Area Scrimmages

Two-a-days start for most schools on August 3rd while others start August 10th. The following is a list of upcoming area scrimmages.

8/15/09
Tatum @ Daingerfield (7:00pm)
Troup @ Gladewater (9:00am)
Brownsboro @ Rusk (9:00am)
Paris Chisum @ Hughes Springs (10:00am)
Henderson @ Sulphur Springs (TBA)
Chapel Hill @ Wills Point (TBA)
Jefferson @ Liberty Eylau (TBA)
Mt. Vernon @ Paul Pewitt (TBA)
Kaufman @ Spring Hill (TBA)
Lindale @ Palestine (8:00am)
Pine Tree @ Corsicana (TBA)
Harmony @ Hawkins (TBA)
Paris @ Gainesville (TBA)
Whitesboro @ Commerce (TBA)
Garrison @ Shelbyville (10:00am)
Center @ Newton (5:00pm)
Mabank @ Mineola (TBA)
Pleasant Grove @ Linden-Kildare (TBA)

Winona @ Beckville (TBA)

Jasper/Crockett @ Jacksonville (TBA)

Coldspring @ Woodville (TBA)

Lovelady @ Centerville (8:00am)

Arp @ Harleton (10:00am)

Gilmer @ Atlanta (TBA)

Groveton @ Grapeland (TBA)

Waskom @ Union Grove (10:00am)

Teague @ Palestine Westwood (6:00pm)

Tenaha @ Sabine (10:00am)
Joaquin @ Big Sandy (TBA)

Cushing @ Timpson (10:00am)

Maud/Hooks @ Clarksville (6:00pm)

Dekalb @ New Diana (10:00am)

Winnsboro @ Van (9:00am)

Canton @ Farmersville (10:00am)

8/20/09
Gladewater @ Sabine (5:00pm)
Rusk @ Crockett (5:00pm)
Bullard @ White Oak (7:30pm)
Arp @ Chapel Hill (7:00pm)
Atlanta @ Jefferson (TBA)
Mt. Vernon @ North Lamar (TBA)
Spring Hill @ Pine Tree (TBA)
Harmony @ Quitman (5:00pm)
Palestine @ Henderson (TBA)
Whitesboro @ Paris (TBA)
Prairiland @ Mineola (TBA)
Hughes Springs @ Paul Pewitt (5:00pm)
Linden-Kildare @ Dekalb (TBA)

Carlisle/Shelbyville @ Beckville (TBA)

Troup @ Van (TBA)

Cushing @ Lovelady (5:00pm)

Teague @ Kerens (6:00pm)
Ore City vs. New Diana at Pine Tree (5:00pm)

Diboll @ Tatum (TBA)

8/21/09
Carthage @ Whitehouse (TBA)
Mt. Pleasant @ Kilgore (7:30pm)
Daingerfield @ Wills Point (10:00am)
Marshall @ Liberty Eylau (4:00pm)
Longview @ John Tyler (5:00pm)
Nacogdoches @ Beaumont Ozen (TBA)
Palestine @ Henderson (TBA)
Hallsville @ Lindale (7:00pm)
Garrison @ Groveton (5:00pm)
San Augustine @ Center (5:00pm)

Newton @ Coldspring (7:00pm)

Grapeland @ Leon (TBA)

Big Sandy @ Union Grove (5:00pm)

Joaquin @ Frankston (TBA)

Timpson/Maud @ Redwater (5:30pm)

Clarksville/Idabel @ Detroit (6:00pm)

8/22/09

Jacksonville @ Pine Tree/Spring Hill (TBA)

Aaron Johnson racking up the offers

Longview quarterback Aaron Johnson has been racking up the offers. At last count no less than five D1 schools have extended Johnson an offer. Houston, Kansas State, TCU, Northwestern and Stanford have already offered. But Johnson is reportedly garnering interest from Oklahoma, Texas and Florida as well. And while the three big boys have not yet offered it may only be a matter of time.

http://stanford.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=89543

Pewitt's D.J. Burleson out for the year

Paul Pewitt's all-state fullback will miss the upcoming football season with a torn ACL. In 2008 Burleson ran for over 1800 yards and 31 touchdowns on 296 carries in Pewitt's Slot T offense. Tevondrick Finley is the most likely candidate to fill the starting fullback position for the Brahmas. Finley was expected to play mostly defensive tackle this year before taking over for Burleson in 2010. Finley may now pull double duty for the Brahmas.

Other players who may be expected to pick up the slack are runningbacks Jerry Braddock and Jerome Whetstone. Also, expect youngster Sedrick Johnson to see some time on offense as well. Even without Burleson the Brahmas should still be the prohibitive favorite to win district 12AA with the only serious threat coming from Prairiland.

The Old Coach

I am very proud to announce that I am joining the team at http://theoldcoach.rivals.com/. I will be covering East Texas High School football and submitting articles and photos to the website. In my opinion, theoldcoach.com is the best website covering Texas High School football on a statewide basis. I hope that through my efforts I can help promote the great players, coaches, and fans of East Texas High School football and bring better coverage to East Texas. I will continue to operate this blog, so please continue to visit this site as I will be posting frequent updates, game analysis, and photos during the season. I want to thank The Old Coach for this opportunity and I am looking forward to covering the upcoming football season.

--Doug Reeder

The Paul Pewitt Brahmas: Set to Make Another Run

Saying Paul Pewitt is a running team is like saying Richard Simmons is a little effeminate.

Saying the Brahmas like to run the football is like saying Rosie O’Donnell likes to eat.

Pewitt runs the ball more than …. (ok, you get the point).

In recent years the Brahmas have become one of the most prolific running teams in East Texas. And, by prolific I mean both persistent and productive. The Brahmas rushed for nearly 350 yards a game in 2008. Pewitt fullback, D.J. Burleson ran for 1862 yards and 31 touchdowns as a junior. Burleson carried the ball 296 times in 2008, second in Northeast Texas to only Kilgore's Frank Reddic who carried the ball 335 times for the Bulldogs.

While Burleson was the workhorse, he was far from the only threat. Pewitt had three other players with at least 600 yards rushing: (Jordan McFarland - 792 yards; Diondre Holey - 691 yards; and Jerome Whetstone - 604 yards). These four players alone combined for nearly 4,000 yards and 53 rushing touchdowns. That is some serious production.

On the flip-side, Pewitt quarterback Jordan McFarland completed only 5 passes all year (5-14; 140 yards; 3 tds; 2 ints). While the touchdown per completion rate was high: 60%; so was the interception per attempt ratio: one interception for every 7 pass attempts; and the completion percentage was barely above 35%. Thus, it appears the Brahmas exemplify legendary Texas football coach Darrell Royal's old adage "Only three things can happen when you pass, and two of them are bad."

Whatever the shortcomings of the Bulls' passing offense, the fact remains that because of the productivity of the running game, the Brahmas seldom have a need to pass the football. Some critics argue that Pewitt’s offense is boring and hard to watch at times. But those critics are often fans of opposing teams whose defenses have been ground into tomato paste by a Brahma offense that racks up first downs by the dozens.

It is hard to argue with the results. In 2008, the Brahmas averaged nearly 38 points a game and steamrolled through their district. And, Paul Pewitt has only missed the playoffs one time in the last 16 years. Whatever the Brahmas are doing, it seems to be working.

All indications are that the Brahmas are set to make another deep run in the playoffs in 2009. The Brahmas have 14 starters back from 2008's 9-3 team whose only losses came to Daingerfield (15-1), Arp (11-1) and Pottsboro (13-2).

On offense, Pewitt returns 8 starters including Burleson, QB McFarland, and multi-talented Whetstone. With a veteran offensive line leading the way, Burleson could top 2,000 yards in 2009 and put himself in the conversation for 2A offensive player of the year honors.

On defense, Pewitt returns 6 starters including all-state free safety Whetstone. Sean Gulley is a rock on the defensive line. And, Jerry Braddock is a play-maker from his linebacker/defensive back position. If the Brahmas hope to better their record from a year ago, the defense, which gave up 20 points per game in 2009, will need to improve particularly against the elite teams on their schedule.

The Brahmas will have to hit the ground running (pun intended) when they begin the 2009 season on August 28th. The Bulls will begin the season with a brutal three game stretch that will see them face second ranked Arp, number 1 ranked Daingerfield and 21st ranked Jefferson in successive weeks. In 2008, the Brahmas faced the same three game gauntlet and came out of it with a 1-2 record. But, the tough non-district competition prepared the Bulls for district play and the Brahmas ended the regular season with an 8-2 record. After dispatching Tom Bean in the first round of the playoffs, Pewitt was bounced from the playoffs by a senior laden Pottsboro team.

Expectations are high in Pewitt, and for good reason. Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine ranked Pewitt 9th in its annual preseason poll. And, HuddleUpTexas.com ranked the Brahmas 7th. It appears many Texas football fans are expecting big things from the Brahmas this year. Just don't expect too many forward passes.

Offense (Slot-T)
Probable Starters:

QB - Jordan McFarland - Sr.
FB - D.J. Burleson - Sr.
RB - Jerome Whetstone - Sr.
HB - Jerry Braddock - Sr.
T - Joe Tucker - Jr.
G - Grant Cason - Sr.
C - Sean Gulley - Sr.
G - Jordan Nix - Jr.
T - J.B. Betts - Jr.
TE - Clay Thompson - Sr.
SE - Jacob Morton - Sr.

Defense (3-5)
Probable Starters:

DL - Sean Gulley - Sr.
DL - Jordan Nix - Jr.
DL - Clay Thompson - Sr.
LB - Jerry Braddock - Sr.
LB - D.J. Burleson - Sr.
LB - J.B. Betts - Sr.
LB - Jacob Morton - Sr.
LB - Grant Cason - Sr.
CB - Donavan Jarvis - Jr.
CB - Sedrick Johnson - Sr.
FS - Jerome Whetstone - Sr.

2009 Football Schedule
August 28 - Arp (Away)
September 4 - Daingerfield (Home)
September 11 - Jefferson (Home)
September 18 - Open
September 25 - Bogata Rivercrest (Away)
October 2 - Redwater (Home)
October 9 - Paris Chisum (Away)
October 16 - Hooks (Home)
October 23 - DeKalb (Away)
October 30 - Clarksville (Away)
November 6 - Prairiland (Home)

Projected record 8-2 (7-0)

Daingerfield Quarterback Club

Daingerfield Tiger fans have a new way to support and follow their favorite team. 2009 will mark the inaugural season of the Daingerfield Quarterback Club. Memberships to the Quarterback Club are on sale now. The Club intends to meet weekly during the football season and members will have an opportunity to watch game film. The Club is putting together a football program for the upcoming season. Advertising space in the program is available and all proceeds will go to support the Daingerfield athletic programs. The Quarterback Club has created a website (http://www.daingerfieldquarterbackclub.webs.com/) which will allow fans to check upcoming events, interact with other fans and find out more about their home team.

A Tour of East Texas Talent

East Texas has always produced great runningbacks. Names like Billy Simms, Earl Campbell, Rodney Thomas, and Adrian Peterson are now part of East Texas football lore. But, for every Earl Campbell or Adrian Peterson, there are a thousand other runningbacks that star at the high school level. This year East Texas is positively brimming with talented tailbacks. Some will go on to play at the next level. Some will not. But, one thing is certain, these high school athletes will make Friday nights very entertaining this fall.

The area east of Interstate 45 from the Red River in the north to Trinity Bay in the south is home to some of the best runnnigbacks in Texas. In 2A alone, 9 of the classification’s top 13 returning rushers reside in East Texas. Two are quarterbacks: Keren’s Pat Faulk (2094 yards rushing); and Leonard’s Will Cowan (1523 yards rushing). The other 7 East Texans are good ole fashioned runningbacks. Anybody with the time and a set of wheels can take a tour of East Texas’ abundant talent this fall. Here’s how.

Any tour of 2A’s top rushers would have to start in Northeast Texas. Caddo Mills just northeast of the Dallas Metroplex is where you will find Nathan Jeffrey. Jeffrey is 2A’s top returning rusher after compiling 2357 yards and 38 touchdowns as a junior. A couple hours to the east in Morris County, Paul Pewitt’s D.J. Burleson ran for 1862 yards and 31 touchdowns of his own. Both Burleson and Jeffrey were first teamers on the AP all-state squad. Jeffrey averaged nearly 10 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Burleson spearheaded a Brahmas rushing attack that averaged better than 300 yards per game. Jeffrey and Burleson seem primed for big senior years. Pewitt, in particular, appears poised to make a deep run in the playoffs which would allow Burleson to rack up even more attempts and yardage. Jeffrey leads a solid Caddo Mills team and could walk away with 2A offensive player of the year honors.

Less than 15 minutes south of Paul Pewitt’s Brahma Stadium, where Burleson ran roughshod over opposing defenses, Daingerfield’s KoKo Smith was weaving his own brand of magic. Stocky and quick as a waterbug, Smith helped lead the Tigers to a state championship in 2008. Despite averaging only 12 carries a game in the Tiger’s “spread the wealth” offense, Smith racked up 1487 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground. In the playoffs, Smith rushed for 540 yards and 13 touchdowns. For his efforts, Smith earned first team all-state honors from the Texas Sports Writers. In 2009 Smith will be part of an explosive Tiger offense that also features an all-state wide receiver in Chris Jones and an all-state quarterback in Tyler Boyd. A second ring may be in the cards for Smith.

From Daingerfield we head southeast on Highway 49 to the next stop on our East Texas runningbacks tour, where Kansas State commit Destin Mosley leads a talented Jefferson Bulldogs team. As a junior, Mosley rushed for 1210 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2008. With 4 of 5 offensive linemen returning from last year’s team, including D1 talent Trevor Murphy, Mosley should have plenty of room to run in 2009. If Jefferson can make a run in the playoffs, Mosley could easily top 1500 yards.

An hour’s drive south on 59 and West on Highway 80 in White Oak the Roughnecks boast not one but two returning thousand yard rushers. Jackson McCurdy and Junior Hamilton combined for more than 2300 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2008. Amazingly, McCurdy and Hamilton combined with Orlando Humble (now with Navarro College) to rush for a combined 3787 yards and 49 touchdowns in the Roughnecks’ bludgeoning offense. Now that Humble has moved on to the next level, McCurdy and Hamilton figure to carry even more of the load. It is not out of the question that each will top 1400 yards this year in White Oak’s run-first, run-second offense.

Arp, just 30 miles from White Oak and 10 miles southeast of Tyler, is the next stop on the tour where the Tiger’s Lavocheya Cooper shows off his multifaceted skill set on a weekly basis. Cooper, a Texas Football Magazine Super-Teamer, does it all for the Tigers, stepping off more than 1500 yards in 2008 with 18 rushing touchdowns. He is a beast on special teams, with 2 kickoff returns for touchdowns and 2 punt returns for scores. And for good measure, Cooper, an all-state safety, returned 2 of his 6 interceptions for touchdowns. Arp is ranked #2 in most preseason polls and figures to be playing deep into December which should give Cooper a chance to add to his already impressive numbers.

An hour and a half drive southeast of Arp in Garrison is where you could find Scooter Ross scooting through and around opposing defenses to the tune of 1540 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns in 2008. At about 5’8” and 155 pounds Ross proved that it’s not the size of the Bulldog in the fight but the size of the fight in the Bulldog that counts. With big Austin Lunsford, a Houston Cougar commit, again paving the way in 2009, Ross should have another big year.

Corrigan-Camden, about an hour south of Garrison on Highway 59, is home to the lightning quick JoCourtney Johnson. Johnson lit up opposing defenses for 1400 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2008. Johnson also showed off his wheels this summer when he helped Corrigan-Camden’s record setting track team capture a state title. Speed is the name of Johnson’s game, having already collected multiple gold medals at the state track meet both as a sophomore and as a junior. Corrigan-Camden has 6 starters back on offense which could help Johnson put up monster numbers in 2009.

Only an hour and a half from Corrigan and just south of Huntsville you will come across New Waverly’s Tyren Watts who ran for 1903 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2008 earning second team all-state honors. The 6’1” 180 pound Watts helped New Waverly to its first ever undefeated regular season. Tyren and his twin brother Kyren have garnered interest from several top college programs including Texas, Oklahoma and LSU. The brothers also earned a spot as Texas Football Magazine’s 2A “coverboys”. With more than 3300 yards over the last 2 years, Watts will likely end his career at New Waverly with over 5000 yards rushing.

To the southeast of New Waverly and just to the east of the Trinity River in Hardin, Mitchell Villemez put up some nice numbers for the Hardin Hornets. The District 23 offensive MVP played safety as a sophomore but made the move to runningback his junior year in order to help the team. Despite playing mostly on offense in 2008, Villemez is still being recruited by schools like Texas A&M and TCU as a defensive back. But, with more than 1500 yards rushing and 20 plus touchdowns, Coach Haynes is glad to have Villemez back in the Hornets’ offensive backfield for 2009.

The tour of East Texas runningbacks could go on forever. This list only includes 2A runningbacks, but East Texas schools at every classification are loaded with great runningbacks. From 5A Tyler Lee’s DaDa Brown, 4A Longview’s Tyler McCray, 3A Pittsburg’s Ted Burns to 1A Cayuga’s Traylon Shead.

These runningbacks may never reach the level of Earl Campbell or Adrian Peterson. But, for at least this fall, they will be the toast of their respective East Texas towns. Football fans should sit back and enjoy the ride.

Jefferson Bulldogs - No Lack of Talent

Michael Jordan once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” If that is true, the Jefferson Bulldogs should win a fair share of games in 2009. We will see if they have what it takes to win a championship.

When the Jefferson Bulldogs begin the 2009 football season, it could be with one of the most talented 2A rosters in the state. At least four Jefferson players have garnered significant attention from Division I scouts. Running back, Destin Mosley, has already verbally committed to play at Kansas State. Defensive end, Clarence Lee, has committed to play for the University of Houston Cougars. Trevor Murphy, a standout on the offensive and defensive lines, has offers from Lousiana Tech, UTEP and Stephen F. Austin, with others to follow. Meanwhile, cornerback, Devin Figures, is being recruited by schools like TCU and Texas A&M.

Throw in other talented players like cornerback Damon Gray, defensive end Chris Anthony and safety Dallas Moore and you have a 2A team with more talent than most 3A teams in the state. The amount of talent on this year’s team has Bulldog fans remembering the days of their 1986 3A state championship team.

Head coach Scott Hale’s Bulldogs return 16 starters and 28 lettermen from 2008’s playoff team. Seven starters are back on offense, including 4 of 5 offensive linemen and the aforementioned Mosley. Coach Hale and the Bulldog’s coaching staff will have to replace all-district quarterback Marcus McDonald who has graduated. But, the continuity on the offensive line and the presence of Mosley in the backfield should allow Jefferson an opportunity to ease their starting quarterback into his new role.

On defense, nine starters are back including Lee, Murphy and Figures. Lee at 6’4” 215 pounds and Murphy at 6’3” 275 pounds will anchor a very solid defensive line. Someone will have to step up to fill the void left at cornerback by the departure of McDonald, a two-way standout in 2008. After being named second team all-district as a sophomore, Damon Gray will hold down one cornerback position. Figures and Moore will form a very solid safety tandem. And, Mosley, Jefferson’s primary offensive weapon, will find his way onto the field on the defensive side of the ball as well.

The Bulldogs will be tested early. The nondistrict schedule provides three 3A opponents, Pittsburg, Tatum and North Lamar. Jefferson will also have to face one of the better 2A teams in East Texas when they face the Paul Pewitt Brahmas in the third week of the season.

Pittsburg took a close game over Jefferson in last year’s season opener, 7-6. Pittsburg should be even better this year and figures to challenge for a district championship in 16-3A.

Tatum is coming off a disappointing 5-6 season in its first year back in 3A. Jefferson beat Tatum 26-0 in the second game of the 2008 season, but later had to forfeit the game because of an ineligible player. Tatum is a fine program with state championships in 3A and 2A during this decade. This game should be very interesting.

The game against the Paul Pewitt Brahmas will be a measuring stick for both teams. Both the Brahmas and the Bulldogs see themselves as state championship contenders. This game will go a long way in bringing the 2A hierarchy into focus. In 2008, the Brahmas went into W.F. Lockett Stadium in Jefferson and got the victory, 30-19. If Jefferson is going to avenge last year’s loss, they will have to do it at Brahma Stadium.

The following week, the Bulldogs will travel to San Augustine to face another 2008 playoff team. The San Augustine Wolves will be looking for revenge after suffering a 15-7 loss at the hands of the Bulldogs last year. San Augustine was 4-1 at home in 2008 and will try to defend home field against the Bulldogs this September.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Bulldogs when they return home to face the North Lamar Panthers in the final nondistrict game for both teams. North Lamar beat Jefferson 36-24 in 2008 and made the playoffs out of District 10-3A.

Coach Hale hopes that the tough nondistrict schedule will prepare the Bulldogs for district. Regardless of Jefferson’s record entering district play, the Bulldogs will have their sights set on a district championship. Standing in their way will be the reigning Division II-2A State Champion Daingerfield Tigers.

The Daingerfield Tigers, with several division I prospects of their own, will travel to Jefferson to face the Bulldogs on October 23rd. The game will be one of the most highly anticipated games of 2009 for both teams and will likely decide the district championship. Jefferson will have a little extra motivation when they face off against Daingerfield. The Tigers knocked the Bulldogs out of the playoffs in 2007 and beat them 32-14 last year in district play. Jefferson will have home field advantage playing in front of what is sure to be a raucous pack of Bulldog fans.

Regardless of whether Jefferson is able to overcome Daingerfield, the Bulldogs will almost certainly seize one of District 17-2A’s three playoff spots. With the highest enrollment in the district, Jefferson would then compete in the Division I-2A playoffs. Their playoff road should be very similar to the 2008 playoffs. White Oak is the odds on favorite to win District 18-2A. If Jefferson and White Oak both make the playoffs as expected, it will set up a rematch of last year’s first round thriller. Jefferson beat the Roughnecks 39-35 on Marcus McDonald’s 88 yard touchdown pass to Destin Mosley with just over a minute left in the game.

If Jefferson makes it to the second round, they will likely face a rematch with the Arp Tigers. The Bulldogs and the Tigers faced off in the second round of the playoffs last year with the Tigers winning 21-7 on the strength of three Will Allen touchdown passes and 235 yards rushing by Lavocheya Cooper. The Bulldogs had opportunities but failed to turn four Arp turnovers into points. The Bulldogs also failed to score on two trips inside the red zone. With 21 lettermen returning from last year’s 11-1 playoff squad, Arp will be near the top of the AP poll again in 2009. And, the winner of the second round matchup will have a very good chance of representing Region III in the state championship game.

The Jefferson Bulldogs have a roster full of talented athletes. And, with a schedule filled with quality opponents, the Bulldogs have a chance to shine a spotlight on Jerry Bennett Field at W.F. Lockett Stadium. Come this fall Bulldog fans, whether sharing a beer at Auntie Skinner’s or sharing a plate of nachos at Don Juan’s, will be talking about their talented football team and wondering if they can recreate the magic of Jerry Bennett’s 1986 state championship team.

Time will tell.

Projected Offensive Starters
QB – Trent Smith
TB – Destin Mosley
FB – ?
WR – Clarence Lee
WR – D. J. McDonald
TE – Chris Anthony
OL – Willie McCoy
OL – Austin Youngblood
OL – Trevor Murphy
OL – ?
OL – Kyle Swanson

Projected Defensive Starters
DE – Clarence Lee
DL – Trevor Murphy
DL – Kennan Marshall
DL - Dennis Wilson
DE – Chris Anthony
LB – Kevin Harris
LB – Trent Smith
CB – Damon Gray
CB – Destin Mosley
FS - Devin Figures
SS - Dallas Moore

2009 Football Schedule
August 28 Pittsburg (Home)
September 4 Tatum (Home)
September 11 Paul Pewitt (Away)
September 18 San Augustine (Away)
September 25 Open
October 2 North Lamar (Home)
October 9 Ore City (Home)*
October 16 Queen City (Away)*
October 23 Daingerfield (Home)*
October 30 Linden-Kildare (Away)*
November 6 Hughes Springs (Home)*
*District

Prediction (8-2) (4-1)*

NorthEast Texas 2A Players to Watch in 2009 (Updated List)

Northeast Texas 2A Players to Watch in 2009
Nate Jeffery - RB - Caddo Mills
Jason Bair – OL – Caddo Mills
Jacob Page – LB – Caddo Mills
Cody Shostrom – OL – Caddo Mills
Josh Crawford – LB – Caddo Mills
Hunter Green – DB – Caddo Mills
Davontae Cooper – RB/DE – Lone Oak
Jared Sikes – OL/DL – Lone Oak
Trenton Overly – WR/LB – Lone Oak
Cooper Jones – WR/DB – Lone Oak
Garret Dunlap – OL/DL – Lone Oak
Drew Rodaway – DE – Lone Oak
Chase Kizer – OL – Lone Oak
Trey Malone – LB – Lone Oak
Christian Bosold – DB/WR – Winnsboro
Jordan Massey – RB/LB – Winnsboro
Ashton Slaughter - RB/LB - Winnsboro
Blake Whitter – OL – Winnsboro
Nathan Bullock – OL – Winnsboro
Alan Winkle – OL – Winnsboro
Horace Jeffrey – RB – Cooper
Holden Jenkins – DL/TE – Cooper
Chris Ballard – WR/LB – Cooper
Jeff Hendricks – DB – Como-Pickton
James Carter – RB/DE – Como-Pickton
Keith Anderson – TE – Como-Pickton
Kaleb Mund – OL – Como-Pickton
Zack Hankins – DL – Como-Pickton
Taylor Phelps – QB – Grand Saline
Hunter Hobbs – OL – Grand Saline
Thomas Miller – DB – Grand Saline
Colton Curtis - DL - Grand Saline
Devontae McNeal – RB/LB – Quitman
Courtney Hunter – OL/DL – Quitman
Payne Schulke - DB - Prairiland
Zach McLemore - WR - Prairiland
Chase Stogsdill - OL - Prairiland
Tanner Connot - LB - Prairiland
Randall Sessums - DE - Prairiland
Brandon Graham - LB - Prairiland
Jeremy Eddington - QB/DE - Paris Chisum
Zach Millsap - WR - Paris Chisum
Kolton Porter - LB - Paris Chisum
Sloan Moss - DB - Paris Chisum
H.B. Rosser - QB - Clarksville
Keyondrion Harris - LB - Clarksville
Ryan Kennedy - DL - Rivercrest
Deonta Henderson - WR - Hooks
Ty Lewis - TE/DE - Redwater
Richard Pittman - RB - Union Grove
Colten Woodfin - OL/DL - Union Grove
Andy Hounsel - WR/DB - New Diana
Travis Barton - QB - New Diana
Terry Newsome - RB - New Diana
Beau Brewer - DB - New Diana
Hunter Jenkins - DL - New Diana
Josh Davis - DT - San Augustine
Austin Lunsford - OL - Garrison
Scooter Ross - RB - Garrison
Dedtrick Smith - RB/DB - Frankston
Chris Jones - WR - Daingerfield
Tyler Boyd - QB - Daingerfield
Donald Bryant - OL/DL - Daingerfield
Scott Irvin - DB - Daingerfield
Josh Evans - LB - Daingerfield
Garrett Hughes - WR/DB - Daingerfield
Floyd Chism - WR - Daingerfield
Joe Lafayette - WR/DB - Daingerfield
Chris Robertson - DE - Daingerfield
KoKo Smith - RB - Daingerfield
Steve Edmond - DL – Daingerfield
David Mims – DB – Daingerfield
Keyarris Garrett - WR - Daingerfield
Marcus Peters – DB - Daingerfield
Jerome Whetstone - DB - Pewitt
D.J. Burleson - RB - Pewitt
Sean Gulley - OL/DL - Pewitt
Jerry Braddock - LB - Pewitt
Jordan McFarland - QB - Pewitt
Joe Tucker - OL - Pewitt
Jordan Nix - DL - Pewitt
J.B. Betts - LB - Pewitt
Grant Cason - OL - Pewitt
Jacob Morton - TE - Pewitt
Lavocheya Cooper - RB/S - Arp
Michael Wade - RB/DB - Arp
Clint Copeland - WR - Arp
Jamie Warren - DT - Arp
Dustin Taliaferro - C - Arp
Kendall Scott - LB - Arp
Tywan Scott - WR - Arp
Seth Stroupe - RB/LB – Arp
Dylan Steinbeck – OL – Arp
Kyle Copeland – QB – Arp
Gervin Clary – OL/DL – Arp
Kasey McClendon – RB/LB - Arp
Connor Sharp - QB - White Oak
Junior Hamilton - RB - White Oak
Jackson McCurdy - RB - White Oak
Adam Thompson - LB - White Oak
Skylar Barnes - DE - White Oak
Austin Tubbs - QB - White Oak
Ben Adams - OL/DL - White Oak
Damon Gray - DB - Jefferson
Trevor Murphy - OL/DL - Jefferson
D.J. McDonald - WR - Jefferson
Clarence Lee - WR/DE - Jefferson
Destin Mosley - RB/DB - Jefferson
Devin Figures - S - Jefferson
Chris Anthony - DE - Jefferson
Keenan Marshall - DL - Jefferson
Dallas Moore - DB - Jefferson
Trent Smith - QB - Jefferson
Dominique Smith - DB - West Rusk
Josh Medford - S - West Rusk
Santos Gonzales - FB - West Rusk
Jonathan Brewer - LB - West Rusk
Johnny Fauver - LB - West Rusk
Chris Savala - LB - West Rusk
Der'rick Thompson - WR - Troup
Ryan Nichols - QB/DB - Troup
Ryan Whittemore - LB - Harmony
Erik Hebert - DB - Harmony
Colby Seahorn - TE/DL - Harmony
Jonathon Hanson - OL - Harmony
Jordan Argabright - WR - Harmony
Luke Laminack - RB - Harmony
Kolby Hogan - LB - Harmony
Eric Whittemore - OL/DL - Harmony
Colton Bunn - QB/DB - Harmony
Brandon Lindsey - LB - Hughes Springs
Nolan Stricklin - LB - Hughes Springs
James Dufner - DL - Hughes Springs
Davuntae Hatten - RB - Hughes Springs
Chris Scaggs - OL/DL - Hughes Springs
Aaron Roach - TE/DL - Hughes Springs
Brent Giddens - TE/DB - Hughes Springs
Devorick Terry - OL - Hughes Springs
Greg Gaston - RB/LB - Linden Kildare
Colton Watson - WR/QB/P/LB - Linden Kildare
Rashoderick Linwood - RB/LB - Linden Kildare
Chazaray Craven - LB - Ore City
Brandon Rogers - QB - Ore City
Joey Espy - RB - Ore City
Adan Saldierna - WR - Ore City
Jesse Stroman - OL - Ore City
Dillon Ivory - OL - Ore City
Cory Maxwell - LB - Ore City
Kyle Lacy - P/DB - Ore City
Rodney Sutton - DB - Elysian Fields
Stanley Roquemore - DL - Elysian Fields
Tyler McKee - RB - Elysian Fields
Tyrell McKee - OL/DL - Elysian Fields
Austin Delk - QB - Elysian Fields
Santos Duran - TE - Elysian Fields
Pat Faulk - QB - Kerens
Connor Lloyd - WR/DB - Harleton
Logan Jones - QB/DB - Harleton
Matt Prescot - LB - Harleton
Chase Jones - OL/DE - Harleton
Greg Beham - RB - Harleton
Preston Garcia - OL/DL - Harleton
Jacob Wheeler - DB - Winona

These are the Good Old Days for the Arp Tigers

The Arp Tigers football team is experiencing an unprecedented level of success these days. And, the Tigers are getting used to their new role as the bullies of District 19-2A.

With the 2009 season still left to be played, this has already been the most successful decade in the history of a program that dates back to 1932. Head football coach and athletic director, Dale Irwin, entering his seventh season as Arp’s head man, is already the winningest football coach in school history.

Since the 2000 football season, the Tigers have collected 76 wins against only 30 losses (a 71.7% winning percentage). Of the 13 playoff appearances in school history, seven have come in the last nine years. During this same nine-year span, Arp has three trips to the state quarterfinals and one state semifinal appearance. In its 77 year history, Arp has won 10 or more games six times. Four of those 10+ win seasons have come since 2000.

So why all the recent success? Are they slipping something in the food down at Leo’s Burger Barn? Well the old coaching adage goes: “talent wins games.” Arp has had more than their fair share of talent in the last 9 years. Of the 21 all-state selections in the history of the school, 14 selections have come since 2000. Those players include: Blake Warren-WR (SMU); Chris Taliaferro-OL (SFA-baseball); Cody Welch-LB (SEOSU); and Sedrick Johnson-WR (ISU). This list also includes current two-way standout, Lavocheya Cooper.

The recent success has not been limited to the football team. In 2006, Arp won the 2A state championship in basketball. And, in 2008, the Tigers won state in track. Several of the athletes that contributed to Arp’s state track team will be playing key roles on the football field in 2009. In fact, the state track championship alludes to Arp’s biggest asset on the football field, SPEED.

The Arp football team is hoping to build on the recent success of the basketball and track programs and win its first ever state championship in football. The last two years the Tigers have made consecutive appearances in the state quarterfinals where they have lost agonizingly close games to a pair of state finalists, Elysian Fields and Kirbyville.

In 2007, Arp finished third in their district behind traditional power, Tatum and district runner-up, Elysian Fields. Arp began the year 3-3 before rolling off seven straight wins to advance to the quarterfinal round of the playoffs. In the quarterfinals, Arp faced district rival Elysian Fields who had given the Tigers an old fashioned playground beating earlier in the year, 34-7. Arp was determined to produce a different outcome in the second meeting.

In one of the most exciting games of the 2007 season, Arp jumped out to a 13-0 lead over the Yellowjackets on the strength of a Will Allen to Trumaine Jones 61 yard touchdown pass and a pair of Will Allen field goals. Elysian Fields finally got on the scoreboard when UTEP commit, Tim Curry hit Dekevius Johnson with a 29 yard scoring pass with under two minutes to go in the third quarter.

Elysian Fields scored again with just over three minutes to go in the game to tie the score at 13. Then on Elysian Fields’ final possession, with no time left on the clock, Tim Curry hit Micah Smith with a 35 yard touchdown pass to win the game 19-13 and end Arp’s season in a most painful fashion.

Arp enjoyed another great season in 2008. This time Arp rolled through the regular season, going 9-0 and even achieved a short-lived #1 ranking in the 2A AP poll. After wins against Teague and Jefferson in the first two rounds of the playoffs, Arp faced off against the Kirbyville Wildcats in the quarterfinal round. The contest between the two highly ranked unbeaten teams lived up to the considerable hype.

Kirbyville forged a 15-0 lead over the Tigers on a Linwood Crawford 14 yard touchdown reception and a Broderick Jackson 4 yard touchdown run. Arp answered with a 15 play touchdown drive to get on the board. Arp took advantage of a muffed punt by Kirbyville to reach the end zone for the second time in the half and cut the lead to 15-14. Kirbyville scored on a 69 yard touchdown reception by Josh Hughley to take a 22-14 lead at halftime.

Kirbyville seemed ready to extend its lead in the third quarter when the Wildcats drove the ball deep into Arp territory before fumbling the ball on the one yard line. Arp cut the lead to 22-20 after another Kirbyville fumbled punt set the Tigers up at the Wildcat 21 yard line. Arp took its first lead of the game with under three minutes to play when quarterback Will Allen capped off an 11 play drive with a one yard touchdown run, making the score 26-22. Then, with under two minutes to play, Randy Musgrove hauled in a pass from Aaron Hazlewood and raced 50 yards for a touchdown to regain the lead for the Kirbyville Wildcats. Arp had one last chance, but Allen’s pass was intercepted in the endzone and Kirbyville hung on to beat the Tigers 28-26.

Two heartbreaking losses in the quarterfinals may serve to motivate the 2009 version of the Arp Tigers as they begin preparation for another football season. Arp fans have plenty of reason to be excited about the upcoming season. While the Tigers lose Will Allen, a two year starter at quarterback, they return several key skilled position players and most of their offensive line. Leading rusher, Lavocheya Cooper, returns along with backfield mate Michael Wade. The two combined to rush for more than 2000 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2008. Also returning is leading receiver, Clint Copeland, who tallied 32 receptions for 602 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Although the Tigers lose all-state linebacker Garrett Williams, the defense should remain solid. Two-way starters, Wade, Cooper and Copeland will pull double duty and form a very talented defensive secondary. Standout sophomore, Jamie Warren, will return for his Junior campaign to anchor the defensive line and linebackers Kendall Scott and Seth Stroupe will be asked to fill the void left by Williams’ departure.

Arp figures to be a heavy favorite to win their district which includes: Elkhart, Franklin, Garrison, Troupe and West Rusk. Arp will likely compete in division 1 of the 2A playoffs because, Elkhart, the only school with a higher enrollment than Arp in district 19-2A, is unlikely to make the playoffs. This would mean a likely early round matchup against White Oak or Jefferson. If the Tigers can get past this early playoff test, they could find themselves within reach of the school’s first ever state title in football.

These are indeed the good old days for Arp football. Expectations are high and for good reason. Arp begins the 2009 football season on August 28th with a very tough test against tradition rich Paul Pewitt. The Tigers hope to keep the good times rolling and end the most successful decade in school history with the most successful season in school history.

By: Doug Reeder (a.k.a. franksnbeans)
www.franksfootball.blogspot.com