2012 Football Preview

SECTION D
Sunday, August 26, 2012
2012 Football Preview

BeaumontEnterprise.com
Southeast Texas teams hope in 2012 to create the kind of memories experienced last year with the deep playoff runs of Ozen and Vidor.
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Preseason All-Area Team Memories are H made on the field

ereistheBeaumontEnterprise preseason all-area team. Players were selected by the Beaumont Enterprise sports staff.
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At the end of the season, The Enterprise will print its Super Gold team, based on player accomplishments throughout the season.
Commentary
etails are a matter of perspective. Twenty-two players share the field. Several others watch from the sideline. Yet for many, the memory created lives only through the eyes and in the minds of each individual. Take the controversial forward pass/ lateral that played such a key part in the district championship-deciding game between West Orange-Stark and Nederland in 2000. Many current high school players had barely begun kindergarten when that play occurred. Yet the debate continues.
CDabe@BeaumontEnterprise.com Sports Editor
Christopher Dabe
pages of The Enterprises high school football preview section. Youll also read teamby-team capsules filled with essential information leading into the 2012 season. Accompanying most team previews is a short Q-and-A with one player from each team asking them to reflect on their favorite and least favorite moments as a player and spectator. The answers vary. But theyre not all what you think. Theyre not all about moments remembered by the thousands in the bleachers and still talked
about to this day. Theyre not controversial. Theyre not historic. Theyre just small moments. They happen nearly every week. But to those players, these are the biggest moments of their young lives. For one player, a long kickoff return as a sophomore proved to him that he belonged on the varsity. Another player remembered being chewed out by coaches at halftime and he released his pent-up anger on the player across the line of scrimmage. One player remembered how a teammate flipped his way into the end zone. Another player remembered sitting through miserably hot weather on the sideline. That was his least favorite memory. The season starts Thursday. Some games will stand out more than others. And moments big and small will never be forgotten. Those moments will continue for a lifetime.
Offense
Defense
Quarterback: Robert Mitchell, sr., Central. 6-feet, 185 Quarterback: Dante Smith, sr., Hamshire-Fannett. 6-foot-2, 190 Running Back: Jakobi Jones, sr., Ozen. 5-foot-7, 155 Running Back: Glenn Roberts, sr., East Chambers. 5-foot-8, 170 Receiver: John Leday, sr., Port Arthur Memorial. 6-foot-1, 175 Receiver: JMarcus Rhodes, sr., West Orange-Stark. 6-foot-1, 180 Receiver: LaDarious Spearman, sr., West Brook. 6-foot2, 195 Offensive Line: Ryan Bean, jr., Kelly. 5-foot-11, 220 Offensive Line: Jacob Keene, sr., Kirbyville. 6-foot-5, 265 Offensive Line: Kanon Mackey, jr., Silsbee. 6-foot-3, 245 Offensive Line: Justin Reasons, sr., Port NechesGroves. 6-foot-3, 270 Offensive Line: Caleb Wright, jr., Ozen. 6-foot-3, 265 Utility: D.J. Dean, sr., Newton. 5-foot11, 175
Defensive Line: Koby Couron, sr., Nederland. 6-foot-3, 235 Defensive Line: JaRon Greene, sr., West Brook. 6-foot3, 285 Defensive Line: Brock Pryor: sr., Nederland. 6-foot-1, 275 Defensive Line: Matthew Romar, sr., PA Memorial. 6-foot-2, 250 Linebacker: Montana Quirante, sr., Vidor. 6-feet, 205 Linebacker: Korbin Stampley, sr., Nederland. 6-foot-1, 200 Linebacker: Daniel Woodson, sr., West Orange-Stark. 5-foot-11, 200 Secondary: Jalen Barnes, sr., PA Memorial. 6-foot-1, 180 Secondary: Darius Lemora, sr., PA Memorial. 6-foot, 175 Secondary: Raleigh Johnson, sr., Ozen. 6-foot-2, 170 Secondary: Quinton Tezeno, sr., West Orange-Stark. 5-foot-11, 170 Utility: Travon Blanchard, sr., West Orange-Stark. 6-foot-2, 185 Utility: Tony Brown, jr., Ozen. 6-feet, 185
To Nederland supporters, it was a forward pass that should have been ruled incomplete. To WO-S backers, it was correctly ruled a lateral a fumble that Paul Thomas alertly scooped up and ran to the end zone. Youll read plenty more about that play within the
Table of contents Season Previews
48 minutes to last a lifetime ...........4D Games we remember.....................5D DISTRICT 21-5A West Brook...................................7D Port Arthur Memorial ..................7D DISTRICT 20-4A Central..........................................8D Ozen.............................................8D Lumberton ...................................8D Little Cypress-Mauriceville ..........8D Nederland.....................................9D Port Neches-Groves......................9D Vidor ............................................9D DISTRICT 21-3A Bridge City .................................10D Buna ...........................................10D Hamshire-Fannett......................10D Hardin-Jefferson.........................10D Orangefield.................................11D Silsbee.........................................11D West Orange-Stark.....................11D DISTRICT 20-3A Jasper ..........................................12D PRIVATE SCHOOLS Kelly ...........................................12D Legacy ........................................12D District 10-2A-I ................ 13D-14D Other area districts......................14D
Beaumont Enterprise sports staff

DaviD Henry CHristopHer Dabe JareD ainswortH amos morale iii Jon styf
Beaumont Enterprise photography staff

Guiseppe barranCo Dave ryan
Section designed and copy edited by

mike tobias
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bryce cooper, Vidor
tony brown, ozen
48 minutes to last a lifetime

Moments that occur on the football field can inspire topics of proud or sour conversation, and can live on as football lore for generations to come
By David Henry
aul Thomas was buying a 2005 white Chevrolet Tahoe from Granger Chevrolet in Orange one year ago when the salesman asked him why his name was so familiar. Thomas told him he once played football for West OrangeStark. All of a sudden, it clicked in the salesmans mind. The salesman, Bruce Borque, is a Nederland football fan. And Thomas was that guy the guy who scooped up a ball that Nederland players and fans thought was a forward pass and took it 83 yards for a touchdown for a win and the district championship in 2000 for WO-S. The whistle never blew to end the play and Thomas was just doing as he had been told. He played to the whistle. He was floored, said Thomas, now an assistant coach at WO-S. That (11) years later hed be selling a vehicle to the guy who did that. Controversy. A swing of emotions. An out-of-the-ordinary play. Defying insurmountable odds. Erasing years of history. Playing for a championship. All of these things contribute to games being memorable for both players and fans.
Southeast Texas, with a rich high school football tradition, has plenty of games that are still remembered years later. And every year more are added to the list. Last year, the Vidor Pirates won their first playoff game since 1964. The Ozen Panthers went from barely making the playoffs to upsetting the No. 3 team in the state. And the Kelly Bulldogs played for a state championship. Someday I can tell my kids and grandkids that in high school, my team beat one of the best teams that people said we werent supposed to beat, Ozen junior defensive end Myles Mouton said of his teams 14-10 win over No. 3 Brenham last season. Heading into this seamemories, page 15D
Tammy McKinley/The Enterprise
A host of Ozen defenders prevent Brenhams Troy Green from making it to the end zone in their Nov. 19 matchup at Thorne Stadium in Aldine. The Panthers won 14-10.
Games we remember
Former players, coaches and officials recall their most memorable high school football experiences
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DARRYL COLEMAN
championship, that was the best game. North Shore was dominating the first half and then West Brook made some adjustments and came back in the second half to win the ball game. They didnt give up. We were the underdogs.
Tudy Duriso, 67, former Charlton-Pollard football player

1964 Charlton-Pollard vs. Galveston Central GEORGE BRYANT
One game I will never, ever forget was Galveston Central vs. Charlton-Pollard. Central had been beating everyone by big scores, like 35-12. We saw them eating before the game, and we were under the impression that those guys were big guys. But when we saw them come to eat in Beaumont they were little guys. We beat them 20-0 that year. Nobody was expecting that.
BEAU HICKS
Beau Hicks, 82, longtime referee

1967 Nederland vs. Port Arthur Jefferson and 1974 Hebert vs. French
ON THE NEDERLAND/JEFFERSON GAME: They were playing at Nederland; the score at the time was very close. I was the field judge at the time. Late in the fourth quarter, I dont know how, but Im embarrassed to say the officiating crew lost track of the down. I dont know how we did it. Port Arthur ended up scoring on the fifth down. Nederland got the ball back on the kickoff and drove it in to score the winning touchdown. Final score was Nederland 39, Port Arthur 35. That doesnt happen very often where you forget the down. I was glad it didnt end up deciding the game. ON THE FRENCH/HEBERT GAME: They were playing this game at South Park Stadium. Hebert took the lead late in the game. After the touchdown they kicked off to a kid by the name of Ricky Williams. Ricky was an extremely fast running back. He went down the sideline and had outrun everybody on the field. He was going to score. When Ricky got in front of (Heberts) bench, a great big linebacker on their bench stepped off the bench with his helmet still in hand, grabbed (Williams) and slammed him to the ground. I was the referee in the game. By rule, I awarded a touchdown and French won the ball game 17-13. GAMES, page 15D
George Bryant, 76, longtime referee

2009 Central vs. Port Neches-Groves
(In 2009), Central and PN-G were playing each other for the district championship. Central had just scored (with 43 seconds left) to go up by two. They tried to kick the extra point but it was blocked and a guy from PN-G picked it up and ran it back the other way (98) yards to tie up the game. I had never seen anything like that A game decided by a blocked extra point run back for a touchdown (PN-G) went on to win in doubleovertime.
Darryl Coleman, 50, former Beaumont Charlton-Pollard student and current West Brook assistant custodian
2009 West Brook vs. North Shore
There have been a lot of good games, especially when (running back) Christine Michael played. But when West Brook played North Shore for the district
TUDY DURISO
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DISTRICT 21-5A
Memorial
Coach
Kenny R. Harrison (fourth season at Memorial, 28-11 overall and at Memorial)
Titans
2011 recap
13-2 overall, 4-1 district, lost in Class 5A Division II state semifinals
Returning starters
5 offense/7 defense
Returning all-district players

First team Matthew Romar, sr. def. end; Second team John Leday, sr. receiver; Walter Oliver, sr. def. tackle; James Jenkins, sr. cornerback
The Outlook
On offense Ricky Fisk takes over at quarterback for all-state player Terrence Singleton. The Titans will utilize a short passing offense this year. On defense The Titans will be in a 4-2-5 alignment this year with Darius Lemora moving from free safety to the bandit position.
Ricky Fisk
2012 Memorial Titans Schedule

Aug. 31 Sept. 8 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 *denotes district Central at Ozen Houston Westside at Bellaire (Butler) at Deer Park * Channelview* at North Shore* Open Baytown Sterling* at West Brook* La Porte* game 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
Q&A with Memorial quarterback Ricky Fisk
The X-Factor
Kicker Ricardo Estupinan is capable of making field goals as long as 45 yards.
Q A Q A
What is your favorite memory from a game you were involved in? Last year against North Shore. It was tied up most of the game but we won. We were hyped up trying to play them because North Shore is such a big rivalry for us. What is your least favorite memory of a game you were involved in? The Alice game (last year). It was real hot. Too hot. I sat on the bench for three quarters and was sweating before I even came onto the field in the fourth quarter.
Last playoff appearance

2011, lost 51-31 to Cibolo Steele in Class 5A Division II state semifinals.
Game to Watch: Nov. 9 against La Porte will be a rematch of last years Class 5A Division II Region III final and may decide the district championship.
West Brook
Coach
Kevin Flanigan (first season at West Brook, 94-71 overall)
Bruins
2011 recap
6-5 overall, 2-3 district, lost in first round of Class 5A Division I playoffs
Returning starters
1 offense/2 defense
Returning all-district players

None
The Outlook
On offense Chris Clack, a first-year starter, will be quarterback in Flanigans no-huddle spread offense. Stephen Wycoff, Cameron McBride and Justin Hervey will all see carries at running back. On defense Cornerback Justin Guillory and linebacker Tyler Guillory are the teams only returning starters in its new 3-4 alignment.
Justin Guillory
2012 West Brook Bruins Schedule

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 15 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 6 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 *- district games Ozen Central Houston Lamar at Houston Chavez Open La Porte* at Deer Park* Channelview* at North Shore* Port Arthur Memorial* at Baytown Sterling* 7 7 7 7 6 7 7 7 7 7 p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
Q&A with Justin Guillory, senior cornerback
The X-Factor
Devin Padia, who is competing for a spot at safety, has impressed coaches on both sides of the ball and will make an impact on the team this year somehow, Flanigan said.
Q A Q A
What is your favorite memory from a game you were involved in? Channelview (a 37-34 West Brook win) last year. It was a big game, very close and I had a big role in that game. ... I made a lot of stops and tackles. ... (Caleb Bluietts long kickoff return that set up the winning touchdown with nine seconds left) was unbelievable. Watching him do that, I felt like I was witnessing history in front of my eyes. What is your favorite memory from a game you watched as a spectator? (West Brooks win over) North Shore in 2009. North Shore always seems to have the better team. Everyone is always predicting them to beat West Brook. That game proved them wrong and showed West Brook has a lot of potential.
Last playoff appearance

2011, lost 31-30 to Deer Park in first round of Class 5A Division I playoffs
Game to watch: Oct. 12 at Deer Park should be a battle for the final playoff spot in District 21-5A.
The Bottom Line: Predicted order of finish for SE Texas Districts

21-5A 1. La Porte 2. North Shore 3. Port Arthur Memorial 4. Deer Park 5. West Brook 6. Baytown Sterling 7. Channelview
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2012 Central Jaguars Schedule
Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 20 Oct. 26 Nov. 3 Nov. 9 *denotes district at Port Arthur Memorial at West Brook WO-S Open Ozen* at Lumberton* PN-G* Vidor* at Livingston* LC-M* at Nederland* game 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
DISTRICT 20-4A
Central
Coach: Andrew Washington (4th season at Central and overall, 19-16) 2011 recap: 2-8 overall, Returning starters:
4 offense/5 defense 1-6 in district, did not make the playoffs
Jaguars
Returning all-district
On offense The Jaguars are switching from the spread to the I-formation with more of an emphasis on the run game. On defense Central runs a 3-4 defense and Washington believes the strength could be in the
Landen Malbrough
players: None The outlook:
Game to watch: Sept. 28 vs. Ozen. Central still is smarting from the double-overtime loss in 2011. defensive line of Isaiah Petry, Cameron Bean and DeAnthony Sam. downs last year despite missing three games with a shoulder injury.
Q&A with Landen Malbrough, senior receiver
The X-Factor: Senior quarterback Robert Mitchell, who ran for five touchdowns and threw two touch-
Last playoff appearance: 2010, lost
Q A
27-21 to Humble in Class 4A Division I area round.
What is your favorite memory from a game you played in? When I scored those two touchdowns against LC-M last year. It was just joy. What is your least favorite memory
Ozen
Coach: Jeff Nelson (4th
season at Ozen, 12-21 at Ozen and overall)
from a game you played in? My least favorite memory was when I dropped that touchdown pass against Memorial. I just lost track of the ball. I just lost focus. When youre open, thats the hardest ball to catch. I was thinking about what I was going to do after the catch.
2012 Ozen Panthers Schedule

Aug. 31 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 20 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 *denotes district at West Brook vs. Memorial at Stephenville Dallas at. Central* vs. Vidor* at Livingston* vs. LC-M* at Nederland* at PN-G* vs. Lumberton* game 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Panthers
2011 recap: 7-6 overall,
4-3 district, lost in the third round of Class 4A Div. II playoffs Michael, sr., wide receiver; Leeland Hamilton, sr., wide receiver; Blake Norris, sr., kicker; Kourtney Williams, sr., cornerback.
Myles Mouton
Game to watch: Oct. 26 at Nederland should have playoff implications. rusher Jakobi Jones. On defense The Panthers are stacked in the secondary with returning all-district cornerback Kourtney Williams, and top prospect Tony Brown. Nelson said he believes Ozens speed on defense and stout secondary will allow them to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Returning starters:
5 offense/6 defense
Jones, sr., running back. Second team Andrew
Returning all-district players: MVP Jakobi
On offense Senior Jordan Ozen will be the man under center for the Panthers, who are looking to run the ball more than they have the past few seasons. The team should have some success as they return last seasons top
The outlook:
18-6 in the third round of Class 4A Div. II playoffs to La Marque.
The X-Factor: The Panthers have put an emphasis on special teams play in practice and are hoping that gives them an edge against opponents.
Q&A with Myles Mouton, junior defensive end
Q A
What is your favorite memory of a game you were involved in? The first playoff game. We played
against Barbers Hill. We were all excited. We had the crowd with us, people cheering for us... It got us all hyped. What is your least favorite memory as a player? The La Marque game. We worked so hard to come up short and then everything just went downhill.
Q A
Lumberton
Coach: Alvin Credeur (7th
year, 34-27 overall and at Lumberton)
Raiders
1-6 in district, did not make the playoffs The Raiders are switching from the Slot-T to the I-formation with the hope of having more of a balanced attack. On defense Lumberton will run a 3-4 defense. Junior defensive end Drew Manley, who is 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, could play an important role on defense if he isnt named the
2012 Lumberton Raiders Schedule

Aug. 30 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 *denotes district
The outlook: On offense
at Goose Creek Memorial 7 p.m. at Barbers Hill 7:30 p.m. Silsbee 7:30 p.m. Open at PN-G* 7:30 p.m. Central* 7:30 p.m. at Vidor* 7:30 p.m. Livingston* 7:30 p.m. at LC-M* 7:30 p.m. Nederland* 7:30 p.m. at Ozen* 7:30 p.m. game
Garrett Bourque
Q&A with Garrett Bourque, senior receiver
2011 recap: 1-9 overall, Returning starters:

4 offense/4 defense
Game to watch: Sept. 14 vs. Silsbee is a potential momentum builder before district play. teams starting quarterback. deur hopes no player needs to start on both sides of the ball.
Q A
The X-Factor: Depth. Cre-

31-21 to Crosby in Class 4A Division II bidistrict round.
Returning all-district players: None
What is your favorite memory from a football game youve been involved in? Sophomore year my first game against Jasper I returned the opening kickoff 30 yards to the 40. I was surprised and excited knowing I ple-overtime. We ran the shoe play and I was pitched the ball and (Livingston) didnt expect that. I got clipped, popped back up and scored the touchdown. Whats your favorite memory as a spectator? When I went to Texas A&M (for a game against Idaho). I got to stand on the sidelines and just take in everything. That was a pretty good experience. I didnt even expect to be playing there. I was just going with a friend. We went on the field after the game and kind of threw the football around and I was like
was the young guy proving I could play. What is your favorite memory as a spectator? In 2007 watching us beat La Marque in the second round of the playoffs. They were the defending state champs. It makes you want to work and it gives you something to look forward to.
Q A
Little-Cypress Mauriceville
Battlin Bears
Coach: Randy Crouch (4th
season at LC-M, 15-15; 6th season overall, 25-25)
2012 LC-M Battlin Bears Schedule

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 20 Oct. 26 Nov. 3 Nov. 9 *denotes district at West Orange-Stark at Silsbee Coldspring at Livingston* Port Neches-Groves* Nederland* at Ozen* Lumberton* at Central* Vidor* game
2011 recap:
4-6 overall, 1-6 district
Returning starters:
6 offense, 7 defense
Alex Sezer, sr., running back. On offense The Bears will take more snaps under center after running most
Returning all-district players: Second team
plays out of the shotgun last season. Sezer will pace the rushing attack (581 yards in 2011). On defense This should be a strength, with experienced returning players. Crouch said to expect three down linemen and four linebackers in several sets.
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The X-Factor:
Game to watch: Aug. 31 at West Orange-Stark. The Bears havent played the Mustangs in a while. This should be an exciting match-up between crosstown rivals. finals.
Q A
Keeping Sezer healthy.
The outlook:
Q&A with Alex Sezer, senior running back
41-20 to La Marque in the Class 4A Division I quarter-
Whats your favorite memory of a game
you were involved in? My sophomore year against Livingston. We ran a trick play and it kind of sparked us to come back. We won in tri-
Alex Sezer
What if I get to play here one day? And it actually came true. (Sezer is verbally committed to sign with Texas A&M).

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 *denotes district
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DISTRICT 20-4A
Nederland
Coach: Larry Neumann
(20th season at Nederland, 146-74-1 overall and at Nederland). 7-0 district, lost in regional semifinals of Class 4A Division I playoffs.
2012 Nederland Bulldogs Schedule
Bulldogs
Caleb Malveaux, jr., defensive tackle; Brock Pryor, jr., defensive tackle; Jordan Wood, sr., linebacker; Korbin Stampley, sr., linebacker. Second team Seth Barrow, sr., receiver; Michael Shaw, sr., receiver; DeShawn Washington, jr., tight end; Koby Couron, sr., defensive end; Zach Taylor, sr., cornerback
Crosby Goose Creek Memorial at Angleton Open at Vidor* Livingston* at LC-M* at Port Neches-Groves* Ozen* at Lumberton* Central* game
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Seth Barrow
nicely on defense.
players: First team
Game to watch: Sept. 28 at Vidor could decide the district championship.
Returning starters: 8
offense, 7 defense
The Outlook: On offense Nederland will run a mix of the spread and I-formations. Neumann said he will try to get Washington (6-3, 275) more involved in the passing game. On defense The Bulldogs remain in a 4-2-5
alignment led by linebackers Stampley and Wood. Up front, the Bulldogs are solid with defensive ends Couron and Washington and tackles Malveaux and Pryor. safety Sage Seay is a hard hitter and expected to fill in
in third round of Class 4A Division I playoffs.
The X-Factor: Sophomore
What is your favorite sports memory from a game you were a part of? (Nederlands 44-41) win over Ozen last
Q A
Q&A with Seth Barrow, senior receiver and defensive back
year. It was our only offensive shootout of the season. It was so exciting to be a part of that. What is your favorite memory from a game you were at as a spectator? (Mid-County Madness 2010) when (former Nederland receiver) Brent Salenga flipped (airborne) into the end zone. That was pretty sweet.
Port Neches-Groves
Coach: Brandon Faircloth 2011 recap: 7-4 overall,
(fourth season at PN-G, 2610 overall and at PN-G)
Indians
cornerback.
2012 Port Neches-Groves Indians Schedule

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 *denotes district at Silsbee 7:30 p.m. WO-S 7:30 p.m. Humble Summer Creek 7 p.m. Lumberton* 7:30 p.m. at LC-M* 7:30 p.m. at Central* 7:30 p.m. Nederland* 7:30 p.m. at Vidor* 7:30 p.m. Ozen* 7:30 p.m. at Livingston* 7:30 p.m. game

in first round to Dayton
The Outlook:
5-2 in district, lost 36-31 to Dayton in the Class 4A Division II bi-district round
offense/7 defense
gan Chipman, jr., receiver. Second team Justin Reasons, sr., offensive lineman; Kaleb Clark, sr.,
Returning all-district players: First team Lo-
Vidor
10-3 overall, 5-2 in district, lost to Angleton in third round of playoffs Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 20 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 *denotes district
On offense PN-G likes to spread the field. First-year quarterback A.J. Smith, a 6-foot-5 senior, will take over. His main target will likely be Logan Chipman, who had four receiving touchdowns last season as a sophomore. Spencer Wommack will step into the starting running back position after rushing for 71 yards and one touchdown last year as a junior. On defense The Indians
Game to watch: Oct. 19 vs. Nederland will have district title implications. run the 3-4. Faircloth believes senior linebacker Logan Warlick will lead the defense. Defensive back Kaleb Clark and linebacker Dalton Peveto have been on varsity since their sophomore seasons. fensive line, which returns two starters (junior Chris Mangini and senior Justin Reasons), will need to help create space for first-year starting quarterback A.J. Smith and first-year starting running back Spencer Wommack.
The X-Factor: The of-
What is your favorite memory from a game you played in? Against Texas City last year we were winning but I didnt have a good first half. The coaches were tearing me up, saying I better pick it up. I was mad and that first play that second half I took the nose for a ride. I ran him 20 yards before I pancaked him on the ground. I was just mad. What is your least favorite memory? Probably the most embarrassing I
Q A
Q&A with Chris Mangini, junior offensive lineman
Chris Mangini
Q A
thought they called a certain direction but I went the wrong way. Everybody else went right and I went left. It was against Dayton last year (in the playoffs). It wasnt the best game to mess up on.
in third round to Angleton.
Coach:
Jeff Mathews (13th season at Vidor, 6569 at Vidor and overall)
Pirates
(1,033 yards, 20 touchdowns). On defense Vidor returns nine starters in its 3-3 stack defense, and Mathews said he will have speed all over the field.
Q&A with Jonboy Smith, senior tight end
your Q What isfromaafavorite memory as football player game
A
Jonboy Smith
running backs this season with Justin Moore, T.J. Novak and Jeremy Stephenson.
you were involved in? When we scored 28 points for Matt
(Thomas) against Central last year. That was awesome. The emotions and adrenaline we were mad, sad, upset. There was a lot going through our heads and we used that against our opponent. (Thomas died a week earlier when he was hit by a train. He wore No. 28.)
Q What is your leastas favorite memory a player? Angleton in A thirdhalf (lastthe second year in the round). They
broke us down at the end. They scored a bunch in 5 minutes. Then turning around and looking at all of the fans they kind of gave up, too. It was hard.
2011 recap:
offense/9 defense
The X-Factor: The team will have three new starting
Montana Quirante, sr., linebacker; Quintin Whitmire, sr., safety; Jonboy Smith, sr., tight end. Second team Michael Godeaux, sr., linebacker; Bryce Cooper, sr., safety; Austin Rodriguez, sr., cornerback.
Returning all-district players: First team
2012 Vidor Pirates Schedule

Santa Fe at Bridge City at Clear Brook Open Nederland* at Ozen* Lumberton* at Central* PN-G* Livingston* at LC-M* game
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.
The Outlook: On offense Vidor uses the Slot-T formation, a run-heavy offense. Senior quarterback Montana Quirante was the leading rusher last year
Game to watch: Sept. 28 vs. Nederland will have district title implications.

DISTRICT 20-4A 1. Nederland Bulldogs 2. Vidor Pirates 3. Port Neches-Groves Indians 4. Ozen Panthers 5. Livingston Lions 6. Central Jaguars 7. Little Cypress-Mauriceville Battlin Bears 8. Lumberton Raiders
10D

2012 Bridge City Cardinals Schedule
Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 *denotes district at Newton Vidor at Kelly Open at Buna at Jasper Silsbee* at Hamshire-Fannett* Hardin-Jefferson* at West Orange-Stark* Orangefield* game 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. role as one of the teams playmakers after losing its top two from the previous season Matt Menard and Cameron Dishon.
DISTRICT 21-3A
Bridge City
Coach: Cris Stump (6th
season at Bridge City, 2625 overall and at Bridge City) 4-1 district, lost in first round of Class 3A Division II playoffs
Cardinals
2011 recap: 8-3 overall, players: First team Zach Cole, sr. linebacker. Second team Tanner Cervenka, sr. receiver and defensive back. Returning starters: 2
offense/3 defense
Coldspring in first round of Class 3A Divisioin II playoffs
Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 7-0 to
Q&A with Zach Cole, senior middle linebacker
Game to watch: Nov. 9 at Orangefield in the Bayou Bowl. This game has decided a playoff spot the past two years. strengths. Ashton Hunter, Cruz Dearborn and Jonah Lemoine will all see carries at running back. On defense Cole leads the way at middle linebacker in Bridge Citys 4-3 defense while Cervenka is expected to lock down the secondary. The Cardinals dont have much experience on the front line.
The Outlook: On offense The Cardinals will remain in the spread offense but will have a new starting quarterback in Daniel Faulk. The running game will be one of the teams
Q A
The X-Factor: Keaton Langston, a junior receiver, could fill the much-needed
What is your favorite memory of a game you were involved in? Last year, our victory stomping Orangefield in the Bayou Bowl 35-0. We lost by a close margin sophomore year. It felt good to go back and beat them at their own stadium. What is your least favorite memory of
Zach Cole
Buna
Coach: Bradley Morgan
(14th season at Buna, 6072 overall and at Buna) 4-3 district
a game you were a part of? Last years (21-16) loss to West OrangeStark. We should have won it. We made stupid mistakes on special teams. That game was ours to take.
2012 Buna Cougars Schedule

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 *denotes district
Cougars
2011 record: 7-3 overall,
offense/7 defense
Glenn Patrick, sr., safety; Bryce Tippett, sr., off. and def. tackle.
at Center at Kirbyville Liberty Hemphill Bridge City* at Silsbee* Hamshire-Fannett* at Hardin-Jefferson* West Orange-Stark* at Orangefield* game
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
55-13 to Newton in Class 2A Division II bidistrict game
Q&A with Chris Champion, offensive guard and defensive lineman
Returning starters: 6 Returning all-district players: Second team
Chris Champion, sr., guard;
The Outlook: On offense The Cougars will run a Slot-T with Patrick under center. Three or four different players will see time at running back, replacing last years leading rusher, Lynn Williams. On defense Champion,
Game to watch: Sept. 28 against Bridge City should be a good indicator of how well Buna will fare in its new district. Tippett and Dalton Ford return as starters in the defensive line for Bunas 4-3 defense. terback, allowing Patrick to play a position on offense where he could be more dangerous.
Q A
The X-Factor: Sophomore Kreston Richardson could take over as starting quar-
Whatisyourfavorite sportsmemoryofa gameyouwereinvolvedin? Last year (64-62 win) against Hemphill. We had a touchdown pass in the last seven seconds of the game to win. I was pumped. I was blocking but the quarterback was right behind me running my way. I watched it happen. As soon as he released the ball I knew it was finding the receiver. If you want the truth, (before the snap) I really
Chris Champion
wasnt expecting (the play to work). What is your least favorite memory from a game you were involved in? (Last years 47-6 loss to) East Chambers. The game was televised and we didnt play well. I didnt want to go back and watch it.
Q A
Hamshire-Fannett
Longhorns
Coach: Kane Harris (first
season at H-F, first season overall) 1-4 in district, missed playoffs
2012 Hamshire-Fannett Longhorns Schedule

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 9 *denotes district at Splendora Anahuac at East Chambers Liberty at West Orange-Stark* Orangefield* at Buna* Bridge City* at Silsbee* Hardin-Jefferson* game
2011 recap: 2-8 overall, Returning starters: 7

offense/7 defense
Dante Smith, sr., quarterback; Jordan Brown, sr., defensive line.
The Outlook: On offense The Longhorns are switching from the spread to the I-formation with senior quarterback Smith (12 rush TDs, 9 pass TDs in 2011). On defense H-F will use an odd-front defense. The linebackers, led by seniors Andrew Anderson and Jacob King and sophomore Alex Bell, should make an impact.
7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
Q&A with Jordan Brown, senior running back

Whats your favorite memory from a game youve played in? Last year we kept up with West OrangeStark (WO-S won 22-12). Our line and secondary were doing really good. We stayed focused nad slowed down the tempo. We tried to catch them off guard. It surprised us because they always talk about how theyre going to mow through us. Whats a favorite memory from a game youve watched? I always like watching Oregon, and I remember Oregon vs.
Q A
Game to watch: Oct. 19 vs. Bridge City will showcase two skilled offenses.
Jordan Brown
ning back Jordan Brown, who will get more looks this year as a starter in the I-formation. Brown ran for 217 yards and two touchdowns last year as the No.
The X-factor: Senior run-
2 running back.
to Barbers Hill in the Class 3A Division I bidistrict round.
Q A
Auburn in 2010 (Auburn beat Oregon 22-19 in the BCS championship game). Auburn was pretty big and Oregon was small. Oregon was able to hang with them and slow them down.
Hardin-Jefferson
Coach: David Martel (8th 2011 recap: 1-9 overall, Returning starters: 6
offense/7 defense back. Second team Dylan Vannoy, sr., receiver.
Hawks
season at H-J, 21-49 overall and at H-J) 0-5 in 21-3A, did not make the playoffs Andy Martel, so., defensive
2012 Hardin-Jefferson Hawks Schedule

Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 *denotes district at Anahuac Splendora at Tarkington East Chambers Open West Orange-Stark* at Orangefield* Buna* at Bridge City* Silsbee* at Hamshire-Fannett* game 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
district round.
Q&A with Jared Gieseke, junior quarterback

What is your favorite memory from a game you played in? East Chambers last year. It was the first game I started and the first two touchdowns I threw, one after another. It was exciting for me. What is your least favorite memory from a game you played in? When I was a freshman I broke my neck (in a JV game against Bridge City). I dropped back in the pocket and started running and dropped my head.
Q A Q A
The Hawks run the spread and a multiple Iformation. Leading receiver Dylan Vannoy returns after making 29 receptions for 336 yards and two touchdowns as a junior. On defense H-J runs a 4-3 defense, and coach Martel said the defense
The Outlook: On offense
Game to watch: Nov. 9 at Hamshire-Fannett could be for a playoff spot. features a lot of speed. The defense hopes to have improved after giving up 45.1 points per game last season. The Hawks return four starting defensive backs in Martel, Vannoy, Caleb Morrison and Devon Cooper.
The X-Factor:
Last playoff appearance:
2008, lost 46-14 to Cleveland in the Class 3A Division II bi-
Jared Gieseke
Orangefield
Coach: Josh Smalley (first 2011 recap: 5-5 overall,
2-3 in district, missed playoffs linebacker. season at Orangefield, first season overall)

2012 Orangefield Bobcats Schedule
Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 *denotes district at East Chambers at Jasper Newton Kelly Silsbee* at Hamshire-Fannett* Hardin-Jefferson* at WO-S* Open Buna* at Bridge City* game 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
11D
Bobcats
offense, 4 defense
Returning starters: 5 Returning all-district players: First team
Mason Sonnier, sr., tight end; Eric Truncale, sr., cornerback. Second team Carl Wiley, jr., running back; Dustin Selman, sr.,
The Outlook: On offense The Bobcats will continue to run the Slot-T, but first-year coach Josh Smalley said the team will pass more than the five times a game it did last season. On defense Orangefield will run a 50 defense, which uses five linemen, two linebackers and four defensive backs. The two defensive ends can also be used as linebackers in a quick switch to a 3-4 defense.
Game to watch: Nov. 9 at Bridge City is a rivalry game that could decide a playoff spot.
Dustin Selman
The X-Factor: Smalley said first-year kicker David Rainey, a senior, regularly makes 30-yard field goals in practice. In a run-heavy, clock-absorbing offense, having an efficient kicker should help. Last playoff
appearance: 2003, Class

3A Division II area round
Q&A with Dustin Selman, sr., running back/linebacker:
What is your favorite memory from a game you played in?
Last year against West Orange-Stark, just coming so close. We played a great defensive game that day. We were fired up. It was pretty amazing just fighting our tails off.
Q A
What is your least favorite memory from a game you played in? Bridge City last year. It was a tough game. Theyre our biggest rival and we didnt play to our potential.
Silsbee
Coach: Bobby McGallion
(15th season at Silsbee, 77-75 at Silsbee, 150-1093 overall) 3-2 in district, lost in first round of Class 3A Div. I playoffs
Tigers
2011 recap: 8-3 overall, Returning starters: 6
offense/4 defense Seth Adams, jr., nose
2012 Silsbee Tigers Schedule

Aug. 31 Port Neches-Groves Sept. 7 at Little Cypress-Mauriceville Sept. 14 at Lumberton Sept. 21 Livingston Sept. 28 at Orangefield* Oct. 5 Buna* Oct. 12 at Bridge City* Oct. 26 Hamshire-Fannett* Nov. 2 at Hardin-Jefferson* Nov. 9 at West Orange-Stark* *denotes district game 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
guard; Floyd Spearman, jr., running back. Second team Kanon Mackey, jr., offensive line; Dusty Thibodeaux, sr., outside linebacker
Game to watch: Nov. 9 against Silsbee. The seasonending game could decide the district title.
The Outlook: On offense The Tigers will be a spread option team led by Patrick Reed at quarterback and Floyd Spearman at running back. On defense Nose guard Seth Adams returns to lead Silsbees 3-4 defense.
The X-Factor: Kendrick Scott and Zayon Jackson could be big additions to Silsbees receiving corps, which has two key returners in Montana Garcia and Jordan Holmes. Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost
Q A
Q&A with Floyd Spearman, junior running back

very competitive until the end. What is your least favorite memory of a game you were involved in?
Floyd Spearman
19-14 to Huffman Hargrave
What is your favorite memory of a game you were involved in (Last years) 6-0 loss to Bridge City. Even though it was a game we struggled in, it was very,
Getting hurt in (last years 19-14 playoff loss to Huffman Hargrave). It was very painful and it messed up my mind a lot. I never had an injury in my life.
West-Orange Stark
Coach: Cornel Thompson (2nd season at West Orange-Stark, 10-4; 22-12 overall) 5-0 in district, lost in fourth round of Class 3A Division II playoffs linebacker; Quinton Tezeno, sr., cornerback. Second team Jhayllien Monette, sr., nose guard; ArTrevin McDonald, sr., receiver and defensive back; JMarcus Rhodes, sr., receiver and defensive back.
Mustangs
4 offense/7 defense
2012 West Orange-Stark Mustangs Schedule

Aug. 31 Little Cypress-Mauriceville Sept. 7 at Port Neches-Groves Sept. 14 at Central Sept. 21 Jasper Sept. 28 Hamshire-Fannett* Oct. 5 at Hardin-Jefferson* Oct. 19 Orangefield* Oct. 26 at Buna* Nov. 2 Bridge City* Nov. 9 Silsbee* *denotes district game 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
Q&A with senior outside linebacker Colin Janice
Q A
The Outlook:
Daniel Woodson, sr., linebacker; Jerquis Beasley, sr., kicker, and offensive and defensive lineman; Joe Lynch, sr., linebacker; Colin Janice, sr., outside
On offense The Mustangs will be in a spread offense with Jimmy Salter returning as starting quarterback. Thompson expects Kane Tezeno to fill in at running back for last years workhorse Britton Lindsey. On defense The Mustangs have plenty of speed in their 50-defense,
Game to watch: Nov. 9 against Silsbee. Both teams should be undefeated in district play at that point. with Woodson and Lynch leading the way at inside linebacker. the return game.
The X-Factor: The Mustangs will be strong in all facets of special teams the kicking the punting and
35-13 to Coldspring in region final Class 3A Division II playoffs
What is your favorite memory from a game you were involved in? Freshman year when I first got on varsity as a freshman. It was homecoming and I got to play. What is your least favorite memory of a game you were involved in? When Reggie (Garrett) passed (on Sept. 16, 2010). I was on the field. It affected me a lot. It made me want to step up and become a better player.
Q A
Colin Janice

21-3A 1. West Orange-Stark 2. Silsbee 3. Bridge City 4. Buna 5. Hamshire-Fannett 6. Orangefield 7. Hardin-Jefferson
12D

2012 Jasper Bulldogs Schedule
Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 *denotes district at Liberty Orangefield Kirbyville at West Orange-Stark Bridge City Cohen College Prep Diboll* at Carthage* Huntington* at Center* game 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
DISTRICT 20-3A
Jasper
Coach: Darrell Barbay
(first season at Jasper, 8455 overall) 4-0 district, lost in first round of Class 3A Division I playoffs
Bulldogs
6 offense/9 defense receiver; Dranzell Haynes, sr., fullback; Shawn Jones, jr., defensive line; Jarred McGill, jr., defensive line. Second team Shedrick Attaway, sr., def. line; Steven Walker, jr., quarterback; Jonavan Limbrick, sr., receiver; Donovan Middleton, sr., running back DeMarcus Collins, sr.,
Game to watch: Sept. 14 against Kirbyville. Even though these schools are no longer in the same classification, the rivalry remains. returns as do senior receivers Demarcus Collins and Jonavon Limbrick and look for sophomore Chris Spikes to make a contribution this season as well. On defense Barbay likes to run a fast, aggressive defense and players like Shawn Jones, Jared McGill and Shedrick Attaway should fuel that fire. Karrion Morrisey did it all for Jasper and replacing him is a huge question. But in returning senior Donovan Middleton, Barbay might have the right answer.
The X-Factor: Last year,
Jasper Head Coach Darrell Barbay

Middleton has speed to burn and looked good last year spelling Morrisey. In the first scrimmage against Marshall, Middleton amassed more than 120 yards and scored a touchdown.
The Outlook: On offense Jasper will run out of the spread offense this year. Quarterback Steven Walker
round to Tyler Chapel Hill.
Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost in first
TAPPS 3-I
Kelly
Coach: Todd Holmes
(first season at Kelly, first overall) 5-1 district, lost in TAPPS Division I championship game
2012 Kelly Bulldogs Schedule

Aug. 31 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 *denotes district at West Sabine 7:30 p.m. Bridge City 7 p.m. at Orangefield 7 p.m. at Houston Kinkaid 7 p.m. Concordia Lutheran* 7 p.m. St. Pius* 7 p.m. at St. Thomas* 7 p.m. at St. Pius* 7 p.m. St. Thomas* 7 p.m. at Concordia Lutheran* 7 p.m. game
Bulldogs
terback; Ryan Bean, jr., offensive guard.
offense/3 defense
Andrew Cupero, sr., kicker, punter. Second team Will Darling, sr., quar-
The Outlook: On offense The Bulldogs will base out of a pistol formation led by Darling, a third-year starting quarterback. On defense Kelly will shift to an attacking 3-4 defense led by defensive end Justin Broussard. The X-Factor: Cupero the kicker has the leg to keep Kelly in some ballgames. Last playoff appear-
Game to watch: Oct. 5 at home against Concordia Lutheran should set the tone for Kelly in district play this year.
ance: 2011, lost 27-10 to Fort Worth Nolan Catholic in state championship game. Q&A with senior quarterback Will Darling
What is your favorite memory from a game you were involved in?
Obviously last year, making it to (the state championship game) was something special. Its something the community and everyone involved will remember as long as we live. What is your favorite memory watching a game as a spectator?
Will Darling
Q Q
A A
Watching Kelly play when we went to St. Anne (Middle School). It was watching what we
wanted to be doing on Friday night, knowing someday we were going to fill their shoes. me a lot and I want to do that. He was full speed the whole game and I never saw him come out for a break.
TAPPS 4-IV
Legacy
Coach: Byron Sanford
(1st season at Legacy, 4-6 overall)
fense. Sanford likened it to a Rex Ryan or Buddy Ryan defense.
Warriors
players: Second team The Outlook:
Jimmie Brisco, sr., quarterback
The X-Factor: Legacy Christian has good athletes but lacks experience. The Warriors success will be determined by how quickly they can pick up the game. Last playoff appearance:
2011, lost 66-27 in the first round of the TAPPS 4-IV playoffs to Hallettsville Sacred Heart.
City. I finally got a reception and got my confidence back. What is your favorite sports memory as a
spectator? Watching my brother play against Diboll, just watching him make all the tackles. It inspired
3-1 district, lost in the third round of TAPPS 4A Div. II playoffs
Returning starters:
2 offense/2 defense
On offense New coach Byron Sanford is installing what he calls a flex gun offense, which is a combination of the flex bone and a pistol-spread look. On defense The Warriors will run a multiple 50 de-
Q A
Q&A with Kyle Walker, junior quarterback, wide receiver, Defensive back
2012 Legacy Warriors Schedule
What is your favorite memory of a game you were involved in? This is my first year here so I guess my favorite one had to be when I was at my old school Hardin- Jefferson playing against Bridge
Aug.30 Deweyville Junior Varisty 7 p.m. Sept. 7 The Village 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at Lutheran North 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at Sabine Pass 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 Evadale 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at OConnell* 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Cypress Christian* 7 p.m. Oct. 26 Bay Area Christian* 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at The Woodlands Christian* 7 p.m. Nov. 9 Tomball Rosehill* 7 p.m. *denotes district game Game to watch: Nov. 2 at The Woodlands will be Legacys chance to avenge last seasons loss against a district rival.
Kyle Walker

DISTRICT 20-3A 1. Carthage 2. Jasper 3. Diboll 4. Center 5. Huntington TAPPS 3-I 1. St. Pius 2. St. Thomas 3. Kelly 4. Tomball Concordia Lutheran

players: None. The Outlook:
On offense The Panthers will introduce a spread offense that should make them more balanced in play calling. Wyatt Raymond will be the quarterback after missing much of last year with injury, and seniors Justin Artis (running back) and Porter May (wide receiver) will be the teams best weapons. On defense The 3-4 defense anchored by senior lineman Chris Sweat will emphasize team speed over size, but a pair of physical sophomores (Chris OBanion and Blake Moulton) could be key contributors at linebacker.
13D
DISTRICT 10-2A-I
Anahuac
Coach: Marty Murr (first
4-3 district season at Anahuac, 34-14 overall coaching record)
2012 Anahuac Panthers Schedule

Aug. 31 Hardin-Jefferson Sept. 7 at Hamshire-Fannett Sept. 14 at Danbury Sept. 28 at Kirbyville* Oct. 5 Hardin* Oct. 12 at Woodville* Oct. 19 Warren* Oct. 26 at Newton* Nov. 2 East Chambers* Nov. 9 at Kountze* *denotes district game 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Panthers
Returning starters:
6 offense/4 defense
The X-Factor: Anahuac has 22 seniors who could provide excellent leadership if they quickly adjust to the systems Murr is installing. Last playoff appearance: 2010, lost
in area round of Class 2A, Division I playoffs
Game to watch: A road trip to Kirbyville on Sept. 28 could set a tone for the Panthers district season.
East Chambers
Coach: Russ Sutherland
(2nd season at East Chambers, 15th season overall, 9-2 at East Chambers and 87-63 overall). 7-0 in 10-2A-I, lost 45-7 to Tatum in 2A Division I area round team Charlie Edwards, jr., cornerback; Coby Collins, sr., special teams.
Buccaneers
5 offense/5 defense
2012 East Chambers Buccaneers Schedule

Aug. 31 Orangefield Sept. 7 Open Sept. 14 Hamshire-Fannett Sept. 21 at Hardin-Jefferson Sept. 28 at Woodville* Oct. 5 Warren* Oct. 12 at Newton* Oct. 19 at Kirbyville* Oct. 26 Kountze* Nov. 2 at Anahuac* Nov. 9 Hardin* *denotes district game 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Glenn Roberts, sr., running back; Blaine Acevedo, sr., defensive end; Jarrod Guillory, jr., safety. Second
The Outlook: On offense The Buccaneers mostly run a spread offense, but they will also play out of the I-formation. On defense East Chambers uses a 50 formation as well as the 4-3. In the 50, teams use five linemen, two linebackers and four defensive backs. The two defensive ends can also be uses as linebackers in a quick switch to a 3-4 or 4-3 defense.
Game to watch: Oct. 12 at Newton. Winner could claim district title.
The X-Factor: Senior running back Glenn Roberts, who has rushed for 3,060 yards and 48 touchdowns since becoming a starter his sophomore year. Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 45-7 to
receiver/cornerback; Taroy Delahoussaye, jr., outside linebacker; James King, sr., inside linebacker.
Tatum in 2A Division I area round.
Q&A with Barrett Franzen, senior offensive lineman
What is your favorite memory from a game youve played in?
That would have to be when we played Kountze last year. It was a pretty bad game for us physically. Then we came out after halftime and were just crushing people on the offensive line. We were taking the linemen out to the linebacker and putting them both on the ground. Is there a least favorite memory from a game you played in? When we played Buna last year we kicked a field goal and it bounced off the post and I went to dive and catch it. Im the only person that went after it and I dove and missed the ball. We all watched it on film about three times and laughed at it and then moved on.
Q A
Barrett Franzen
Hardin
Coach: Walter Fortune
(first season at Hardin, 3564 overall coaching record) 2-5 district
foes within a run-oriented district.
2012 Hardin Hornets Schedule

Aug. 31 Hull-Daisetta Sept 7 at Tarkington Sept. 21 at West Hardin Sept. 28 Kountze* Oct. 5 at Anahuac* Oct. 12 Kirbyville* Oct. 19 Woodville* Oct. 26 at Warren* Nov. 2 Newton* Nov. 9 at East Chambers* *denotes district game 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Hornets
Returning starters:
9 offense/7 defense Dylan Williams, sr., wide
The Outlook: On offense Fortune is installing a Slot-T to feature power running and play action passes. All four backs can be effective ball carriers, while Williams and Chris Dumas are capable receivers. On defense Fortune is changing to a 4-2-5 alignment that he thinks will match up well against
The X-Factor: Having

nearly 80 students tryout for the team has allowed Hardin to add a platoon system and gain some depth.

in area round of Class 2A, Division II playoffs
Game to watch: The opener against Hull-Daisetta on Aug. 31 will be a good test for Hardins new schemes.
Kirbyville
Coach: Greg Neece (2nd
season at Kirbyville, 15-26 overall and 2-9 at Kirbyville)
Wildcats
Q
2011 record: 2-9 overall, 2-2 district, lost in the first round of the Class 3A Division II playoffs. Returning starters:
8 offense/8 defense
homecoming game and right before halftime I got an interception with 5 seconds left. The fans were cheering real loud and it gave us a lot of momentum going into the half. What is your favorite memory from a
Clayton Sexton
game you were at as a spectator? Watching (former Kirbyville players) Caleb Cucancic and Justin Keene play. I really looked up to those guys.
Haywood, sr., running back; Jacob Keene, sr., offensive line; Quinton Jacko, sr., receiver and defensive back. Second team Cody Pips, jr., offensive line; Clayton Sexton, sr., receiver and defensive back; Darion Cooper, sr., receiver; Marcus Vidal, sr.. defensive line; Harrell Brooks, jr., linebacker;
Returning all-district players: First team Red
2012 Kirbyville Wildcats Schedule

Aug. 30 Cleveland# Sept. 7 Buna Sept. 14 at Jasper Oct. 28 Anahuac* Oct. 5 at Newton* Oct. 12 at Hardin* Oct. 19 East Chambers* Oct. 26 at Woodville* Nov. 2 Kountze* Nov. 9 at Warren* *denotes district game # at Provost Umphrey Stadium
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
The Outlook: On offense Kyle Henson is a firstyear starting quarterback but hell mostly be handing the ball off out of the WingT formation with Haywood as the feature back. Quinton Jacko will also get carries. On defense Neece expects the defense to be the strength of the team this season, led by the hardhitting linebacker Jacko. The X-Factor: Junior Brycton Hughey could figure into the mix at running back and give the team another weapon offensively. Last playoff appearance:
2011, lost in the first round of the Class 3A Division II playoffs.
Game to watch: Oct. 26 at Woodville could decide a playoff spot.
Q&A with Clayton Sexton, senior Kirbyville receiver and def. back
What is your favorite sports memory from a game you were a part of? (Kirbyvilles 50-27 win over Diboll on Oct. 28 last year). It was our
14D

Warren Warriors
Coach: John Woodard (first season at Warren, 4-16 overall coaching record) 2011 recap: 0-10 overall, 0-7 district Returning starters: 9 offense/ 9 defense Returning all-district players: Second team Bryce Glosson, sr., wide receiver; Michael-Jay Evans, sr., offensive tackle; Hunter Holloway, sr., defensive end; Ryan Laqua, jr., punter; Kolton Perfect, sr., special teams. The Outlook On offense: Senior QB Perfect returns to guide an experienced offense that will try to chew up yardage and clock with a power running game. On defense: An adaptable 4-3 defense with lots of experienced returnees hopes it can improve its execution and reads in order to stay competitive. The X-Factor: After two straight winless seasons, Woodard must breed confidence within his players. Some early success could inspire an experienced squad. Last playoff appearance: 2005, lost in Class 2A, Div. II bidistrict round 2012 Warren Warriors schedule Aug. 31 at Evadale 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 Burkeville 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at Sabine Pass 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 Newton* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at E. Chambers* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 Kountze* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Anahuac* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 Hardin* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at Woodville* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 Kirbyville* 7:30 p.m. Game to watch: Sept. 28 vs. Newton should indicate if Warren can compete against top district foes.

District 12-2A-II
Deweyville Pirates
Coach: Chris Babin (first season at Deweyville, 2-8 overall record) 2011 recap: 5-4 overall, 1-4 district Returning starters: 7 offense/ 7 defense Returning all-district players: Trey Bussell, sr., tight end; Daniel Brinson, sr., noseguard; Ryan Collins, jr., running back. The Outlook On offense: Collins burst on the scene with 1,170 rushing yards as a sophomore. He will be the featured back in a run-heavy attack. On defense: The Pirates have a good number of returning starters, but will shift to a 3-4 base defense this year; their ability to get comfortable with it will be key. The X-Factor: Babin says he saw exceptional intensity in summer workouts. They will need to retain that fire to avoid fading in district. Last playoff appearance: 2006, lost in bidistrict round of Class 2A, Division II playoffs 2012 Deweyville Pirates schedule Aug. 31 Sabine Pass 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Evadale 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 San Augustine 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 Hull-Daisetta 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at West Hardin 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at C-Camden* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 Anderson-Shiro*7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at Hemphill* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at New Waverly*7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 Groveton* 7:30 p.m. Game to watch: Oct. 12 at Corrigan-Camden will be Deweyvilles chance to prove it can be a playoff contender.
West Hardin Oilers
Coach: Steve Stewart (first season at West Hardin) 2011 recap: 8-3 overall, 2-2 district, lost in bidistrict round of Class 1A, Division I playoffs Returning starters: 4 offense/ 4 defense Returning all-district players: Second team Calvin Ridge, sr., quarterback; Justin Kelley, sr., defensive line; Robert Ryan, jr., offensive line. The Outlook On offense: Ridge and Kelley will try to rack up rushing yards in a newly installed flexbone offense featuring the triple option. On defense: Some rebuilding is necessary, but a new 4-2-5 alignment will maximize the quality of three returning linebackers and add Kelley to the linebacker corps. The X-Factor: The Oilers are trying to stretch a thin talent pool through a lot of two-way play, so avoiding injuries will be important. Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost in Class 1A, Div. I bidistrict round 2012 West Hardin Oilers Schedule Aug. 31 Burkeville 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Sabine Pass 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 West Sabine 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 Hardin 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at Evadale 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 Deweyville 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 Lovelady 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at Colmesneil* 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at Hull-Daisetta* 7 p.m. Nov. 9 Iola* 7 p.m. Game to watch: The Oilers are anxiously awaiting their late season rivalry game against Hull-Daisetta on Nov. 2.
District 10-2A-I
Kountze Lions
Coach: Tracy Franklin (first season at Kountze, 14-15 overall) 2011 recap: 3-7 overall, 1-6 district Returning all-district players: Second team Ernest Hafford, sr., running back; Blake Best, jr., safety; Andrew Marshall, soph., punter The Outlook On offense: The Lions have three players vying to be the starter at quarterback junior Rowdy Teel, sophomore Justin Harper and freshman Graylon Arnold. The Lions will run a mix of the spread and I-formation under new offensive coordinator Frank Middleton, who comes from Kelly. On defense: The Lions are switching to a 4-3 alignment led by outside linebacker Tyler Brown. The X-Factor: Coach Franklin said he needs to see how well his team can handle adversity. Last playoff appearance: 1973, reached Class 2A bi-district round 2012 Kountze Lions Schedule Aug. 31 Shepherd 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Hull-Daisetta 7 p.m. Sept. 14 Trinity 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at Hardin* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 Woodville* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Warren* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 Newton* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at E. Chambers* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 Kirbyville* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 Anahuac* 7:30 p.m. *- district games Game to watch: Sept. 28 at Hardin. The district opener could indicate what kind of season it will be. change this if Jimmy/Jasper did it
District 11-1A-II
Sabine Pass Sharks
Coach: Dustin Driskell (first year coach) 2011 recap: 2-7 overall, 1-2 district, lost in bidistrict round of Class 1A, Division II playoffs Returning starters: 6 offense/ 6 defense Returning all-district players: Offensive newcomer of the year Khalil Francis, jr., wide receiver. First team John Warren, sr., wide receiver; Tanner Griff, sr., linebacker; Emmanuel Flores, sr., defensive back. Second team Alexander DeFrancis, jr., offensive line; Frederick Lewis, sr., def. line. The Outlook On offense: The Sharks will sprinkle plenty of misdirection in their game plan to try to create running room for senior tailback Ernest Forward, their big play threat. On defense: Three returning alldistrict defenders bolster a unit that should be solid. The X-Factor: A playoff appearance last year couldnt mask the deficiencies that existed, so Driskell is trying to erase lingering negativity and convince players they can win. Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost in bidistrict round of Class 1A, Division II playoffs 2012 Sabine Pass Sharks Schedule Aug. 31 at Deweyville 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 West Hardin 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Galv. OConnell7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 Warren 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 Legacy Christian7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Colmesneil 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 Evadale* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Burkeville* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at Mt. Enterprise*7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 Tenaha* 7:30 p.m. Game to watch: The Sharks maintain a traditional rivalry in a vastly changed district landscape when they host Evadale on Oct. 12.
TAPPS (six-man) 5-II

Orange Community Christian Lions
Coach: Larry Spears (first year coach) 2011 recap: 6-4 overall, 3-2 district, lost in first round of TAPPS sixman Division II playoffs Returning starters: 5 offense/ 4 defense Returning all-district players: First team C. J. Wagner, sr., running back/defensive back; Alex Parrish, sr., wide receiver. Second team Marquis Grant, jr., wide receiver; Amron Akhtar, so., offensive line; Alex Parrish, sr., linebacker; Jacob Alexander, so., defensive back. The Outlook On offense: A speedy and experienced offensive unit will feature Wagner in lots of different roles and mix in some new talent to increase its scoring potential. On defense: Spears is emphasizing discipline and commitment to assignments to improve the units field coverage. The front line should be stronger and quicker than in 2011 and the secondary more mature. The X-Factor: The Lions inaugurated their program with great success under coach Adam Strandberg in 2011. Almost all of last years team returns, and a surge of new interest gives Spears added depth and fresh talent to put on the field. Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost in first round of TAPPS six-man Division II playoffs 2012 Orange C.C. Lions Schedule Sept. 1 at Huntsville A.O. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at Emery-Weiner 7 p.m. Sept. 15 Bellville Faith* 4 p.m. Sept. 21 at Katy Faith West 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at Brazosport Christ.*7 p.m. Oct. 5 at Brenham Christ.* 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at Hou. Mt. Carmel 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at Alvin L.S. Christ.*7 p.m. Nov. 3 Texas Christian* 7 p.m. Nov. 10 Magnolia L. Prep* Noon Game to watch: The Oct. 26 matchup with Alvin Living Stones Christian gives the Lions a chance to reverse a last-second defeat suffered last year.
District 11-1A-II
Evadale Rebels
Coach: Mark Williams (11th season at Evadale, 62-49 overall record) 2011 recap: 7-4 overall, 3-0 district, lost in area round of Class 1A, Division II playoffs Returning starters: 4 offense/ 5 defense Returning all-district players: First team Wes Williams, sr., quarterback; Matthew Totten, sr., wide receiver; Braiden Burford, sr., defensive back. Second team Jacob Conner, jr., running back linebacker; Skylar Smith, sr., wide receiver; Hunter Jackson, sr., offensive line; Brandon Harvey, sr., defensive line; Matthew Ackridge, jr., offensive line; Tristan Reeves, jr., defensive line. The Outlook On offense: Lots of newcomers means some chemistry has to be established; shifting Smith to running back to team him up with Conner and Williams will give the Rebels a potent backfield. On defense: The Rebels hope to make up for their size deficit with improved speed. The X-Factor: The addition of defending Class 1A, Division II state champion Tenaha and state power Mount Enterprise likely blocks Evadales district crown defense Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost in Class 1A, Division II area round. 2012 Evadale Rebels Schedule Aug. 31 Warren 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Deweyville 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at B. Area Christ.7:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Colmesneil 7 p.m. Sept. 28 West Hardin 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Legacy 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Sabine Pass* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 Burkeville* 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Tenaha* 7 p.m. Nov. 9 Mt Enterprise* 7:30 p.m. Game to watch: Oct. 12 vs. Sabine Pass becomes a virtual must-win to build momentum for a rigorous district slate.
District 16-1A-I (six-man)

High Island Cardinals
Coach: Brent Williamson (first season at High Island, 14-9 overall coaching record) 2011 recap: 1-8 overall, 1-2 in District 14-1A (11-man), Division 1 Returning starters: 5 offense, 5 defense Returning all-district players: First team Justin Molen, sr., quarterback; Lane Kahla, sr., wide receiver; Ricky Guerrero, sr., w. receiver; Dylan Blake, jr., linebacker; Jentry Weisinger, sr., linebacker punter. Second team John Garrett-Griffin, sr., wide receiver; Jentry Weisinger, sr., wide receiver; Lane Kahla, sr., linebacker. The Outlook On offense: The return of a solid quarterback in Molen, plenty of skilled players should make the Cardinals offense highly productive in its transition to six-man. On defense: Kahla and Weisinger anchor a defense that will use multiple schemes and an aggressive mentality to try to slow down high scoring, six-man offenses. The X-Factor: The Cardinals were undermanned against 11-man competition last year; the transition to six-man, along with a bigger roster, gives them better depth. Last playoff appearance: 2010, lost in Class 1A, Div. II bidistrict round 2012 High Island Cardinals schedule Sept. 1 at Ft. Bend Christ.12:30 p.m. Sept. 7 Alvin L.S. Christian 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at Sugarland L.Prep 7 p.m. Sept. 22 Baytown Christian 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Huntsville A.O. 5 p.m. Oct. 13 at Katy F.W. Academy 5 p.m. Oct. 19 at Chester 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 Oakwood* 3 p.m. Nov. 2 at A. Springs* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 Chester* 7:30 p.m. Game to watch: The district opener Oct. 27 pits the Cardinals against Oakwood, the toughest roadblock they should face in district play.
Newton Eagles
Coach: W.T. Johnston (9-3 overall and at Newton) 2011 recap: 9-3 overall, 6-1 district, lost in second round of Class 2A Div. I playoffs. Returning starters: 5 offense/ 5 defense Returning all-district players: First team D.J. Dean, sr., quarterback and cornerback; Kevin Shorter, jr., running back; Corey Jenkins, sr., def. end; Second team Keyon Seastrunk, jr., tight end; Carlton Myers, jr., safety The Outlook On offense: The Eagles run a mix of the Wing-T and spread behind quarterback D.J. Dean, a secondyear starter. Kevin Shorter and Brandon Johnson will both get several carries at running back. On defense: Defensive end Romondo Stewart (6-2, 205), linebacker Corey Jenkins, linebacker Anthony Hadnot, strong safety C.J. Myers and cornerback Dean are the teams returning starters in the Diamond-7 defense. The X-Factor: Johnston said Dean and Shorter in the kick return game can make a difference for the Eagles this year. Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost 42-27 to Crockett in the second round of the Class 2A Div. I playoffs. 2012 Newton Eagles Schedule Aug. 31 Bridge City 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Liberty 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Orangefield 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at Warren* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 Kirbyville* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 East Chambers* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Kountze* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 Anahuac* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at Hardin* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 Woodville* 7:30 p.m. Game to watch: Newton will try to end a two-year losing streak to East Chambers on Oct. 12.
Woodville Eagles
Coach: Steve Fentress (sixth season at Woodville, 26-26 overall coaching record) 2011 recap: 5-6 overall, 4-3 district, lost in bidistrict round of Class 2A, Division I playoffs Returning starters: 6 offense/ 4 defense Returning all-district players: Second teamMarcus Harrison, sr., running back/inside linebacker; Torin Hickman, sr., tight end; Felix Johnson, sr., defensive end. The Outlook On offense: The Eagles will grind it out with a power running game that shares the ball among lots of rushers. Harrison led Woodville in rushing in 2011, but if backfield partner Dominique Lockhart stays healthy this year, both will get plenty of carries. On defense: Some speedy linebackers and defensive backs are an asset to the Eagles, but there will be youth at outside linebacker and on the front line that could make the defense vulnerable. The X-Factor: An offense loaded with capable skill players could be dangerous if the Eagles develop the right chemistry. Last playoff appearance: 2011, lost in bidistrict round of Class 2A, Division I playoffs 2012 Woodville Eagles schedule Aug. 31 New Waverly 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Shepherd 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at C-Camden 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 East Chambers* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Kountze* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 Anahuac* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Hardin* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 Kirbyville* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 Warren* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at Newton* 7:30 p.m. Game to watch: The Eagles cannot afford a slow start in district play, making their Sept. 28 showdown with East Chambers critical.
Hull-Daisetta Bobcats
Coach: Josh Finney (first season at Hull-Daisetta, 45-16 overall coaching record) 2011 recap: 4-6 overall, 1-3 district Returning starters: 5 offense/ 5 defense Returning all-district players: Tyler Drake, sr., running back; Thomas Stanley, sr., offensive/defensive line; Austin Edmonson, sr., wide receiver; Dustin Welch, sr., kicker. The Outlook On offense: The Bobcats will break in a new Slot-T offense and welcome a handful of new starters. Drake eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards last season; hell provide the punch until the full offensive scheme takes root. On defense: A good combination of speed and size that should allow them to play aggressively once they adapt to the 50-defense. The X-Factor: After missing the playoffs last year, Finney says seniors determined to prove that was a fluke. Last playoff appearance: 2010, lost in Class 1A, Div. I bidistrict round 2012 Hull-Daisetta Bobcats Schedule Aug. 31 at Hardin 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 Kountze 7 p.m. Sept. 14 Groveton 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at Lovelady 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at Deweyville 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Galv. OConnell 7 p.m. Oct. 12 Normangee 7 p.m. Oct. 26 Iola* 7 p.m. Nov. 2 West Hardin* 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Colmesneil* 7 p.m. Game to watch: Nov. 2 versus West Hardin will be crucial to the Bobcats playoff hopes.
District 11-1A-I

DISTRICT 10-2A-I 1. Newton 2. East Chambers 3. Kirbyville 4. Woodville 5. Anahuac 6. Kountze 7. Hardin 8. Warren DISTRICT 11-A-I 1. West Hardin 2. Hull-Daisetta 3. Colmesneil 4. Iola DISTRICT 11-A-II 1. Tenaha 2. Mount Enterprise 3. Evadale 4. Burkeville 5. Sabine Pass

Continued from page 5D
15D
GAMES: HS loss influenced NFL decision for Bum

W.L. Pate, 64, Beaumont city councilman, former French High School and Louisiana Tech quarterback
1965 Port Neches-Groves vs. Beaumont French
In the mid-60s, South Park, Beaumont High, TJ, Port Neches-Groves, Nederland were all in a really tough district with French High School. It was a really tough district. My junior year at quarterback, Wade Phillips (now the Texans defensive coordinator) was the middle linebacker for PN-G and they had two defensive backs who W.L. PATE were very good. Three of their defensive backs held the national record in the quarter-mile relay. It also didnt help us that their coach was none other than Bum Phillips I got the film (of that game) 10 years later. Every time, we would take the ball, move down to the 20 and not score. Then theyd take the ball back and score. This is so Bum Phillips football. They won 42-0 but if you had just watched the film youd think it was a close game. Theres a reason that game is so memorable because there is one play in particular that will tell you just how good Port Neches was. We handed it out to our halfback, who was a pretty fast guy. He breaks through the line, had faked out everyone. If you look at the film, you see nobody but this guy. All of the sudden three guys come in like an F-22 on a bogey. Its like they flipped a coin to see who was going to tackle him. Thats how fast that team was. Three guys coming from three different areas. That is where our drive stopped again.
Vidors Montana Quirante picks up yardage during a Nov. 10 playoff matchup with Crosby at Provost Umphrey Stadium at Lamar in Beaumont. Vidor won 42-20.
Tammy McKinley/The Enterprise
PAUL THOMAS III
can have two points of view

Continued from page 4D
MEMORIES: Same stories
Paul Thomas III, 30, Orange, former West Orange-Stark football player and current assistant coach
2000 West Orange-Stark vs. Friendswood
The most memorable one for me personally is when I broke the (single-season) sack record for West Orange-Stark. It was a playoff game with Friendswood. We practiced something every week that Coach T called the split doo-doo rule. It is the center and the quarterback in the middle of the field with linemen and receivers split off on each side of the quarterback. Kind of like a swinging gate except this one is completely split. Three or four on one side, three or four on the other, center and quarterback in the middle. Some teams that are not well coached will get fooled by that. We knew what to do. I ran right to the quarterback and got the sack. I vividly remember that play. Times come back around. We played (Friendswood) here at our place last year. Their head coach found out I coached here now and he wanted to meet me. He said that play still stood out to him.
son, teams are hoping to make new good memories they can carry with them the rest of their lives while avoiding the heartbreaking defeats that could haunt them for years. It made us want to come back for more, Mouton said. Once you get a taste of something like that you want to do it again.
Different stories
The score, the yardage on a play, the outcome all of that is marked down in history and cant be changed. But a memory, a story: thats subjective. Take that 2000 game between Nederland and WO-S. If you ask Thomas, the ball was a lateral. If you ask former Nederland player Sean Yoder, who was on that team the ball was 2 yards past the line of scrimmage. It depends on what side of the water youre from, Yoder said. And Thomas most vivid memory from that game is completely different than anyone else in that stadium. After Thomas ran the ball back in for the score, teammate Michael Ledet, who hit Nederland quarterback Kevin Barbay as he released the ball to cause the incomplete pass/fumble, ran over to Thomas and tackled him in the end zone out of excitement. Everybody was going crazy but I was tired, out of breath and really hurting, Thomas said. I could barely walk back 70 yards. With modern technology, it becomes easier to hold on to those memories. The defining drive of former Port NechesGroves quarterback Dustin Longs high school football career, a 2-minute, 80-yard drive in the state semifinals against Schertz Clemens in 1999 that put PN-G on top and sent the Indians to the state championship game, is captured on YouTube. Long completed every pass on that drive. He watches the video on YouTube about once every couple of months. I get goose bumps, Long said of watching the video. Reenacting the whole situation. Its exciting. Those are memories you will never be able to replace.
With Nederland down by a touchdown with under a minute left, Yoder caught a pass from Barbay and ran it down to the Bay City 2 before going out of bounds. It makes you think, What could I have done to make it 2 yards further and stay in bounds? Yoder said. Three or four plays in that game, if they had gone the other way, would have made a big difference. After an illegal procedure backed Nederland up 5 yards, it looked to Nederland players and fans as if the Bulldogs had scored on third-and-goal when Barbay threw a pass to running back Joe Ramoin, who fell down on the goal line. But officials ruled he was down just short and Nederland faced a fourthand-goal from the 1 with 4 seconds left. Yoder said he saw a still shot from a television station later that showed the ball crossing the goal line before Ramoins knee was down. That was gut-wrenching, Yoder said. On fourth-and-goal, Ramoin was stuffed at the line by several Bay City defenders. Bay City went on to cruise in its next two games to claim the state championship.
BUM PHILLIPS
BumPhillips, 88, former Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints coach who also coached at Port Neches-Groves and Nederland
1951 Nederland vs. Beaumont French
My first year as head coach at Nederland (1951) we were playing French and were up 7-6 late in the fourth quarter. We were almost to their 1-yard line and I figured if we score there, we put the game away. Well, we hand off to the running back, he gets hit and bobbles the ball. One of their players goes up and intercepts the ball while it is floating in the air and runs the ball the other way 99 yards for a touchdown They beat us 13-6. When you lose a game like that, it sticks with you the rest of your life Years later when I was coaching (the Houston Oilers) we were up 6-0 on somebody and got on their 2-yard line with under two minutes left. (Quarterback) Dan Pastorini called timeout. I said Dan, just take a knee. He looked at me confused and said You know were on the 2-yard line? I told him I had been in that situation before and just to go ahead and take a knee. He did and we won that game. when you know it was something special. For players who are fortunate enough to make a professional career out of football, high school memories often are their favorite. Frank Middleton, who played in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said aside from playing for Oakland in the 2003 Super Bowl, playing for West Brook against Central in the Beaumont Bowl at Lamar University is his next favorite football memory. A very close second, Middleton said. Those old-school Beaumont Bowls, when there were just two high schools, couldnt be topped. The atmosphere, the community. It was always sold out. As a 16-, 17-year-old kid, you arent used to playing in front of almost 20,000 people. Of course, it doesnt hurt that Middleton never lost a Beaumont Bowl, winning twice against Central. But its not always about winning and losing. Though his football team at French High School didnt have much success, playing football there in the mid-1960s is one of Beaumont City Councilman W.L. Pates fondest memories particularly a 42-0 loss to Port Neches-Groves. The middle linebacker who hit him all night was Wade Phillips, the former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. And the coach of that team was Wades dad, Bum, who went on to coach the Oilers and Saints. I look back and think, how lucky can a guy be to look in the eyes of a guy across the line of scrimmage who would one day become the coach of the Dallas Cowboys? Pate said. No place else could that happen but Southeast Texas. And theres some good that came out of that experience. My coach at Louisiana Tech told me I had the quickest release he had ever seen, Pate said. I told him if he played behind my offensive line at French and against players like Wade Phillips, hed have a quick release too.
DHenry@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/HenryDavidR
KENNY WILLIAMS
Learning from the past

Yoder, who went on to play at Tulsa and now has a wife, three children and works in industrial fuel sales, has advice for high school players today not to go back and secondguess things as much as he has. Dont have any regrets, Yoder said. Let the chips fall where they may. You cant change the past. The way I try to look at it now is that we just didnt catch the breaks. Thomas uses his experience returning the lateral for a touchdown to teach players today. One thing his former coaches, Dan Hooks and Cornel Thompson, always harped on was playing until the whistle. He shows players the film of him in the Nederland game to show them what can happen when you play until the whistle. And what can happen if you dont. The big thing I point out is that I didnt hesitate, because if I had hesitated, they probably would have blown it dead, Thomas said.
Kenny Williams, 54, former Hebert football player

1976 Hebert vs. Gainesville
I remember that very vividly, the state championship game. We won 35-7. I played wide receiver and defensive back. The idea of playing in a state championship game for Hebert meant a lot to our community. It was beyond belief to get to do that. The thing that really sticks out more than anything I caught the first two touchdowns of the first half. And in my mind I was thinking the headline was going to read Williams leads Hebert to the state championship. But after halftime everybody started scoring. It was a thrill to play for Hebert. It was beyond belief to represent that blue and gold.
The one that got away

Just as often as Long, Thomas and the Ozen players think about their epic wins, chances are that somebody on the losing side is thinking about that game too and not in a good way. Yoder, the former Nederland standout, sure does. That lateral game against WO-S does bother him from time to time but the one that stings the most is a 7-0 loss to Bay City that year in the regional final. Nederland outgained Bay City in every category. It eats at me. I think about that game pretty often but I dont like to bring it up, Yoder said.
Time of your life

Looking back, Long said he didnt realize at the time the significance of what he had just done after he helped lead PN-G to victory in that state semifinal game. I was just a young kid, it was just another game, said Long, who went on to play college ball at Texas A&M and Sam Houston State. He now works as a project manager for a construction company. Every time I get together with former classmates, we always talk about that game, Long said. Thats
RUSH WOOD
Rush Wood, 67, former local sportswriter and retired sports information director at Lamar University
1999 state semifinal game between Schertz Clemens and Port Neches-Groves
Quarterback Dustin Long led PN-G on an 80-yard drive in the final four minutes to win 16-13, capped off by a two-yard touchdown run from Long, sending PN-G to the state championship game where it lost to Stephenville. PN-G had trailed for most of that game. ...(Long) completed maybe all of the passes on that drive. He hit everyone.
16D

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SECTION D

Sunday, August 26, 2012