

WR/DB, SOPH

WR/FS, SR

JACOB FREEMAN

CODY BAIRD

ZACHERY STRANGE

TRISTAN TURNER

KAMERON SPENCER

HUNTER NUNN

RB/LB, JR

QB/LB, JR

WR/DB, FR

RB/DE, FR

QB/FS, JR

WR/DB, SR

44 MATTHEW BRISTER WR/DB, JR

Timberland Nursery

Good luck Panthers! Melvin & Silvia Walker, Owners Serving Lufkin Since 1955!

2202 N. Timberland 639-2277

Get Your Team Sports apparel at

Wells

Pirates

TROPHY & T-SHIRT SHOP

www.aaatrophy.com • 305 E. Denman • Lufkin • 936-634-5229

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2019 APPLE SPRINGS EAGLES DISTRICT 13-1A DII

OAKWOOD LAST YEAR: 10-4, 3-0 IN DISTRICT — STATE SEMIFINALIST RETURNERS: 2 OFFENSIVE, 3 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB KEY’UNDRE DAVIS, RB/CB JERIMIAH SARGENT, FB/DB COOPER EDGEMAN OVERVIEW: Following a trip to the state semifinals, Oakwood has no plans on taking a step back in 2019. Even after losing some key starters, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has them picked to win the district. Davis is the top returner after running for 1,205 yards and 21 touchdowns a season ago. Meanwhile, Sargent carries the load on the defensive side where he had seven interceptions and five sacks last season. TRINIDAD LAST YEAR: 6-4, 2-1 — BI-DISTRICT FINALIST RETURNERS: 3 OFFENSIVE, 5 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR/DB HUNTER ROBINSON, WR/DB DEMAJEIGH HAMPTON, RB/ DB ROMAL WOMACK, RB/LB BRAYDON DICKEY, DE C.J. THOMAS, WR/DB MARCELLO SHOFNER, WR JULIUS STEVENSON, C/DL CAMERON BROOKINS OVERVIEW: Last year’s district runner-up is expected to repeat that feat again this year. They’ll have playmakers at their disposal as Womack is set to carry the load in the backfield. Robinson, who picked off 13 passes last season, is the playmaker on defense. CHESTER LAST YEAR: 2-7, 0-3 IN DISTRICT RETURNERS: 5 OFFENSIVE, 5 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: SB/LB JARED YOUNG, RB/CB JAKE PITRY, RB/DE CARSYN WHITWORTH, WR/CB LEVI GOINS, QB/DB CARSON THOMPSON, OL/DL AUSTIN JENKINS, OL/DL JACKSON KNOX, OL/K LUKE READ OVERVIEW: Chester will see if experience can lead to better results as they return all but one starter from last year’s team that stumbled to a 2-7 mark that included a winless district record.

Lyons LP Gas Inc

LP GAS INC

ple Ap

Sprin g s

Lyons

Get Your Team Sports apparel at

Eagles

APPLE SPRINGS, TEXAS

TROPHY & T-SHIRT SHOP

PO Box 214 • Apple Springs, TX • 936-831-2016

www.aaatrophy.com • 305 E. Denman • Lufkin • 936-634-5229 F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2019 APPLE SPRINGS EAGLES CHEER | BAND

APPLE SPRINGS CHEER TEAM TEAM SPONSOR: KATIE HILDEBRAND HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? Eight members WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? Our total obsession and passion for our school sets us apart from other squads. We go above and beyond for our school and support our students however we are able. This squad dedicates hours to tutoring others, cheering on the sidelines and assisting the school in whatever way possible. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? This year we are really trying to focus on bettering our leadership skills and getting more involved in the community. We want to begin

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

community service projects and really instill Eagle pride in our school and the town. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? It is my hope that my girls are able to believe in themselves and stand up for what they believe in. By being the face of the school, we have opportunities to better ourselves and the people around us by showing a cheerful and friendly attitude and working hard towards our goals. WHY DO YOU LIKE BEING A PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION? ”I like being together, laughing and creating memories. My squad members are like sisters to me, and l love that we are able to rely on each other no matter what,” Captain Emily Brister said.

HUDSON HORNET BAND (PERFORMS AT APPLE SPRINGS HOME GAMES)

from the band. If we get some trophies, that would be nice, too.

DIRECTOR OF BANDS: STEVEN BROWN

WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? I hope they leave every year feeling like they have accomplished something on their instrument. Every year should get better and better. I hope they have and develop a passion for music that they will use for the years to come.

HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? 55 members WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? Our group stands out for their commitment and pride not only to the band program but to our school and community. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? This year, I hope my students move on to the next year of their lives with great memories and experiences

WHY DO YOU LIKE BEING A PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION? “It feels like a second family. Everyone is always looking out for each other and working together. Being in the band will give us memories that will last forever,” drum majors Stevee Gilbert and Makenzie Ray said.

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

Yellowjackets

TEAM INFO ALTO YELLOWJACKETS ENROLLMENT 200 DISTRICT 10-2A DI STADIUM CAM’RON MATTHEWS STADIUM

TOUGH NON-DISTRICT SLATE SHOULD TOUGHEN UP ALTO s to ry b y

GARY STALLARD |

p h otos b y

JOHN KRUEGER

The two-a-days in the summer are necessary. Those sessions usually are a team’s first workouts together in preparation for the upcoming season. Scrimmages are fine. Those are the final dress rehearsals before the big games. But the pre-district portion of the season often is where teams make or break themselves. Alto head coach Ricky Meeks knows how big those games can be in preparing his players for the rigors of league play. His Yellowjackets finished the 2018 season with an 8-4 record and a 4-1 mark in District 10-2A play. Two of the losses occurred in the pre-district portion of the schedule. “We had two pre-district losses,” Meeks said. “We have a very tough non-district schedule by design. When the district schedule rolls around, that’s the part that matters. The early games give us a chance to see where we are and assess where we need to be with things personnel-and depth chart-wise. We’re in a very tough district and region. We have to prepare our kids for that. They have to be ready.” Meeks knows such an approach can backfire. A blowout loss to a tough non-district opponent creates the risk of a team’s confidence dropping considerably. “There’s a fine line there,” Meeks said. “We tell our kids it’s not about what we do offensively or defensively, and it’s not about the other teams. It’s about us and what we can do. If we have a loss on Friday night, we want to be able to bounce back the next week and focus on ourselves instead of the competition or our expectations for making the playoffs. Making it about us every day keeps us in the right mindset.” The ’Jackets built the success but managed to avoid the “swagger” bug heading into a new year. Meeks said his team’s attitude from last year is something he hopes continues this season. “I think the big thing I really love with our players: There are two types of teammates when teams step into those Friday night arenas,” Meeks said. “There’s the player who’s all about the show and just wants the recognition, and there’s the player F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

who is all about the competition. We had way more of the second player than the first last year, and that’s what we have to have to be successful. ‘’We have to have guys on Friday nights who are ready to ‘go throw down.’ They have to be ready to compete, and they can’t worry about anything that goes with it. That’s for the support groups, for the fans, for everyone else. Let them deal with the glitz and glamour. Once you’re on the field, you have to be ready to compete, and we have a lot of that. As long as we continue to grow that, we’ll be successful. “Friday nights are for competing and nothing else. We have to keep that mentality.”

OFFENSE

As always, the skill guys will get their names in the box scores, and the 2019 Yellowjackets will have their share of productive players. However, Meeks said those guys can’t help much if the rest of the team isn’t working up front. “We’re fortunate to have some really good skill guys this year, and we’re going to play to their strengths,” Meeks said. “But offense is real simple: It’s all about blocking. If we’re not good up front, or if we’re not good at the overall blocking aspect, it doesn’t matter how good we are at the skill spots because we won’t be able to get them the ball, or they won’t be able to find any space, and we’re not going to get first downs.” Alto has four players back on the line: RT Foster Hall, RG Josh Castillo, C Cayle Irvin and LG Ryan Griffith. The team is still looking for a starting left tackle, according to Meeks. “We have four guys back on the offensive line, and three of those started every game last year,” Meeks said. “Another played significant minutes, so we have four experienced lineman heading into the season. That’s going to help a lot. We’ll work with younger guys to develop some depth. “We want to run the football. We’re going to line up and come right at you.’’

DEFENSE

Every coach and/or coordinator wants players getting to the ball. The Yellowjackets use such a swarming approach by design. “We’re in odd stack, which allows us to bring a lot of pressure,” Meeks said. “We tell our guys, if you can’t run in pursuit, you won’t be playing defense for us. We’re going to run to the football, and bring as much pressure as we can. We have three or four guys on the back end who are good in man-to-man coverage, which allows us to bring another defender in pressure. “We’re going to put heat on the offense and keep them behind the sticks.” Having veteran defensive players certainly will help the effort. Defensive ends Hall and Todd Duplichain played every game on the line. Linebackers Cayle Irvin and Harmon West were all-state selections. Covering all the space in the secondary are cornerbacks Skylar Atkins and Clayton Terry, along with Jerrion Skinner and Marlon Warren at the safety spots. “I’m pretty excited to see those guys in action on the back end,” Meeks said. “They’re very capable of making some huge plays.”

ALTO 2019 SCHEDULE DATE AUG. 30 SEPT. 6 SEPT. 13 SEPT. 20 SEPT. 27 OCT. 11 OCT. 18 OCT. 25 NOV. 1 NOV. 8

OPPONENT ’18 RECORD PALESTINE WESTWOOD 1-9 AT TIMPSON 4-7 NEW DIANA 3-7 AT GARRISON 10-3 AT CORRIGAN-CAMDEN 10-3 AT BIG SANDY 4-6 PRICE CARLISLE 12-1 AT CUSHING 6-5 HAWKINS 2-8 UNION GROVE 6-4

ALTO 2018 RESULTS

8-4, 4-1 W AT PALESTINE WESTWOOD 48-28 W TIMPSON 51-27 W AT NEW DIANA 32-14 GARRISON 35-21 L L CORRIGAN-CAMDEN 39-26 W BIG SANDY 21-12 L AT PRICE CARLISLE 55-12 W CUSHING 28-7 W AT HAWKINS 55-0 W AT UNION GROVE 34-0 W NORMANGEE 47-16 L GARRISON 43-13 F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

ALTO AT A GLANCE 2018: 8-4 OVERALL, 4-1 NON-DISTRICT, AREA FINALIST COACH: RICKY MEEKS RETURNING STARTERS: 8 OFFENSIVE, 7 DEFENSIVE TOP NEWCOMERS: “Kolt Dement looks like he’s really going to help us at linebacker,” Meeks said. “Offensively, Je’Darius Bolton has been working at two or three different skill positions. He’s going to have a big impact early on. He gives us a lot of flexibility.” PLAYERS TO WATCH: Vi’Dareous High was a 2,000-yard rusher for Alto last season, and he’s just a junior. Meeks said he’ll be the focal point of the running game. But the ’Jackets have several threats on the outside as well. “At receiver, we have three or four guys who are going to be tough to man up if teams try to load the box on us,” Meeks said. “Skinner, Warren, Atkins, Jay Pope — they give us a lot of options.” KEY LOSSES: Dalton Mabry, according to Meeks, is “going to be hard to replace. Dalton was a punt returner, started at safety, started as our ‘X’ out of the backfield,” Meeks said. “He was just one of those guys, it didn’t matter the situation, he was a football player. He is going to be tough to overcome. We have several players trying to fill the roles he handled himself.” PRIMARY STRENGTHS: The defensive line is shaping up to be something special, according to Meeks. “Our linemen and linebackers are the heartbeat of what makes us go right now,” he said. “That’s a good thing. If we’re stopping people, we’re getting more chances to get our hands on the ball.” POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: “We still have to get better at the quarterback position,” Meeks said. “We’re a lot further along than we were last year, but we’ve got to shore it up to make sure our offense reaches its full potential.” OVERVIEW: Nearly everything is aligned just right for the Yellowjackets to put together an outstanding season. However, Meeks said the team has to focus on two areas responsible for keeping the team from its full potential last season. “Offensively, our Achilles heel last year was turnovers,” Meeks said. “We fumbled the ball way too much, and just didn’t protect our possessions well. Early, we were trying to overcome four or five turnovers per game, and you just can’t do that against the schedule we play and expect to win. We also have to do a better job scoring once we get into the red zone. Those issues plagued us all year, and we really never overcame them. That’s the number one thing we have to improve.” KEY NUMBER: 5 That’s how many non-district games the ’Jackets have to shore up any weaknesses and develop the depth necessary for a brutal league schedule. With the talent and experience available on this group, Alto fans could be watching a lot of football throughout November and December.

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

ALTO YELLOWJACKETS 2019 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2019 ALTO YELLOWJACKETS VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

VI’DAREOUS HIGH

JERRION SKINNER

WILL DIXON

AARON SKINNER

CODY WATSON

RB/LB, SOPH

WR/DB, JR

WR/DB, SR

WR/DB, JR

WR/DB, SR

TAYLOR BOWMAN

KI’ALO DEASON

SKYLER ATKINS

JE'DARIUS BOLTON

TODD DUPLICHAIN

TE/LB, SR

TE/LB, JR

WR/DB, JR

TE/DL, JR

WR/DB, SOPH

ANGEL DEL CARMEN

KURRINSAI JACKSON

CAYLE IRVIN

JACKSON HOWELL

OL/LB, JR

OL/DL, SR

OL/DL, JR

SHAW INSURANCE We Shop—You Save

We Protect You

Proudly Supporting East Texas High School Sports! counts Best Dist Texas in Eas

1020 S. Chestnut • 936-637-6221 • 800-945-1843

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

Lufkin Fasteners

& Industrial Supplies

WE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL TEAMS! 4222 Hwy 69 N. • Lufkin 936-639-2114

HARMON WEST

MATTHEW RANDLE

LOGAN ROGERS

MARLON WARREN

ISAAK WEATHERFORD

RB/LB, JR

QB/LB, JR

WR/DB, SR

WR/DB, JR

RB/DL, SR

JAY POPE

CLAYTON TERRY

KOLT DEMENT

RYAN GRIFFITH

LANDRY SMITH

RB/DB, JR

WR/DB, SR

OL/LB, JR

OL/LB, SR

JORDAN SKINNER

FOSTER HALL

ANGEL SERRANO

AUSTIN WELLS

JOSH CASTILLO

OL/DL, SR

OL/DL, JR

OL/DL

Supporting Area Teams!

Get Your Team Sports apparel at

A lt o

Yellow Jackets

RED WING STORE - LUFKIN

2950 S JOHN REDDITT DR • SUITE 104 • LUFKIN, TX 936-630-7463 • M-F 9-6 • Sat. 10-5 lufkin.redwingshoestore.com

TROPHY & T-SHIRT SHOP

www.aaatrophy.com • 305 E. Denman • Lufkin • 936-634-5229 F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2019 ALTO YELLOWJACKETS CHEER | BAND

ALTO YELLOWJACKET CHEER SQUAD HEAD COACH: PAIGE MATTHEWS HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? 15 cheerleaders and a mascot WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? Coming from a small school and community, our cheer squad pulls together to encourage and support every organization. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? My biggest goal that I want to accomplish this year is for

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

my cheer squad to be more of a family, rather than just a team. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? To enjoy the simple things in life and to know that this squad has and will overcome many obstacles from our past devastation. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? “Being a coach’s kid, I have always been a part of school sports. As a cheerleader, I feel like I am not only cheering on my fellow classmates but my family,” Abby Bernard said.

ALTO MEAN STING MARCHING MACHINE DIRECTOR OF BANDS: TIMOTHY EKTEFAEI

resiliency is something else that I really admire about the band this year.

HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION? 105 members, which makes this the third year in a row with 100-plus

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR? I hope that we have a great year and are still able to live up to our standard of excellence despite the circumstances. I know that we will surpass all expectations.

WHAT MAKES YOUR GROUP STAND OUT? I think the fact that we are a 2A high school with over 100 members makes us turn a few heads when we show up to perform on Friday nights. With all the obstacles that Alto has faced in the recent months from the tornado that devastated our community, the kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR MEMBERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE? After it is all said and done, I hope that the students of the Mean Sting Marching Machine will walk away with the confidence in themselves to go out and be hard working members of society.

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

2019 ALTO YELLOWJACKETS DISTRICT 10-2A DI PRICE CARLISLE LAST YEAR: 12-1, 5-0 IN DISTRICT — REGIONAL SEMIFINALIST RETURNERS: 5 OFFENSIVE, 5 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB CARLOS DELEON, QB BRETT ROLAND, DE LOUIE GARZA, OL ALEX GARZA, WR/PK AARON GALLEGOS, OL JADEN JORDAN, OL CASEY YOUQUELET, RB COREY ROE, OL ANDREW PARROTT OVERVIEW: An undefeated regular season and a trip three rounds deep led to a memorable 2018 for Price Carlisle. Even with several of those players graduated, they are still ranked 15th by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. Finding a quarterback could be the biggest key on offense as DeLeon and Roland are competing for the spot. On defense, Louie Garza had 86 tackles, 28 of those for losses, and 10 sacks. BIG SANDY LAST YEAR: 5-6, 3-2 IN DISTRICT — BI-DISTRICT FINALIST RETURNERS: 5 OFFENSIVE, 4 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB CADEN MINTER, WR JOSH SHIPMAN, RB ASHTON BEASON, DL CAIN MARTINEZ, DL DAVID BROWN, RB KEDRON BROWN, DB ELIJAH BEARD, LB LANE CARLSON, RB DAKARI MENEFEE OVERVIEW: Big Sandy is expected to make a return to the playoffs after last season’s 5-6 finish. Minter threw for 1,567 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. His top returning target is Shipman, who caught three touchdown passes. Beason and Brown are the top threats on the ground. On the defensive side, Martinez had 84 tackles, including seven for losses. Brown added 85 tackles and three interceptions and Beard picked off two passes. CUSHING LAST YEAR: 6-4, 2-3 IN DISTRICT — BI-DISTRICT FINALIST RETURNERS: 6 OFFENSIVE, 9 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB/DB DEUCE GARRETT, LB/RB THOMAS WALLACE, WR/LB JOSEPH HUMPHRIES, FB/DB REID ALLEN, WR/LB THADD TURNER OVERVIEW: Cushing has the type of returning talent at the key positions on the offensive side of the ball that should make it a playoff threat once again. Garrett threw for 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns last season while Wallace ran for 1,000 yards. Cushing also returns nine players on the defensive side of the ball, led by Humphries UNION GROVE LAST YEAR: 6-4, 1-4 IN DISTRICT RETURNERS: 4 OFFENSIVE, 8 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/DB Matthew Bower, OL/DL Conner Ferguson, OL/LB Dylan Bell, WR/DB Chase Mead, OL/DL Dillan Arden, OL/DL Kenneth Johnson, WR/DB Davis Hairston OVERVIEW: It was feast or famine for Union Grove last season as it went undefeated in nondistrict action before missing the playoffs thanks to a 1-4 district record. They’ll need to find answers on the offensive side of the ball, although they return eight players on defense. Bower, Ferguson, Bell and Mead each recorded at least 50 tackles last year. HAWKINS LAST YEAR: 2-8, 0-5 IN DISTRICT RETURNERS: 7 OFFENSIVE, 6 DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH: LB J.D. McGowen, DB Paeton Smith, QB Zach Conde, LB Jeramy Torres, DL Ibory Taylor OVERVIEW: An overtime loss to Union Grove started a winless slide in district play for the Hawks last season. They’ll look to regroup with Conde leading the way at quarterback. Six players are back on defense, including a few key playmakers that could make Hawkins more competitive.

F R I D AY N I G H T L I G H T S 2 0 1 9

PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

2019

Mari Badders Voted Best Attorney in Lufkin

GO! FIGHT! WIN! A BADDERS TRADITION SINCE 1964

(833) BADDERS • BADDERSLAWFIRM.COM Lufkin • Nacogdoches • Center • Houston • Waco

WHEN IT MATTERS, CALL BADDERS

One Dream. One Goal. One Chance.

Huntington Red Devils

Apple

Springs Eagles

Lum berjacks

Lufkin

Groveton Indians

Panthers

Alto Yellowjackets

Corrigan Bulldogs

2019 Ford F250 Platinum

Al Meyer Ford ∙ 800 N. Medford Drive ∙ Lufkin, TX 936-632-6611 ∙ www.almeyer.net