ETBU Picked 7th In Football

This from ETBU:

MARSHALL, Texas – East Texas Baptist has been picked to finish seventh in the 2007 American Southwest Conference Preseason Football Poll released last week by the conference office.
The annual poll of the ASC’s nine head coaches, sports information directors and selected media has defending champion Mary Hardin-Baylor as a runaway favorite to repeat, followed by Hardin-Simmons in a distant second-place.
The Tigers, who will be in their first season under new head coach Mark Sartain, received 105 points in the poll and one first-place vote. ETBU is coming off a 3-7 season in 2005, and the seventh-place standing in the preseason poll is the lowest for a Tiger team since the inaugural season of the program in 2000.
UMHB received 239 points and 24 first-place votes, with Hardin-Simmons taking 217 points and the other two first-place votes.
Coming in third in the poll was Mississippi College, which had 155 points after a 5-5 season in 2006. Howard Payne, with 127 points, was fourth, followed by Texas Lutheran (121 points) and Sul Ross State (116 points) in fifth and sixth, respectively.
Finishing behind ETBU in the voting are Louisiana College (90 points) in eighth place, and McMurry, with 45 points, in ninth place.
UMHB senior linebacker Jerrell Freeman was voted the league’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, while Sul Ross senior running back T. J. Barber was the ASC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Texas Lutheran senior kicker Holt Storrie was the Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year.
ETBU players report for preseason workouts Aug. 11, with the Tigers’ season opener set for Sept. 1 in Ornelas Stadium against nationally-ranked Trinity University.

East Texas Swimmer Headed To Nationals

An East Texas high school swimmer entered rare air over the weekend when he qualified for the USA Swimming Junior National Championships. William Norton, a senior-to-be at Grace Community High School and member of the Tyler Swim Team, qualifed for nationals in the 1500 meter Freestyle at the USA Sectional Swimming Championships in San Antonio.

According to his Tyler Swim Team coach, Matt Franks, Norton is the first Tyler area swimmer to qualify for the junior national championship meet since another Tyler Swim Team member, Jacob Taylor did it in the late 1990's.

Norton leaves for Indianapolis, where this years junior nationals will be held, on Friday.

The Tour de France Needs Fixing

One of the reasons I love sports so much is because there are athletes out there capable of overcoming incredible odds to do things the average person, including me, can't do.

I have a mountain bike, but I don't consider myself necessarily a "cycling" fan. However, I have always been intrigued by the Tour de France, and the monstrous challenges it offers. Following the 7 straight titles won by Lance Armstrong, after nearly dying from cancer, was awesome. I was similarly moved when Floyd Landis pulled out a miraculous win last year, all while needing a hip replacement! So when it came out that Landis more than likely cheated his way to victory, I was upset. I know this isn't just a problem in cycling. See Ben Johnson, Mark McGwire and Lyle Alzado just to name a few. But, the closer I looked at the sport of cycling at the Tour de France level, the more I saw a systematic effort by its participants to try to get away with cheating, whether it be with steroids, or blood transfusions or just taking a cold medicine. Yes, a cold medicine! These riders are not allowed to take ANYTHING! Oh, unless they have a medical waiver from their doctor saying they need to because of asthma or something. As long as they have a waiver, that drug is allowed. How ironic, that 60% of the riders at last year's race had medical waivers! Some of those over the counter drugs help "mask" the use of other illegal drugs. At last check, more than 40% of the riders had the medical waivers this year. Now, with two riders in two days being bounced from the race due to failed drug tests, including favorite Alexandre Vinokourov, and the race leader Michael Rasmussen under suspicion because he didn't report his whereabouts during a recent drug test, it seems the sport, or at least the Tour de France, needs to take drastic steps.

While I'm no expert, I'm going to use the common sense meter for proposing a solution. When each rider reports to the race, they are locked up in a "dorm" by tournament officials, where they will have zero access to outside sources. Each team will be issued the exact same support equipment, when it comes to water bottles, the water inside the bottles, the energy bars, etc. The teams will be "quarantined" in a separate compound, where all of their equipment will be searched and approved. Each rider will continue to submit to daily drug tests just in case. That's the only way this can be fixed. While it's hard for many Americans to grasp why these athletes would go to such lengths to cheat for a bicycle race, it's apparent this is a sport held in high regard in many parts of Europe, with millions of dollars on the line.

I am all for inspirational stories. I just don't like to find out later that their source of inspirational came in an illegal bottle of drugs.

East Texas High School Football Prospects

ESPN just released it's top 150 high school football prospects for the upcoming football season. Van's Jermie Calhoun ranks 4th on the list, and the top running back. Gilmer landed two players on the list, OG David Snow at 75th, and RB Justin Johnson at 122nd. Paris also has two players on the list with OT Stephen Good at 87th and CB Jordan Fields at 103. Kendall Wright of Pittsburg ranks 96th as an "athlete".

Prairieview A&M Back To East Texas?

Prairieview A&M looks as if they will play another football game in East Texas. While not yet official, the Panthers have tentatively agreed to play a game at Lobo Stadium in Longview on October 20th. An opponent hasn't been finalized, but it looks to be Concordia College.

Wiley College, which doesn't have a football program, is considering holding homecoming activities in connection with the game.

More to come...

Nextel Cup Driver Boosting Busch Series Team

Grace Community High School grad C.J. Fambrough is the rear tire changer for the Joe Gibbs Racing #18 Busch Series car. Tony Stewart is driving the car for this weeks Busch race at Daytona. He'll start on the front row, after qualifying second!

One Heck Of A Water Hazard!

The rain in East Texas has been relentless, causing serious problems to roads and residents. It has also put a huge damper on playing golf, especially at Meadowbrook Country Club in Kilgore. Check out this picture sent to me by a viewer. This is looking down Houston Street. The creek has completely overflowed. This entire fairway is under water!

Here are some pictures from a viewer of The Woods golf course near Jacksonville. It looks like an island green in the first picture!

East Texan Pitting For And "Acting" Big Time

Grace Community High School grad C.J. Fambrough, who is the rear tire changer for the Joe Gibbs Racing #18 car in the Busch Series will be appearing in a new commercial on ESPN. That's him in the Fed Ex fire suit, being filmed for the commercial. It will begin airing this weekend.


C.J. will also get his first exposure to a Nextel Cup driver as 2005 Nextel Cup Champion Tony Stewart slides behind the wheel of the #18 car for this Friday's Busch Series race at Daytona. Stewart drove the #18 car in the season opening Busch event at Daytona, but his Nextel Cup team pitted for him that race. C.J.'s Busch team pit crew has been putting in some great times this year. They won the award in a recent race for the least amount of time spent on pit row. I can't wait to see how they do with a Nextel Cup driver this week!

Nothing Better Than Hot Dogs On The 4th

I'm a baseball fan, which means I'm a hot dog fan. I don't know what it is, but baseball and hot dogs go hand-in-hand. They just taste better at the ballpark. I think it has something to do with the smells of grass and dirt and pine tar and beer and peanuts that just enhance their flavor. I'm not talking about these jumbo monstrosities covered with chili and cheese and everything else under the sun, that you need a loan to pay for. I'm talking about the regular hot dog, with a little mustard, and maybe some relish. I can eat four or five of those things at-a-time. That's why I love watching the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island every year on the Fourth of July.

I love everything that involves competition, especially something that I know I can't do, and I know I can't eat 10 hot dogs in 12 minutes, much less 50! It's awe inspiring to watch the master himself perform, 6-time defending champion Takeru Kobayashi. He weighs 150 pounds soaking wet, yet the way he makes those dogs disappear is otherworldly. He set the record of 53 3/4 hot dogs at last years event. This guy is the king of all things eating. He's the top ranked eater in the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE). Take a look at his accomplishments since last year's hot dog win:

Brats: 58 Johnsonville Brats / Brat Days / 10 Minutes/ Aug. 5, 2006
Cow Brains: 57 (17.7 pounds) / 15 minutes
Hamburgers: Krystals: 97 Krystal Burgers / 8 minutes/October 28, 2006
Lobster Rolls: 41 Lobster Rolls in Boston challenge / 10 minutes/Sept. 23, 2006
Rice Balls: 20 pounds rice balls / 30 minutes

Like Roger Maris' 61 homers, I thought the hot dog eating record was unbeatable. Then, along came Joey Chestnut, who last month, ate 59 1/2 hot dogs! That's five hot dogs and buns per minute! He is a force to be reckoned with, also holding world records in Asparagus (8.6 lbs/10 min.), Chicken Wings, Long form (182/30 min.), Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (47/10 min.), Gyoza(212 chicken and vegetable gyoza/10 min.), Horseshoe Sandwiches (6 lbs, 5 oz/12 min.), Pork Ribs (8.4 lbs/12 min.), Pork, Pulled (9 lbs, 6 oz/10 min.) and Waffles (18.5 Waffles (8 oz.)/10 min.).

Kobayashi is claiming he has arthritis of the jaw. He could be playing with Chestnut's head. We'll see tomorrow. I can't wait!

Hoss Is Headed To St. Louis

Our resident long drive studs, Matthew "Hoss" Vilade of Hide-a-way Lake and Cody Ellis of Bullard are headed to St. Louis for this weekend's Re/Max St. Louis Long Drive Classic at Gateway National Golf Links near downtown St. Louis. They are members of the Long Drivers of America Tour.

I talked to Vilade today as he was preparing to leave. Now fully recovered from the pneumonia that hampered his performance at the Texas Shootout, Hoss is raring and ready to show everybody what he is capable of. Remember, Vilade hit a monster 473 yard drive at an event earlier this year in Mesquite, Nevada. He is capable of doing some big things.

Hoss tees it up in Round 1 at 9am Sunday morning. Ellis takes his first shot at 10:30am. We'll keep an eye on their progress.

ETBU To Host Softball Camp July 23-25

I got this from ETBU today:

MARSHALL, Texas – East Texas Baptist University will host the 2007 Lady Tiger Softball Camp July 23-25 at Taylor Field.
The camp will be hosted by ETBU head coach Janae Schlabs and assistant coach Jennifer Bryant, along with assistant coach and National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Famer Bill Galloway. The camp will run each day from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for all girls ages 10-18.
The camp will cover the basic skills and drills of hitting, pitching, infield play, outfield play, base running and game situations. All campers will need to bring their own glove, bat if it is available, and indoor and outdoor shoes.
Cost of the camp is $65 through July 19; cost will be $70 if received after July 19.
For more information or to pick up a registration form, contact Jennifer Bryant at (512) 618-1982 or Linda McClain at (903) 923-2228.

Another NASCAR Update

Grace Community high school grad C.J. Fambrough added another knotch to his growing NASCAR accomplishment belt. Each week Checkers restaurants gives a bonus to one Busch Series, one Craftsman Truck Series, and one Nextel Cup pit crew for the least amount of time on pit road during the race pit stops. This past weekend at Kentucky, C.J.'s #18 Busch Series crew won the Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge. They had two 13 second pit stops and one 14 second pit stop. The team received $11,000 for the win. At the end of the 36-race schedule, the pit crew with the most wins gets $111,150!

A $30 car? If You Are A Pro Golfer

When a professional athlete like Shaquille O'Neal or Alex Rodriguez is fined for whatever reason, I've found myself saying, 'oh that's just pocket change for them.' As it turns out, I was right. Bankrate.com has a Celebrity Golf Calculator, which weighs the relative costs of popular items for pro golfers. I wish I could buy a car for thirty bucks!

Check out these examples:

$2,000 Laptop: For Phil Mickelson, a top-of-the-line laptop would seem to cost him just $1.36, considering his estimated $44 million dollar earnings in 2006.

$275,000 House: This estimated home price for the "swashbuckling" Sergio Garcia's nearly $16 million take-home pay, would seem to "cost" just $519.43.

$20,000 Car: The relative "cost" of a car for 17-year-old new driver Michelle Wie is a meager $29.65, who raked in an estimated $20 million last year.

$100 Hotel room: A $100 hotel room for Golfer John Daly would calculate to just 35 cents when you compare his $8 million earnings to the salary of the average Joe.

Junior Is So Wrong Yet So Right For Hendrick Motorsports

I couldn't help but get chills thinking of the possiblities next year's Nextel Cup season will bring with Dale Earnhardt Jr. driving for Hendrick Motorsports. Long considered one of the top drivers on the circuit, Junior will now have the resources to prove it. It's scary to think what he could do with the toys Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson have been playing with.

Yet, there lies the paradox...

Let me take you back to my first experience at a NASCAR race. It was the Winston 500 in 1999 at Talladega Superspeedway. I was a novice to the sport, knowing just enough to know who the drivers were, but little about fan support. Jeff Gordon was riding a two-race winning streak, and dominating that day. He would lead more laps than any driver that day. I was on pit row, so I couldn't see the whole track, but at one point, I noticed nearly all of the 200,000 fans stand up and starting cheering. I could actually hear the cheering over the noise of the cars and with head phones on! I naively thought they were excited for Gordon. But what they were all cheering about was Dale Earnhardt had just passed Gordon and would go on to win the race.

A year later, I was in the pits at Texas Motor Speedway when the crowd did nearly the exact same thing. They all stood up in unison and went crazy. This time it was for Dale Earnhardt Jr., who took the lead and would go on to win his first Nextel Cup (Winston Cup then) race.

Jeff Gordon is the anti-Earnhardt. They are opposites. Their fans don't like each other or their racers. So to have them team up is like Al Gore joining forces with George Bush. It's like Lucy allowing Charlie Brown to actually kick the ball. It's crazy!

I don't know how many races Junior will win at Hendrick Motorsports. I don't know how many Gordon and Johnson will let him win. Do you really think Gordon will bump draft Junior to a victory? Heck no! He's going to hang him to dry and go for the win. I would expect nothing less. That's why this is going to be so much fun.

Better Odds Phillips Is Fired Than Wins Super Bowl

I don't advocate betting on sports, but I thought this was kind of interesting. An online betting company has released odds on the Cowboys and Texans winning the Super Bowl, in relation to the odds of other random events happening. Enjoy for entertainment purposed only:

Analysts at BetUS.com answered the question of what’s more likely, the Dallas Cowboys or Houston Texans winning the Super Bowl or…. With the following odds.

Dallas Cowboys (NFC):
Win Super Bowl - 18/1
Romo is the League MVP - 25/1
Parcells comes back to the Cowboy organization - 40/1
Win a playoff game because of a botched snap by the other team - 20/1
T.O. gets traded - 2/1
T.O. drops more passes than last year - 50/1
You forget the Alamo - 1,000,000/1
Dallas becomes the live music capitol of the world opposed to Austin - 1,000/1
United States 24 hour rainfall record of 43 inches, will be shattered - 50/1
A revamped version of the popular television show “Dallas” airs - 150/1
Wade Phillips will be fired as Cowboys head coach - 15/1
You get a speeding ticket - 3/1
You win the lottery - 1,000,000/1
You walk under a ladder - 5/1
You order a pizza this year - 1/1,000
You run out of hot water mid shower - 100/1
Lose your cell phone - 50/1
You see pigs fly - 1,000,000,000/1
Hell freezes over - 1,000,000,000,000/1
You throw out your back - 1,000/1
You get a flat tire - 2/1
A bird will poop on you - 50/1
You will find money - 25/1
You will slip on banana peel - 150/1

Houston Texans (AFC):
Win Super Bowl - 90/1
Have to rename Reliant Stadium because of Corp Fraud - 100/1
Snows during a game - 310/1
Texans have a above .500 season - 4/1
Defeat the Colts twice - 10/1
Texans Re-sign David Carr - 50/1
Trade Mario Williams for Reggie Bush. - 500/1
Houston has post-season hat trick (Astros, Rockets and Texans win it all ) - 10,000/1
Officially loses the “Fattest City in America” title - 10/1
Adds a second star to the Texas Flag - 10,000,000/1
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is picketed by animal activists - 1/100
Gary Kubiak is fired as Texans head coach - 5/1
You get a speeding ticket - 3/1
You win the lottery - 1,000,000/1
You walk under a ladder - 5/1
You order a pizza this year - 1/1,000
You run out of hot water mid shower - 100/1
Lose your cell phone - 50/1
You see pigs fly - 1,000,000,000/1
Hell freezes over - 1,000,000,000,000/1
You throw out your back - 1,000/1
You get a flat tire - 2/1
A bird will poop on you - 50/1
You will find money - 25/1
You will slip on banana peel - 150/1

Additional sports and entertainment odds can be found at:
www.BetUS.com

Upcoming Rangers Promotions

If you are looking for excuses to go to a Rangers game, other than just to watch baseball, the team sent me a few of their upcoming promotions:



vs. Milwaukee - June 8th - 7:35pm
FSN Southwest Cap Night - First 20,000 fans

vs. Milwaukee - June 9th - 7:35pm
POWERade Equipment Bag - First 7,000 fans 13 & Under






vs. Houston - June 22nd - 7:35pm
Texas Legend Themed Fireworks Show - All Fans

Patriot Golfers Pick Up Honors

This is from a UT Tyler sports information department release today:

The University of Texas at Tyler men’s golf team picked up another major honor, as Dean Rodgers and Coy Beck were both named to the prestigious Division III PING All-Region team, as announced by the Golf Coaches Association of America. The two Patriots on the West All-Region team equaled the total number of American Southwest Conference players from other schools combined.

Greatest Wide Receiver Class In NFL Draft History?

There is wide spread agreement that the 1983 NFL draft produced the greatest group of quarterbacks in the history of the sport. John Elway, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino. Three hall-of-famers... enough said.

But, when it comes to the greatest wide receiver class, there is room for debate. Some would say it's the Class of 1985. After all, that class is led by the greatest of all time, Jerry Rice, who was the third receiver taken that year (Al Toon & Eddie Brown) drafted, 16th overall, one pick ahead of the Cowboys (who took DE Kevin Brooks). Andre Reed, 5th all-time in receptions, 8th in yards, and 10th in TD's, was drafted by the Bills in the 4th round. Al Toon led the league in receptions in 1988. Eddie Brown of the Bengals was also a pro-bowler. If you count tight ends as receivers, two of the best in the game, Jay Novacek and Mark Bavaro were also Class of '85. Fellow tight end Ethan Horton was also a pro-bowler.

Others will claim the Class of 1988 is the best. Tim Brown was the top wide receiver taken that year (#6). Brown is 3rd overall in receptions, 2nd in yards, and 6th in TD's. Sterling Sharp was #7 that year, and was neck-in-neck with Rice for the top receiver of the era when his career was cut short in his prime in 1994 with a neck injury. The Cowboys used the 11th pick that year on Michael Irvin. The hall-of-famer retired with three Super Bowl rings. The Class of '88 also included pro-bowl wide receivers Anthony Miller and Brian Blades, and pro-bowl tight ends Keith Jackson and Ferrell Edmunds. Flipper Anderson and Michael Haynes were also drafted in '88. That is an impressive class.

But I say, when all is said and done, the Class of 1996 could blow both of those classes COMBINED out of the water. Keyshawn Johnson was the top pick that year. He retires this year 15th in receptions and 23rd in yards. Pro Bowlers, Terry Glenn (#7), Eric Moulds (#24), Muhsin Muhammad (#43), Joe Horn (#135) and Jermaine Lewis (#153) are all in this class, as well as Amani Toomer, Ricky Dudley and Jay Riemersma. But, the crown jewels of this class are the 19th pick and the 89th pick. Marvin Harrison was the third receiver taken that year, yet he could potentially end his career number one all-time. The 8-time pro-bowler is already 4th in receptions, 6th in yards and 3rd in TD's. His 143 receptions in 2002 is most of all-time. Oh, and that 89th pick? The 12th receiver taken that year is none other than Terrell Owens. T.O. is 17th in receptions, 16th in yards and 4th in TD's. He has 5 pro-bowl appearances and could fight Harrison for the all-time TD receptions title.

As great of a wide receiver draft as it is, 1996 will forever leave a bad taste in my mouth. As a St. Louis native, I sat an watched the Rams, with the 18th pick that year, take a "sure thing" out of LSU named Eddie Kennison. With the 19th pick, the Indianapolis Colts had to settle for Marvin Harrison...

Help For A Heavy Hitter

East Texas Long Drive professional Mathew Vilade is quickly making a name for himself in the long drive world. His 473 yard drive in Mesquite, Nevada is the longest drive ever hit there, and that's where the World Championship is held. He is participating in a charity event and wanted me to pass this along:

I am participating in a special golf tournament to raise money for Children's Miracle Network. I am emailing you to ask you to consider pledging. Please help me meet my pledge goals and help this organization raise the money they need to continue their work. Your contribution will help make this event a huge success and get me one step closer to meeting my pledge goals.

To visit my personalized pledge page or to learn more about this event, please visit: https://integritygolfsolutions.com/pledge.asp?mode=part&gid=71099
Thanks for your support!Mathew Vilade
Long Drive Professional

East Texan Boosting His NASCAR Status Again

Grace Community High School grad C.J. Fambrough keeps popping up all over the NASCAR world. He is currently the rear-tire changer for the Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 car in the Busch Series. He has been practicing with the Joe Gibbs Racing Nextel Cup crew members for a possible jump to one of their Nextel Cup cars as well. Anyway, one of Joe Gibbs Racing's up-and-coming drivers, 16-year-old Joey Logano, races in the NASCAR Grand National Division, because their age limit is 16. The Busch Series age limit is 18. C.J. worked on Joey's crew last year in the USAR Hooters Cup series. Because NASCAR was holding it's All-Star race this past week, they weren't racing over the weekend. So Kevin Harvick, who would win the Nextel Cup All-Star race, agreed to race in the NASCAR Grand National race at Iowa Speedway over the weekend. When Joe Gibbs found out Harvick was bringing his Busch Series pit crew with him to Iowa, he sent a Busch Series pit crew of his own to pit for Joey. Well guess what, Fambrough and the #18 crew went to Iowa and helped Joey knock off Harvick! There's a great story on the race at Iowa Speedway's website.

This picture is courtesy of iowaspeedway.com and features Harvick congratulating Logano. That's Fambrough standing next to Logano with his hand out, waiting his turn for a congratulation.

Rude Drivers And NASCAR: Hand-In-Hand

AutoVantage's "In the Driver's Seat Road Rage Survey" surveyed residents in the 25 biggest cities in the country and ranked them in order from those reporting the most incidents of road rage to the fewest. The top 10 cities, coincidentally or not, have a NASCAR track within 100 miles of them.
City Track
1. Miami - Homestead-Miami Speedway
2. New York - Pocono Raceway
3. Boston - New Hampshire International Speedway
4. Los Angeles - California Speedway
5. Washington D.C. - Dover International Speedway & Richmond International Speedway
6. Phoenix - Phoenix International Speedway
7. Chicago - Chicagoland Speedway
8. Sacramento - Infineon Raceway
9. Philadelphia - Dovor International Speedway & Pocono Raceway
10.San Francisco - Infineon Raceway

18 of the 25 have a track within 100 miles. Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh have a track within 170 miles. Houston and Minneapolis-St. Paul are the only two in the top 15 without a track, although Houston has a Champ Car Race.

There are several ways you can look at this. First of all, they are among the largest concentrations of people, so of course they are going to have the most incidents of road rage. However, Miami (16), Phoenix (13) and Sacramento(20) are top 10 road rage but not top 10 population. Yet, all three of those towns have a raceway close by.

Food for thought...

East Texas NASCAR Promotion?

I saw this little news article today and immediately thought about the implications.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Joe Gibbs Racing officials are considering changes in personnel after Denny Hamlin complained that pit problems cost him the Dodge Avenger 500 at Darlington yesterday. Hamlin finished second to Jeff Gordon after a pair of dropped lug nuts during a late race pit stop cost him valuable time.

Apparently, this is the third time that a pitstop screw-up has cost Hamlin a win and he isn't happy. For him to call out his crew is huge and making a change may be the only way to smooth things over. It doesn't say if the problem has been with the same person or not, but dropped lug nuts is a tire changer problem. Front or rear? I don't know. What I do know is Grace Community graduate C.J. Fambrough is a rising star in the Joe Gibbs Racing organization. The rear tire changer is currently working on the #18 car in the Busch Series. Fambrough has been practicing the past few months with the Nextel Cup guys. It would be very simple to keep him at the track for another day to work the Nextel Cup race as well. We'll see what comes of this...

Loss Of A Wildcat

He was an exceptional kid...
That's about all Whitehouse high school athletic director and football coach Randy McFarlin could say at one time without choking up. Only a few hours earlier he had learned that Alexander Fleming, a defensive back on his football team, had been killed in a car accident.

This is the type of thing that isn't in the job description, when you have to face dozens of stunned young men asking why? Why, a kid in the prime of his life, who did the right things, who was wearing his seatbelt, who was driving home after studying with friends, not partying, could be taken away like that? It's not in the job description because it's an unanswerable question. It's a situation that no one deserves, or should ever have to deal with. Even so, Coach McFarlin spent the day consoling his players and wearing a brave face. He answered all the questions he could, he talked to the media and he carried on the best he could.

McFarlin told me Fleming was having a great spring and was a projected starter at cornerback. He said the junior was also a band member who made good grades and had lots of friends. His death would affect nearly every member of the Whitehouse family.

Coach told me when things were at their worst this morning, when he thought he wouldn't be able to last through the day, one of his players walked in with a bible under his arm. At a time when so many kids were counting on the coach for support, that one player helped give the coach hope. Whether we like it or not, coach said, life goes on. And, while he now tries to fill the hole in his defensive backfield, he's also trying to fill the hole in his heart.

Great Way To Learn About Disc Golf!

I done several stories over the past few years on disc golf. It is an extremely fun sport that is low in cost and high in excercise. You really only need one good frisbee and some tennis shoes! The city of Tyler is set to host a free disc golf clinic this Saturday out at Lindsey Park. It is a great way to learn the sport and get some excercise. Here is the city's press release:

Come join the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department for fun in the great outdoors with a free Disc Golf Clinic, from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 12, at Lindsey Park, 1255 Spur 364. This instructional clinic is presented by the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department as part of their “At Your Leisure Series.”
Instructor Lawrence Nance will teach participants rules and etiquette, putting, driving, mid-range, and disc selection. Registration forms for this free clinic can be found at www.cityoftyler.org under the Parks and Recreation Department.
For more information about this program call Debbie Isham, Special Events/Recreation Supervisor at 903-531-1214.

NBA Title In The Bag For Mavericks?

With every win the Mavericks rack up this season, their odds of winning the NBA Championship increase. They beat Minnesota tonight 105-88 to become the 12th team in NBA history to win 65. 10 of the previous 11 teams went on to win the NBA title (The 1972-1973 Boston Celtics were the only team not to do so). With four games left, the Mavericks could conceivably become the fourth team to win 69 games. The three others all won titles.

31-0 And Counting

Jarvis Christian College is UT Tyler's latest victim. The Patriots won 19-2 tonight to extend their perfect record to 31-0. And, with just seven games left, the Patriots are looking like they might just be able to pull this off. Here's how the remaining schedule breaks down:

Friday, April 13th - LeTourneau @ Tyler, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 14th - LeTourneau @ Tyler (DH), 1:00 p.m.

LeTourneau is always a threat because of the emotion involved in being an East Texas rival, but the Yellowjackets are just 9-20, 3-9 in conference action. They've won just 3 of the last 13.

Tuesday, April 17th - Southwestern Assembles @ Tyler, 6:00 p.m.

The Patriots beat the Lions 14-3 on February 20th.

Friday, April 20th - @ Louisiana College, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 21st - @ Louisiana College (DH), 1:00 p.m.

This is the series that has the best chance to put an end to the streak. The Wildcats are 20-12 (7-5) and have won six of their last eight games.

Realistically, any of these teams could beat the Patriots on any given day. An error or two can lead to an extra run or two which can lead to a win. Having said that, there aren't any ranked teams left, and facing the prospect of no postseason baseball, you know the Patriots will be focused and gunning for that perfect mark.

Patriots Baseball Like the Energizer Bunny

Just like the Engergizer Bunny, the UT Tyler baseball team just keeps winning, and winning...

The Patriots swept a weekend series against UT Dallas, to extend their unbeaten streak to 30-0. For their efforts, the Patriots have swept the conference honors this week. Ryan Campbell was named the American Southwest Conference East Division Pitcher of the Week, and Andrew Damewood received the ASC East’s Hitter of the Week honor. Campbell (JR/Tomball, TX) started the series against nationally ranked UT Dallas with another tone-setting performance, pitching a complete-game shutout. Campbell threw nine scoreless innings, scattering seven hits and striking out four. The Comets, who entered the day with a total .373 batting average, were shut out for the first time on the season. Damewood (JR/Plano, TX) batted .600 with eight RBI for the week, going 9-for-15. Damewood also had a triple and scored three runs. He also drew three walks. This is the first ASC Player of the Week honor for both players. Already this season, UT Tyler has had Brett Amyx named Hitter of the Week, and Nate Jennings and Blake Booher both receive Pitcher of the week honors.

It crazy looking at the conference standings, seeing Texas Lutheran 25-5-1 (12-2) ranked #12 and UT Dallas 23-9 (11-4) ranked at #29, yet the Patriots at 30-0 (12-0) are not ranked. Texas Lutheran's two conference losses and three of UT Dallas' conference losses have come at the hands, and bats, of the Patriots. According to the NCAA, the Patriots have to be on probation for 4 years to be considered full time members. As a result, they can't be nationally ranked, and they can't participate in postseason play. That's a shame. Quite possibly the best NCAA Divison III baseball team of the decade is being left out in the cold. It's gotten so bad, D3Baseball, which ranks the teams, has included a special note at the bottom of the rankings explaining why UT Tyler isn't listed.

The Patriots return home against Jarvis Christian on Tuesday night at six.

Big Baby!

Congratulations to James and Jennifer Vilade! The UT Tyler baseball coach and his wife are the proud new parents of a baby boy born Monday afternoon. Trent Joseph Vilade weighed 9 lbs. 9.1 oz and is 22 inches long! He no doubt, will have a bat and glove in his hand by the time he gets home from the hospital.

18 Inning Win By Sabine Softball Pitcher

I've heard of complete game wins before but this is ridiculous! Sabine's Rileigh Barber went wire-to-wire in the Lady Cardinals 6-4, 18-inning win over Spring Hill Tuesday night. There's a great article in the Longview News Journal describing the game. Rileigh had 14 strike outs, two walks, and gave up 4 runs in 18 innings. That's the equivalent of more than 2 1/2 games! She also drove in four runs on three hits, including the game-winner in the top of the 18th.

Now before you say, Barber had no business pitching 18 straight innings, I did some research. Unlike the overhand throw in baseball, the underhand windmill motion in softball is a more natural arm motion and not very taxing on the arm. Pitchers on club teams routinely pitch several games in one day.

UT Tyler Baseball Receiving National Attention

The NCAA says UT Tyler can't participate in postseason play or be involved in national rankings, but the outstanding play of the Patriots baseball team is forcing people to take notice. D3Baseball.com has posted a poll on their website, asking "Who should be the No. 1 team?" Their list includes 7 schools, including the 23-0 Patriots.

“It’s an honor,” Patriots head coach James Vilade said. “We’ve battled a lot through the first twenty-three games, we’ve got a great team. It’s good to be getting some national attention, and that’s well-deserved for our players.”

The Patriots are finishing their fourth and final year of provisional status with the NCAA, and not yet eligible for postseason play or NCAA rankings.

Remembering & Helping A Cowboys Legend

Anyone who has ever attended a Dallas Cowboys home game over the past four decades knows who "Crazy Ray" is (pictured here with Rowdy, courtesy of WFAA). I crossed paths with him several times over the years on the sidelines. He's the super fan at all the games dressed in western wear. He died on Saturday from heart disease and diabetes.

According to Wikipedia.org, Crazy Ray, whose real name was Wilford Jones, attended almost every home game since the team's birth. He only missed three games. He started selling pennants at games in 1962 and quickly endeared himself to the Cowboys fans with his western outfits, magic tricks, trademark whistle, and galloping along with one of those stick ponies. Crazy Ray has a place in the fans' wing of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He never officially worked for the Dallas Cowboys Organization, but was given a Special Parking Pass and All-access for home games.

KLTV 7 Meteorologist Morgan Palmer, who remembers seeing Crazy Ray at the games pointed out a website fans can leave memories and help out his wife, Mattie. The couple began having

financial trouble when Ray began having health issues. It's a cool website. Check it out...

Honors At The UIL State Basketball Tournament

While Martin's Mill and Laneville both came up just short in their bids for state basketball championships this past weekend, several players earned individual honors.

Martin's Mill's B.J. Brawner and Brant Etheridge earned Class 1A, Divison I State All-Tournament honors.

Laneville's Marcus Anderson and Mark Carey earned Class 1A, Division II State All-Tournament honors.

Brawner and Anderson are both juniors, so look for both of these teams to make another run at the title next season.

Mudbugs In Gilmer Thursday

Here's your chance to see members of the Bossier City-Shreveport Mudbugs in person!

The Mudbugs will be signing autographs at the Upshur County Court House, "On the Square" at 3:30pm.

The Mudbugs secured a playoff berth with an 8-0 pasting of Tulsa last Friday. Head on out to Gilmer and give them an East Texas Size congratulations!

East Texas Athletes Of The Week

Christy Shipley-Gipson
ETBU senior named the American Southwest Conference East Division Softball Hitter of the Week.







Will Melton
East Texas Baptist University junior named the American Southwest Conference East Division Pitcher of the Week.

ETBU Senior Earns Scholar All-American Honors

Good stuff out of ETBU. It is hard work to make a college deans list, but when you do so while also playing a sport, my hat is off to you!
MARSHALL, Texas – East Texas Baptist University senior Janna Wilson was named a 2006 Scholar All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association, an honor that caps the four-year letterwinner’s record-setting career as a forward with the Lady Tigers.



Wilson, a native of Longview and former star at Pine Tree High School, was named to the NSCAA College Division second-team. She is the first player in the history of the program to be named a Scholar All-American by the NSCAA.



Wilson scored 21 goals this past season and finished with eight assists. She finished her four-year career at ETBU as the American Southwest Conference’s all-time leader in goals (73), assists (45) and points (191) and was a three-time All-ASC selection, including winning the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year award in 2005.



She was named All-South Region by the NSCAA as well as D3Kicks.com following the season, as well as being named All-American Southwest Conference for the fourth time in her career. She was also a three-time ASC All-Academic team selection.

Three Finalists For UT Tyler Men's Basketball Job

UT Tyler apparently has identified three finalists for the men's basketball head coach position. Smoaky.com is reporting the three finalists are:

Kenny Bizot - Jackon, MS Prep head coach and former Mississippi College assistant coach
Chris Oestreich - Austin College head coach
Dylan Howard - Hardin-Simmons head coach.

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.
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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.