Tatum Athlete Making Her Mark

Kudos to Tatum grad Jessica Ford. The University of Tulsa freshman is making an immediate impact on their track team. As part of the women's distance medley relay team this past weekend, Ford helped set a new school and conference record at the Conference USA Indoor Track and Field Championships at the University of Houston's Bill Yeoman Field House. Running the 400 meters second leg, Ford helped the Tulsa team to a time of 11:40.37, good enough for gold and breaking the conference record by nearly two seconds! Her relay team needs to shave off another ten seconds this week in Fayeteville, Arkansas to qualify for the NCAA National Indoor Championships.

Her Mom was also proud to point out that Jessica made the Dean's List as well!

(By the way, that's Jessica on the left!)

TJC Halftime: Powerhouse Cheer Squad

The halftime of the TJC women's game Saturday will feature the Powerhouse Cheer Squad from Texas East Gymnastics. They are under the direction of Liz Gilbert.

The Apache Ladies play Panola at 1pm. Panola is in second place in the conference standings.

The TJC men take on Panola at 3pm.

Rose Stadium Jumbotron Makes Sense

The Tyler Independent School Disctrict's board of trustees will consider approving an agreement to install a new video scoreboard at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. You know the ones I'm talking about, with the big televisions that show replays of various highlights throughout the game.

According to the agenda for the regular meeting of the board of trustees, the administration recommends entering into an agreement with Daktronics Sports Marketing, and TITUS Sports Marketing, for acceptance of a donation of equipment, installation and training worth $951, 500. DSM and TITUS will donate a video scoreboard, auxiliary scoreboard, concessions and wayfinding signage at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium, as well as a new scoreboard, concession and wayfinding signage at Mike Carter Field, along with Marquees outside the TISD Administrative Office, Robert E. Lee High School and John Tyler High School. Because it will be donated, there will be no cost to tax payers. What's the catch? DSM and TITUS will get the leasing of advertising and sponsorship rights on the equipment for ten years.

Earl Campbell field at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium is one of the premiere sites to play a football game East Texas has to offer. With a new field house, concession stands and restrooms, and a seating capacity of 14,000+, TMF Rose Stadium is ideal for big crowds and big atmospheres. The only major shortcoming has been the lack of a big, fancy scoreboard. For TISD to keep pace with some of the other top districts around the state, this is a no brainer.

Some Guys Just Can't Win

Texas native Kerry Wood is one of the most dominant pitchers of his era in major league baseball. As a rookie, he struck out 20 batters in one game. That's the second most in the history of major league baseball. He can throw a baseball 100 miles per hour! The problem is, Wood can't seem to stay healthy. Take a look at his injury record:

1998 - Missed last month of his rookie season with elbow soreness
1999 - Tommy John surgery in spring training and missed the entire season
2004 - Sidelined almost two months with a strained tricep
2005 - Season-ending arthroscopic surgery
2006 - Knee surgery in spring caused him to miss the first month of the season, then tore his rotator cuff in July and missed the remainder of the season.

Now, in 2007, apparently healthy and ready to go, it happened again. It has been reported that Wood slipped and fell while getting out of his hot tub and landed on his stomach and chest. He isn't seriously hurt, but he is expected to take a few days off. The poor guy just can't win! Let's hope this isn't a sign of things to come and the Texas kid can finally showcase his talent again.



In his rookie season of 1998, he missed the last month of the season with a sore elbow. During spring training of 1999, he underwent Tommy John Surgery and missed the entire season.

KLTV 7 College Basketball Game For February 17

KLTV 7 is scheduled to carry the Texas A&M @ Oklahoma basketball game, Saturday, February 17 at 2:30pm.

Mavs Man At TJC!

Anyone who hasn't been to a Dallas Mavericks game, or had the privilege of seeing the Mavs Man at a local event, needs to head out to TJC Wednesday night. This guy is extremely entertaining. He does high flying dunks off trampolines, he puts on the inflatable Mavs Man outfit for a routine, he mingles with the crowd. It's good ole fashioned family entertainment. The Mavs Man will be performing at halftime of both the women's and men's games Wednesday night, so you get to see some exciting college basketball action as well!

Angelina @ TJC Women - 5:30pm
Angelina @ TJC Men - 7:30pm

It's a big doubleheader for the Apaches. The men are tied with Angelina for 5th place in the conference standings at 7-8. They need a win to avoid potentially falling out of the playoff picture. The Apache Ladies are one game behind Trinity Valley and Panola in the standings for first place. A big crowd will go a long way to help cheer them to victory.

Hunting Tip: Pattern Your Shotgun

Here's another hunting tip from the folks at Gander Mountain. This one is on Turkey hunting:

I hope you wouldn’t consider going on a big game hunt without checking your rifle’s zero. It isn’t any different with turkey hunting because, unlike most other shotgunning, turkeys are taken by aiming deliberately at a small target. Commercial “turkey head” targets are available, or you can simply draw a rough outline of a turkey’s head on clean paper. Put up targets at the ranges you intend to shoot at 10-yards intervals, as in 20, 30, and 40 yards, and beyond that at 5-yard intervals. Try different brands, payloads, and shot sizes. Most rifles provide different levels of accuracy with different loads, and some shotguns are the same, producing noticeably better patterns with some loads. Use the turkey head as an aiming point, and you will quickly learn three things:

1. Exactly where you need to place your shotgun bead on the turkey’s head to center the pattern. Some shotguns shoot a bit high, others a bit low, and some are dead on.
2.Which load produces the tightest and most even pattern? Count the hits in the turkey’s head; for this application, that’s all you care about.
3.By moving the targets farther out, you will learn your maximum effective range with your shotgun and its best load. When you can no longer get consistent multiple pellet strikes (at least four or five, preferably more) in a turkey’s head, you are beyond your effective range.

Craig Boddington
TV Host of Tracks Across Africa & Guns and Ammo
Elite Gander Mountain Pro Staff Member

Jerry Jones May Have Gotten It Right This Time

We took a poll on our website, asking our viewers who they felt was the best candidate Jerry Jones interviewed. 48% wanted 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner. Only 20% wanted Wade Phillips. That's not a strong endorsement. It's also an interesting reflection of how football fans view "Bum's" kid. But is it a fair endorsement? I don't think so.

I have a strong belief that some coaches can be the best offensive or defensive coordinator in the league, but just aren't cut out to be a head coach. I think Norv Turner (winning record in only 4 of 9 head coaching seasons) falls into that list with the likes of Dave Campo, Buddy Ryan, Ray Rhodes, Marty Mornhinweg, Bruce Coslet, Dick Jauron and Lindy Infante. I don't think Wade Phillips belongs on this list.

Jerry Jones brought up an interesting statistic that I had never heard before, but found very interesting. Jerry said, the last six times Wade Phillips has taken over a team as head coach or defensive coordinator, that team has made it to the playoffs in the first year.

I actually looked this up. Jerry was technically right. Take a look:

2004: D-Coordinator San Diego (12-4)
2002: D-Coordinator Atlanta (9-6-1)
1998: Head Coach Buffalo (10-6)
1995: D-Coordinator Buffalo (10-6)
1993: Head Coach Denver (9-7)
1989: Denver (11-5)

I say technically right because Phillips took over as interim head coach of the Falcons in 2003. They finished 5-11 that year. The Falcons did go 11-5 in 2004 after he left. I don't think Jerry was counting "interim" years.

The point he was making, though, is that in each case, the team got better as the result of his arrival. In the six years Jerry is talking about, Phillips teams won a total of 21 more games then the year before. That's an average of 3.5 games better each time. If that holds true, the Cowboys will be at least 12-4 next year!

In his five full seasons as a head coach, he only had one losing season. His 1994 Broncos were 7-9. His 2000 Bills were 8-8 (technically that's not a losing season). Otherwise, he coached teams to 9-7, 10-6 and 11-5 seasons. That's not bad. The only knock against him I can see is that fact that he is 0-3 in the playoffs. His '93 Broncos got blown out 42-24 by the Raiders, but his '98 Bills lost a close one to the Dolphins (24-17), and his '99 Bills were robbed by the "Music City Miracle" in the Titans 22-16 win on the last second kickoff return.

Assuming Phillips can streamline the Cowboys defense, and Tony Romo can rebound from his playoff field goal debacle, the Cowboys look to be in very good shape.

ETBU Players Honored

A couple of East Texas Baptist University basketball players are rewarded for their strong play last week.

Senior forward Chris Isom of was named the American Southwest Conference East Division Player of the Week. The guard scored 29 points with 17 rebounds in the Tigers’ 80-77 overtime win over Louisiana College Thursday night. All 29 points came in the final 34 minutes of the contest, which enabled ETBU to stay clinging to life in the race for the fourth and final playoff spot from the ASC East. Isom came back on Saturday to score 17 points with 10 rebounds in ETBU’s loss to 4th-ranked Mississippi College.

Sophomore forward Mary Slaughter was named American Southwest Conference East Division Co-Player of the Week with Texas-Dallas’ Ericka Baker. Slaughter, a 6-0 forward from Athens, La., averaged 18.5 points and 9.5 rebounds last week as the Lady Tigers (18-4, 14-3 ASC) creep closer to their first outright ASC East Division championship since the 1999-2000 season. Slaughter, who was last season’s ASC East Freshman of the Year, scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds in ETBU’s 85-72 win over Mississippi College on Saturday to help ETBU clinch the top seed from the ASC East in the conference tournament later this month. On Thursday in a win over Louisiana College, Slaughter scored 16 points in just 26 minutes to go along with nine boards.

NFL Tells Fans: Skip Church, Go To A Bar Instead

Don't get me wrong here. I love football. I love playing football. I love watching football. I also plan to host my own Super Bowl party. But, I am starting to sour a little on the powers that be who run the NFL.

The NFL sent a letter to a church in Indianapolis last week warning of infractions if they went ahead with their plans to host a Super Bowl party to support the Colts. Dr. John Newland of Fall Creek Baptist Church says his church was planning to play games, have snacks, and watch the game on a projection screen. They also planned to charge an entry fee for the game.

Now if the league was just trying to put an end to the church charging admission, I would not have a problem with this story. But even after the church agreed to drop the admission fee, the NFL still balked. According to league rule, it prohibits mass out-of-home viewing of the Super Bowl except at bars and other businesses that show televised sports as part of their everyday operations.

Let me get this straight. The NFL is saying it is OK to go to a bar, where people are drinking and smoking and I'll bet yelling and cussing at the TV screen, but it's NOT OK to go to church?

For years, we've heard the mocking term "NFL stands for No Fun League", but I think this takes that to a whole new level.

The church says it certainly plans to comply, and was not clear if they will party at all.

HOWEVER, according to WRTV Channel 6 in Indianapolis, the Second Baptist Church in Indianapolis WILL proceed with its plans to show the game, using a rear-projection TV screen, even though the NFL says they aren't allowed to show the Super Bowl on a TV larger than 55 inches.

Rev. David Greene said, "the NFL implied it has a problem with the venue and medium that local churches conduct ministry. We want to save souls by any means necessary. Football, traditional service, street ministry -- it doesn't matter."

The NFL backpedaled a bit today, saying the NFL "has absolutely no objection to churches and others hosting Super Bowl viewing parties as long as they do not charge admission and show the game on a television of the type commonly used at home."

Just in case you are interested, you can contact the NFL at 280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017. (212) 450-2000.

TSWA 5A All-State Team

BRYAN, Texas (AP) - Southlake Carroll quarterback Riley Dodge and Cedar Hill linebacker Chris Francis have been named the offensive and defensive players of the year on the Texas Sports Writers Association's Class 5A all-state football team. The 180-pound Dodge, a junior, threw for 4,184 yards with 54 touchdowns. The 210-pound Francis, a senior, had 210 tackles.
Cedar Hill's Joey McGuire was named coach of the year.
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FIRST TEAM
Offense
Guards - Manaaki Vaitai, Euless Trinity, 6-3, 299, Sr., and Josh LeRibeus, Richardson Berkner, 6-4, 345, Sr.
Tackles - Robert HIll, Southlake Carroll, 6-3, 265, Sr., and Tray Allen, South Grand Prairie, 6-5, 305, Sr.
Center - Grant Garner, North Mesquite, 6-3, 260, Sr.
Wide receivers - Blake Cantu, Southlake Carroll, 6-1, 190, Jr., and Dez Bryant, Lufkin, 6-2, 205, Sr.
Tight end - Stephen Shaffer, Austin Westlake, 6-3, 235, Sr.
Quarterback - Riley Dodge, Southlake Carroll, 6-0, 180, Jr.
Running backs - Bradley Stephens, McAllen Memorial, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Tre'Newton, Southlake Carroll, 6-1, 195, Jr.; and (tie) Marcus Wright, SA Reagan, 5-7, 175, Jr., and Foswhitt Whittaker, Pearland, 5-9, 170, Sr.
Placekicker - Travis Constanzo, Smithson Valley, 6-3, 175, Sr.
Defense
Linemen - Marcus Jones, North Shore, 5-11, 235, Sr.; Marquis Frazier, Garland, 6-4, 265, Sr.; Youri Yenga, Euless Trinity, 6-2, 210, Sr.; and (tie) Garrison Hardin, Abilene, 6-1, 245, Sr., and
Russell Carter, Houston Westbury, 6-3, 230, Sr. Linebackers - Chris Francis, Cedar Hill, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Marcus Richardson, Seguin, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Kennan Robinson, Plano East, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Justin Padron, Southlake Carroll, 6-0, 220, Sr.
Secondary - Malcolm Williams, Garland, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Terrence Byrd, Katy Taylor, 5-10, 162, Sr.; Taylor Hightower, Colleyville Heritage, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Eric Eiland, Houston Lamar, 6-1, 193, Sr.
Punter - Casey Russell, Colleyville Heritage, 6-2, 215, Sr.
Kick returner - Desmond Jackson, Seguin, 6-1, 190, Sr.
Offensive player of the year - Riley Dodge, Southlake Carroll, 6-0, 180, Jr.
Defensive player of the year - Chris Francis, Cedar Hill, 6-0, 210, Sr.
Coach of the year - Joey McGuire, Cedar Hill.
SECOND TEAM
Offense
Guards - Greg Bulls, Lubbock Monterey, 6-3, 285, Sr., and Jake Morrow, Cedar Park, 6-3, 240, Jr.
Tackles - Evan Eike, Bryan, 6-4, 315, Sr., and John Jones, Cedar Hill, 6-5, 295, Sr.
Center - Danny Baker, FB Elkins, 6-5, 301, Sr.
Wide receivers - Alonzo Adams, Houston Westside, 6-0, 185, Sr., and Juan Camacho, Laredo United, 5-9, 175, Sr.
Tight end - Tyler Fleet, Tyler Lee, 6-2, 225, Sr.
Quarterback - William Cole, Cedar Hill, 6-0, 175, Sr.
Running backs - Sam McGuffie, Cy-Fair, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Johnathan Craig, SA MacArthur, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Juan Martinez, La Joya, 5-11, 215, Sr.
Placekicker - Daniel Hernandez, Dallas Molina, 5-9, 185, Sr.
Defense
Linemen - Kyle Russo, Southlake Carroll, 6-4, 245, Sr.; Ben Bass, Plano West, 6-4, 260, Sr.; Logan Johnson, Seguin, 6-0, 215, Sr.; and Matt Pfister, Smithson Valley, 6-0, 190, Sr.
Linebackers - Justin Allen, Cedar Park, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Matt Howe, Colleyville Heritage, 6-4, 215, Sr.; Cory Houston, Houston Westside, 6-0, 220, Sr.; De'Arrius Jones, Dallas Carter, 5-10, 180,
Sr.
Secondary - Desmond Jackson, Seguin, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Marc Kinney, SA MacArthur, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Anthony Blue, Cedar Hill, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Sherman Rosborough, Longview, 5-9. 165, Sr.
Punter - Kevin Perez, EP Hanks, 5-9, 160, Sr.
Kick returner - Cyrus Gray, DeSoto, 5-11, 190, Jr.
THIRD TEAM
Offense
Guards - Carlos Cuevas, Plano, 6-2, 316, Sr., and Gordon Booker, Longview, 6-0, 305, Sr.
Tackles - Ryan Britt, Colleyville Heritage, 6-4, 285, Sr., and (tie) Blake Emert, Garland Sachse, 6-5, 275, Sr., and Marquis Franklin, Tyler John Tyler, 6-5, 325, Sr.
Center - James Fry, Smithson Valley, 6-4, 270, Jr.
Wide receivers - Evan Walker, Colleyville Heritage, 5-11, 185, Sr., and (tie) Malcolm Williams, Garland, 6-3, 205, Sr., and Breece Johnson, Colleyville Heritage, 6-2, 175, Sr.
Tight end - Alex Russian Round Rock, 6-5, 230, Sr.
Quarterback - Nathan Dick, Allen, 6-4, 200, Sr.
Running backs - Cyrus Gray, DeSoto, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Dewayne Stewart, Spring Westfield, 5-11, 195, Sr.; and Horace Gibson, Klein, 5-9, 185, Sr.
Placekicker - Shea Brewster, A&M Consolidated, 6-0, 150, Sr.
Defense
Linemen - Joey Nunez, San Benito, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Randall Murphy, Lufkin, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Tyler Crane, Allen, 6-2, 210, Sr.; and Spencer Canole, Flower Mound Marcus, 6-4, 220, Sr.
Linebackers - Drew Dudley, A&M Consolidated, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Derrick Stephens, Cypress Falls, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Jacody Coleman, Beaumont West Brook, 6-2, 245, Sr.; and (tie) Justin Springer, Los Fresnos, 6-4, 220, Sr., and Max Blue, Hebron, 6-0, 202, Sr.
Secondary - Cody Gambill, Allen, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Nicholas Saenz, Pearland, 5-11, 155, Jr.; Tekerrein Cuba, Tyler Lee, 6-3, 185, Sr.; and (tie) Richard Havins, Round Rock Westwood, 5-11, 189, Sr., and Josh Green, San Marcos, 5-11, 185, Sr.
Punter - (tie) Jonathan Lacour, Kingwood, 6-1, 180, Sr., and
Justin Putnam, Round Rock Westwood, 6-0, 172, Sr.
Kick returner - Michael Fuda, Katy, 6-0, 175, Sr.

TSWA 4A All-State Team

BRYAN, Texas (AP) - Texarkana quarterback Ryan Mallett and El Paso Andress defensive lineman Andre Jones have been named the offensive and defensive players of the year on the Texas Sports Writers Association's Class 4A all-state football team. The 256-pound Mallett threw for 3,173 yards with 30 touchdowns. The 295-pound Jones had 82 tackles and 16 quarterback pressures. Both are seniors. San Antonio Alamo Heights' Don Byrd was named coach of the year.
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FIRST TEAM
Offense
Guards - Michael Huey, Kilgore, 6-5, 290, Sr., and Kelly Turner, Highland Park, 6-3, 260, Sr.
Tackles - Kyle Hix, Aledo, 6-7, 315, Sr., and Jarvis Jones, Lamar Consolidated, 6-7, 250, Sr.
Center - Jason Hannan, Waxahachie, 6-4, 277, Sr.
Wide receivers - Jesse Hodge, Springtown, 5-10, 160, Sr., and Sam Dibrell, SA Alamo Heights, 6-2, 200, Sr.
Tight end - Melvin Dudley, Nacogoches, 6-4, 215, Sr.
Quarterback - Ryan Mallett, Texarkana Texas, 6-7, 256, Sr.
Running backs - Michael Connor, Frenship, 6-0, 190, Jr.; J.J.
Johnson, Schertz Clemens, 5-9, 180, Sr.; and (tie) Evan Hearn, Plainview, 5-11, 175, Sr., and Antowoine Smith, Paris North Lamar, 5-7, 170, Sr.
Placekicker - Justin Shaughnessy, Waco Midway, 6-3, 175, Sr.
Defense
Linemen - B.J. Bradley, Schertz Clemens, 6-3, 220 Sr.; Andre Jones, EP Andress, 6-5, 295, Sr.; Richetti Jones, Dallas Lincoln, Sr.; Michael Wilcoxon, Aledo, 6-3, 295, Sr.
Linebackers - Tanner Brock, Copperas Cove, 6-2, 192, Soph.; Leonard Dynes, La Marque, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Eric Edwards, Stephenville, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Nathan Uland, Denton Ryan, 5-11, 215,
Sr.
Secondary - James Thomas, La Marque, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Cody Davis, Stephenville, 6-2, 195, Jr.; Ben Wells, Beaumont Ozen, Sr.; and Moses Ellis, Everman, 5-10, 170, Sr.
Punter - Erick Fox, Edcouch-Elsa, Sr.
Kick returner - Lee Orr, El Campo, 6-3, 200, Sr.
Offensive player of the year - Ryan Mallett, Texarkana Texas, 6-7, 256, Sr.
Defensive player of the year - Andre Jones, EP Andress, 6-5, 295, Sr.
Coach of the Year - Don Byrd, SA Alamo Heights
SECOND TEAM
Offense
Guards - Byron Bell, Greenville, 6-5, 275, Sr., and Courtney Green, Corsicana, 6-4, 290, Sr.
Tackles - Aundre McGaskey, La Marque, 6-5, 275, Sr., and Michael Ray, La Marque, 6-4, 250, Sr.
Center - Zach Lambert, Hays, 6-0, 265, Sr.
Wide receivers - (tie) Seth Bauman, Lindale, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Brandon Collins, Brenham, 6-0, 170, Sr.; and Joseph Florence, La Marque, 6-4, 195, Sr.
Tight end - Daniel South, Montgomery, 6-3, 190, Sr.
Quarterback - Giovanni Vizza, San Antonio Alamo Heights, 6-1, 195, Sr.
Running backs - Alex Carroll, Highland Park, 6-1, 195, Sr.; and (tie) Colton Johnson, Waller, 6-0, 240, Sr., and Jacquizz Rodgers, Lamar Consolidated, 5-6, 165, Jr.; and Damien Washington, Wichita Falls Rider, 5-11, 185, Jr.
Placekicker - Ross Evans, Burnet, 5-9, 150, Jr.
Defense
Linemen - Tyrell Higgins, Schertz Clemens, 6-4, 265, Sr.; Marcel Owens, Houston Yates, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Aaron Wampler, Frenship, 6-2, 225, Jr.; Patrick Dorsey, Houston Yates, 6-1, 275, Sr.
Linebackers - Sam Ellis, Schertz Clemens, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Perron Sellers, La Marque, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Kenny Alexander, McKinney North, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Kyle Mangan, Brenham, 6-2, 220, Jr.
Secondary - Anthony Brown, Rosenberg Terry, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Jeramie Marek, Calallen, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Jamell Fleming, Arlington Seguin, 5-10, 187, Sr. and Jerimiah Alexander, Houston Yates, 5-10, 175, Jr.
Punter - Anson Kelton, Aledo, 6-3, 257, Sr.
Kick returner - V.J. McElroy, Uvalde, 6-0, 190, Sr.
THIRD TEAM
Offense
Guards - Jonathan Rush, Killeen, 6-5, 285, Sr., and Corey Smithers, Copperas Cove, 6-0, 245, Sr.
Tackles - Spencer Thompson, Plainview, 6-3, 270, Sr., and Casey Bates, Wichita Falls Rider, 6-6, 235, Sr.
Center - Adam Brock, Marshall, 6-0, 230, Sr.
Wide receivers - Joe Anderson, Texarkana Texas, 6-1, 194, Sr., and Omarius Hines, Corsicana, 6-2, 190, Jr.
Tight end - Logan Brock, Copperas Cove, 6-3, 235, Sr.
Quarterback - Michael Foran, EP Chapin, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Jarrett Lee, Brenham, 6-3, 204, Sr.; and Kody Spano, Stephenville, 6-2, 200, Jr.
Running backs - Jerrard Millsap, Copperas Cove, 5-11, 165, Sr.; and (tie) Taylor Dupree, Mesquite Poteet, 6-2, 210, Sr., and Carmon Boyd-Anderson, Jacksonville, 6-2, 192, Sr.; and Corey Holbert, Alvarado, 5-10, 170, Sr.
Place-kicker - (tie) Cameron Curry, Waco High, 5-6, 150, Sr., and Cory Foust, CC Flour Bluff, 5-5, 155, Soph.; and Michael Murray, Lake Dallas, 5-11, 185, Soph.
Defense
Linemen - Ben Goldthorpe, Denton Ryan, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Jarro d Johnson, Paris North Lamar, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Stephen Thomas, Lancaster, 6-3, 287, Sr.; Zach Petitt, Pflugerville Connally, 6-1,
230, Sr.
Linebackers - Sule Osadiede, Lamar Consolidated, Jr.; James Ervin, Nacogdoches, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Andre August, Beaumont Central, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Joe Sexton, Barbers Hill, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Luke
Shivers, Whitehouse, 6-1, 215, Sr.; and (tie) Chris Dowell, EP Andress, 6-0, 200, Sr., and Chris Brown, Amarillo Palo Duro, 6-0, 185, Jr.; and Michael Yanez, Hays, 5-11, 180, Sr.
Secondary - Eddie Morgan, McKinney, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Jon Harvell, Whitehouse, 6-4, 190, Jr.; Johnny Thomas, Texas City, 5-11, 165, Jr.; and Tim Kennedy, Clemens, 5-10, 175, Sr.
Punter - Austin Cunningham, Paris, 6-2, 185, Jr.
Kick returner - (tie) David Moore, EP Chapin, 5-10, 190, Sr., and Eddie Morgan, McKinney, 6-0, 185, Sr.

TSWA 3A ALL-STATE TEAM

BRYAN, Texas (AP) - Gilmer quarterback G.J. Kinne and Liberty Hill running back Brent Bode have been named co-offensive players of the year on the Texas Sports Writers Association's Class 3A all-state football team. The 215-pound Kinne threw for 2,962 yards with 47 touchdowns. The 180-pound Bode rushed for 2,363 yards with 28 touchdowns. Both are seniors. Giddings linebacker Alan Dock, a 210-pound junior, was named the defensive player of the year. He had 167 tackles. Liberty-Eylau's Pat Brady was named coach of the year.
----------
FIRST TEAM
Offense
Guards - Kyle Ness, Decatur, 6-3, 273, Sr. and Damarian Ates, Chapel Hill, 6-2, 280, Sr.
Tackles - Jamie Blatnick, Celina, 6-4, 250, Sr. and Lonnie Edwards, Brownsboro, 6-5, 300, Sr.
Center - Clayton Cenday, Wimberley, 6-1, 210, Sr.
Wide receivers - Curtis Brown, Gilmer, 6-0, 174, Sr. and Carlos Gallegos, Royse City, 6-0, 175, Jr.
Tight end - George Reyes, Bandera, 6-3, 200, Sr.
Quarterback - G.J. Kinne, Gilmer, 6-2, 215, Sr.
Running backs - Brent Bode, Liberty Hill, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Doug Allman, Liberty Hill, 6-0, 220, Jr.; Shawnbrey McNeal, Dallas Madison, 5-9, 190, Sr.
Placekicker - Ben Parks, Argyle, 6-0, 175, Jr.
Defense
Linemen - Alberto Florez, Snyder, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Ben Jones, Robinson, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Breck Holman, Celina, 5-4, 165, Jr.; and (tie) Len Thompson, Wimberley, 6-5, 215, Sr. and Micah Spicer, Robinson, 6-3, 210, Sr.
Linebackers - Alan Dock, Giddings, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Josh Jennings, Abilene Wylie, 5-10, 196, Sr.; Charles Jones, Liberty-Eylau, 6-0, 205, Jr.; Brett McGee, Robinson, 6-3, 220, Sr.
Secondary - Logan Bryan, Brownsboro, 6-3, 170, Sr.; B.J. Lewis, Robinson, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Chris West, Devine, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Dru Prosser, Celina, 6-1, 200, Sr.
Punter - Will Middlebrooks, Texarkana Liberty-Eylau, 6-4, 200, Sr.
Kick returner - Sam Buker, Canton, 5-5, 140, Sr.
Co-Offensive Players of the Year - G.J. Kinne, Gilmer, 6-2, 215, Sr. and Brent Bode, Liberty Hill, 6-0, 180, Sr.
Defensive Player of the Year - Alan Dock, Giddings, 6-0, 210, Jr.
Coach of the Year - Pat Brady, Liberty-Eylau.
SECOND TEAM
Offense
Guards - Ben Butler, Graham, 6-1, 252, Jr. and Brady Fletcher, Perryton, 6-5, 210, Sr.
Tackles - Kelvin Beachum, Mexia, 6-4, 275, Sr. and Ahmad Jones, Silsbee, 6-2, 310, Sr.
Center - Josh Ramer, Celina, 6-1, 220, Sr.
Wide receivers - Chris Favors, Groesbeck, 5-9, 165, Sr. and Lee Thompson, Wimberley, 6-5, 215, Sr.
Tight end - (tie) Bobby Martin, China Spring, 6-3, 185, Sr. and Matt Smith, Abilene Wylie, 6-5, 225, Sr.
Quarterback - (tie) Justin Sturns, Rusk, 6-0, 210, Sr. and Will Middlebrooks, Liberty-Eylau, 6-2, 188, Sr.
Running backs - Will Clay, Snyder, 6-2, 198, Jr.; LaMichael James, Liberty-Eylau, 5-10, 185, Jr.; and Andy Werner, Hondo, 6-0, 190, Sr.
Placekicker - Will Middlebrooks, Liberty-Eylau, 6-2, 188, Sr.
Defense
Linemen - Ryan Ueckert, Sinton, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Gustavo Alvarez, Port Isabel, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Kaeron Johnson, Cuero, 6-2, 260, Jr.; Dexter Shafer, Midland Greenwood, 6-2, 215, Sr.
Linebackers - Joseph Bengfort, Sanger, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Stephen Gummelt, Canton, 5-10,165, Sr.; Gerald Attaway, Rusk, 5-9, 195, Sr.; (tie) Nate Barbee, Royse City, 5-11, 180, Sr. and Ryan
Epperson, Brownsboro, 6-1, 215, Jr.
Secondary - James Delgado, Port Isabel, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Patrick Dukes, Liberty-Eylau, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Corey Lee, Andrews, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Chez Thomas, Kennedale, 5-10, 190, Sr.
Punter - Eric Boyd, Seminole, 5-11, 160, Sr.
Kick returner - Richard Samuel, Wimberley, 5-9, 150, Sr.
THIRD TEAM
Offense
Guards - (tie) Faustino Camacho, Port Isabel, 6-2, 240, Sr.; Austin Cox, Orange Grove, 5-10, 235, Sr.; and Joel Torres, Pleasanton, 5-11, 285, Sr.
Tackles - David Snow, Gilmer, 6-4, 280, Jr.; and (tie) John Jeanes, Royal, 6-6, 260, Sr.; Zachary Tamayo, Port Isabel, 6-3, 255, Sr.; and Brock Wempa, Royse City, 6-3, 275, So.
Center - (tie) Michael Mann, Snyder, 5-10, 230, Sr. and Wade McCullin, Cameron, 6-2, 215, Sr.
Wide receivers - (tie) Tre Gray, Cuero, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Earl Thomas, West Orange-Stark, 5-10, 174, Sr.; and Chance McCoy, Graham, 6-2, 180, Sr.
Tight end - Kody Alvarez, Kirbyville, 6-1, 220, Sr.
Quarterback - Ricky Beaty, Wimberley, 6-0, 175, Sr.
Running backs - Michael Buse, Wimberley, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Nathan Pegues, Sanger, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Chris Whaley, Madisonville, 6-3, 210, So.
Placekicker - Bryce Channell, Abilene Wylie, 5-10, 150, Jr.
Defense
Linemen - Tyler Driggers, Snyder, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Travis Harrel, Orange Grove, 6-0, 180, Sr.; David Requena, Caldwell, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Stacey Mendoza, Andrews, 6-2, 237, Sr.
Linebackers - Arsenial Richardson, Gilmer, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Chad Skunda, Wimberley, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Justin Adames, Sweetwater, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Robert Douglas, Hondo, 5-9, 175, Sr.
Secondary - Andy Werner, Hondo, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Domingo Ruiz, Cuero, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Joseph Banyard, Sweetwater, 5-10, 181, Sr. and Joel Johnson, Ingleside, 6-1, 190, Sr.
Punter - Seth Mogavero, Robinson, 5-9, 175, Jr.
Kick returner - Brian Scott, Cameron, 6-0, 175, Sr.

TSWA 2A ALL-STATE TEAM

BRYAN, Texas (AP) - Tatum running back Lennon Creer and Mart linebacker Heston Adler are the offensive and defensive players of the year for the Texas Sports Writers Association's Class 2A all-state football team. Tatum coach Andy Evans was named coach of the year.
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FIRST TEAM
Offense
Guards - Michael Brown, Lexington, 6-1, 215, Sr. and Martin Beltran, Stratford, 5-10, 200, Sr.
Tackles - Dustin Davis, Tatum, 6-4, 235, Sr. and Daniel Moore, Lexington, 6-6, 302, Soph.
Center - Cullen Hightower, Omaha Pewitt, 6-1, 270, Sr.
Wide receivers - Damian Davis, Mart, 6-6, 185, Sr. and Kendale Mayberry, Itasca, 5-9, 175, Sr.
Tight end - Patrick Sherek, Jarrell, 6-5, 210, Sr.
Quarterback - Lee McClendon, Mart, 5-10, 180, Jr.
Running backs - Lennon Creer, Tatum, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Terrance Ganaway, DeKalb, 6-0, 205, Sr.; and (tie) Austin Griffin, Aubrey, 5-10, 175, Sr. and Alex Bowman, Lone Oak, 6-2, 195, Sr.
Placekicker - Juve Sanchez, Blooming Grove, 6-2, 190, Jr.
Defense
Linemen - Tim Jones, Mart, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Kyle Kriegel, Elysian Fields, 6-5, 220, Soph.; Jonathan Humphries, Tatum, 6-0, 200, Sr.; and (tie) Lamar Crawford, Itasca, 6-0, 190, Sr. and Dustin McClure, Bangs, 5-10, 210, Sr.
Linebackers - Heston Adler, Mart, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Bryce Beall, Tatum, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Demetrius Ellis, Somerville, 6-1, 180, Sr.; and Mark Reynolds, Mart, 5-10, 175, Sr.
Secondary - Travis Slaughter, Crawford, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Darrell Jenkins, Newton, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Trevor Dreyton, Corrigan Camden, 6-2, 180, Sr.; and James Stroleny, George West, 5-10, 160, Sr.
Punter - Marcos Ramos, Alpine, 6-1, 180, Jr.
Kick returner - Darnius Moore, Tatum, 6-2, 185, Sr.
Offensive Player of the Year - Lennon Creer, Tatum.
Defensive Player of the Year - Heston Adler, Mart.
Coach of the Year - Andy Evans, Tatum.
SECOND TEAM
Offense
Guards - Matt Webber, Paradise, 6-1, 292, Sr. and Cory Davis, Littlefield, 5-9, 210, Sr.
Tackles - Nelson Dabney, Rice Consolidated, 6-3, 280, Sr. and Sterling Koopmann, Schulenburg, 6-3, 225, Sr.
Center - (tie) Landon Summers, Mart, 6-3, 220, Sr. and Ryan Merryman, Marlin, 6-2 1/2, 230, Sr.
Wide receivers - Jeremy Nelson, Boyd, 6-1, 175, Sr. and Sam Roberson, Somerville, 6-4, 200, Sr.
Tight end - Forest Rucker, Hearne, 6-6, 230, Jr.
Quarterback - Cody Ogle, Boyd, 5-11, 200, Sr.
Running backs - Stephen Viljoen, Littlefield, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Justin Williams, Deweyville, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Brandon McCleveland, Big Sandy , 5-7, 145, Jr.
Placekicker - Bradley Reynolds, Lexington, 5-8, 155, Jr.
Defense
Linemen - Julio Ramirez, Stratford, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Andrew Wolridge, Lexington, 6-2, 250, Jr.; Ethan Williams, Salado, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Matt Sellers, Cisco, 6-0, 220, Jr.
Linebackers - Jory Hernandez, Cisco, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Donald Knight, Corsicana Mildred, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Bradan Ritchey, Boyd, 6-5, 225, Sr.; and (tie) Eric Kirkland, Tatum, 6-4, 230, Sr. and Stephen Phillips, Scurry-Rosser, 6-1, 175, Jr.
Secondary - Tramain Thomas, East Chambers, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Sam Roberson, Somerville, 6-4, 200, Sr.; Pat Faulk, Kerens, 5-10, 170, Fresh.; and Brett Berry, Tolar, 6-0, 160, Sr.
Punter - Zack Massingill, Big Sandy, 5-10, 150, Sr.
Kick returner - Kevin Barlow, Corsicana Mildred, 5-10, 180, Jr.
THIRD TEAM
Offense
Guards - James Whitlow, Refugio, 6-2, 330, Sr. and (tie) Gabe Lozano, Comfort, 6-0, 245, Jr. and Russell Stoppel, Littlefield, 5-8, 180, Sr.
Tackles - Kallan Burns, Childress, 6-5, 300, Sr. and Nathan Kriegel, Elysian Fields, 6-3, 265, Sr.
Center - Justin Shelton, Itasca, 6-0, 200, Sr.
Wide receivers - Chance Blackmon, Tatum, 6-2, 175, Jr. and Darnius Moore, Tatum, 6-0, 175, Sr.
Tight end - (tie) Ronnie Willrich, Lexington, 6-2, 200, Sr. and Buck Russell, Aubrey, 6-3, 220, Jr.
Quarterback - (tie ) Luke Roberts, Comfort, 6-1, 212, Sr. and Jacob West, Cisco, 5-11, 185, Sr.
Running backs - Chris Davis, Troup, Sr.; Corey Lewis, Lexington, 5-8, 175, Sr.; and (tie) Carl Swain, Refugio, 5-10, 175, Jr. and Jeff Ridens, Union Grove, Sr.
Placekicker - (tie) Jake Arrington, Gunter, 5-9, 150, Jr. and Mitchell Bailey, Early, 6-0, 185, Jr.
Defense
Linemen - Manny Meglar, Blanco, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Quincy Roberts, Farmersville, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Donquell Davenport, Tatum, 6-2, 230, Sr.; and (tie) Brent Botard, Rice Consolidated, 6-4, 230, Sr. and Sandro Gomez, Stratford, 6-0, 215, Jr.
Linebackers - Ross McCormick, Blanco, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Joseph Schumpert, Jefferson, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Wes Finch, Holliday, 5-8, 187, Sr.; and Shane Duff, Elysian Fields, 5-10, 175, Sr.;
Secondary - Lorenzo Cortez, Jefferson, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Lonnie Garcia, Dilley, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Bryan McCleveland, Big Sandy, 5-7, 140, Sr.; and Jacob Weir, Troy, Sr.
Punter - Taylor Cook, Rice Consolidated, 6-1, 210, Jr.
Kick returner - Rashard Colquitt, Corrigan-Camden, 5-10, 185, Sr.

TSWA 1A ALL-STATE TEAM

BRYAN, Texas (AP) - Alto quarterback Julian Willis and linebacker Clayton Scott have been selected as the offensive and defensive players of the year for the Texas Sports Writers
Association's Class A all-state football team. Willis and Scott led undefeated Alto to the Division One state title. Robert Little, coach of Division Two state champ Chilton, and Alto coach Keith Gardner shared coach of the year honors.
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FIRST TEAM
Offense
Guards - Eli Crawford, Groveton, 6-1, 230, Sr. and Ryan Wadkins, Goldthwaite, 6-1, 210, Sr.
Tackles - Ben Johnson, Alto, 6-3, 275, Sr. and Travis Veitenheimer, Windthorst, 6-6, 283, Jr.
Center - Jerod Mankins, Windthorst, 6-0, 228, Sr.
Wide receivers - Tyson Mitchell, Alto, 6-3, 200, Sr. and Greg Gilbert, Electra, 6-0, 165, Sr.
Tight end - Andre Thomas, Union Hill, 6-2, 225, Sr.
Quarterback - Julian Willis, Alto, 6-1, 215, Sr.
Running backs - Joshua Fitchett, Sterling City, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Casey Giles, Iola, 5-11, 185, Sr.; and Travis Landrum, Chilton, 6-1, 230, Sr.
Placekicker - Sergio Garza, Carlisle, 5-9, 140, Sr.
Defense
Linemen - David Browne, Roscoe, 6-1, 245, Sr.; Rex McDougald, Iola, 6-3, 305, Sr.; Austin Llana, Thorndale, 6-3, 240, Jr.; and Travis Veitenheimer, Windthorst, 6-6, 283, Jr.
Linebackers - Justin Adaway, Colmesneil, 5-11, 185, Jr.; D.J. Wyatt, Electra, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Clayton Scott, Alto, 6-0, 210, Jr.; and Mitchell McCoy, Goldthwaite, 6-1, 175, Sr.
Secondary - Aaron Doyle, Evant, soph.; Jason McCoy, Windthorst, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Heath Hanson, Wink, 6-0, 175, Sr.; and Brock Blair, Union Hill, 5-7, 170, Sr.
Punter - Dustin Schulte, Nazareth, 6-1, 180, Sr.
Kick returner - Tyson Mitchell, Alto, 6-3, 200, Sr.
Offensive Player of the Year - Julian Willis, Alto, 6-1, 215, Sr.
Defensive Player of the Year - Clayton Scott, Alto, 6-0, 210, Jr.
Co-Coaches of the Year - Keith Gardner, Alto and Robert Little, Chilton.
SECOND TEAM
Offense
Guards - Casey Hudson, Ranger, 6-3, 220, Jr. and Justin Caillier, Lindsay, 5-11, 230, Sr.
Tackles - Dezmon Johnson, Grapeland, 6-1, 315, Sr. and Arthur Alvarado, Iola, 5-11, 275, Sr.
Center - Eric Carrizales, Thorndale, 6-3, 235, Sr.
Wide receivers - Jared Villanueva, Roscoe, 5-11, 160, Soph. and (tie) Brett Berry, Tolar, 6-0, 160, Sr. and Will Martin, Roby, 6-0, 185, Sr.
Tight end - Dustin Piske, Valley Mills, 6-1, 190, Sr.
Quarterback - Brad Green, Windthorst, 6-2, 205, Sr.
Running backs - Jeremy Lofton, Alto, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Tye Moseley, Goldthwaite, 5-10, 170, Sr.; and (tie) T.J. Adams, Beckville, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Michael McIntosh, Memphis, 5-7, 155, Sr.;
and Josh Stewart, Ranger, 5-9, 165, Sr.
Placekicker - Cruz Magana, Archer City, 5-8, 165, Sr.
Defense
Linemen - Josh Carr, Windthorst, 5-10, 245, Sr.; Frank Martinez, Bovina, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Ryan Wadkins, Goldthwaite, 6-0, 210, Sr.; and SeDerrick Brooks, Thorndale, 6-3, 250, Jr.
Linebackers - Lance Low, Alto, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Jeff Matus, Pettus, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Riley Barrett, Groveton, 6-0, 220, Sr.; and Tercellus Mitchell, Alto, 6-4, 210, Sr.
Secondary - Eric Permenter, Joaquin, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Brett Berry, Tolar, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Aaron Compton, Milano, 6-1, 165, Sr.; and Greg Gilbert, Electra, 5-11, 170, Sr.
Punter - Scotty Brown, Hamlin, 6-1, 201, Sr.
Kick returner - Glen Curry, Groveton, 5-11, 175, Sr.
THIRD TEAM
Offense
Guards - Eduardo Garcia, Bovina, 5-8, 230, Sr. and Taylor Harris, Valley View, Sr.
Tackles - Britt Mitchell, Roscoe, 6-8, 302, Jr. and Andrew Swinhoe, Archer City, 6-2, 235, Jr.
Center - David Browne, Roscoe, 6-1, 245, Sr.
Wide receivers - (tie) Chandrick Evans, Normangee, 6-1, 178, Jr.; Justin English, Baird, 6-1, 165, Jr. and Dixon Dewald, Evant, 6-0, 185, Sr.
Tight end - Jeremy Butts, Bosqueville, 6-0, 205, Sr.
Quarterback - (tie) Bo Bateman, Electra, 5-6, 155, Sr. and Tarrence Faulk, Grapeland, 6-0, 175, Sr.
Running backs - Brock Blair, Gilmer Union Hill, 5-7, 170, Sr.; Jonathan Price, Wolfe City, 5-9, 165, Sr.; and (tie) Trent Crawford, Groveton, 5-7, 150, Sr. and Tony Allen, Meridian, 5-10,
185, Jr.
Placekicker - Gustavo Calzada, DeLeon, Sr.
Defense
Linemen - Chase Black, Nazareth, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Russell Carney, Collinsville, 5-9, 151, Sr.; J.D. Hejny, McCamey, 6-1, 175, Sr.; and Landon Schwartz, Goldthwaite, 6-3, 180, Sr.
Linebackers - Michael Martinez, Bremond, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Jarid Border, West Hardin, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Juan Hernandez, Winters, 5-8, 160, Sr.; and Riley Seider, Price Carlisle, 5-11, 225, Jr.
Secondary - Sammy Winters, Harper, 5-8, 167, Jr.; Steven McAlpine, Wheeler, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Daniel Acosta, McCamey, 5-9, 170, Sr.; and (tie) Weldon Stallcup, Archer City, 5-3, 175, Sr.; and
Casey Giles, Iola, 5-11, 195, Sr.
Punter - Jared Porter, Roscoe, 5-9, 160, Sr.
Kick returner - Cody Franke, Shiner, 5-6, 150, Jr.

UT-Tyler Basketball Player Steals Her Way To An Award

UT-Tyler RaTonya Hunter is involved with a lot of theft, but it's not the kind that's going to get her arrested. Instead, her thievery is earning her honors. Hunter, a senior basketball player from Athens, equaled an all-time Patriots record with seven steals against Mississippi, then went on to earn the American Southwest Conference's East Division Player of the Week Award. Hunter also had a ten-point, six-steal game against Louisiana College last week, helping the Patriots to a win against their ASC East rival. She added 12 points to her seven steals in Saturday's game against Mississippi College. Her seven steals equaled the team total for the Choctaws! It's also the fourth time she has recorded seven steals in a game. This is Hunter’s first ASC Player of the Week honor.

In Minority Over Spitting Incident

Maybe I'm too insensitive, but I'm having a hard time understanding why the Terrell Owens "spitting incident" is such a big deal. T.O. was fined $35,000 for spitting on Falcons defensive back D'Angelo Hall. Hall wanted him suspended. Former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin went on record saying it's the worst possible thing you can do to a player on the football field.

Really?

I know it's degrading. I know it's inappropriate. I know it's ignorant. But, the worst possible thing you can do to a player?

I never played professional football, but I did play in high school and college. I've been punched, bitten and scratched. I've been grabbed in inappropriate places. I've been chop-blocked below the knees. I've been clipped. I've had my facemask yanked. And, yes, I've been spit on. And frankly, the spitting doesn't rank very high on the list. It made me mad, and it was disgusting, but I wiped it off and went on beating the poor sap between the whistles.

I talked extensively with Eric Williams about this issue. Williams played ten years in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins. He said what T.O. did was extremely uncool.

"It's a dirty enough game to get turf burns and have people chewing tobacco, and all the stuff you get from the astro turf," Williams said, "and to have someone spit in your face, that's a rough one. It doesn't happen often, or it happens more and people just don't complain about it, but it was uncalled for."

Interesting point there. "It happens more and people just don't complain about it." Isn't that what the NFL is all about? This is the most violent sport a person can play. Dirty, violent and mean things happen all the time.

"People do rude stuff on the field," Williams added. "They hit where they shouldn't hit, they stomp on people with cleats, they spit, they gouge, they poke people in the eye. It's a violent sport, and when you get those emotions going, people do crazy stuff."

Don't get me wrong, I'm not condoning that kind of behavior, but I'm also not saying it doesn't have a place in the sport. Players with attitudes like Michael Irvin wouldn't have made it in the "old school" NFL. In the "glory days" of the NFL, the 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, players ripped your helmet off, kicked you, spit on you, then went back to the huddle to do it all over again on the next play. If you couldn't handle it, you got off the field. It wasn't a game for sissies.

I'm from that school. Hand the ball to the ref after you score a touchdown. Play the game with ferocity, as if your life depended on it. Hit, bite, scratch, claw... do whatever it takes to get the job done. If you get spit on, no, *when you get spit on, give the jerk a cold stare, wipe it off, go back to the huddle, and pop the guy in the mouth as hard as you can during the next play, and the next play, and the next play, until he regrets ever playing the sport. And, if you can't handle it, go play tennis.

NFL's Plan To Rule The World Is Succeeding

About 60% of East Texas is in a panic this week as they scramble to find somewhere to watch Saturday night's Cowboys game against the Atlanta Falcons. The game is being carried on the NFL Network, which can only be seen by Dish and DirecTV customers. That means, anyone with cable or with an antennae, will be out of luck. Cowboys fans are attacking the cable companies for not carrying the NFL Network. They are trying to declare this a national emergency to get them to carry the game.

NFL, I applaud you.

Before the season it sounded innocent enough. A mere eight games would be carried by the NFL Network, which is owned by the NFL owners. But take a closer look at those eight games, and you will see that every region of the country is represented, from Seattle, to Dallas, to Green Bay, to Atlanta, to New York. At least once this season, somewhere in the country, this desperate plea to the cable companies is happening. The NFL owners are successfully rallying football fans into demanding the NFL Network, and blaming the cable companies for it's absence. Somehow, the $100 million ransom the NFL Network is asking the cable companies for is being lost in the riot.

Ultimately, the cable companies are going to cave, or lose another giant wave of customers to the satellite companies (they lost me years ago). In fact, the NFL is ENCOURAGING football fans to threaten their cable companies with a mass exodus. They are providing toll free numbers on their website to do just that! (1-866-NFL-NETWORK) All that means is more exposure, more control over the product and yes, a lot more money for the NFL owners.

So again. NFL, I applaud you.

Your plan to rule the world is moving full steam ahead...

ETBU Finds Perfect Fit

With the hiring of Mark Sartain, East Texas Baptist University found the perfect man for the job. He may not be the ONLY perfect man for the job, but then again, that depends on if you believe there is only ONE person for each of us. Of course, that's a different article all together.

Each coaching job requires a unique personality. In other words, what may be right for Brownsboro, may not be right for Tatum, which may not be right for Robert E. Lee, which may not be right for All Saints, etc.

Sartain's style worked at Trinity Valley, but it has the potential to thrive at ETBU. There are certain beliefs that cater to a certain type of situation. ETBU's emphasis on four years of personal, educational and spiritual development, embody what Sartain strives to instill in his programs. When you only have two years with the kids in a junior college setting, and the players goals are to "get in and get out", there is only so much of that you can do. That's not a knock against junior colleges. There are countless examples of students and athletes that would be lost without that unique opportunity. Maybe it's more about the spiritual message a coach like Sartain can only instill within an extended time span.

Gander Mountain Hunting Tip: Move S-L-O-W

Gander Mountain has been nice enough to share some hunting and fishing tips to help you get the most out of your experiences in the outdoors. This weeks tip comes from Pro Staff Member Craig Boddington:

The most fundamental mistake most of us make in the deer woods is not watching the wind. The second most serious mistake lies in moving too fast. It doesn’t matter whether you’re hunting from a stand or still-hunting, pussyfooting slowly through good cover. It also doesn’t matter whether you’re in head-to-toe camouflage or blaze orange (although camouflage, where legal, always helps!). If a whitetail gets your wind he’s gone, but if the wind is in your favor the next most likely thing to spook him is movement. Sudden movement is the kiss of death, but sometimes you can get by with slow, steady movement. Just because you can’t see a deer doesn’t mean there isn’t one nearby, so concentrate on keeping all movements slow and steady, all the while looking around—moving only your eyes as much as possible, and keeping head movements slow. If you see a deer (or think you do) and you can see his head, then he can see you. Freeze. Do not bring up your binoculars or your gun or bow until the head is completely hidden, and then move slowly and deliberately. Sometimes you have no choice but to go for it, but don’t let a deer startle you into rapid movement. As long as he’s stationary or moving slowly, take your time. The best way to turn an easy shot into a lost opportunity is to bring your gun or bow up too fast.

Craig Boddington
TV Host of Tracks Across Africa & Guns and Ammo
Elite Gander Mountain Pro Staff Member

KLTV 7 College Football Schedule For Saturday, December 2

We have a big day of football on KLTV 7 Saturday. Here is the schedule:

Dr. Pepper ACC Championship Game
Wake Forest vs. Georgia Tech
Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, FL
12:30-3:30pm

“College Football Presented By Best Buy”
USC @ UCLA
3:30 – 7:00pm

Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship Game
Nebraska @ Oklahoma
Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City MO.
7:00 – aprx. 10:30pm

Investment In Football Paying Huge Dividends For Whitehouse

It's nothing personal against the Wildcats, but Whitehouse just doesn't win when it comes to football. Since 1947, the Wildcats have produced just 12 winning seasons entering 2006. They had made the playoffs four times, winning just two playoff games. In 1978, the Wildcats won the district championship and finished 9-2. Since then, they have had just three winning seasons, and one playoff berth.

In 2004, Whitehouse decided they were tired of watching everyone else in the district achieve postseason success on the gridiron and decided to do something about it. That's when they hired Randy McFarlin away from Daingerfield. In six seasons at Daingerfield, McFarlin's Tigers made six straight playoff appearances, winning nine playoff games, advancing to the state quarterfinals three times, the state semifinals twice, and the state finals once, losing to Newton in 1998.

"When I talked to the (Whitehouse ISD football coach search) committee and accepted this job," said McFarlin, "I felt like the committee there, and the administration were committed to a winning program, and that's very important coming into a community. You have to have the support, both financially, and just the support in general to make this thing work. We had to make a lot of changes in Whitehouse, Texas to get this program's foot on the ground, and the third year, here we are still playing, I'm very pleased with the progress."

But that progress was in jeopardy early this year. After giving up 70 points in the first two games of the season, including a 42-36 loss to Sulphur Springs in week two, McFarlin and his coaching staff shook up the program. They brought in several sophomores from the junior varsity, including a new quarterback. They also committed several of their top athletes primarily to defense.

"At that point after week two, we looked where we were at, and knew, at the level we wanted to play as a coaching staff, we had to make some changes," McFarlin said, "and there again, I don't know if it's luck or what, but it worked out for us. "

Boy did it work. After giving up 42 points in week two, the Wildcats defense allowed just 41 points over the next six games, setting up a district title showdown with Marshall. Whitehouse won a thriller at Wildcat stadium, 35-34. In ten games since the change, the Wildcats have outscored their opponents by 144 points and have posted a 9-1 record. Overall they are 10-2, the best record in school history, and are in the third round of the playoffs for the first time in school history.

"We're very thrilled that it did work," McFarlin said. "It makes you look pretty good when it works, and pretty bad the other way if it hadn't worked, but we're just very fortunate it worked for us and we're still playing."

How long will they continue to play? That remains to be seen. Waco is their next challenge Saturday afternoon.

800th Win For Avinger Coach

A big congratulations to Avinger basketball coach Ken Loyd who got his 800th career win last night. His 5th-ranked Indians beat North Hopkins 67-56 in overtime.

Coach Loyd has been in the business for 41 years, winning three state titles. He has also coached at Texas High, White Oak, Huntington and Venus.

500 is an incredible accomplishment, but 800 is almost beyond belief! That's an average of around 20 wins a season.

Gander Mountain Hunting Tip: Feather Light

Gander Mountain has been nice enough to share with us some hunting and fishing tips to help you get the most out of your outdoor experience. As the largest retail network of stores in the nation, they have an extensive team of experts at their disposal.

This weeks tip comes from Jeff French, a store manager in Kenosha, Wisconsin, who talks about hiding your scent while hunting.

When hunting from a treestand, it is essential to be aware of where your scent is traveling. Wind checkers are great for the immediate area around your treestand, but another great choice is as close as your local fly shop!
A small piece of marabou of feather can show you where your scent is being carried well beyond your stand. By ripping off a small piece and letting it float away, you can identify changing wind currents for several yards! Try it and you may be surprised!
Jeff French
Store Manager, Kenosha, WI

Playoff Predictions

It's always fun to look at the wide open brackets to try to figure out how everything plays out. The beauty is, there's always upsets, but the cream usually rises to the top. We've looked at all of the brackets and offer what we think could happen:

5A Divsion I: This is by far the toughest classification this year. Seven of the top ten ranked teams in the state reside here. This is going to be brutal. Let's take Lufkin for instance. If they are to win a state championship this year, they will probably have to face five ranked teams in their six games. The game that everyone will have their eye on, though, will be #1 Southlake Carroll versus #3 Euless Trinity in the second round! The winner of that game will be odds on favorite to win the championship. With their history, along with what they've accomplished this season so far, we think Southlake Carroll wins that game, and goes on to play Lufkin in the semifinals. The winner of that game will probably face fifth-ranked Galena Park North Shore for the title. Sorry Panthers, but we think it's going to be the South Lake Carroll Dragons winning it all.

5A Division II: There are no ranked teams in Region two right now, which bodes well for the 12-5A teams. John Tyler will have their hands full with Dallas Carter in the first round. Longview faces a road block in round two against Garland. History says Carter and Garland meet for the Regional championship with Garland pulling it out. They should fall to 6th-ranked Cedar Hill in the semi's, who will in turn lose to Katy in the state title game. It won't be easy for Katy, though. They'll probably have to get by 9th-ranked Smithson Valley in the semi's. But Katy is the pick.

4A Divison I: This is an easy pick, yet a hard pick, because the state championship game is going to be played in the second round. Texas High will get a rematch against Highland Park, who beat them in the first round of the playoffs last year on their way to the state title. We think the Texas High Tigers get their revenge and win the Division I championship.

4A Divison II: This should be a wide open division this year. Whitehouse has the chance to go pretty far. Unfortunately, their lack of depth may haunt them in round three when they play 9th-ranked Waco. Waco should play Stephenville in the semi's. We give the nod to Stephenville. But in the end, Brenham should emerge as the champion.

3A Division I: Gilmer coach Jeff Traylor knew before the season even started that his Buckeyes would probably have to face Liberty-Eylau in the first round. If they get by that game, it should be clear sailing all the way to the title game. Their opponent will more than likely be the winner of the second round matchup between Hutto and Diboll. Our nod goes to Diboll. In an All-East Texas final, Gilmer wins their second state championship in three years.

3A Division II: There are several good teams happy Gilmer is Division I. Key games include Celina versus Dallas Madison, Brownsboro versus Atlanta, and West Orange Stark versus Gidding, all in the second round. We think Madison emerges over Atlanta for the Region two title. Cuero should stop West Orange Stark in the semi's. That sets up a classic between Cuero and Madison. Our pick is Cuero as champion.

2A Division I: The simple truth here is Region three is the state championship bracket. Whoever emerges from this region will have their toughest competition behind them. 5th-ranked Tatum will most likely play 6th-ranked Jefferson in the second round. The winner of that game will have to face the winner of 4th-ranked Newton against 7th-ranked Marlin. Our pick, and I know it's the safe pick, but who cares... Tatum wins their second straight title.

2A Division II: Again, Region three probably holds the state champion. 2005 state finalists Paul Pewitt (2A-DII) and Big Sandy (1A) match up in the first round and it takes off from there. #2 Crawford will have a say in the outcome of that side of the Region three bracket, with #1 Mart probably coming out of the other side, if they can get by Troup. The Region champion should face #3 Lexington in the semifinals, then face #9 Blanco in the finals. our pick is Mart.

1A Division I: 1A moves to two divisions this year for the first time. There are only two ranked teams in Division I, and they will have to play each other in the third round. #2 Alto beats #6 Wolfe City and goes on to win the state title.

1A Division II: This is anyone's guess. A lot of good teams will have a shot at it. Expect #2 New Deal to win out in Region 1, but fall to #1 Windthorst in the semifinals. We think #10 Grapeland can make it to the semifinals, but will have their hands full with #5 Chilton. Regardless of who wins that game, we think Windthorst wins the state title.

Final High School Football Poll

East Texas schools made a strong showing in every classification ranking in the final AP high school football poll, which means once again, East Texas should make a strong showing in the playoffs. Lufkin finishes as the second ranked team in 5A. Texas High is the topped ranked team in 4A. Gilmer slips by Cuero in the final week to take over the top spot in 3A. 2A is packed with East Texas talent. Former number ones Tatum and Jefferson finish fifth and sixth respectively. Troup finishes tenth. And, in 1A, Alto finishes second with Grapeland 10th.

Hunting Tip: Coffee and Venison?

Gander Mountain has been kind enough to periodically send us some hunting and fishing tips. Here's one on cooking venision from Elite Pro Staff member Keith Warren:

Recently, I learned of a new way to cook back strap. Although it may sound very unusual, it is out of this world. Here is how to do it. Cut back straps a full 2” thick and place them in your favorite marinade, I use Cajun Injector Garlic Creole. Usually it takes hours to marinate thick cuts of meat, but in a marinade canister by Tilia (manufacturer of the Foodsaver, www.foodsaver.com), it only takes 20 minutes.

Remove the marinated meat and drain excess liquid from the meat. Wrap cut of meat with bacon. Then sprinkle the upper side with garlic salt. Next, take pulverized freeze-dried instant coffee crystals and lightly dust the salted side. Allow to sit for 20 minutes or until the coffee resembles chocolate syrup. Then turn the meat over and do the same on the other side.Cook over a medium fire for six minutes per side for medium rare, longer for medium or well-done. I know this sounds odd, but it will be an unbelievable piece of meat. The garlic salt draws out the blood, and the coffee causes it to form a coating that will help the meat retain its moisture.With this recipe we have come up with a new family favorite -- just another way to enjoy a successful hunt. By the way, I am far from being considered a good cook. Just ask my wife. But with this recipe, it is hard to do a bad job.

Keith Warren
Gander Mountain Elite Pro Staff Member and
TV Host of Keith Warren's Outdoor Adventures

Gander Mountain Hunting Tip: Deer Hunting

Gander Mountain has been nice enough to periodically pass along some hunting and fishing tips. With deer season set to begin, here is a good set of tips from Elite Pro Staff Member Ray Howell:

Quick Tips for Deer Hunting
· Always keep the wind in your favor (work into or quarter into it). If at all possible, use scent-blocking clothing and scent killer odor sprays. They will eliminated human odors or keep them very low.
· Your bow or firearms should be covered with a camo cloth tape or have a dull finish to prevent any f reflection from the sun. When using your bow, sound-dampening equipment should be incorporated into your hunting system so that when you make the shot, the animal will not hear it coming.
· Use a scentless face camo to help keep the shine of your face concealed.
· While stalking your prey, do not be in a hurry. Wait for your prey to make the mistakes, and then capitalize on them. A lot of times, you can get too anxious to get the shot and actually "blow" an opportunity very easily.
· Use the landscape to your benefit and never silhouette yourself.
· Use a powder device to constantly check the wind direction.
· And always remember that one set of eyes is a lot easier to stalk up on than several sets.

Ray Howell
Gander Mountain Elite Pro Staff Member and
Founder of Kicking Bear Youth Program

KLTV 7 College Football Games for October 21

Here are the football games KLTV 7 will be airing Saturday, October 21. The second game has been changed from the Florida State game to the Michigan game:


Texas @ Nebraska
11:00am-2:30pm

Iowa @ Michigan
2:30pm-6:00pm

Hunting Tip: Long Range Shooting

Gander Mountain is nice enough to provide us with periodic hunting and fishing tips. This week, Elite Pro Staff member Craig Boddington gives us a long range shooting tip:

Modern centerfire rifles have accuracy and range far beyond the capabilities of most hunters, and inexpensive laser rangefinders now eliminate that variable. The two remaining problems for shooting at longer ranges are wind and stability. You can’t do much about wind; if it’s windy and the distance is considerable you have a very risky shot that you should consider carefully-and probably pass. But you can do plenty about getting steady. Many hunters carry bipods and shooting sticks; others prefer to rest over a daypack. Whatever method you prefer, practice extensively on the range. Get away from the bench and learn how to get steady in field positions fast-and then you’ll have more time to evaluate the shot and make sure of your hold.
Craig Boddington
Elite Pro Staff Member
Host of Gun's and Ammo & SureFire's Tracks Across Africa

Do You Want To Play Semi-Pro Football?

If your high school football career is over but you still have the itch to strap on the pads and play some football, then you need to check out the Texas Xtreme. They play in the Texas United Football League (TUFL) with over 30 teams from Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas.

The Xtreme will be holding their final tryouts on Saturday, November 4th at 9am at Brownsboro High School's practice field. There is a $20 cash fee due at registration. Players will be tested in the 40, shuttle, and various position skills. You should wear grass shoes, shorts and a white T-shirt.

Former Nebraska Coach Tom Osborne In East Texas

Nebraska Congressman Tom Osborne, the legendary Nebraska Cornhuskers football coach, will be a guest of Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert at an Old Fashioned Bar-B-Que Supper at Harvey Hall on Monday, October 23 from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

The cost is $25 per person. Children 12 and under are free.

U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selections

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour has hit East Texas.

Texas High quarterback Ryan Mallett will receive his invitation to play in the game Thursday afternoon at Noon in the Texas High Cafeteria.

A member of the Gilmer Buckeyes will receive his invitation to play in the game, Friday at 7:00pm at Buckeye Stadium.

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is scheduled for January 6 at Noon.

East Texas High School Players Earning Weekly Honors

Ford is honoring Texas high school football players with weekly honors for their performance on the field. Longview News Journal's Bob Ward is a member of the Advisory Board that helps pick one player in each class every week. The award comes out every Thursday. So far, at least one East Texan has been honored in four of the five weeks.

Week Zero/One: 1A-T.J. Adams, RB, Beckville
Week Two: 3A-G.J. Kinne, QB, Gilmer
Week Four: 2A-Chris Davis, RB, Troup
Week Five: 3A-Justin Sturns, QB, Rusk - 1A-Brock Blair, RB, Union Hill

Martin's Mill Cager Committs To Texas Tech

Martin's Mill's All-State Center Jordan Barncastle gave a verbal committment to Texas Tech today, even though she hasn't played her junior year of basketball yet. In March, Barncastle scored 25 points to lead the Lady Mustangs to a 61-30 win over Slocum in the 1A Division One State Championship game. Barncastle earned tournament MVP. She was also named 1A Plyer of the Year. Her Dad, Martin's Mill head coach Doug Barncastle says there won't be any waffling on this committment, even though she has two years of high school basketball still to play. Texas Tech is where she has always dreamed of playing.

Hunting Tip: Blazing New Trails

Gander Mountain is nice enough to provide us with periodic hunting and fishing tips. This week, they offer a tip on how to create a new trail for deer.

When deer consistently move by your stand out of range, you can often divert the deer by placing some nearby deadfalls over the existing trail. Then create a new trail leading to your stand area, adding some deer scent with a drag. One of the keys is to wear rubber gloves and boots. You don’t want to leave your scent anywhere. Disturbing the terrain is actually quite natural, as storms come through, leaves fall, branches break and the overall forest changes daily.
Joe Bucher
Elite Pro Staff Member and TV Host

Bull Bash in Longview

There's a cool event coming up in Longview. It's the CBR Bull Bash Tour 2006, Saturday, Octoboer 14th at 8pm at the Longview Fair Grounds. Some of the biggest, and baddest bulls around will be trying to buck off some of the top bull riders in the country, like CBR/PRCA World Champion Matt Austin, World Champion Cody Hancock, and NFR Qualifier Bryan Richardson.

This is such a big event, it will be televised on the Outdoor Channel November 15th.

Tickets:
$15 Reserved in Advance ($20 at the gate)
$10 Adult General Admission ($12 at the gate)
$4 Child General Admission ($6 at the gate) (4 to 12)
3 and under are Free

Tickets are on sale at Cavender's Boot City in Longview, Supercuts in the Target Shopping Center in Longview and Horaney's Feed Store in downtown Longview.

KLTV 7 College Football Schedule For October 14

Here are the games KLTV 7 is scheduled to carry Saturday, October 14.


Missouri @ Texas A&M
2:30pm-6:00pm


Michigan @ Penn Sate
7:00pm-10:30pm

Texas College Players Earn Weekly Honors

Kudos to Texas College defensive back Dathan Brown and tight end Justin Carter. Brown earned Central States Football League Defensive Player of the Week honors, while Carter earned Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Brown picked off two passes in the Steers 21-7 win over Bacone College. One of his interceptions resulted in a 97 yard touchdown. Brown also had two pass break ups and three solo tackles.

Carter scored two of the three touchdowns in the win. The Steers' tight end caught three passes for 58 yards.

Texas College is now 1-0 in conference play as they attempt to defend their conference title.

ETBU Footballer Earns Weekly Honor

MARSHALL, Texas – Running back Brandon Sampson of East Texas Baptist University has been named the American Southwest Conference Offensive Player of the Week following the Tigers’ 41-24 win over McMurry Saturday.

Sampson (5-6, 185) tied a team record with three touchdowns and was the first Tiger to rush for 100 yards this season as ETBU (1-5, 1-3) snapped a five-game losing streak with its seventh consecutive win against McMurry (2-4, 1-3). The record performance came in just his second game at running back this season, as he was a starting cornerback the first three weeks of the year before making the switch due to injuries in the Tiger backfield.

Sampson, a native of Grambling, La., who attended high school at Westside High School in Houston, finished the day with 14 carries for 112 yards and three touchdowns. The three scores tied the team record of three rushing touchdowns set previously by Tauborick Thursby on Oct. 30, 2004, against Mary Hardin-Baylor and by Phil Van Cleave on Sept. 18, 2004, against Howard Payne.

It was the second straight game a player had either set or tied a team single-game record for touchdowns for the Tigers. In a 31-28 loss to Texas Lutheran on Sept. 30, Van Cleave set a team mark for passing touchdowns with four, and wide receiver Jason Gray tied a team record with three receiving touchdowns.

Two of Sampson’s touchdowns Saturday came in the fourth quarter and helped ETBU seal its first win since the regular season finale last year, which was also against McMurry.

Sampson and the Tigers face another huge test this week, as they travel to Abilene to face nationally-ranked Hardin-Simmons at 2 p.m. on Saturday. ETBU is 0-6 all-time against the Cowboys since joining the ASC in 2000.

Hunting Tip: The Buck Stops Here!

Gander Mountain periodically sends me hunting and fishing tips from their pro staff memebers. Here's a hunting tip from Pro Staff Manager Mike Kurre:

The best reason to build a mock scrape is to draw a buck into range and hold him there for the shot. Once you find a spot with a low hanging branch within range (archery or firearms), kick out the grass or weeds with your rubber boots in a 2 foot circle. Using rubber gloves, scar up the branch over your scrape and snap one tip so it points straight down, but don't break it off completely. This will create a "worked over" look. Then add a scrape dripper with estrus scent and you’ve created your own mock scrape.

Mike "Cold Front" Kurre
Pro Staff Manager

KLTV 7 College Football Schedule For Oct. 7

Here are the college football games to be aired on KLTV 7 this Saturday.

National Broadcast:

Texas vs. Oklahoma @ Cotton Bowl
2:30pm-6:00pm


Regional Broadcast:

Nebraska @ Iowa State
7:00pm-10:30pm

Lufkin's "True Web Gem"

Anyone in East Texas who follows high school football closely knows about Lufkin's website for their football team. It's an extremely impressive site that includes news, features and plenty of pictures on the team.

This week's Sports Illustrated recognizes www.lufkinpantherfootball.com as one of the best high school websites in the country. It's in their new High School section in an article called "True Web Gems". There's even a picture of the site.

Astros Playoff Tickets On Sale? You Bet!

With 12 games to play, the Astros trailed the Cardinals by 7 games. Today, the Astros began selling tickets for the National League Division Series! What a difference a week makes. Houston's winning streak, coupled with the Cardinals losing streak has turned was was destined to be a dissapointing season for the Astros into a glimmer of hope. The Cardinals still hold their own destiny, but barely.

By the way, you can get your tickets at astros.com...

Hunting Tip: Whitetail Deer Hunting - Carry A Grunt Tube!

Gander Mountain has been kind enough to provide us periodic hunting and fishing tips from their pro staff members. This weeks tip talks about a specific form of game calling:

Grunting up whitetails doesn’t work all the time, any more than any other form of game calling. But while you’re sitting on your stand, an occasional series on a grunt tube does no harm, and unlike rattling, it may pull in a buck at any time of the season, whether the rut is on or not. A second and perhaps more important use for a grunt call is to stop a passing buck in order to get a stationary shot. Even bucks that are actively chasing does are likely to pause momentarily when you give a soft grunt.
Craig Boddington
Elite Pro Staff Member, Author and TV Host of SureFire's Tracks Across Africa

Texas HOF Class of '06 Announced

The Texas Hall of Fame announced today it's Class of 2006:

DeLoss Dodds - University of Texas Athletic Director
Mia Hamm - International Soccer Star
Rafer Johnson - Olympic decathlete
Jerry Jones - Dallas Cowboys Owner
Roosevelt Leaks - Former University of Texas running back
Warren Moon - Former Houston Oilers quarterback
Don Perkins - Former Dallas Cowboys running back
Billy Sims - Heisman Trophy winner

Hunting Tip: Archery Tips

Gander Mountain has been nice enough to share some hunting and fishing tips to help you get the most enjoyment from your experience in the outdoors. This weeks tip comes from Gander Mountain Pro Staff member Ray Howell. He offers some Archery Tips:

Practicing outside in the same conditions you'll be hunting in (wearing the same clothing) is the best way to keep your confidence up and your shooting ability sharp at the archery range or in the stand.

If you are a right-handed shooter, sew the left sleeves of all your undergarments and outer clothing to tighten them up to give you clearance with your bow string. You may also have to sew in or tighten the chest area of your outer layer of clothing to keep your string from making contact. If you're left-handed, just do the opposite.

Ray Howell
Elite Pro Staff Member and Founder of Kicking Youth Programs

Bob Knight To OU: Now You Know How It Feels

Leave it to Texas Tech basketball coach Bob Knight to put the University of Oklahoma's controversial football loss to Oregon last Saturday into perspective. He's never one to pass up a jab against a rival.

Oregon scored a couple of late touchdowns to beat Oklahoma 34-33. Those touchdowns were aided by a couple of bad calls by the officials, which weren't overturned by replay officials. In response, O-U President Dave Boren called for the suspension of the officials involved for the rest of the season, and for the game itself to be wiped from the record books.

Knight remembers a game a few years ago in which his Red Raiders lost at Oklahoma as the result of similarly bad calls. At the time, Knight called for the Sooners to forfeit the game.

"Maybe now those people at Oklahoma understand what I was talking about," Knight said recently to The Oklahoman newspaper in Oklahoma City. "Now I guess the 'duck' is swimming in the other pond."

Classic!

Another Gold Ball!

Congratulations to Tyler resident Russell Seymour. The 76-year-old won the doubles title this past weekend at the U.S.T.A. Clay Court Championships in Arlington, Virginia. He earned a "Gold Ball" for the title. It was the 72nd gold ball of his career!

Several East Texas Athletes Honored This Week

Player of the Week honors are a great way to recognize individuals who excel over the short term. This week, East Texas had several athletes earn that honor.

East Texas Baptist University’s Traci Twardowski has been named the American Southwest Conference East Division Setter of the Week, after averaging 9.19 assists in five games, with 40 digs, six kills and four service aces.

Texas College freshman quarterback X'Zavier Bloodshaw earned Central States Football League Offensive Player of the Week honors after passing for 221 yards and three touchdowns in the Steer's 37-34 win over Belhaven. It was the Steers first win of the season.

Kilgore College defensive end Tyrell Herndon has been named the Southwest Junior College Football Conference's Defensive Player of the Week. The 6'3", 235 lb. sophomore had 10 tackles, two for loss, one sack and three pressures in helping guide the Rangers to their first win last Saturday at 10th-ranked Navarro, 27-16.

For the second week in a row a LeTourneau University soccer player has been honored on D3Kicks.com’s Team of the Week. Last week, it was men’s defender Ryan Rector (Longview/Longview HS) and this week it is women’s freshman defender Brooke Kincade (Sugar Land/Elkins HS) who is being honored. Kincade helped lead the LadyJackets to their best week in school history. In a 3-0 week, she was an integral part of a defense that registered a shutout win against Austin College on Tuesday. On Friday, she played a first half in which the Jackets did not allow Louisiana College a single shot plus she assisted on a goal. On Saturday, she helped the Jacket defense limit Mississippi College, who had been averaging 3.6 goals per game, to just one goal and 10 shots. In addition to her defense, she assisted on the game-winning goal with 1:35 left in regulation.

Bad Calls, Worse Reaction

No one likes to see bad calls in a football game, especially bad calls that could have an affect on the outcome of a game, but University of Oklahoma President David Boren may be taking the Sooners loss a little too seriously.

He is now getting involved in the controversy over two controversial calls near the end of Saturday's OU - Oregon game. The calls on an on-side kick and a pass interference call both
went against Oklahoma even though replays indicated the calls could've gone against Oregon.

Boren is sending a letter to Big 12 Conference commissioner Kevin Weiberg in which Boren says the - quote - "lapse of accurate officiating" is - quote - "an outrageous injustice." Boren wants Weiberg to take several steps including asking for an apology from the Pac 10 for what Boren calls "gross errors in officiating" and to ask that the game not be recorded as a win or a loss by either team.

He also wants the officials who reviewed the plays suspended for the rest of the season; that the Big 12 ask the Pac 10 to change its rule calling for only Pac 10 officials at non-conference home
games; and for the Big 12 to call for a discussion of how the replay review process should be implemented.

O-U athletic director Joe Castiglione has already asked for a review of the officiating and Pac 10 Commissioner Tim Hansen says the results of that review will be announced tomorrow.

You wonder if Boren would be so involved if Oregon would have missed it's game winning field goal. It sounds to me like he has a little Sore-Loser Syndrome!

Fantasy Football: Week 2 Player News

Since about 8.5 million people participate in fantasy football leagues in North America, I thought I'd pass along some fantasy notes from this past week.

--Peyton Manning passed for 400 yards and three touchdowns as the Colts blew out Houston 43-24. Manning connected on 26 of his 38 passes to pass Johnny Unitas as the team's all-time
leader in completions.
--Marvin Harrison moved ahead of Art Monk for fifth on the career receptions list while catching seven passes for 127 yards.
--Reggie Wayne had six receptions for 135 yards.
--David Carr threw 3 touchdown passes in the loss.
--Eli Manning passed for 371 yards and 3 TD's as the New York Giants beat Philadelphia in overtime.
--Amani Toomer had12 catches for 137 yards and two TD's.
--Plaxio Burress had 6 catches for 114 yards and 1 TD.
--Donovan McNabb threw for 350 yards and two TD's for the Eagles.
--Tight End L.J. Smith was his leading receiver, catching 7 passes for 111 yards.
--Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell had 3 field goals (26,22,19) and extra point and a 16-yard TD pass to Richard Owens in Minnesota's 16-13 OT win over Carolina.
--Vikings running back Chester Taylor had 24 carries for 113 yards.
--Michael Turner ran for 138 yards, including a 75-yard carry as
the San Diego Chargers blasted Tennessee 40-7.
--LaDainian Tomlinson carried 19 times for 71 yards and a TD for the Chargers.
--Rex Grossman set career highs by throwing for 289 yards and 4 TD's in Chicago's 34-7 romp over Detroit.
--Bears TE John Gilmore caught 2 short TD passes.
--Matt Stover hit 4 field goals (25,33,37,23) in the Baltimore Ravens 28-6 rout of Oakland.
--Darrell Jackson had five receptions for 127 yards and a TD in Seattle's 21-10 win over Arizona.
--Terry Glenn grabbed six passes for 94 yards and a TD as Dallas thumped Washington 27-10.
--Cincinnati's Carson Palmer passed for 352 yards and 2 TD's in the Bengals 34-17 rout of Cleveland.
--Bengals running back Rudi Johnson ran for 145 yards and 2 T-D's.
--Drew Brees completed 26 of 41 passes for 353 yards and 2 TD's as New Orleans rallied to beat Green Bay 34-27.
--Deuce McAllister had just 47 rushing yards, but he scored 2 of the Saints TD's.
--Brett Favre threw for 350 yards and 3 TD's in the loss.
--Donald Driver had 153 receiving yards.
--Donald Driver was on the receiving end of 153 yards worth of Favre passes.
--Frank Gore ran for 127 yards and a TD as San Francisco knocked off St. Louis 20-13.
--Antonio Bryant had 131 yards receiving and a TD for the 49er's.
--The Rams Steven Jackson had 103 rushing yards in the loss.
--Larry Johnson had 126 rushing yards and 41 receiving yards in the Chiefs 9-6 loss to Denver.
--Michael Vick broke his own NFL record for quarterbacks by running for 127 yards and a TD.
-- Warrick Dunn finished with 134 rushing yards.
--Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms threw for 313 yards but was intercepted three times.
--Joey Galloway caught 9 passes for 161 yards.
--Chad Pennington threw for 306 yards, 2 TD's and 1 Interception in the Jets 24-17 loss to New England.
--Jerricho Cotchery had 121 yards receiving and a TD for the Jets.
--Laveranues Coles had 100 yards receiving and a TD for the Jets.

New Sponsor For TJC Athletics

Tyler Junior College picked up a big sponsor for their athletic department. AT&T announced today they will sponsor TJC home football, men's and women's basketball, home soccer and home baseball games. They will also be a big part of the highly popular high school basketball tournament, the TJC Wagstaff Holiday Classic.

"We are pleased to add AT&T's sponsorship assistance to the tournament and our home spectator sports for the 2006-2007 season," said TJC's director of intercollegiate athletics Dr. Tim Drain. "Bringing strong corporate sponsors, like AT&T, ensures that growth and innovation remain ahllmarks at TJC sports. We are thankful for their generous assistance to help us emphasize a vibrant student life on our campus."

"The Wagstaff Holiday Classic basketball tournament has brought an atmosphere of excitement and unity to East Texas," said AT&T's Candice Gast. "We look forward to partnerships like this because they encompass what AT&T is all about--connecting families, friends and neighbors."

The Wagstaff Holiday Classic is scheduled for December 27 to 31. More than 15,000 fans are expected to attend this year.

Classic Jerry Jones

Bob Costas in an interview with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones:

"Daniel Snyder, the owner of the Redskins, recently he got in business with Tom Cruise. Who would you like to be in business with?"

Jones: "Well, I think that's really a big starter for the difference in our organizations, our philosophy. Nicole Kidman would be my business partner."

Sooners Expecting More Big Plays From Longview's Malcolm Kelly

As the Oklahoma Sooners look to pass the ball to take some pressure off their running back, Palestine's Adrian Peterson, receiver Malcolm Kelly of Longview is being counted on to produce big plays.

Kelly did that last Saturday against Washington with six catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

Coach Bob Stoops says Kelly has a chance to be a great player because of his size, speed and strong hands.

And Kelly says he knows he's being counted on to produce, to help take a defense's total focus off stopping Peterson.

OU plays at Oregon Saturday.

Hunting Tip: Take Good Care of Your Hunting Buddy!

Gander Mountain has been nice enough to provide me periodically with a hunting or fishing tip to pass along. Here's one on taking care of your hunting dog:

If you hunt with a dog make sure when buying an upland game vest you get one with a water bottle pocket (and use it). Your dog is covering a lot more ground than you and his hydration needs are greater. Also a little moisture on his nose will maximize his scenting ability.

Little Morgan and Mike Jackson
Champion Dock Dog Jumper and Elite Pro Staff Member

The Next Tanya Harding?

GREELEY, Colo. — The University of Northern Colorado's reserve punter was arrested Tuesday, accused of stabbing his rival in his kicking leg.

Mitch Cozad, a sophomore from Wheatland, Wyo., allegedly attacked starting punter Rafael Mendoza in a parking lot in Evans on Monday night, Evans police Lt. Gary Kessler said.

Mendoza, the Bears' first-string punter from Thornton, was treated and released from the North Colorado Medical Center Monday night. Coach Scott Downing said Mendoza will not punt for UNC in Saturday's game at Texas State University.

"I don't know how long he'll be out because I haven't talked to the doctor," Downing said.

Cozad, Mendoza and freshman Zak Bigelow had been in a three-way race for the starting punter's job in preseason training. Mendoza has averaged 37.6 yards per punt on nine punts in the two games so far this season.

Cozad is facing second-degree assault charges and was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday for a bond hearing. He was suspended from the team, evicted from his residence and expelled from school on Tuesday, The Greeley Tribune reported.

KLTV 7 College Football Schedule For Sept. 16

Here is the KLTV 7 college football schedule for Saturday.

Regional Broadcast:

Oklahoma @ Oregon
2:30-6:00

National Broadcast:

Nebraska @ USC
7:00-10:30

Colts Super Bowl Champs: You Can Bet On It

I'm not much of a gambler, but I know enough to know that oddsmakers are right way more than they are wrong. Having said that, Vegas.com has posted it's odds for the 2007 Super Bowl winner. The Indianapolis Colts lead the way at 7/2. Seattle, New England and Carolina are right behind at 6/1. Then, there's the Cowboys. Dallas has 7/1 odds to win it all. That's pretty good! It's the third best odds in the NFC. Many publications are picking the Cowboys to make it to the Super Bowl.

Fishing Tip: Tough Spots

Here's another fishing tip from Gander Mountain, this time from Jason Przekurat on how to CLEAN you fishing boat:

Boat cleaning can be a hassle but here are a couple tips that work for me while fishing the FLW Walleye Tour. Ever had those hard water spots on your boat that you can't get off? Here's the solution. Buy a few medium size spray bottles, a bottle of vinegar, and some water. Mix a solution of 25% vinegar to 75% water in the spray bottles and keep them in your truck. This will take care of those spots.
Another tip is for the areas in and around your motor, hoses, tilt and trim, etc. Spray Armour All tire foam in those hard-to-reach spots. Give it a few minutes to evaporate and they will look like new again.
Jason Przekurat
Gander Mountain Elite ProStaff

Hit The Beach In Downtown Tyler.

The City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department is now registering teams for the 2006 “Beach Volleyball Tournament.”

The cost per team is $150. Teams consist of up to 8 members. The tournament is part of Festival on the Square and will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, at 105 East Erwin.

The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 13.

Event sponsors include Tyler Parks and Recreation Department, Tyler Morning Telegraph and the Heart of Tyler Association.

For more information, call Van Jordan at 903-531-1377.

TJC Player Earns National Honor

TJC sophomore wide receiver Johnny Knox earned the NJCAA Football Offensive Player of the Week honor for last week's games.

Knox is from Channelview High School. In his second game of the season, Knox caught four passes for 188 yards help lead Tyler Junior College to an upset victory over 2nd-ranked Trinity Valley Community College 26-23 on September 2. His first reception came on the second play of the game and was good for a 75 yard touchdown. Knox again set the offensive tone for Tyler in the second half as he scored on a 66 yard touchdown reception on Tyler's first play of the third quarter.

In Tyler's 2006 season opener against Hutchinson Community College he caught five passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.

Mack Thinking About Tucker

It's been a trying week for University of Texas head football coach Mack Brown. He was forced to suspend two players, including a starter for this weeks game against number one ranked Ohio State. And despite being busy putting together a game plan for the big day, he still found time to think about Tucker Thomison. Tucker is an 8-year-old from Brownsboro who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. We've done several stories on the "Team Tucker" t-shirts being sold to help raise money for Tucker and his family.

This is the thing. Tucker is a huge Longhorns fan. He wanted a Longhorns skull cap to cover his head, because he's starting to lose his hair due to the chemotherapy treatment. The problem is, his family couldn't find a Longhorns skull cap anywhere. Well, word got to Austin, and today a package arrived from Mack Brown, containing an official Longhorns skull cap, as well as a little Longhorns football helmet signed by Tyler native Aaron Ross.

As a member of the media, I tend to remain neutral when it comes to sporting events. But in this case, I'm going to make an exception. Hook 'em horns!

John Tyler and Lee Ticket Information

ROBERT E LEE @ EULESS TRINITY (Pennington Field) – 7:30 pm

General Admission Tickets Purchased in advance- $3.00 Students - $5.00 Adult

All General Admission Tickets at the Gate - $7.00

NOTE: CAMPUS SALE - Tickets will be sold to students and faculty only on the REL campus Wednesday, and Thursday.

ADDITIONAL TICKET OUTLETS

TISD Athletic Office located at the Plyler Complex on 807 W. Glenwood Wednesday and Thursday only from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

T&T Lewis Texaco 903 W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. during regular business hours.

Tyler Athletic 5201 S. Broadway Times Square Shopping Center during regular business hours

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JOHN TYLER @ DALLAS CARTER (Jesse Owens Sports Complex)– 7:30 pm
No Ticket Sales in advance

All General Admission Tickets at the Gate - $3.00 Students - $5.00 Adults

DiMikel Shankle Will Play Again This Season

Good news for Spring Hill's DiMikel Shankle. The running back is expected to be able to play again this season. Shankle injured his right knee Friday against Lindale. He missed all but three games last season when he blew out his left knee. Spring Hill head coach Robert Bero told me today, Shankle will rehab the knee for three weeks, then will strap on a knee brace and return to the field.

One Vs. Two

Whether an effort to build hype, or a legitimate ranking change, Texas has moved up a spot to number two on the Associated Press college football poll released today. With Ohio State number one, that sets up one versus two Saturday when the Buckeyes travel to Texas. It seems kind of convenient Notre Dame would fall two spots in the rankings, despite a win on Saturday. I guess voters felt either Texas or Ohio State would fall after this week, allowing them to move Notre Dame back up, assuming the Fighting Irish beats #19 Penn State.

It's just interesting to see all of the movement this week. USC jumped from #6 to #3, Tennessee jumped from #23 to #11, and Michigan #14 to #10. Notre Dame, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Nebraska, TCU and Arizona State all FELL in the rankings despite a win.

Nothing (Head) Butt The Truth

Soccer fans now know why French star Zinedine Zidane head-butted Italy's Marco Materazzi in the World Cup. During an interview in Rome, Materazzi admitted to holding Zidane's jersey, which prompted the Frenchman to tell the Italian, "if you want, I'll give you the jersey later."

In response, Materazzi said he, "preferred his sister."

That was enough for Zidane who responded with his well-known head-butt. He was booted from the game and the Italians won on penalty kicks.

Big Win For Alba-Golden

Alba-Golden beat Cumby Friday night 7-6. It has been brought to my attention, that was Alba-Golden's first win in more than four years. Good job to the Panthers for starting the new season on a good note. There's a good vibe surrounding this team and it appears as if this won't be their only win.

DiMikel Shankle Injury Update

Spring Hill running back DiMikel Shankle is expected to find out tomorrow morning how bad he injured his knee in Friday's loss to Lindale. It is not the same knee he injured last year. Spring Hill head coach Robert Bero told me today Shankle had an MRI done on the knee on Saturday and will learn the results tomorrow.