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