Sunday, August 25, 2019 The Baytown Sun Football

2019 Preview

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DATE DAY OPPONENT LOCATION STADIUM TIME DATE DAY OPPONENT LOCATION STADIUM TIME DATE DAY OPPONENT LOCATION STADIUM TIME

8/16 FRI SCRIMMAGE HOME STALLWORTH 08/16 FRI HJ/SCRIMMAGE HOME GCM 08/23 FRI BH/SCRIMMAGE AWAY BH STADIUM 8/23 FRI SCRIMMAGE HOME STALLWORTH DAYTON/ 08/22 FRI HOME GCM SCRIMMAGE 08/30 FRI CLEAR CREEK HOME STALLWORTH 7:00 08/30 FRI WESTBURY AWAY BUTLER 7:00 08/29 THUR SAM RAYBURN HOME STALLWORTH 7:00 09/06 FRI ALDINE NIMITZ AWAYW.W. THORNE 7:00 09/05 THUR SPLENDORA HOME STALLWORTH 7:00 09/06 FRI SOUTH HOME STALLWORTH 7:00 09/13 FRI HISD AUSTIN AWAYBARNETT 7:00 GALENA 09/12 THUR HOME STALLWORTH 7:00 09/13 FRI CLEAR FALLS HOME STALLWORTH 7:00 PARK 09/20 FRI BYE 09/20 FRI BYE BEAUMONT 09/20 FRI BYE 09/26 THUR HOME STALLWORTH 7:00 09/27 FRI HISD AUSTIN HOME STALLWORTH 7:00 UNITED 09/27 FRI PNG AWAY PNG 7:30 PA MADDRY 10/04 FRI PA MEMORIAL AWAY 7:00 10/04 FRI CHANNELVIEW AWAY 7:00 10/04 FRI SANTA FE HOME STALLWORTH 7:30 MEMORIAL STADIUM

BARBERS 10/11 FRI PORTER AWAY TEXAN DRIVE 7:00 10/11 FRI LA PORTE HOME STALLWORTH 7:00 10/11 FRI AWAYBARBERS HILL 7:30 HILL 10/17 THUR HISD WISDOM HOME STALLWORTH 7:00 GALENA PARK 10/18 FRI NORTH SHORE AWAY 7:00 ISD STADIUM 10/18 FRI NEDERLAND HOME STALLWORTH 7:30 GALENA PARK 10/25 FRI GALENA PARK AWAY 7:00 ISD STADIUM 10/25 FRI DEER PARK HOME STALLWORTH 7:00 10/25 FRI DAYTON AWAYDAYTON 7:30 11/01 FRI NEW CANEY HOME STALLWORTH 7:00 10/31 THUR C.E. KING HOME STALLWORTH 7:00 11/01 FRI VIDOR AWAY VIDOR 7:30 BEAUMONT 11/07 THUR KINGWOOD PARK AWAY TURNER 7:00 11/07 THUR AWAY BEAUMONT ISD 7:00 11/08 FRI CROSBY HOME STALLWORTH 7:30 WESTBROOK ‰‰‰ĺ]11bv7ĺm;|ņ!  ‰‰‰ĺ]11bv7ĺm;|ņ ‰‰‰ĺ]11bv7ĺm;|ņ!"" 2D The Baytown Sun Football Preview Sunday, August 25, 2019 An Ode to Stallworth There it sits proudly on Archer Road, ders’ match against Al- looking as muscle-bound as ever on its dine MacArthur. soon-to-be 49th birthday. Happy birth- Despite less than ideal day, Stallworth Stadium! weather, some 14,000- The stadium stands as a monument to plus were on hand to its namesake, Robert E. Lee’s phenome- see the President and nal football coach Dan Stallworth. the game. In his coaching career here - starting in President Ford, who the early 1940s, Coach Stallworth com- knew something about piled a 150-35-10 record and 12 district football since he played championships, eight bi-district titles, JIM center for the Michigan seven state quarterfinal matches, two FINLEY Wolverines and wore semi-finals, and two appearances in the one of those strange state finals (1951-52), where the Ganders looking helmets, handled the pre-game lost back-to-back years to Lubbock, 14- coin toss, and then took a seat amidst Lee 12 and 12-7. fans Proudly bearing the legend’s name, Adding to the presidential atmosphere, today Stallworth Stadium looks like it’s some serious looking men dressed in mil- ready to host football games ad infinitum, itary garb and holding rifles stood atop as famed sportswriter Grantland Rice the press box while a helicopter circled used to write, which means a long time. the area shining a rather large light into Speaking of which, the Goose Creek the fields surrounding Stallworth. Memorial Patriots have the honor of The Ganders slapped MacArthur opening the 2019 season when they host squarely in the face, 34-0. Pasadena Sam Rayburn on Thursday Unfortunately for the President, he took night. a blow to the gut four days later when Ross S. Sterling’s Rangers won’t be far Team Jimmy Carter won the presidency. behind. They’ll tangle with Clear Creek Another took place in 1973 when the come Friday night. Ganders and Rangers set the all-time at- Let the games and the 50th year of tendance record of 22,000. Sterling won, Stallworth schoolboy action begin. 6-3, and captured its third straight win Looking back, the venerable old stadi- over Lee. um – if you think of 49 as old – opened its Another memorable contest was the gates on Sept. 11, 1970, when the Ganders REL-Sterling game of 2001 when Gan- met Spring Branch. REL won, as it did so ders quarterback Drew Tate set a new state often in those days under the tutelage of record for touchdown passes in a half by the late Ronnie Kramer. Final score: 27-3. tossing seven in the first 24 minutes. For In that era, Stallworth and Spring good measure, he added an eighth in the Branch’s Tully Stadium were far and second half to tie another state mark, one away the best in the area, and among the shared by Barbers Hill’s Jabo Leonard. best in the state on the high school level. When the junior quarterback was fin- Originally, Stallworth held a few more ished, the Ganders won by a count of seats, and sometime they were needed. 62-7, the largest margin of victory in The Later, a new press box cut into part of Game’s 50-year history. the capacity, but not by much. Today the BULLETIN: This just in. If everything stadium holds 16,500. falls into place, Ross vs. Robert – same Speaking of press boxes, three differ- as Sterling vs. Lee – will be reborn in a ent ones have adorned Stallworth over the stadium near you (Stallworth) in 2020 years, like some crown on the stadium’s after not being scheduled the last three concrete head. seasons. In the early 2000s, the stadium got its Interestingly, under Stallworth Sta- first artificial turf. Under Athletic Direc- dium’s magical spell, either Sterling, tor Bernie Mulvaney’s watch, that turf coached by Al Dennis, or Ronnie Kram- was replaced two seasons ago. er’s Ganders won the district title in the Over all these years, Stallworth hasn’t facility’s first seven years, when only one been just about football. It was once the team advanced to the playoffs. host of a presidential visit, the highly suc- Now the great stadium with a marvel- cessful Bay Area Relay for Life, home for ous history opens for another season. high school graduations, etc. Play ball! Dan Stallworth would be Football-wise, the stadium has also proud. been the site of the . Jim Finley is a retired managing editor The presidential visit took place on of The Sun. He can be reached at view- Oct. 29, 1976, when President Gerald [email protected], Attention: Jim Ford, who got in free, attended the Gan- Finley.

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Baytown Sun photo by Alan Dale Tim Finn has his Robert E. Lee football team pointed in the right direction as he enters year three in charge of the program. In 2017, the Ganders went 1-9 and improved to 4-6 a year ago and battled for a Class 5A-II playoff spot. This fall, Finn expects the Ganders make the postseason. From breakout team to contenders district and still didn’t get to the playoffs. Playoff berth is reality Teams are going to stay aggressive offen- sively against us, because we are going to for Ganders program keep scoring. We need to be a lot better on the defensive side and especially stopping BY ALAN DALE the run.” [email protected] Danavious Hill, a junior linebacker, says the defense is in much better shape From years of misery to threatening for to help stay with the frenetic pace the REL a Class 5A playoff spot, the Robert E. Lee offense creates weekly as their games see Ganders football team turned a corner in more possessions. 2018. “We are more experienced from last Now, it’s about making progress and year and a lot of younger guys played,” proving that winning is back at REL and Hill said. “We can get to the ball, get up not just scatching the surface. hill and come up with more thump.” In head coach Tim Finn’s second year, Edgar Pulido, a junior linebacker, said the Ganders went 4-6 – an improvement selfish, big play mentalities have been re- from 1-8 – and the same number of vic- placed by more of a team-unit approach tories as the previous five seasons com- on defense. bined. “We are trying to play together because The next chapter begins at 7 p.m. on together we are much better than alone,” Aug. 30 at Houston Westbury. Pulido said. “We know how to make bet- Finn believes the difference will be ter decisions.” turning the tables on a few close losses a The Ganders became relevant a year year ago and putting the team in better po- ago and now they want to prove it was no sition to make the postseason. fluke. “I’ve been through this old rodeo be- The players believe the team is play- fore and that first year when you are in off-bound and could threaten for a top two those close games, you aren’t used to that spot in district. situation,” Finn said. “You aren’t used to “Nothing is going to stop us from where making plays with the game on the line. we are going to,” Davis said. We had to go out and earn respect and we It’s all about proving themselves and wanted to be in competitive and relevant building on the work they’ve put in. football games, and we were. We were “If there isn’t a chip on their shoulder seven points from a playoff berth. That’s there should be,” Finn said. “Our motto one play per game to put us over the edge. for the year is ‘Arrive?? Prove it.’ I don’t “Now we have to figure out how to think our guys are overconfident. They make those plays in those games because are confident, but not cocky. We need to it’s not going to get any easier.” Baytown Sun photo by Alan Dale go in with confidence. Finn thought his breakout season could “You can’t go undefeated without win- have come in year one, but Hurricane Robert E. Lee quarterback Ijenea Wooley enters his senior season after being named the ning the first game. I would like us to go Harvey slowed any roll they had in pre- offensive MVP of the district last year. undefeated in our non-district games. We season and life priorities stymied any want to crack the playoffs. Once you do football goals. Green, Adrian and Jacorey Boston and took offseason work more serious and are that job, you can talk about something “We just melted down,” Finn said. “We Davis will offer key receiving weapons coming with more purpose. more. had 13 seniors and finished with four. We while the offensive line continues to im- Junior linebacker Kyle Mckiernan has had to play every five days to make up prove. battled the offense in the preseason, and a missed game. If we had won three or “That group has to grow,” Finn said. he believes they have come even farther Robert E. Lee High School four games, we probably would have won “They have to gel for us to be as good or than last year. football schedule more last year.” better.” “They are getting better every play,” In 2018, the Ganders went 2-5 in Dis- Jamal Quinones will help Davis run the Mckiernan said. “They definitely seem Aug. 30 – at Houston Westbury, 7; Sept. trict 12-5A II, good enough for sixth ball out of the backfield. more comfortable getting closer to the 5 – vs. Splendora, 7 (at Stallworth); Sept. place, and finished 3-2 at home. A three- Wooley said teams may still sleep on season.” 12 – vs. Galena Park, 7 (at Stallworth); point loss to Barbers Hill and a 30-28 de- them and that is something the Ganders The defense was young last year, and Sept. 20 – BYE; Sept. 27 – at Port Nech- feat at Crosby was the difference between find to be unacceptable. Finn said learning how to prepare and es-Groves, 7:30; Oct. 4 – vs. Santa Fe, a winning record and likely playoff spot. “We aren’t having any of that this year,” evolve during the process of growing up 7:30 (at Stallworth); Oct. 11 – at Barbers Senior quarterback Ijenea Wooley feels Wooley said. “They might have us picked will only help them improve this year. Hill, 7:30; Oct. 18 – vs. Nederland, 7:30 the district’s reigning top offense could fifth in district, but that means nothing to “We are a whatever we need to be de- (at Stallworth); Oct. 24 – at Dayton, 7:30; have done even better and that could be a us.” fense,” Finn said. “We see a lot of of- Nov. 1 – at Vidor, 7:30; Nov. 8 – vs. Cros- scary thought for the opposition this year. Both Davis and Wooley said the players fenses. We were the No. 1 offense in the by, 7:30. “It’s the simple things that we could have done,” he said. “From penalties to not fulfilling simple assignments. Going back and watching film after, we could have been much better than what we played.” So much has changed for the better when a team goes from rarely winning to being disappointed they didn’t win enough. “We know how good we are,” Wooley said. “Everybody was sleeping on us. We know what we got and what we can do.” Junior running back Ja’Kenan Davis believes last year’s missed opportunities will be met this season. “We already had the mindset to get to a lot of goals that we had, and we didn’t get to them,” Davis said. “We are going to try to get to them this year. We have to show them. We have to wake up ready to work. You can’t miss a day. “We are for real. We have leaders and that’s all you need.” The offense is looking better, and Finn notes the growth of Wooley. “Wooley was a sophomore two years ago when I got here and he had happy feet because he had to,” Finn said. “The line has protected him better and he delivered the ball and he ran on occasion rather than do it most of the time. If he can take an- other step in that direction, that will be Baytown Sun photo by Michael Pineda important. Elijah Partida, Trudell Berry, Jacorey Robert E. Lee defensive lineman Tarevion Frazier is one of a number of young defenders tasked to improve that side of the ball this fall. 4D The Baytown Sun Football Preview Sunday, August 25, 2019

Baytown Sun photo by Alan Dale Second-year head coach Robert Toomer expects his Sterling squad to be more physical this season. The team looks to rebound from a 2-8 season that included a winless district mark. Rangers banking on physicality players that are really coming along. Our Sterling players buy in base is a multiple 4-3 because we don’t want to give the other teams the same thing to ‘tougher’ approach because we aren’t big enough to go man- to-man on the defensive line. So we have with playoffs as goal to bring some extra pressure. “We want our defense to be physical and BY ALAN DALE fast and get to the ball. It all starts with de- [email protected] fense.” Toomer has seen the confidence in his It’s all about being more confident, roster grow, citing the spring practice sea- physical and dedicated for the Sterling son as a vital first step toward improve- High Rangers football team. ment. As head coach Robert Toomer enters “They understood what we were doing his second season, the Rangers aim to and what we were trying to accomplish,” improve from a 2-8 mark that included a Toomer said. “They understand, ‘we can winless district campaign last fall. be good. It’s not just up to the coach and That result was partially a byproduct of administrators. It’s up to us.’” an offense that scored only 138 points and But are they tough as Toomer wants a defense that surrendered 406 points. It them to be? all meant an average of a 28 points-per- “It’s more of a certainty,” Toomer said. game margin of defeat. “They don’t have to think, they just react. It wasn’t pretty, but a major facelift has So the physicality is there. Is there more? begun. Time will tell. They are holding their Seven offensive and six defensive start- ground right now.” ers are back to help lead the charge. Senior defensive end Kevin Kirkland be- Senior EJ Hawkins is expected to do a lieves the Rangers have toughened up. little bit of everything on both sides of the “I have seen more improvement on both ball as a wide receiver, kick returner and lines and on the offensive side: We’re go- defensive back, while senior Trace Smoke ing to the move the ball this year,” Kirk- will anchor the left tackle and guard po- land said. “There were way more people in sitions. the weight room and putting more work in. Senior Jacob Landry is expected to start We’re going to win some games.” at quarterback. The season opens at 7 p.m. Friday “EJ is one of those guys who has a lot of against Clear Creek at Stallworth Stadium. experience,” Toomer said. “He’s our most Last year, Sterling lost this encounter at experienced guy. Trace brings a lot of in- Clear Creek, 48-28. tensity. He’s a rah-rah guy. Jacob has im- The players recognize the importance of Baytown Sun photo by Alan Dale proved throughout this whole process. He this contest as a potential spark to better Senior Jacob Landry is expected to start the season at quarterback when the Sterling set his mind that he was going to be the results. Rangers play host to Clear Creek at 7 p.m. Friday at Stallworth Stadium. starting quarterback going into the season “This first game is where we will be and he took the time all the way to now showing that Sterling is coming back with United and Sterling should see a battle to Sterling High School and he’s still grinding. He’s become the a vengeance and we are going to win and determine who might break into the top leader we thought he could be.” bring the pain,” Smoke said. “It’s about the four and a playoff spot. football schedule Toomer believes the troika should be performance. We’re going to make them “You want to get off to a good start, but Aug. 30 – vs. Clear Creek, 7 (at Stall- able to make a major difference on offense. work for it. We are all going to work for the kids need to know this is a process,” He also wants to go to more of a “tra- it. We are either going to win or work our worth); Sept. 6 – at Aldine Nimitz, 7; Toomer said. “Our situation is unique be- Sept. 13 – at Houston ISD Austin, 7; ditional” look with double-tight, two tight tails off to try. cause our kids are desperate to pursue “The minimal is we are going to make Sept. 20 – Bye; Sept. 26 – vs. Beaumont ends unbalanced formations. They will wins. If you are desperate for something also look at the I-formation with play ac- the playoffs.” United, 7 (at Stallworth); Oct. 4 – at you have to pursue it a 100 percent of the tion passes. The district will be a challenge with Channelview, 7; Oct. 11 – vs. La Porte, Toomer says receivers Trinity Oliver, powerhouses like North Shore and Beau- time. We are hungry, starving, desperate, 7 (at Stallworth); Oct. 18 – at North Amari Jackson and Hawkins should give mont West Brook leading the way with dehydrated. Shore, 7; Oct. 25 – vs. Deer Park, 7 (at good looks for Landry to get the ball out C.E. King and Channelview offering some “You can’t play the jersey. You have to Stallworth); Oct. 31 – vs. C.E. King, 7 and move the chains. stiff competition as well. Last year’s bot- play your ball. Play the game and enjoy the (at Stallworth); Nov. 8 – at West Brook, “Now it’s about who is going to step up tom four of Deer Park, La Porte, Beaumont game.” 7. and take the reins,” Toomer said. “It’s got to be ‘Coach, you can count on me.’ Now we need them to play as a unit. It will be more about doing it by committee.” Landry said having a full year to learn Toomer’s ways after his late hire in Spring of 2018 has helped work out the rough spots. “We’re still figuring it out still – we are still lacking a lit bit of discipline, but we will figure that out,” Landry said. “Right now we are buying in as a team. Last year it was all over the place. They were coming in and we were trying to get used to each other. By the time we play Clear Creek we should be good. “Spring ball really helped us take that step to getting tougher.” Landry also said the offense is more di- verse as the ball is spread around to more players while the offensive line is going to be solid. “Our offensive line has gotten very physical and they’ve been working hard this summer,” Landry said. “They will be tremendously better. They might not be the tallest, but if height mattered, the elephant would be the king of the jungle.” Defensively, Toomer has junior Omar Huntington at outside linebacker, senior safety Tayvion Haggerty, senior corner- back Shawn Jackson and senior corner- back Micah Campbell to round out the core of experience on that side of the ball. “Omar brings that quiet assassin,” Toom- er said. “When the ball is snapped he is ev- File photo erywhere. We go into the season with some Returning veterans like Shawn Jackson, 6, will play a big role for the Rangers who expect to improve from last year’s 2-8 mark. Sunday, August 25, 2019 Football Preview The Baytown Sun 5D

Baytown Sun photo by Alan Dale Shannon Carter takes over a Goose Creek Memorial football team that went 2-8 last year. He starts his tenure at 7 p.m. Thursday when GCM hosts Sam Rayburn at Stallworth Stadium. Patriots ‘hyped’ for new year board, GCM will run about 15 to 18 under- First-year coach aims classmen into the rotations. “We’re young, but they are more experi- to put past in rearview enced,” Carter said. “A lot of sophomores got a lot of playing time on the varsity.” mirror, win now The defense will go through some grow- ing pains as a lot of the new faces need BY ALAN DALE time to figure things out. [email protected] “We just have to continue to get better,” Carter said. “It’s a work in progress, but we Shannon Carter can not hide his enthu- have got good players, they are just young. siasm, determination and positive outlook We just have to figure out where to place to football. everybody.” That can only help the Goose Creek Me- Carter said the defense could be capable morial program as it begins a new era with with more reps and with time may mature Carter as the Patriots head coach. into a solid unit. Carter hopes to help the team turn the The linebacking corps will need special corner following last season’s 2-8 mark handling as coaches continue to figure out which included a 1-6 finish in district ac- how to put that unit together. tion. “It’s about finding the right combination, Carter and company will see how things but we have the talent I believe,” Carter have progressed when GCM takes the field said. “We just have to watch film and keep at 7 p.m. Thursday at Stallworth Stadium getting better.” when it hosts Sam Rayburn. Returning middle linebacker, junior GCM beat Sam Rayburn, 38-7, last year, Bryce Johnston, sophomore cornerback also in week one in Pasadena. Ariel Hector, junior defensive lineman “Whatever’s happened has happened,” Richie Rodney, senior defensive lineman Carter said. “We can control the day-to- Terry Alfred and senior defensive lineman day process. The games take care of them- Jorge Montemayor were all cited as play- selves. It’s a byproduct of your work, prac- ers who could play big roles on defense. tice and how you think. That’s how you get “We’re good now, but we can always get to where you want to go.” better so we have to keep working,” John- Carter has heard the rumblings that ston said. “It’s a lot of high energy from GCM has had the talent and it hasn’t trans- the coaches and people were nervous at the lated into what some believe should have start, but it didn’t take us long to get hyped. been more wins. Everyone is emotional – good emotions – What was, doesn’t concern Carter. and getting crazy. Everybody is looking “For me and my coaches we want to in- forward to changing the culture. Every- sulate my building because whatever is be- body wants to go to practice and excited. Baytown Sun photo by Alan Dale ing said doesn’t matter to me,” Carter said. Everyone wants to work.” “We are going to speak and work toward Quarterback Emmerson Haywood, an Incarnate Word commit said the Patriots are much Senior Holden Hill says the team’s atti- closer as a team heading into the new campaign. victory. That’s the things that we can con- tude is more positive. trol. You got to get peoples’ minds because “Everyone is just flying around and lift- contest. the strongest thing in the world is a made- ing everyone up,” Hill said. “Everyone is Goose Creek Memorial High up mind.” “I just want to win,” he said. “It’s a pro- wanting to make plays. Now when some- cess. We’ve been here three months with School football schedule Offensively, the Patriots have veterans one makes a play, everyone gets excited. they can go to, but the defense is going to 10 new coaches so it’s hard to gauge where That’s our brother.” be new, with only four regular performers we will be in another three months.” Aug. 29 – vs. Sam Rayburn, 7 (at Stall- Carter made his name as a defensive co- back. He is still learning the GCM opposition worth); Sept. 6 – vs. South Houston, 7 (at ordinator with his last stop being at Katy On offense, senior Emmerson Haywood, and wants his team to play at a high level Stallworth); Sept. 13 – vs. Clear Falls, 7 Cinco Ranch, but he has learned watching an Incarnate Word commit, played both and see how it sticks. the offense can be just as exhilarating. (at Stallworth); Sept. 20 – BYE; Sept. 27 quarterback and receiver a year ago and “I’ve never played the schedule and I “I am just as excited watching and evalu- – vs. Houston Austin, 7 (at Stallworth); should take most of the snaps this season. don’t know what the other teams have, but ating my offense,” Carter said. “That’s the Oct. 4 – at Port Arthur Memorial, 7; Oct. “He is a supreme athlete,” Carter said. I am very happy with my football team,” transition for me.” “The game is slower for him. As he goes, Carter said. “Our goal is to capture hearts, 11 – at Porter, 7; Oct. 17 – vs. Houston Carter wants to win and will take an ugly we go.” create men prepared for what’s out in this Wisdom, 7 (at Stallworth); Oct. 25 – at victory over any loss. However, the Pa- Haywood feels the offense is clicking world and teach them what toughness, triots coach admits he’d rather win a low Galena Park, 7; Nov. 1 – vs. New Caney, more as the preseason moves forward and work ethic and a brotherhood looks like. I scoring game than watch his defense come 7 (at Stallworth); Nov. 7 – at Kingwood team unity advances. believe the byproduct of that is that we’ll be better.” Park, 7. “We are feeling great and the offense, out on the positive end of a high-scoring getting the ball out quicker, is looking well,” Haywood said. “Our offensive line is opening up holes so our running backs can make plays. The defense is showing a lot of improvement. I have a lot of trust in them. “Coach Carter has high expectations for us and doesn’t want us to have a loser’s mentality.” Junior running back Brice Lane should offer a strong presence for the ground at- tack that will be led by an offensive line anchored by senior center/guard Jace Da- vis, senior guard Braedon Paige and senior center Frederick Anaya who are returning starters. “They’ve all 400-pound-plus squatters, 300-plus-pound benchers and are just get- ting bigger,” Carter said. “We’re moving people off the ball in comparison to last year. They get good movement. When you know where to go, there is a difference.” Tyler Oliver will also help on the line. “He’ll be another phenomenal player for us,” Carter said. The key wide receivers will be Jalen Da- vis and Jalen Thompson while overall ath- lete Kyron Pitre can also be thrown to, run out of the backfield and play quarterback if need be. “They are all a year older and they are learning a new scheme and learning the Baytown Sun photo by Kim Keefer game well,” Carter said. All told, even with the experience on Brice Lane, 15, is one of a number of offensive options the Goose Creek Memorial football team. 6D The Baytown Sun Football Preview Sunday, August 25, 2019 Good Luck ANAHUACPANTHERS PANTHERS! Jeri’s Seafood Wholesale & Retail Oysters Year Round www.JerisSeafood.com

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Baytown Sun photo by Alan Dale The Eagles bring back a number of offensive weapons that could step in and play major roles as Barbers Hill aims for its first playoff win under head coach Tom Westerberg. In search of playoff breakthrough this summer we really came together as a Eagles offensive group,” Heffernan said. “This is Wester- berg’s fourth year here and this is the most bought in we’ve been in the four years.” weapons could Their coach sees the work paying off. “They are still learning from carrying over from the summer workouts,” West- change fortunes erberg said. “It’s still a process and now they have to learn from the speed coming BY ALAN DALE at them. That’s what they learn in the fall [email protected] camp.” Barbers Hill football looks like playoff They have gone 0-2 in the playoffs success could be a reality under fourth- during Westerberg’s tenure but the team’s year head coach Tom Westerberg. work this summer could pay off. The Eagles come in off of a 7-4 season a “They are always going to give great year ago that ended with a bi-district play- effort,” he said. “We coached them all the off loss, 62-42, at Manvel. way up through when school started. We With about a dozen starters back and didn’t give them a whole lot of time off.” even more rotation players in the fold, He hopes to finish higher in District 12- Westerberg is feeling optimistic about 5A II and get a favorable playoff matchup where his team is today. after finishing in third a year ago and hav- “We had guys who played a lot and a ing to travel to Manvel. lot of kids who played a lot that weren’t “We were right there in the mix last starters,” he said. year,” Westerberg said. “We couldn’t fin- The Eagles will be put to the test 7:30 ish the Nederland game and made some p.m. Friday at Magnolia to open the new mistakes. PN-G was our first game with- season. out our starting QB and they got after us Westerberg is getting his offense ready pretty good. We are there with everybody to be led by senior quarterbacks Christian and I think the district is pretty even.” Kaopua who transferred from Humble It won’t hurt to have a team that is ready and has been reunited with his former to go and make a move toward a higher junior high classmates in Mont Belvieu. district finish and favorable playoff route.. Senior Connor Dunham, who started the “With our varsity kids we had about 100 last few games of last season, will also get percent buy in and were here during the playing time. summer,” Westerberg said. “Talk to me “We’ll play both until one takes it and in Week 10, because I can’t tell you it’s runs with it,” Westerberg said. the best team because we haven’t played With Dunham, Westerberg know what a game yet. We are heading in the right he has in his veteran, but both signal call- direction, but now they have to get it done ers have a lot to offer. on the field. You don’t know where you “We know what Connor is like in a stand until it’s all over.” game, but not Christian so we don’t know One thing the players know is they are how similar or different they are,” Wester- in this as a unit. berg said. “Connor is a player every day. “We’re a lot tighter than before,” Hef- He comes to work every day.” fernan said. “Also, even though we are Cohn Betz and Kaegan Gibbs offer File photo older we are closer to the younger groups. We know we are a team and we are here to some nice options out of the backfield and Barbers Hill quarterback Connor Dunham started the final few games of the 2018 football depth behind them is a boon for Wester- win together. It takes all of us.” berg. season. The senior signal caller and Christian Kaopua are expected to both take snaps “We are all kind of the same,” West- during the season. Barbers Hill High School erberg said. “Their identities open up as Branin is feeling very optimistic about ter,” Branin said. “We’re dogs out there. their games go along.” this team in his final year. We are going to show everyone who’s football schedule The offensive line is anchored by Chris “We are going to be the No. 1 defense in boss.” Aug. 30 – at Magnolia, 7:30; Sept. Berrios and Casey Collier, two seniors the district,” Branin said. “We got every- Heffernan says the team has come to- who really like the direction the offense 6 – vs. Montgomery, 7:30; Sept. 14 – at body basically back and we are going to gether and is stronger than ever. The se- Kingwood Park, 6; Sept. 20 – Bye; Sept. is heading. stop everyone in the district.” nior class is bonded after coming together “We are working on skill or how to 27 – vs. Dayton, 7:30; Oct. 4 – at Neder- The Manvel loss was attributed to some their freshman year following the junior land, 7:30; Oct. 11 – vs. REL, 7:30; Oct. block the defense and get the job done,” nerves and injuries. high split that pulled them apart for two Berrios said. “Our line knows what we are 18 – vs. Vidor, 7:30; Oct. 25 – vs. Cros- “We got a little scared at first with them years. doing, we communicate and don’t mess by, 7:30; Nov. 1 – at Port Neches-Groves, up very often.” being a big ole’ 5A, but that will get bet- “What made us different this year is that 7:30; Nov. 8 – vs. Santa Fe, 7:30. Collier is optimistic about the play be- hind center with the addition of Kaopua and the running options. “Our offense is coming along really great,” Collier, a University of Minnesota commit, said. “We got a new quarterback and he’s got an arm – he can throw. I feel confident in our running backs. Gibbs is really shifty and can really run. If he gets in the open field no one is going to catch him.” Both quarterbacks will have plenty of talent to throw to with Cameron Cauley, Andrew Galvan, Jaden Meredith and Can- den Grogan offering a plethora of options. “They all played last year,” Westerberg said. “They are all pretty quick and catch the ball well. They work well together.” The offense will not settle on just one approach as each week will offer different challenges. “We will roll into a lot of stuff,” West- erberg said. “You will see us with two backs, four receivers, five receivers. You will see a little bit of everything. It just depends on what goes on in a game. “Our kids will create our own identity as we go.” Defensively, the Eagles will run a four- man front as their base and linebacker Cavin Branin, strong safety Branden Hef- Baytown Sun photo by Alan Dale fernan, defensive end Josh King-Bradley Barbers Hill head coach Tom Westerberg saw “100 percent buy in” from his football program as the players worked hard from spring and defensive end Ramsey Humphrey will anchor that side of the ball. practice through the summer to the first weeks of preseason. The Eagles open the campaign at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Magnolia. Sunday, August 25, 2019 Football Preview The Baytown Sun 9D Offensive line, young defense keys Crosby our intrasquad tucked it and made a run of New coaching staff 40 or 50 yards so he’s more than capable. They are both smart and competitive kids. focusing on fast tempo, I am looking forward to working with both of them.” physical line play Deniquez Dunn, Leondre Smith, Mark Garcia and Isaiah Kidd will lead a running BY ALAN DALE back by committee approach while receiv- [email protected] ers Emonte Wilson, Hubert Mitchell and Isaiah Cavazos will play big roles in help- Now it’s Jerry Prieto’s turn to lead the ing whoever plays under center. Crosby Cougars football program. “We have quite a few kids I feel com- It’s a challenge that seems to have been fortable throwing the football to,” Prieto welcomed by the former offensive coordi- said. nator at Corpus Christi’s Veterans Memo- The defense is also making progress in rial and if early returns are any indication, the preseason. the transition for both coach and players “I think our defense has improved a lot has been a good one. in the last few weeks,” Prieto said. “They Replacing Jeff Riordan who moved on are doing a good job getting those kids to to Tyler Chapel Hill after last year’s play- fly around and play fast and rally to the off-less 7-3 season, Prieto has brought in football. The kids are excited about what his version of a spread offense attack and they are doing over there.” he is pleased with how the players have Inside linebacker Hunter Bailey is the picked things up. Cougars leader while Marcus Jnoffin and Practice structure and lifting after prac- Jaden Fields will man the secondary. Out- tice has been the biggest changes for the side linebacker Michael Ray and defensive program. lineman Tramell White are also hoping for “Last year they were practicing in the big seasons. mornings and we are doing it in the eve- “Our secondary is pretty solid and we nings and lifting after practice, which is a have a good linebacking corps led by change,” Prieto said. Hunter – that dude is just an overall good It’s all about getting ready for another player,” Woodruff said. “They are really tough District 12-5A II campaign and a good and absorbing everything.” tough season opener at 7 p.m. on Aug. 30 White is impressed with the Crosby of- at home against New Caney. fensive line the defense goes up against “New Caney has got some really, excep- daily, but he likes what his side of the ball tional athletes and some with Division I of- is doing. fers,” Prieto said. “It’s going to be a battle “It’s physical up front and we have a and a challenge because they are a really young d-line going against the veterans,” great football team.” White said. “They are teaching lessons. It doesn’t hurt the Cougar players have We might be small, but we can fly around made life much easier than it could be for and we have speed. We can fly to the ball a new coach. and we can hold our own.” “These kids are focused, and they have Both players believe the playoffs are a Baytown Sun photo by Alan Dale been great since we’ve got here,” Prieto reality despite what the critics tell them said. “We are just here to work hard and James Woodruff, 10, a Crosby junior is one of two players vying for the top quarterback will be a two-to-four win season. build relationships with these kids and see spot for the Cougars. Crosby is aiming to get back into the playoffs this season after going “Coach told us to take it as a personal where it takes us.” 7-3 a year ago and missing out on a tiebreaker for fourth place. vendetta and we all came together,” Wood- Prieto will attack the opposition with an ruff said. “We have a history of winning, offense that adjusts based on what the de- is going to play hard, execute and make the help. so we have to keep it going. We don’t want fense shows it. least amount of mistakes in these games.” “It’s still a spread offense, but we are to be that team that is remembered as the “I have never looked at run, pass per- Offensively, the strength of the team will learning what coach likes to do in differ- one that didn’t get it done.” centages and we are just going to try to be the Crosby offensive line led by Keegan ent situations,” Woodruff said. “We rely on exploit the weaknesses of the defense and Schexnayder and Blaine Berry. our run game because our offensive line is scheme up ways to get our playmakers out “That’s going to be senior-heavy group solid. So, he likes to ground and pound. We Crosby High School in space,” Prieto said. “The call sheet is for us and they will look to take the lead are comfortable playing behind them.” football schedule pretty basic, and we try to make calls based and carry us through some of these games,” Woodruff and classmate Reggie Branch on the flow of the game.” Prieto said. “They can do a little bit of ev- offer plenty of options at the quarterback Aug. 30 – vs. New Caney, 7; Sept. 5 – When it comes to district games against erything; they are pretty aggressive kids. spot. at Manvel, 7; Sept. 13 – Bye; Sept. 20 –at opponents like Robert E. Lee and Barbers They can pass and run block and be suc- “They both bring different things to West Orange Stark, 7:30; Sept. 27 – vs. Vi- Hill, Prieto is a pragmatist. cessful at both.” the table,” Prieto said. “I used a two-quar- dor, 7:30; Oct. 4 – at Dayton, 7:30; Oct. “I don’t think we are going to bring in One of the top quarterback candidates, terback system at Vets and I see a lot of 11 – at Port Neches-Groves, 7:30; Oct. 18 anything exotic that the district hasn’t junior James Woodruff, says the offense is similarities here that I had over there. J.D. – vs. Santa Fe, 7:30; Oct. 25 – at Barbers seen,” Prieto said. “There are really quality similar to what the Cougars ran in the past is more of your typical pocket passer and Hill, 7:30; Nov. 1 – vs. Nederland, 7:30; teams and coaches. It’s just a matter of who and the veteran offensive line will only Reggie is more of your dual threat. J.D. in Oct. 8 – at Robert E. Lee, 7:30. Anahuac’s optimism rises with coach arrival Former Newton assistant brings system to Panthers

BY ALAN DALE [email protected]

With a new leader, the Anahuac Panthers football program has a new attitude that is trending toward the positive as the season kickoff approaches.. Following a 4-6 campaign, the school district brought in Greg Neece, a former Kirbyville head coach and most recently, Newton’s offensive coordinator during back-to-back undefeated Class 3A state ti- tles the past two seasons. Neece has come in with high expecta- tions and embraces the challenge of trying to get the Panthers back into the postseason as one of the four best teams in District 12 - 3A I. “There are some good athletes over here,” Neece said. “We have some good running backs. I am really happy with my quarterback and we have some good skill players. What we are trying to change here is the culture: We aren’t very tough yet. I came from Newton and the cats are tough over there, but they are trained tough.” Having a coaching staff Neece can rely upon has played a big role in his early days at the school. “I feel very good about my coaching staff,” Neece said. “I was able to bring in a lot of guys so there was a lot of turnover. Baytown Sun photo by Alan Dale I surrounded myself with guys I know and Greg Neece, center, has enjoyed his first few months in charge of the Anahuac Panthers football program. Neece has surrounded him- who know me. The camaraderie of our self with a staff of assistants that has helped him make the transition from offensive coordinator at Newton the previous two seasons. staff is important. I’ve been on a couple staffs that were fractured and that wasn’t a tations for us. With them pushing me, I can Neece will dress about three dozen varsi- are grinding, and they know the kids are fun way to go to work.” only get better.” ty-only kids, and that will provide a build- tougher. Neece appreciates the senior class’ re- Kreuzer will have junior Landyn Fanus ing block for the coach’s program in the “But I would be disappointed if we don’t sponse to the newness of the program and and senior Teriyan Nyaribo to hand the ball eyes of Anahuac fans. their willingness to adjust. make the playoffs. We’d like to have a win- “Instead of running two plays a minute to, while sophomore Zyon Clark will be a “They were all excited last spring, but ning record going into district and not lose that they are used to, now we are running key receiving threat. we will see,” Neece said. “They are going a game at home.” about six plays a minute,” Neece said. Kreuzer is excited to see how this faster to have to see change on the football field Anahuac opens the season at 7:30 Friday “When you are practicing that fast, you pace plays in the district. for them to really buy in. People who come night at Tarkington. have to focus on everything we are doing.” “Everybody is hyped up because of the out and watch us practice are seeing a dif- The offense will look to run first to set up new coaching staff and there will be a big ference; their kids are seeing a difference. Anahuac high school the pass and use the three-step drop. change in how we play and do things,” “We are practicing them and grinding “Tom Brady has made a living on the Kreuzer said. “From what I’ve seen we are them. There are lot of plays and not a lot of football schedule three-step drop and quick passes,” Neece going to be faster than everyone.” standing around.” said. “It keeps protections simple and the Fanus said the players are working to It all adds up to high hopes in Neece’s Aug. 30 – at Tarkington, 7:30; Sept. 6 – quarterback untouched.” reach higher expectations the coaching first year. at Edna, 7:30; Sept. 13 – vs. Bridge city, Senior quarterback Foster Kreuzer has staff has imported upon their arrival. “These kids are going to turn this 7:30; Sept. 20 – Bye; Sept. 27 – vs. Kir- appreciated the new look for the Panthers. “They’ve brought in a higher standard,” around,” Neece said. “Our goal is to get byville, 7:30; Oct. 4 – at Buna, 7:30; Oct. “Honestly, I like it and they push us a lot Fanus said. “From the way we dress, no into the playoffs. I am not going to change 11 – vs. Warren, 7:30; Oct. 18 – at Wood- harder,” Kreuzer said. “They brought in a earrings, no facial hair. We do everything everything with a magic wand. I want to ville, 7:30; Oct. 25 – vs. Hardin, 7:30; Nov. new mentality. In practice, we don’t slack as a team, so if one player is in trouble, we be relevant to the point where people say, 1 – at East Chambers, 7:30; Nov. 8 – at Or- as much. The coaches have higher expec- are all in trouble.” ‘oh crap, we got to play Anahuac,’ and they angefield, 7:30. 10D The Baytown Sun Football Preview Sunday, August 25, 2019 BCA to defend title with new-look roster Bulldogs know they have target on backs

BY ALAN DALE [email protected]

Two state titles in three years will al- most always make a team the subject of the opposition’s best shot. This is something Baytown Christian is ready for after accomplishing that feat following last year’s 14-0 romp through TAPPS Division III six-man football play en route to the state title while outscoring opponents 850-153. They also won a state championship in 2016. So dominant was their recent run to the crown, the Bulldogs’ closest game was its 49-34 victory over Weatherford Christian in the state title contest with nothing clos- er than 25 points before that. However, this season, the BCA squad brings back one starter on both sides of the ball and seven seniors dot the roster of 23 players. Center David Sun is the only return- ing offensive starter and junior defensive back Jakob Wheatfall is the one veteran back on defense. “The second string played a lot last Baytown Sun photo by Alan Dale year, so we are excited to see them,” BCA fourth-year head football coach Jeromey Baytown Christian will aim to defend its TAPPS six-man football title behind the play of Kyron Pitre, 2, and Sebastian Wilson, 10. The Bull- Anderson said. dogs open their season 11 a.m. Saturday when they play Haslet Community Christian at Emery Weiner in Houston. Aden Lambeth, Jordan Lewis and Ky- The Bulldogs lifted weights all summer The team’s lack of transfers on this The Bulldogs open the season at 11 a.m. ron Pitre all got substantial playing time to keep in shape as they mostly developed year’s roster means the team is more on Saturday against Haslet Community in the rotation and that should translate more strength. bonded and familiar with one another. Christian at Emery Weiner. Haslet is the into an easier performance as starters ac- Junior Colton Anderson said that is the That leads to better team chemistry ac- defending TCAF six-man champions. cording to Anderson. key to staying on top. cording to the coaches. “They are a big, physical team,” Jerom- Pitre will start at quarterback after get- “I feel that if we step up and everyone Combine that with a small District IV ey Anderson. “They are pretty big kids ting some reps as a backup. plays their role, we can be champions with only Orange Community Christian with a big fullback and big receivers. We “He’s been in the system, so he knows again,” Colton Anderson said. “We are and Bellville Faith Academy to contend need to spread the field out, use our speed how to lead the team,” Anderson said. pretty high up there on everyone’s target against, the playoffs are almost a sure bet. and tire them down.” “It’s just about getting reps. There’s a list as defending state champs. I use it as It’s what they do when they get there that difference between practice reps and motivation and use it to prepare better and is the big question. game time. When you step in and in full to play better. “Our minimum goal is to get back to Baytown Christian Academy game mode, you have to flip that switch. “This year we have a bunch of role Waco,” Jeromey Anderson said of the site football schedule They’ve been able to do that, and they are players and everyone can do their part, we for the state title game. “We don’t have a chomping at the bit.” can live up to our expectations. We also very solid district and that’s why we are Aug. 31 – vs. Haslet Community Chris- Pitre believes the run to another title have a lot better team chemistry – even pushing ourselves and scheduling teams tian (at Emery Weiner), 11 a.m.; Sept. 6 will not come easy. better than last year.” like Emery Weiner so we can get punched – at Brazosport Christian, 7; Sept. 13 – vs. “We knew coming into this year it is The Bulldogs run a spread offense, hop- in the mouths before the playoffs.” Conroe Covenant, 7; Sept. 20 – at Logos harder to repeat,” Pitre said. “In the off- ing to have a 50-50 mix of run and pass. The belief of winning the title remains a Prep, 7; Sept. 28 – at Jubilee season, we tried to get as many guys up “The offense, especially in spread for- part of the Bulldogs DNA. Charter, 5; Oct. 5 – vs. Emery Weiner, (6); here as we could. I am fully confident that mation, you have a lot more room to run,” “Why not? The only thing stopping us Oct. 11 – OPEN; Oct. 18 – bye week; Oct. we worked hard enough and now we will Colton Anderson said. “Spacing is defi- is ourselves,” Pitre said. “As long as we 25 – vs. Orange Community Christian, 6; work even harder to get back to the state nitely key in six man. That’s the biggest stay together, don’t branch off and do our Nov. 1 – at Lakeland Christian, 7; Nov. championship.” difference – the spacing.” own thing, we will be fine.” 8 – at Faith Academy, 7:30. Dayton looks to rebound after winless season could not hold on to the lead and the al- Joining Olige in the backfield at the trict contests with Galena Park and New Confidence key in opener ways powerful Mustangs came back for running back position will be Darius Ze- Caney Porter. After an open week Sept. the win. non and Gaven Bennett. Playing at wide 20, District 12-Class 5A-II play will start at Friendswood “That one would have been huge and receiver will be Brent Monceaux, Ty on the road at Barbers Hill. our kids would have had some confi- Pafford, Ashton Garner, Jonathan Cas- Crosby visits Bronco Stadium on Oct. BY JERRY MICHALSKY dence,” Dayton head coach Jeff Nations tro, Mitchell McCracken, and Donavan 4 with Nederland coming in after that. [email protected] said. “I think if we get that Orebo. Dayton visits the Reservation on October win then our season chang- The guys up front leading the block- to face Port Neches-Groves. After a season which they would just es.” ing will be Chase Crocker, Carlos Ortiz, On Nov. 8 the regular season comes to like to forget about, the 2019 Dayton The Broncos will not Demetris Whittington, Landon Wood, a close as the Vidor Pirates come to town. Broncos are making preparations for the have to wait long as they and Shohn Alexander. upcoming season and hopefully a trip to get another crack at the On defense, leading the charge will be the state playoffs. Mustangs to start the sea- linemen Lucan Tanton, Cristhian Medra- Dayton High School Dayton has missed out on the playoffs son at 7:30 p.m. Friday at no, and Tim Sjolander. In the middle at football schedule the last three years after a streak that saw Friendswood. the linebacker will be Lukas LaFargue, it get to the playoffs 20-straight years OLIGE On the offensive side of Cam’ron Willis, Bennett, and Zenon. In Aug. 30 – at Friendswood, 7:30; Sept. and a state championship appearance in the ball, leading the way the secondary for the Broncos will be 6 – at Galena Park, 7:30; Sept. 13 – vs. 2008. will be quarterback Christian Olige. The Deon Robinson, Bryce Powell-Chimene, New Caney, 7:30; Sept. 20 – BYE; Sept. Dayton finished 0-10 last season and junior is moving over from playing wide Pafford, and McCracken. Handling the 27 - at Barbers Hill, 7:30; Oct. 4 – vs. last in District 12-5A II. receiver last year. kicking duties for Dayton will be place Dayton, 7:30; Oct. 11 – vs. Nederland, Last season in the season opener, the “He is a special kind of talent and we kicker Jaime Pineda, and punter Gustavo 7:30; Oct. 18 – at Port Neches-Groves, Broncos led the Friendswood Mustangs will use him as much as possible,” Na- Orozco. 7:30; Oct. 24 – vs. REL, 7:30; Nov. 1 – at heading into the fourth quarter. Dayton tions said. The Broncos will also have non-dis- Santa Fe, 7:30; Nov. 8 – vs. Vidor, 7:30. Another glance at Dave Campbell’s district picks BY ALAN DALE Beaumont United, 7. La Porte, 8. son-bound with some breaks. bers is once again expected to defense, Our quarterback is a ju- [email protected] Sterling. Barbers Hill, which went 7-4 come out on top in district action. nior, Kamron Kincheon, and his and fell in the bi-district round, Prediction: 1. East Chambers, first year of varsity football, we It’s become a right of passage, is favored to finish third behind 2 Woodville, 3. Orangefield, 4. have some talented running backs a state holiday, a moment of District 9-5A I predicted winners Port Nech- Buna, 5. Anahuac, 6. Hardin, 7. and defensive linemen.” reckoning: The annual release of Goose Creek Memorial is ex- es-Groves and Nederland, who Kirbyville, 8.Warren. – C.E. King head coach Dave Campbell’s Texas Football pected to return seven starters on tied for the district title. Derek Fitzhenry. magazine. offense and the same amount on Crosby, which despite a 7-3 TAPPS six-man Once again the magazine is defense and that could help new record missed the 2018 playoffs, “We are young on both of our available to loyal readers and fol- head coach Shannon Carter tran- is predicted to eke out the fourth D3-District 4 lines. If they grow up quick, we lowers of football in Texas have sition in a district that could be and final playoff spot over Rob- will surprise alot of people.” heard what Dave Campbell’s staff hotly contested for the final play- ert E. Lee which enjoyed a resur- The defending state champi- – V i d o r h e a d c o a c h has to say about the expectations off spot. The Patriots are picked gence under head coach Tim Finn ons of Baytown Christian, which Jeffery Mathews. they have for high school teams. to finish seventh after a 2-8 cam- as the Ganders went 4-6. went 14-0, lost a ton of personnel, but is expected to win its small paign that saw them only win one Prediction: 1. PNG, 2. Neder- “We are optimistic about the district. District 21-6A district contest. land, 3. Barbers Hill, 4. Crosby, season. We were extremely young Predicted finish: 1. BCA, 2. a year ago, starting six sopho- Port Arthur Memorial which 5. Robert E. Lee, 6. Santa Fe, 7. The Sterling Rangers have Orange Community Christian, 3. mores and two more that played went 9-2 is expected to win the Vidor, 8. Dayton. been tabbed to finish last in the Belleville Faith Academy. a lot snaps. We must stay healthy eight-team district following a district over New Caney (10-2), and hungry as we have a strong 2-8 campaign. the defending district champion. District 12-3A I district.” The defending Class 6A Divi- Prediction: 1. Port Arthur Me- What rival coaches – New Caney head coach sion I champions North Shore is morial, 2. New Caney, 3. Humble Anahuac has a new head coach have to say? Brady Pennington. expected to come out on top in the Kingwood Park, 4. New Caney in Greg Neece who brings with standings while West Brook, who Porter, 5. Houston Austin, 6. Ga- him consecutive Class 3A title “I am excited for year two of “We have to replace several finished as the Division II run- lena Park, 7. Goose Creek Memo- rings from his 2017-18 role in our tenure here. We are in an ex- quality players that had a lot of ners up is picked to finish second. rial, 8. Houston Wisdom. Newton’s back-to-back 16-0 sea- tremely strong district but we are experience. We are looking for- With 12 starters – six on each sons as the team’s offensive coor- optimistic to improve and move ward to the challenge of a very side of the ball – expected back at District 12-5A II dinator. Neece returns to the dis- up the district rankings.” tough non-district schedule. Our Sterling, the Rangers may have a trict after coaching at Kirbyville – Deer Park head coach district schedule will be exciting. shot to move up the rankings with Two of the three area teams in for seven seasons before heading Austin Flynn. I really believe that we have sev- some key wins at home. this district are expected to be in to Newton and his Panthers are eral teams that will be competing Prediction: 1. North Shore, position for a playoff spot while predicted to finish fifth, just out- “We have a young football for playoff spots.” 2. West Brook, 3. C.E. King, 4. another might be in the running side the playoffs. team with only two returning – Porter head coach Channelview, 5. Deer Park, 6. to make all of them postsea- Perennial power East Cham- starters on offense, and four on Jimmy Holley. Sunday, August 25, 2019 Football Preview The Baytown Sun 11D Watson ready to take next step for Texans in 2019 BY KRISTIE RIEKEN overall pick in the 2017 draft, is This year he’ll play behind a he earned All-Pro honors with passing those numbers or setting AP Sports Writer comfortable in O’Brien’s offense, revamped line which is looking 61 tackles, led the AFC with 16 any statistical goals for himself. he’s looking to fine tune things he for veteran left tackle Matt Kalil sacks, had 25 quarterback hits, The three-time Pro Bowler is HOUSTON — As coach Bill believes will help the team run to return from injury to anchor 18 tackles for losses and forced a only focused on one goal as he O’Brien prepared for his third smoother. the group, and expecting a solid career-high seven fumbles, which enters his seventh NFL season. season with Deshaun Watson “The biggest thing now is be- season from right tackle Seantrel tied for the most in the NFL. It “Everybody who plays foot- he was asked what he likes best ing as detailed as I can,” he said. Henderson after he broke his an- was his fourth season with at ball should have their goal to about his star quarterback. “Knowing that each play matters, kle in Week 1 of 2018. Houston least 15 sacks, which ranks sec- win championships,” he said. “If O’Brien paused for a few sec- regardless of what quarter it’s also needs tackle Tytus Howard ond in NFL history behind Hall you don’t, then there’s no need to onds. And even after pondering in, what down and distance. Be- to contribute immediately after of Famer Reggie White, who had come to practice. I feel like that’s the query for a bit he still couldn’t ing able to take advantage of the selecting him with the 23rd over- five. the mindset of every football land on just one quality he values open plays, being able to take ad- all pick in this year’s draft. His big season came after he’d player. Not just mine.” most in Watson. vantage of scoring touchdowns. Howard was a high school played just eight games over the “There’s a lot of good things,” Little things like that. quarterback who became a line- previous two years because of in- O’Brien said. “He’s got really “Because in that fourth quarter, man after growing into his 6-foot- juries, and Watt was eager to see CLOWNEY COMING? good poise. He’s a smart guy. as you see in every NFL game, 5, 322-pound frame at Alabama what he’ll be able to do after a Outside linebacker Jadeveon He’s a very accurate passer. He it’s rare where you have a team State. The Texans value his ver- healthy offseason. Clowney missed all of training throws a great deep ball. He that’s blowing out teams,” he satility and have moved him “Last year I had an idea of camp, unhappy that he and the knows our offense really well, continued. “Every week is a test around a lot throughout camp to what I wanted to accomplish and team couldn’t agree to a long- works hard at it. He’s just an awe- and it comes down to that last see where he’ll be most effective. I hoped I could accomplish it, but term deal. But the Texans expect some guy to coach.” drive or a two-minute situation.” “He’s a very versatile guy,” I wasn’t 100 percent sure because him to sign his franchise ten- O’Brien and the Texans are Here are some things to watch O’Brien said. “But, remember, I hadn’t really played in a couple der and be ready for the start of counting on Watson to take an- for this season: the other thing about Tytus, he’s a of years,” he said. “So, this year I the season. Clowney has kept in other step forward this year after rookie and he’s really only played have a lot of confidence going in. touch with defensive line coach he threw for 4,165 yards and 26 PROTECTING WATSON offense line for three years, I I have a lot of excitement, I have Anthony Weaver and he believes touchdowns last season to help think it is. So, he’s learning every a lot of energy, I have a solid base the top overall pick in the 2014 the team win the AFC South title The Texans are focused on bet- day, but he’s going to be a really where I know where I’m at.” draft will be able to get up to before losing to the Colts in the ter protecting Watson after he was good player.” speed quickly once he returns. wild-card round. Watson started sacked an NFL-leading 62 times. HOPKINS’ HOPES “He’s just got to get back into each game in 2018 after playing He started every game last sea- WATT’S UP football shape,” Weaver said. “I just seven games as a rookie be- son but was hurt for a chunk of DeAndre Hopkins ranked third don’t expect that to be very long. fore sustaining a season-ending the schedule while dealing with a Three-time Defensive Play- in the NFL with a career-high I know he’s been working and I knee injury. partially collapsed lung and bro- er of the Year J.J. Watt returns 1,572 yards receiving last season. know he’s chomping at the bit to Now that Watson, the 12th ken ribs from taking hit after hit. after a comeback season when But he isn’t worried about sur- get back out here.” NFC East is two-team race with Cowboys and Eagles

BY ROB MAADDI finishing the last two seasons on the side- Bowl MVP backup is gone. Wentz arrived run game should be improved with Jordan AP Pro Football Writer line while Nick Foles led Philadelphia to to camp in the best shape of his life and Howard’s arrival from Chicago and rookie four playoff wins, including a Super Bowl has plenty of talent surrounding him on Miles Sanders, who has shined in camp. While Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper title. offense. wait to get paid, Ezekiel Elliott wants his Prescott is willing to play for his $2 “I think we have the ability to do some- LAME-DUCK COACH? money now. million base salary knowing he’s going to thing really special with this group, but it’s The Cowboys have another ob- get a deal likely worth in the area of $30 going to take a lot of work,” Wentz said. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett enters the stacle standing in their way as they try to million annually. Cooper also is content Things to know about the NFC East: final year of his contract and has two play- become the first team to win consecutive entering the final year of his rookie deal off wins in nine seasons. With or without NFC East titles since the Philadelphia Ea- because he will make nearly $10 million. Elliott, he has to win now or owner Jerry gles did it four straight seasons from 2001- DYNAMIC OFFENSE 04. Contract issues could knock Dallas off “I want to be a Cowboy forever, the Jones will have to make a tough decision. track. people doing the deal feel the same way, If Wentz stays healthy and plays like He’s got the players on offense to help Elliott, the two-time NFL rushing cham- so there’s no rush,” Prescott said in the he did in 2017 when he finished third in him. Prescott thrived once Cooper arrived pion, has been holding out for a new deal spring. “I know it’ll get done. It’s all gen- NFL MVP voting, the Eagles should have last October, but was sacked 56 times, sec- before he enters his fourth season. He’s erational money, life-changing money. I one of the league’s most powerful offens- ond most in the league. The return of cen- due to make $3.9 million this year and know I’ll get taken care of.” es. The addition of wide receiver DeSean ter Travis Frederick should bolster a unit $9.1 million in 2020. Elliott could eventu- The NFC East is a two-team race be- Jackson to join Alshon Jeffery and Nelson that includes six-time Pro Bowl left tack- ally end up the highest-paid running back tween Dallas and Philadelphia. The Ea- Agholor gives the team a deep threat who le Tyron Smith and five-time Pro Bowl in league history if the two sides agree. gles have a stacked roster, but their big- will open the field underneath for every- right guard Zack Martin. There’s so much Prescott has led the Cowboys to a pair gest question centers on Wentz’s health. one else. Rookie wideout J.J. Arcega-Wh- potential on offense that tight end Jason of division titles in three seasons, but He tore his ACL in 2017 and suffered a iteside has Jeffery’s jump-ball skills. Tight Witten left the “Monday Night Football” watched Carson Wentz get a $128 million back injury in 2018. Foles is in Jackson- ends Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert may broadcast booth after one year to return for contract extension from the Eagles despite ville now, so the luxury of having a Super be the best 1-2 tandem in the league. The his 16th season. From Humble beginnings ... A tribute section celebrating 100 years

Space reservation/ad deadline is September 6, 2019. Humble Day Special Edition, Semi-Weekly Tribune, May 12, 1925 Publishing in both  e Baytown Sun (Sept. 22) & Chambers County Weekly (Sept. 26).

Call 281-422-8302 to advertise. www.baytownsun.com

100 years ago, Ross S. Sterling and associates (Walter William Fondren, Robert Lee Bla er and William Stamps Farish), with his Humble Oil Company, cemented our geographic relationship with the petrochemical world. Humble took care of their workers, building homes and providing activities like , handball, , music and a semi-pro baseball stadium for the company team, the Humble Oilers. From producing wells, re‚ ning, pipelines, exporting, upstream, midstream, downstream services and support businesses such as steel production, machine shops, fabrication and safety equipment manufacturers, our local industry grew out of Humble days. Help celebrate 100 years of ExxonMobil success here.

The SunBaytown Call to advertise. 281-422-8302 12D The Baytown Sun Football Preview Sunday, August 25, 2019 LEE COLLEGE SPORTS A BAYTOWN TRADITION Don’t miss your chance to rally your teams on to victory!

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME L SCHEDULE SaturdayAug. 17 Dillard Scrimmage New Orleans, LA 11:00 a.m.

ADY REBELS TuesdayAug. 20 Texas Southern Scrimmage Houston, TX 10:00 a.m. WednesdayAug. 21 St. Thomas Houston, TX 6:30 p.m. FridayAug. 23 Vernon College Vernon College 1:00 p.m. FridayAug. 23 Cisco College Vernon College 7:00 p.m. SaturdayAug. 24 Butler Community College Vernon College 1:00 p.m. SaturdayAug. 24 Dodge City College Vernon College 5:00 p.m. FridayAug. 30 Gadsden State Community College Pensacola State College 9:00 a.m. FridayAug. 30 Pensacola State College Pensacola State College 1:00 p.m. SaturdayAug. 31 Hillsborough Community College Pensacola State College 9:00 a.m. 2019 SaturdayAug. 31 Lawson State Community College Pensacola State College 11:00 a.m. TuesdaySept. 3 Wharton Wharton 6:00 p.m

VOLLE FridaySept. 6 New Mexico Military InstituteOdessa Classic 10:00 a.m. FridaySept. 6 Frank Phillips Odessa Classic 2:00 p.m. SaturdaySept. 7 Midland College Odessa Classic 11:00 a.m. SaturdaySept. 7 Odessa College Odessa Classic 3:00 p.m. TuesdaySept. 10 Mountain View College Dallas, TX 6:00 p.m. + FridaySept. 13 Allen County Community College Lee College Invitational 1:00 p.m. YBALL + FridaySept. 13 Odessa College Lee College Invitational 5:00 p.m. + SaturdaySept. 14 Cedar Valley Community College Lee College Invitational 1:00 p.m. + SaturdaySept. 14 Mountain View College Lee College Invitational 5:00 p.m. + SaturdaySept. 21 Temple College Lee College 1:00 p.m. + WednesdaySept. 25 *Blinn College Lee College 6:00 p.m. SaturdaySept. 28 North Lake Community College Northlake College 12:00 p.m.

SaturdaySept. 28 Hill College Northlake College 2:00 p.m. + FridayOct. 4 *Panola Lee College 6:00 p.m. + SaturdayOct. 5 *Tyler Junior College Lee College 2:00 p.m. + WednesdayOct. 9 *WhartonLee College 6:00 p.m. Breast Cancer Awareness Night (Dig Pink) + FridayOct. 11 *VictoriaLee College 6:00 p.m. Sophomore Night FridayOct. 18 *Trinity Valley Athens, TX 6:00 p.m. SaturdayOct. 19 *NavarroCorsicana, TX 2:00 p.m. FridayOct. 25 *Coastal Bend Beeville, TX 6:00 p.m.

SaturdayOct. 26 *Laredo Laredo, TX 1:00 p.m. SaturdayOct. 26 Universidad Regiomontana Laredo, TX 3:00 p.m.

November 1 – 3 Region XIV Tournament Tyler, TX TBA November 15 – 17 National Tournament Hutchinson, KS TBA 4202-0819 DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME SCHEDULE RUNNIN Exhibition Games FridayOct. 4 JUCO Jamboree Fort Worth, TX TBA SaturdayOct. 5 JUCO Jamboree Fort Worth, TX TBA

Regular Season Games Chick l-A of Baytown Classic + FridayNov. 1 L.S.C. - Tomball Baytown, TX 7:00 p.m. Houston Gladiators vs. BRCC 5:00 p.m. + SaturdayNov. 2 Baton Rouge C.C. Baytown, TX 6:00 p.m. REBELS + MondayNov. 4 L.S.C. - Kingwood Baytown, TX 7:00 p.m.

2019202 + Wednesday. Nov. 6 Houston C.C. Baytown, TX 7:00 p.m. East Vs West Challenge FridayNov. 8 Howard College Plano, TX 12:00 p.m. SaturdayNov. 9 Collin County C.C. Plano, TX 8:00 p.m. Thu. Nov. 14 Pima C.C. Tucson, AZ 6:00 p.m. FridayNov. 15 Cochise College Tucson, AZ 2:00 p.m. SaturdayNov. 16 Glendale College Tucson, AZ 4:00 p.m. + TuesdayNov. 19 L.S.C. – CY Fair Baytown, TX 6:30 p.m.

0 + SaturdayNov. 23 *Navarro College Baytown, TX 6:00 p.m. + TuesdayNov. 26 L.S.U. - EuniceBaytown, TX 7:00 p.m. Wednesday. Dec. 4 *Tyler Junior College Tyler, TX 7:00 p.m. + Saturday Dec. 7 *Bossier Parish C.C. Baytown, TX 6:00 p.m. FridayJan. 3 *Panola College Carthage, TX 7:00 p.m. MondayJan. 6 *Trinity Valley C.C. Baytown, TX 6:00 p.m. WednesdayJan. 8 *Kilgore College Kilgore, TX 7:00 p.m. + SaturdayJan. 11 *Paris Junior College Baytown, TX 6:00 p.m. + WednesdayJan. 15 *Blinn College Baytown, TX 7:00 p.m. SaturdayJan. 18 *Coastal Bend College Beeville, TX 4:00 p.m.

+ WednesdayJan. 22 *Victoria College Baytown, TX 7:00 p.m. Saturday Jan. 25 *Angelina College Lufkin, TX 4:00 p.m. + Wednesday. Jan. 29 *Lamar State College Baytown, TX 7:00 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 4 *Jacksonville College Jacksonville, TX 7:00 p.m. + SaturdayFeb. 8 *Coastal Bend College Baytown, TX 6:00 p.m. WednesdayFeb. 12 *Blinn College Brenham, TX 7:30 p.m. SaturdayFeb. 15 *Victoria College Victoria, TX 2:00 p.m. + WednesdayFeb. 19 *Angelina College Baytown, TX 7:00 p.m. SaturdayFeb. 22 *Lamar State College Port Arthur, TX 4:00 p.m. + SaturdayFeb. 29 *Jacksonville College Baytown, TX 6:00 p.m.

March 3-7 Region XIV TournamentBossier City, LA TBA

March 17–21 National Tournament Hutchinson, KS TBA

+Home Games *Region XIV Conference Matches All home games take place at the Lee College Arena in Baytown. Come out and show your support! For more information: www.lee.edu/athletics/