Sunday, August 21, 2016 The Baytown Sun 1C 7 p.m., Friday, September 2, Stallworth Stadium ‘The Game’ turns 50 Rivals and friends Wilkinson, Sawyer have been facing off since fifth grade

By Michael Pineda current City head coach Leland [email protected] Surovik. “There are things that assistants just The fate of Baytown Lee and Baytown haven’t dealt with,” Sawyer said. “When Sterling bragging rights in the 50th anni- David was at Sweeney, there were things I versary of The Game will be determined couldn’t talk to him about.” on the field, by two teams led by two men That has changed, not by admission who are no strangers to competing against but just in observing the two together. each other. As Sawyer continues to get his feet wet, Ranger head coach Brett Sawyer and he will lean on Wilkinson for advice on Lee head coach David Wilkinson first different aspects of the job away from the faced off against each other in fifth grade field. Some issues off the field, the two are in a basketball game. They have competed lock and step in unison with each other, each other in baseball and football grow- specifically on reaching out to the young ing up and even coached against each oth- men they coach and teach them about be- er. And through the heat of competition a ing successful off the field. friendship was forged as fellow students “You can’t save every kid, but your at Texas A&M and coaches within Rich- goal is that you work tirelessly to teach ardson ISD. them what the program is supposed to be It was Sawyer who first became a head about,” Wilkinson said. “You have emo- coach, getting the nod at Sweeney. And tional teens without guidance in a lot of one of his first calls was to Wilkinson, situations.” who agreed to serve as the defensive co- Sawyer said that some kids have been ordinator. And wouldn’t you know it, the taught not to trust through trying to sur- families developed a friendship as tight as vive and the coach is working to gain the those of the two men. trust of the kids. Wilkinson said he kept Call it fate or destiny, but now the two his thoughts to himself when the coach- men will become part of the legend and ing search and subsequent interviews took lore of a rivalry that has stood the test place but felt his friend was the best per- of time. And some might find it ironic son for the Sterling job. the friendship is based on the sharing of “In my heart of hearts, I knew Sterling thoughts and experiences and a love of life needed a man like Brett,” Wilkinson said. than competition. “His moral compass is set. He never wa- “Our friendship is mainly like bounc- vers from what is right.” ing ideas of each other, laughing at stupid Speaking of right, there is some small things,” Wilkinson said. doubt about the first time the future Sawyer explained life as a coach as friends met in competition for the first living on an island. There is a need to time. Wilkinson recalls playing Sawyer’s share with others in the same situation, team in basketball and winning. Submitted photo whether it be to share ideas or ask advice “Y’all were good but we beat you all,” Brett Sawyer and David Wilkinson, shown here during a summertime respite, have known about issues beyond the scope of duties Wilkinson said. each other since fifth grade and become great friends during that time. for assistant coaches. At Sweeney, Saw- yer turned to former West Columbia and see budDies • Page 7C Goose Creek C.I.S.D. salutes The

50th Anniversary Friday, Sept. 2 at Stallworth Stadium Welcome to all the alumni, former players & coaches. Best of luck to all players! 2C The Baytown Sun The Game Sunday, August 21, 2016 Rivalry holds fond memories for coach

By Susan Passmore ence for Olin. Drew Tate was a four-year starter at As excitement builds in antici- for Lee from 1999-2002, and was pation of the 50th game between All Big 10 and Offensive MVP the Robert E. Lee High School Big 10 at the Ganders and the Ross S. Sterling in 2003-2007. He has played for Rangers Sept. 2, many former the past 10 years with the Cal- players, coaches gary (Canada) Stampeders. Lake and fans remem- Tate played linebacker from ber the rivalry 1995-1997 for Lee and went on of past games. to play for Texas State Universi- Dick Olin led the ty. He is defensive coordinator at Ganders for 17 High School. of those games Looking back on his career, as head football Olin remembers many of the coach at Rob- players that helped make Lee olin ert E. Lee High a powerhouse. Just a few no- School and has tables were Jermaine Alfred, fond memories about his time as quarterback from 1992-94, who a Gander coach. played at Baylor. Alfred is now “We had a great staff and great offensive coordinator at Clear kids,” said Olin. “In 1992, my Lake High School. All-Stater first year at Lee, we went 0-10. Clint Stoerner was quarterback Coaches who go 0-10 don’t get in 1995, earning a scholarship to to be coaches too long. I told Arkansas and then playing with Marvin Guy, the athletic director, the Cowboys. that we were not going to win a Ell Robertson III was All-State game, but we would get better if quarterback for the Ganders, I was given a chance. We played went to Kansas State and then Sterling that year, and they beat to Canada to play for two years. us.” Brian Johnson was the Gander In Olin’s second year with the quarterback in 2003 and played Ganders, the team went 5-5, but at the University of Utah. his third year, their 9-3 record Jeremy Moses held the QB took them to the playoffs after position from 2004-2006 and beating Sterling. When a pep ral- played for SFA, where he won ly for their playoff game against the Walter Payton Award. Aldine Eisenhower yielded a Josh Jones, quarterback in sparse attendance, Olin realized 2007, played for the Army at the intensity of the rivalry. West Point. Tim Jirrels started “The attitude was that this for the Ganders in 2008, Olin’s game didn’t matter. The only last season with the Ganders. game that mattered was Ster- Now retired, Olin plays golf, ling,” said Olin. “There is rivalry watches his sons coach and anywhere there are two schools, Sun file photo spends time with his family and grandkids. He also gives advice, but it’s incredible how much em- In a 2005 practice, Lee head coach Dick Olin gives quarterback Jeremy Moses, right, a play as offensive phasis was placed on one game. but only if his kids ask for it, coordinator Clint Riley looks on. Our goal was to go to the play- he says. Daughter Kristen Olin offs and win championships. Our teaches at Lee, so he still gets to goal was not just to beat Sterling. him he needed to do something ling Week, Olin never lost sight state to play. I felt like it was hear about the Lee-Sterling rival- Once we began to de-emphasize with the birds or they would of the fact that every Friday night my responsibility to help them ry. that game, we could focus more die. There are also some rumors they played a rival. He also was get there. We did whatever we Although he can’t recall the on winning the others.” about Olin waiting behind the aware of the influence he and his could. Anytime a coach wanted Ganders’ record during his 17 Olin, however, could not to- bushes ready to egg anyone who staff had on the players. to visit a kid, I called the princi- years at Lee, he has some good tally escape being caught up in came by to egg him, his car or “Kids learn from high school pal to make sure it was OK. They football stories, and he still re- the rivalry. When several geese, his house. Adding to the rivalry football. We never talked to our always supported us — Charles members working with his staff painted Ranger blue, showed was the fact that his wife Martha kids about winning and losing. Hebert, David Hall and Bruce members to help their players up in his yard the night before taught at Sterling, but he admits We talked to our kids about us- Davis — and Bruce had been one as the most important part of his a Lee-Sterling game, he knew she was a good sport about it ing athletics as a means to an of our junior high coaches.” job. he had to take some action. He even at the Sterling pep rallies. end,” said Olin. “We had 137 Having had the opportunity to “We tried to make them better called another coach, Chris Dip- Amidst the decorated halls and kids go someplace with football. coach his sons, Drew and Lake people as well as better players,” pel, a biology teacher, and told exciting pep rallies for Lee-Ster- Sometimes they had to leave the Tate, at Lee was a good experi- said Olin. Sunday, August 21, 2016 The Game The Baytown Sun 3C Not his brother’s (record) keeper Cavaretta bests brother’s mark in first game against Rangers

BY BETH DOMBROWA Doug Cavarretta didn’t set out to score more touchdowns than his older brother, but a friendly semi-challenge from a sports re- porter, the late Jim Kyle, proba- bly didn’t hurt. At the end of the 1970 Robert E. Lee vs. Ross S. Sterling game, Cavarretta had scored four touchdowns, lead- ing the Ganders to their fourth straight victory over the Rang- ers, one more touchdown that his brother, John, had scored in 1967. “Jim Kyle asked, ‘Do you think you’ll score more touch- downs than your brother?’” re- called Cavarretta, who was a senior running back in 1970, the first year the game was played at the brand-new Stallworth Stadi- um. “I hadn’t even thought about it, but I joked, ‘Sure, if you’ll run a picture of me in the paper.’ And a few days later, that is what hap- pened.” The Cavarrettas were very competitive; however, Doug never gave his older brother too These days, former Gander Doug Cavaretta spends his days playing much grief about breaking his golf and hanging out on the beach. record. “John was a great football ity, and it was located in an area was fortunate to play on district player and one of the best block- where the city was really grow- championship teams in 1969 and ing fullbacks to ever come out of ing at that time. It was one of 1970.” Lee High School. I just happened the nicer high school stadiums In ’70, Cavarretta caught two to have the right plays called at in the area at the time. Football touchdown passes each from the right time. I agitated him is a lot like life; sometimes you Jerry Jameson and about other things, but he was get breaks and sometimes you Eddie Taylor. bigger, so not too much,” Cavar- don’t. From the sport you learn The team itself remained tight; retta said. how to deal with them,” Cavar- many of them remained close Doug Cavaretta’s four TD’s against Sterling was a celebrated achieve- The weeks leading up to the retta said. through their early 30’s, play- ment. 1970 game were exciting ones Like many other kids, Cavar- ing together on a church softball for the entire community be- retta had the option of moving team and flag football teams. cause it was the first time the to Sterling when the new school “The preparation for the remember the stadium filling to Island in Florida, where he plays “Battle of Baytown,” still a fairly opened, but decided to remain at Lee-Sterling game really seemed capacity, and it kind of breaks golf and enjoys the beach. new rivalry, would be played at Lee throughout his high school to begin on Monday morning,” my heart to see the stands less “High school was a great time Stallworth Stadium. years. Cavarretta said. “The rivalry than half full for games now.” in my life, and sometimes I wish “It was very exciting to play “It was a good choice,” he said. may have been intense, but it These days, Cavarretta and his the clock could turn back,” he there. It had great seating capac- “My junior and senior years I was healthy. I kind of miss it. I wife live on the gulf on Okaloosa said.

buds Continued from page 1 Legends of The Game “I don’t remember that,” Sawyer replies. Both remember the time they coached against each other as employees of the Richardson ISD. Many participants over the years have gone on to stellar collegiate and NFL careers Wilkinson was an offensive coach for North Garland and Sawyer was a defensive coach at Berkner High School. Both men remember Berkner’s defense dominated the evening. “We had two NFL players on our team includ- ing Aqib Talib and three division one players on the line,” Sawyer said. Wilkinson said North Garland scored first on a fumble recovery carried into the end zone. “Everybody was excited but we couldn’t move the ball,” he said. North Garland had 25 yards of offense late but scored on a late touchdown pass to pad the num- bers. Wilkinson and Sawyer saw each other a lot at 7 on 7 tournaments and other football gather- ings and when Sawyer was hired as the Sweeny head coach, he quickly thought of Wilkinson. “At Sweeny, our families became best friends,” Sawyer said. Both would go their separate ways but here they are, reunited but wearing different colors. “It’s been a really good opportunity to us,” Sawyer said. “This is the first time we have moved where we had friends. “I knew it had to be the right situation to get in REL’s Chris Crooms played defen- this position again. David talked up the area and sive back at Texas A&M and for the people. It went a long way for me. I thought, REL’s Charles Godfrey played collegiately at the NFL’s Rams. maybe it is the right time to get back in the mid- REL’s Quentin Coryatt was an All-Ameri- Iowa and currently plays for the Atlanta Fal- dle of it.” can at Texas A&M and a top overall draft cons. He was originally drafted by the Carolina With the season slated to start in a week, both pick of the Indianapolis Colts. He also Panthers. men are in the middle of it as they prepare for played for the Cowboys. their season openers and then settle the city feud. “I think the competition is great,” Sawyer said. “I want them to win every game but us. Whoever loses, there will be talk for a whole year. “I think its great anytime you can be part of a rivalry in general. The kids get to be such a huge part of this game. There will be pride for the kids for a long time.” Wilkinson is not stranger to the rivalry, having led the Ganders into the two previous two games and knows what to expect. “The kids play really hard,” he said. “It was the best game we played all year. They play against their friends and it doesn’t matter if the guy is a better athlete if you know them. “I think its great the kids feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves.” Sawyer said the impact of playing in the game will stay with the teams much like it has their predecessors over the years. “You know for the rest of your life you will talk about this game,” he said. “It makes a differ- ence. You want it to be a positive outcome. “The Sterling kids want Lee to win every game after our and I’m sure they want us to win ours.” But for whoever loses, there will be conse- quences. Wilkinson and Sawyer have agreed if their team loses, they will sing the other’s alma mater REL quarterback Clint Stoerner played collegiately at during halftime of a basketball game at the win- Arkansas and for the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dol- ner’s school. Sterling’s Rocky Bernard played collegiately at Texas A&M and won phins in the NFL. Currently he works as a studio ana- Knowing the two, the other will be right there, a Super Bowl ring in the NFL as a member of the New York Giants. lyst for the SEC Network. singing at the top of their lungs as well. 4C The Baytown Sun The Game Sunday, August 21, 2016 Tate passed his way to history QB tossed 8 TDs in 2001 Game By Beth Dombrowa Although he was widely re- garded as one of the most talent- ed high school quarterbacks in Texas, Robert E. Lee junior Drew Tate didn’t know he had broken a state record (most touch- down passes in a TATE half) in the 2001 Lee-Sterling game, even af- ter his seventh touchdown pass against his school’s crosstown rivals. He does remember throw- ing another touchdown pass on Sun file photo the opening drive of the second half, a throw that matched a sec- Drew Tate in action for the Gan- ond state record for most touch- down passes in a game. ders. Photo courtesy Ted Jacob/Calgary Herald “After that, we kind of just derstandable since Tate’s stepfa- chilled, we were beating them so ther, Dick Olin, was head foot- Drew Tate sets to pass for Calgary under a heavy Hamilton Ti-Cat rush during a League badly,” he recalled, with the kind ball coach. But once fans — and game in 2010. of smack talk reserved for former teams and coaches well beyond Lee and Sterling players who Baytown — saw his talent, those played in a particularly memora- accusations quickly dissipated. The community seemed to health and sports studies with a food in Canada,” he said. ble game during the schools’ 50- Tate was named to the first team make a bigger deal out of the concentration on acting. Olin goes to Canada to visit year rivalry. To be fair, the final all-district team his freshman game than the players or coach- Tate originally went to Cana- Tate about once a year. He’s able score was Lee, 63-Sterling, 7. year, and fans and players of the es. da to play for the Saskatchewan to watch Tate’s games and, of The spread was so great that Lee football program recognized “It was a big deal at school, but Roughriders in 2007. In 2009, he course, still provides feedback. coaches of both teams agreed to they had a truly gifted quarter- to us, it was just another game signed with the Calgary Stam- The next step in Tate’s career, back in the underclassman. run a continuous clock in the sec- on the schedule. We were good, peders where he remains today, after he’s through playing pro- ond half. Regarding the long-standing although he’s unsure how much fessionally, will include coach- A quarterback two years older rivalry and the spirit days lead- so we cared about being good. longer he’ll play. It’s unlikely ing. He’s hoping to coach for the than Tate quit football to focus ing up to the big game, Tate said, Sterling wasn’t that good, so we he’ll make it to the 50th anniver- pros or at a college. on his baseball career, which “It was cool. I lived close to Ster- didn’t care much,” he quipped. sary of The Game, as Sept. 2, the “High school can be a fun ex- opened the door for Tate to play ling, so I knew a lot of the guys After graduating (his teams date of the game, is in the middle perience,” Tate said. “I would the starting position in 1999 as a and had played with them in won three out of four contests of the CFL season. However, he advise the current players to just freshman. Little League. Nothing was ever against Sterling), Tate played does try to come home whenever enjoy it and have fun and under- Whispers of nepotism were personal. We all looked forward for the University of Iowa, grad- possible. stand what it means to have a fun not uncommon, which was un- to playing each other.” uating in 2007 with a degree in “There’s no good Mexican rivalry. It’s all in good spirit.” The heart of a champion Despite setbacks, former Gander still finds daylight By Susan Passmore A cracking sound and a fierce burning sensation in his right shin, and suddenly it looked like Jarvis Moore’s dreams for the future were over. It was the first play of the game between cross- town rivals Robert E. Lee and Ross S. Sterling high schools, and the standout senior running back for Lee had been waiting for this game. “When I played for Lee from 2004-2007, it was a big deal for Baytown. There were festivi- ties the whole week leading up to the game,” said Moore. “The Lee-Sterling game was for brag- ging rights for the year, and, thankfully, I was on the good side of that for all four years.” He still remembers the date — October 5, 2007 — and after watching the film, he played it over and over again in his mind. “The receiver is supposed to block toward the sidelines, but he blocked the player toward me, and he fell on my leg. I tried to stand up, but I couldn’t,” Moore said. Moore was transported to the hospital by ambulance and didn’t know the final score until coach- Sun file photo es Dick Olin and Jeff Adams walked into the emergency room REL’s Jarvis Moore attempts to break the tackle of Sterling’s Jordan Wooddell in 2005. Moore finished the night with 99 yards rushing in the Gan- after the game. 28 - 0. At least ders’ 28-17 victory over RSS. Lee won without him, but know- ing he would be out for the sea- Crooms, Adams and Clint Riley family, Alexandria (AJ) and their son was forcing him to re-evalu- at Lee — with encouraging him son Liam, now 4, he enlisted the ate his options. The star running and treating him like family. No help of an agent. back, who had started for the doubt they helped him develop Moore performed well at an Ganders since his freshman year his “never give up” attitude. He NFL Regional Combine in Chi- and had his sights set on the Uni- also established some lasting cago and was invited to join the versity of Texas, Texas A & M, friendships. Seattle Seahawks for training the University of Iowa or the “Starting off as a freshman camp, but he was disappointed University of Notre Dame, close on varsity, I was very quiet. Eli to be released after the third cut. to where he was born, knew he Laurendine and the offensive The following spring of 2014, needed a Plan B since he hadn’t committed to a school. linemen took me under their his performance at an NFL Re- “Coach Olin let me know he wings and took care of me,” said gional Combine in Indianapolis would take care of me and help Moore. gave him the opportunity to be me get to a school. I never had It’s been a long, difficult road picked up by the Carolina Pan- a chance to meet my dad, so he for Moore, but his determination thers, but he was released after Photo by Clay Little, REL Yearbook Staff to play football is paying off. two months. He and his new was like a dad to me. He saw po- Jarvis Moore celebrates with fans after REL’s 2006 victory. tential in me from the start and After graduation, he went to the agent are now negotiating con- University of Texas at San Anto- tracts with Canadian Football brought me up to varsity as a th freshman,” said Moore. nio and transferred to Iowa Cen- League teams, and he is enjoying many fans at the 50 anniversary high school,” said Moore. “I love Moore also credits his oth- tral Community College to play some time with his family and of The Game on Sept. 2 — sit- that school (Lee), and I bleed er coaches — Kevin Jones, one season. He then transferred bonding with new addition, two- ting on the Lee side, of course. maroon. It’s sad to know that the Wes Kruger, Barry Woodard, to Stephen F. Austin State Uni- month-old son Mason, at home “Playing football has made me coaches I played for aren’t there Mark Crooms and Bryan Ges- versity and finished his degree in in . the person I am. It kept me out of anymore, but I will represent Lee ford at Cedar Bayou Junior and nutrition. Working to support his Moore plans to be among the trouble through junior school and High School for years to come. Sunday, August 21, 2016 The Game The Baytown Sun 5C Half A Century In The Making A look back at the first 49 encounters in The Game 1966: Lee 0, Sterling 0 Ranger Harold Sampson returned an interception 75 Lee’s late lead fell by the wayside once again when yards for a touchdown with 3:58 to play in Al Dennis’ James Tubbs caught a 54-yard touchdown pass from The first meeting between Lee and Sterling on the first year coaching Sterling. Jimmy Twardowski with 46 seconds remaining and then gridiron left everyone wanting more as the Ganders The Rangers’ victory gave them their second straight added a two-point conversion for the final margin. The and Rangers played to a 0-0 tie. It was the first time for playoff berth and District 24-4A championship. More Ganders had taken an 8-7 lead with 1:18 to play on John Sterling to field a team and the game was a junior varsity importantly, the team would lay its stake as the best in Elkins’ 10-yard touchdown pass to Torn Atteberry and match-up. school history, posting a 14-2 mark overall and advancing Mone Nichols’ two-point conversion run. The game was described as a battle royale that went to the state championship game where it fell to Odessa Tubbs had a huge game for the Rangers, finished with down to the wire. A missed field goal with seven seconds Permian. 78 yards rushing on 9 carries and two receptions for 80 remaining in the contest ensured the tie. Over 10,000 The win, in front of 17,000, was the ninth in a row for yards. Twardowski was sharp in limited opportunities, fans saw Lee move within the Sterling five twice and the Rangers. Lee finished 6-4 with its four losses coming completing four of five passes for 97 yards. come up empty. by a combined 19 points. John Elkins led Lee with 35 yards on nine carries and Sterling entered the game as the favorite, according Lee quarterback was 10 of 20 for 183 yards but could completed 11 of 25 passes for 165 yards, one touchdown to area writers at the time, and had over 230 yards of not solve a Sterling defense that pitched its fourth shutout and two interceptions. Terry Englert had five receptions offense to outgain Lee. The Ganders also turned the ball in a row. The Rangers only gave up 62 points during the for 75 yards as Sterling finished 6-3-1 and Lee went 3-7. over twice. The Rangers came close to pulling it out season. It would take a strong effort in the win as Lee when quarterback Mike Manley ran 23 yards to get the reached the Ranger 21 late but could not score. ball into field goal range only to see the field goal miss. Dane Listi carried 15 times for 55 yards to lead Sterling. 1979: Lee 21, Sterling 0 (Sterling leads series 7-6) 1973: Sterling 6, Lee 3 John Elkins led the Ganders to a shutout victory and 1967: Lee 28, Sterling 7 a trip to the playoffs in front of 17,000 people. Elkins (Lee leads series 4-3) completed five passes for 101 yards, including a50- (Lee leads series 1-0) For the first time in the history of The Game, the district yard strike to Monroe Nichols to set up Lee’s second In the inaugural varsity game between the two schools, title hinged on the outcome in 1973. The Rangers needed touchdown. The victory was Lee’s first in three years the Ganders rallied from a 7-0 deficit to defeat the a 14-point victory or a loss by Galena Park to claim the in the rivalry and only its second in the previous nine Rangers in front of 12,000 fans at Memorial Stadium. district title. The news arrived in the fourth quarter: North editions of “The Game.” Rex Fisher scored first for Sterling on a 3-yard run, and Shore 2, Galena Park 0. The Rangers responded with a Sterling, which would finish 4-6, was able to threaten Ken Alderson added the extra point with 11:21 remaining 51-yard drive, capped by Dane Listi’s 1-yard plunge with but quarterback David Fourrier was intercepted at the in the second quarter. But the Ganders’ John Cavarretta 34 seconds left in the contest. Lee 34, 11 and 10-yard line. Geronimo Sanchez had two scored three rushing touchdowns to give Lee a 21-7 lead. The Ganders had taken a 3-0 lead on Criss Dippel’s of the interceptions for the Ganders. Cavarretta carried the ball 17 times for 94 yards. field goal early in the game and needed only a tie to earn Pat Orchin caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from the district’s playoff spot. But a long field-goal try as Justin Koermeyer for the final score. Orchin also finished time wound down was no good. with 83 yards rushing. Ricky Hart led Sterling with 48 Both teams finished 6-1 in district play. The Ganders yards rushing. field goal was set up by a fumble recovery. As a team, 1980: Sterling 10, Lee 6 The outcome had no bearing on the district race as Lee had 76 yards rushing and 39 passing. Sterling rushed (Sterling leads series 8-6) neither team made the playoffs. The Ganders finished the for 168 and had 40 passing. year 4-6 while Sterling was 2-8. The Rangers limited their archrivals to 167 yards, 56 Sterling’s win — in front of 22,000 fans at Stallworth of them coming on a 10-play scoring drive in the fourth Stadium (capacity 16,000) — gave the Rangers a third quarter. Eric Donato ran 13 yards, and Tony Whittington consecutive victory in The Game and third straight kicked the extra point with 2:43 to go in the first period 1968: Lee 9, Sterling 0 district title. to give the Sterling defense all the points it needed. Whittington added a 30-yard field goal for insurance with (Lee leads series 2-0) 6:16 left in the third quarter. Gander Leslie Jenkins’ touchdown was enough to 1974: Sterling 20, Lee 14 Wayne Tubbs had 53 yards on 21 carries to lead give Lee a 2-0 advantage in the series. Jenkins’ fourth- Sterling, which only had 150 yards of offense. Sterling quarter score gave the Ganders a 7-0 lead, and Lee’s (Series tied 4-4) gained five first downs in the first quarter and were held Marcus Bryant, Thomas McClendon and Barry Brunson The Rangers carried off their fourth straight rally to to two over the remaining three quarters. combined to tackle Sterling’s Mike Molaison in the end even the series 4-4. Lee’s Mike Zeglin opened the scoring Jim Dippel had 114 yards on 21 carries for the Ganders zone for the final margin of victory. with a 72-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Simmons, and which lost two fumbles to the Rangers’ two. The conditions were less than ideal as both teams played the Ganders increased their lead to 12-0 on a 24-yard in muddy conditions. Lee could have taken an early lead halfback pass from Johnny Nichols to Mike Woerner. but Jenkins had his third touchdown of the season called Sterling jumped ahead in the second quarter on Johnny back because of a penalty in the third quarter. Spain’s 19-yard reception from Jody Zorn and Spain’s 1981: Sterling 10, Lee 6 Lee’s Tino Garcia had a standout game, catching eight 15-yard touchdown run. Brad Christensen’s two-point (Sterling leads series 9-6) passes for 122 yards as the Ganders picked up over 280 conversion gave Sterling a 14-12 halftime advantage. yards in offense compared to 150 for Sterling. The Rangers shut out the Ganders until the final minute Zorn scored the Rangers’ final points on a 6-yard run. to grab their second straight 10-6 triumph. Sterling Sterling standout Ricky Hart was held without a Lee scored a safety late in the game to end the scoring. reception. quarterback John Tomjack hit Joe Jordan for a 5-yard Sterling’s Greg Wooddell made a late interception to help touchdown pass, and Randall Lansford added the extra preserve the win. point for a 7-0 Sterling lead with 9:58 remaining in the It was Sterling’s fifth win in a row as the teams played second quarter. Tomjack booted a 26-yard field goal in 1969: Lee 14, Sterling 0 in front of 18,000 people. Sterling dominated the third the third quarter for a 10-0 lead. The Ganders’ only score quarter, running 25 plays to five for Lee. Overall, Sterling (Lee leads series 3-0) came with 45 seconds left, when Leonard Short scored had 140 yards rushing to Lee’s 83 and was led by Dan from the 1-yard line to cap a 78-yard, 17-play Lee drive. Lee used its third straight victory over Sterling to DeBose who had 63 on 12 rushes. garner its first district title since 1956. Sparked by Tommy Early in the game, Short became the first Baytown player Clark’s runs of 14 and 16 yards, the Ganders scored on in eight years and the first Gander since 1955 to rush for a 1-yard touchdown plunge. Jerry Jameson’s 1-yard run 1,000 yards or more. Short finished the game with 124 with just seconds remaining finished the scoring. 1975: Sterling 13, Lee 9 yards on 40 carries to account for most of the Lee offense. The game was played in front of an estimated 10,000 Ron Naivar had 23 yards to lead the Ranger attack in (Sterling leads series 5-4) rushing and Tomjack was 3 for 5 passing for 61 yards. people, as the Ganders would advance into the playoffs. Sterling won its fifth consecutive intracity contest on The first Lee touchdown was set up by a Sterling pass Lee outgained Sterling 170 to 126 in yardage, finishing another late rally. The Ganders’ Charles Haggerty scored with 13 first downs to Sterling’s seven. interference, which drew a negative response from the on a 48-yard touchdown run 44 seconds into the game. Ranger faithful. The 2-8 Sterling team gained 143 yards But Sterling rallied behind quarterback Kyle Hollister in offense while the 8-2 Ganders gained 141 on the to score two touchdowns and take the victory. Both ground and 45 in the air on 3 for 11 passing. Hollister and Richard Auzenne had rushing touchdowns, 1982: Sterling 7, Lee 7 and Lee’s late safety wasn’t enough to save the Ganders (Sterling leads series 9-6-1) from another loss. For the first time in the history of “The Game,” the 1970: Lee 48, Sterling 14 Lee fumbled twice inside Sterling’s 20-yard line streets of Baytown could be painted neither maroon nor — once on the 1 — hurting themselves more than the blue as Sterling and Lee tied in this battle for the District (Lee leads series 4-0) Rangers did. Overall, they turned the ball over three Doug Cavarretta scored four touchdowns to lead the 23-5A lead. All the scoring came in the first half, with times. James Bailey was a standout with 58 yards on four Lee tailback David Gooden lighting the scoreboard first Ganders to their fourth straight victory over Sterling in receptions. the first “Battle of Baytown” to be played at Stallworth on a 1-yard plunge behind right guard in the first quarter. Stadium. Cavarretta scored on two passes, one each from Sterling was led in rushing by George Griffin who had Sterling tied the score late in the second period when quarterbacks Jerry Jameson and Eddie Taylor. Taylor 79 yards quarterback John Tomjack raced around right end for a also threw a touchdown strike to Charlie LeBlue. 10-yard touchdown. The victory offset an outstanding performance from Wayne Tubbs led Sterling in rushing with 67 yards Sterling’s Greg Cummings and Herbert Hampton. 1976: Lee 26, Sterling 8 on 20 carries while Lee’s David Gooden had 48 yards Cummings ran for one score and threw for another to on 21 carries. Sterling had 10 first downs to Lee’s five. Hampton. On the night, Hampton caught 11 passes for (Series tied 5-5) Overall the Ganders were held to 136 yards of offense, 85 yards. Lee won its first “Battle of Baytown” and first district 81 of which was on the ground. The Lee defense was Lee entered the game as the No. 9 team in the state and title since 1970 in front of 18,000, finishing the regular just as stingy, holding the Rangers to 142 yards, 97 on would go on to win district. Over 13,000 fans showed season 9-1. Charles Haggerty rolled up 116 yards rushing, the ground. up to see Cavarretta rush for 64 yards on 13 carries and including a 41-yard touchdown run for Lee, in helping gain 78 yards in receptions. Five of the seven passes the his team build a 26-0 lead. Willie Malone and Tony Ganders attempted were touchdowns. As a team, Lee Heffner also scored rushing touchdowns for the Ganders, 1983: Lee 14, Sterling 14 racked up 338 rushing and 101 passing. and a Shane Boeker pass to Alvin Ruben accounted for the other Gander points. (Sterling leads series 9-6-2) Heffner added 74 yards rushing on four carries as For the second season in a row, the Ganders and 1971: Sterling 20, Lee 19 Sterling finished 5-4-1 on the season. Richard Auzenne Rangers fought to a deadlock. Sterling grabbed the lead ran for 72 yards on 19 carries. Donny Stanley threw a on its first possession of the game, ending an 11-play, (Lee leads series 4-1) touchdown pass to Monty Neely to account for the 57-yard drive when quarterback Donovan Forbes hit Sterling broke Lee’s stranglehold on the city Ranger scoring. wide receiver Greg Sims in stride for a 20-yard TD pass. championship by scoring a last-minute touchdown to The Ganders went 9-2 on the season. Allen Russell added the first of two extra-point kicks at cap a furious rally. The win put the Rangers in the state the five-minute mark. Starting at their 20-yard line, the playoffs for the first time as they claimed their first Ganders eventually tied the score later in the period. District 24-4A title. Leroy Brooks rumbled 57 yards for a touchdown, and The Ganders held a 19-14 lead and the ball with less 1977: Sterling 10, Lee 0 Tate Malpass added the kick with no time remaining. than two minutes to play. But Sterling’s Russell Clark (Sterling leads series 6-5) Sterling regained the lead midway through the third broke through the Lee line, picked off a pitchout and raced Sterling’s Larry Price intercepted a Gander pass at quarter on Forbes’ 26-yard keeper. The Ganders came 25 yards for a touchdown. Ranger Sammy Singleton had Sterling’s 1-yard line to stop a Lee drive and lead the back on a trick play with wingback Chris Malone firing scored from 1 yard out to cut the margin to 19-14 earlier Rangers to victory. Following the interception, the a 40-yard pass to split end Jay Carey. Sterling’s Ernest in the quarter. Rangers drove 80 yards and scored on a James Tubbs Barras had a key fumble recovery at the Ranger 1-yard Lee jumped out to a 12-point lead in front of 16,000 touchdown run. Craig Cervenka kicked a late field goal line to preserve the tie. fans. The Rangers came up with a big play in the second for the final points. Brooks was a stud for Lee, rushing for 168 yards on half to cut into the lead as quarterback Greg Cummings The Ganders gained 221 yards to the Rangers’ 174 but 26 carries. Forbes had 62 yards rushing on 13 carries for hooked up with Bo Denson for 13 yards on 4th and nine were hampered by three interceptions, including two in Sterling and was 7 for 12 for 86 yards passing. at the Lee 14 yard line. Cummings would finish 4 of 11 the fourth quarter. Tubbs had 75 yards on 16 carries to for 51 yards and rush for 48 on 11 carries. Lee scored all pace Sterling. Lee quarterback Robert Pena had 61 yards of its 19 points in the second quarter but was hampered rushing and was 7 of 14 for 104 yards passing and two 1984: Sterling 21, Lee 6 by 11 penalties totaling 167 yards. interceptions. The Rangers finished the season 5-5 and the Ganders went 4-6. (Sterling leads series 10-6-2) A strong second quarter allowed Sterling to gain a 21-6 victory and break a two-year string of tie ballgames with 1972: Sterling 7, Lee 0 Lee. The Rangers took a first-quarter lead when Lester (Lee leads series 4-2) 1978: Sterling 15, Lee 8 Felder ran 14 yards for a touchdown, and Randy Barrios Sterling won its second straight match with Lee as (Sterling leads series 7-5) see game • Page 6C 6C The Baytown Sun The Game Sunday, August 21, 2016 Half A Century In The Making A look back at the first 49 encounters in The Game Continued from Page 5C added his first of three extra points. But Gander sophomore Chris Crooms broke loose for a 75-yard TD run later in the period. A two-point conversion pass play failed, leaving Sterling in front 7-6. A pair of second-quarter TD runs of 1 and 4 yards by Michael Maxey provided the Rangers with a comfortable lead and the win. Crooms had 87 yards on two carries to lead Lee. Felder had 42 yard rushing to pace Sterling. Forbes was 6 for 8 for 97 yards to help lead the way for Sterling.

1985: Sterling 24, Lee 10 (Sterling leads series 11-6-2) The Ganders’ winless streak reached six as sophomore Kerry Henderson ran 24 yards for a touchdown with 4:06 remaining to help Sterling secure the victory. The Rangers took command in the second quarter with a 17-point outburst. The 24 points for Sterling were the most they had scored on Lee in the 20 year history of ‘The Game.’ Henderson had 95 yards rushing on 23 carries to lead Sterling. Sterling’s defense played a strong role in the first half forcing turnovers. Carlos Lozada had an interception that led to a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Galen Gardner. On the next possession, Kenny Martinez recov- ered fumble as Sterling played on the Lee side of the field most of the first half. Sun file photo 1986: Lee 20, Sterling 14 Lee High School students cheer on their team in the 38th edition of the classic matchup between Lee and Sterling teams. Ganders won of The Game that season. (Sterling leads series 11-7-2) Lee earned its first victory since 1979 and only its third win in the last 16 years before approximately 13,500 fans. Leading the charge was sophomore quarterback Donald to 128 yards rushing and one pass completion for 10 passes in the game, connected with Eli Partida in the Thompson, who scored three touchdowns to receive the yards in front of an estimated 10,000 fans. fourth to preserve the victory. Roberson also rushed Chevron Award for the Ganders. Thompson, who would Sterling threw only one pass on its way to victory in for 88 yards and one touchdown. Sterling sophomore coach at Sterling, crossed the goal line on runs of 1, 17 both Ranger coach Dick Stafford’s and Lee coach Jim quarterback Aaron Albus threw for 197 yards and three and 36 yards. Stroud’s final game at the helm. The two coaches were touchdowns as the Rangers finished 1-9 on the season. Lee trailed 8-6 at halftime and rallied to become the replaced by Mike Manley and Dick Olin, respectively, The win sent the Ganders into the playoffs as the first Gander team to trail at halftime and win inthe during the summer of 1992. undefeated District 22-5A champion. history of the rivalry. The Rangers practically gave the game away, losing four fumbles as Lee secured a spot in 1992: Sterling 28, Lee 0 1998: Lee 22, Sterling 15 the playoffs. (RSS leads series 13-11-2) (Lee leads series 17-13-2) The Rangers shut out the Ganders in the first meeting Clinging to a seven-point lead, Lee survived an onside 1987: Lee 41, Sterling 14 between rookie head coaches Dick Olin of Lee and Mike kick from Sterling. O’Neal Chambers scooped up the (Sterling leads series 11-8-2) Manley of Sterling. It was the first shutout since 1979, and ball but was out of bounds when he recovered the ball, Lee notched its second victory in as many years in it put a sad exclamation point on Lee’s 0-10 season. Les and Lee held on for a 22-15 win. what was the most one-sided game since the Ganders’ Sims ended his Sterling career with 174 yards rushing, Lee extended its three-point halftime lead to 22-7 48-14 triumph in 1970. The Ganders built a 34-6 halftime including a 54-yard scoring run in the first quarter. Junior with a 9-yard run by Marcos Santos and a 29-yard run lead and never looked back. It all began on the first play Isaac Hart led Lee with 150 yards receiving. from Ell Roberson III. Sterling answered with a 3-yard of the game when running back Pascal Watty took a pitch Jermaine Alfred completed 9 of 19 passes for 166 touchdown pass to Derrick Williams from Aaron Albus from quarterback Donald Thompson and connected with yards, providing a measure of hope for Gander fans in with 43 seconds left in the game to pull within a score. tight end Kirk Botkin for an 80-yard touchdown pass. the years to come. Lee finished with -53 yards rushing on Kerry Henderson led Sterling in rushing with 138 22 attempts in the loss. yards and both touchdowns. Botkin had the standout game for Lee, finishing with five receptions for 150 1999: Sterling 19, Lee 13 yards. Attendance was reported to be 14,000. 1993: Lee 15, Sterling 12 (Lee leads series 17-14-2) (RSS leads series 13-12-2) Sterling broke Lee’s six-game win streak in The 1988: Lee 36, Sterling 27 The Ganders overcame a 10-0 deficit to score two Game with a 19-13 victory. The Rangers capitalized on touchdowns in the fourth quarter and then held the interceptions by B.J. Garner and Miguel Navar and a (Sterling leads series 11-9-2) blocked punt by Carl McGaskey to take a 19-7 halftime The Ganders needed a victory to clinch the District Rangers on fourth-and-goal at the Lee 5-yard line to preserve the victory. Lee’s Jason Burgess, the first Gander lead. Aaron Albus scored twice, and Gary Allen added a 22-5A championship and had to come from behind twice score for the Rangers. to accomplish the feat. Chris McGaughey’s 18-yard all-state selection since the late 1970s, intercepted Sterling quarterback Brian Wick’s pass intended for Lee mounted a fourth-quarter comeback as freshman touchdown run in the third quarter gave Lee the lead for Drew Tate led a 15-play, 79-yard drive that he capped off good. But it wasn’t until quarterback Donald Thompson David Carsey in the end zone and ran it out to the 1 with 2:12 remaining. The Ranger defense held, but Lee took a with a 2-yard plunge. Then, with 49 seconds remaining, hit running back Pascal Watty with a 21-yard scoring Lee got the ball back. Tate drove the Ganders to the pass with 5:36 to go that the Ganders had any breathing safety to put some distance between the Rangers and the goal line and make it tougher for them to score. Rangers’ 24-yard line before his deflected pass was room. Sterling mounted one last threat, but two of Lee’s intercepted by Michael Carter. eight sacks helped put the game on ice. The ploy worked, and the Ganders escaped with a win. The two teams combined to score the most points in Sterling had taken the early lead on Carsey’s 20-yard field the history of the rivalry at that time. Watty had 96 yards goal and 5-yard touchdown run. But Lee quarterback 2000: Lee 17, Sterling 10 rushing in the game. Sterling’s James Lavergne had 104 Jermaine Alfred led his team back with a 27-yard strike yards receiving and one touchdown to go with 31 yards to Willie Ellis and a 43-yard bomb to Ernesto Partida. (Lee leads series 18-14-2) rushing. On an overcast, dreary day at Stallworth Stadium, the Ganders won a hard-fought contest in front of 8,500 1994: Lee 33, Sterling 17 fans. With just 3:15 remaining in the game, Robert Carr 1989: Lee 21, Sterling 3 (Series tied 13-13-2) leaped in from the 2-yard line, and Justin Laird’s extra point gave the Ganders a 17-10 lead. (RSS leads series 11-10-2) The Ganders broke open a 6-0 game with 27 points in The Rangers held Lee’s high-octane offense to just Alan Green ran wild over the Rangers, totaling 229 the second half. Arthur Mapp led the way with 231 yards 175 total yards, and quarterback Drew Tate, the district’s yards rushing, to help the Ganders to their fourth straight and two TDs. Raj Clark had the big play for Sterling with leading passer, was just 5-of-14 for 54 yards. But the victory. Green scored on runs of 80 and 35 yards while a 63-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Ganders’ defense was the star of the contest, intercepting his backfield companion, Kevin Lewis, scored the other The Ganders advanced to the playoffs for the first time four passes and recovering two fumbles. The turnovers, touchdown on a 22-yard run. Russell Brock added all since 1988 that season. three extra points. On the night, Lee ran up 322 yards Sterling had 237 yards of total offense in the loss, particularly in the second half, killed Sterling’s chances. of total offense. Sterling’s only score came in the first including 61 in the first half. Lee quarterback Jermaine quarter on a Keith Lewis 22-yard field goal. Ranger Alfred was held to 122 yards passing with one touchdown 2001: Lee 63, Sterling 7 quarterback Alex Alegria was intercepted four times by and one interception in the win. the Gander defense. (Lee leads series 19-14-2) Sterling punter Ryan Foerster was named his team’s 1995: Lee 42, Sterling 14 The Game turned into “The Mismatch” in 2001, when most valuable player with a 40.5 yard average. Lee’s Lee’s Drew Tate set a state record (TDs in a half) by Alonzo Techeria finished with two of the Ganders’ four (Lee leads series 14-13-2) throwing for seven touchdowns in the first half as the interceptions. Lee used the one-two punch of Clint Stoerner (two Ganders beat the Rangers 62-7, the largest margin of TDs) and Shawn Diamond (three TDs) to defeat Sterling. victory for either team in the rivalry’s 35 seasons. Eric Polk rushed for 150 yards for the Rangers, but it was The quarterback added one more in the second half to Terrance Arnold and Derrick Bailey who did the scoring. tie another state mark (TD in a game), shared by Jabo 1990: Lee 22, Sterling 15 The Ganders rolled up 463 yards of total offense in a Leonard from Barbers Hill. (Series tied 11-11-2) balanced attack. Sterling finished with 330 yards of total Lee led 48-7 at halftime, and both coaches agreed to let The Ganders came back from a 15-7 halftime deficit offense. The Lee defensive effort was highlighted by two the clock run continuously in the second half. to score 15 unanswered points and turn in their fifth goal line stands in the win. Future pro Rocky Bernard After both teams punted on their opening possessions, consecutive win in The Game. Backup quarterback Greg was listed as one of the Sterling standouts. Tate hit Kevin Brown on a short pass that turned into a Shead scored both second-half touchdowns on runs of 65-yard score for the Ganders. J.C. Hunter then scored to 4 and 8 yards. Lee’s Alan Green got the Ganders on make it 14-0. Sterling’s Isaiah McAlpin put the Rangers the board in the first quarter with a 56-yard run. Green 1996: Lee 28, Sterling 7 on the board with a 15-yard dash, but Lee dominated finished with 29 carries for 164 yards. the rest of the day. Hunter ended the game with three Sterling scored first with a 1-yard run by fullback (Lee leads series 15-13-2) touchdowns, and Hammond Thomas caught two. George Bubba Stark. After Green’s touchdown, Sterling took Sterling’s Eric Polk spoiled a Lee shutout by scoring on Sprecher and Shirwyn Scope added touchdown receptions the lead on a safety when the ball was snapped over a 56-yard run with three minutes left in the game. Gander for Lee, and Brown scored again on the ground. the punter’s head and out of the end zone. The Rangers sophomore Ell Roberson III threw two touchdown went up 15-7 when quarterback Alex Alegria hit tight passes, one to Robert Foreman and the other to Dustin 2002: Lee 51, Sterling 20 end Michael Hendricks, who had five receptions for 124 Sherman. Derrick Shepherd and Ashka John also scored. yards, with a 15-yard touchdown pass. Roberson completed 10 of his 20 passes for 112 yards (Lee leads series 20-14-2) Lee turned the ball over on the ground three times but and an interception. Shepherd had 103 yards on 18 carries Lee senior quarterback Drew Tate threw for five Sterling was picked off three times and fumbled it over while Sterling running back Jason Green had 107 yards touchdowns and ran for two more to pace a second- once. rushing on 20 carries. straight big win for the maroon. Tate threw TD passes of 24 yards to Anthony Carr, 8 yards to Michael Reed, 30 and 2 yards to Jaymond 1991: Sterling 37, Lee 7 1997: Lee 44, Sterling 28 Cleveland and 35 yards to Kevin Brown. He finished 26- (RSS leads series 12-11-2) (Lee leads series 16-13-2) of-35 for 355 yards, and he ran in scores of 2 and 6 yards. Ralph Montgomery dominated with 166 yards rushing, Andre Johnson returned the opening kickoff for a Sterling scored late on a 78-yard touchdown run by and four different Rangers scored to lead Sterling to its touchdown, and Lee jumped out to a 35-point lead in the Trenton Gilbert and a 9-yard touchdown pass from junior largest margin of victory in the 25-year history of “The second quarter before Sterling mounted a comeback with Josh Andrews to David Washington. Game.” three straight scores. It was the final season for Andrews and Sterling coach The Sterling defense came up big, holding the Ganders However, Ell Roberson III, who threw three touchdown see GAME • Page 7C Sunday, August 21, 2016 The Game The Baytown Sun 7C Half A Century In The Making A look back at the first 49 encounters in The Game Continued from Page 6C

Karl Terrebonne. Andrews died in a one-car accident near the end of the school year, and Terrebonne stepped down as coach. Sterling’s first score came when Washington intercepted a Tate pass and returned it 40 yards. Tate made the tackle, causing a fumble, but Sterling safety Chris Widner recovered in the end zone.

2003: Lee 42, Sterling 13 (Lee leads series 21-14-2) Senior quarterback Brian Johnson and his merry band of Ganders played a nearly flawless first half en route to a 42-13 victory over Sterling in the 37th meeting between the teams. The Ganders scored touchdowns on four of five first- half possessions and added a score on Titus Bland’s 52- yard punt return to take a 35-13 lead into the halftime locker room. Johnson finished with 436 yards of total offense. He capped a 12-play, 77-yard drive on Lee’s first possession of the second half with a 7-yard touchdown run for the game’s final points before Lee coach Dick Olin called off the dogs — offensively, anyway. The Lee defense put on another dominating performance, holding Sterling without a first down in the second half. Sterling quarterback Daniel Albus finished 9-of-18 passing for 125 yards, about half of which came Sun file photo on a 61-yard toss to Jeremy Williams. Sterling ran the ball 29 times for 47 yards. The Sterling seniors get loud during a pep rally to pump up the 2009 football team for the “Battle of Baytown” against Lee. A crowd of about 12,000 fans looked on as Lee won its fourth straight meeting with Sterling and 10th of the game’s first play and backup runner Paul Martinez went swered points to claim a 28-20 victory over rival Ross S. last 11. out with a shoulder injury late, after gaining 100 yards. Sterling in the 45th installment of “The Game.” Free safety Reggie Butler intercepted two Sterling The contest between the two longtime rivals was any- passes, returning one 45 yards for a touchdown. Butler thing but pretty as the teams combined for 10 turnovers. also scored when he recovered a blocked punt in the end The Rangers owned a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, but 2004: Lee 35, Sterling 7 zone. Lee turned the game in its favor and never looked back. (Lee leads series 22-14-2) Sterling quarterback Jakob McWhirter finished with A pair of long second-half touchdown passes cleared 112 yards on 18 carries while Lee’s Josh Zellars finished the way for Lee’s fifth consecutive victory over its 2008: Sterling 21, Lee 20 with 14 carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns while crosstown rival. passing for two touchdowns and 91 yards. Leading 14-0 in a game mostly dominated by defense, (Lee leads series 25-15-2) Lee quarterback Jeremy Moses found wideout Joey Daniel Rougely’s unlikely stretch, catch, stumble and- Cortez running free at midfield midway through the third run for a 38-yard touchdown pass and some stellar de- 2012: Lee 25, Sterling 22 quarter. Cortez broke a tackle and sprinted to the end fense gave Sterling its first win of the 21st century in the zone for a 75-yard touchdown catch and a 21-0 lead. series. (Lee leads series 28-16-2) Sterling responded with a 12- play, 70-yard touchdown Statistically, Lee ran away with the game in the first After totally dominating the contest for three periods, drive, capped by Aaron Collins’ 4-yard run. half, outgaining the Rangers 272-88 yards while many in the Ganders needed Andrew Delasancha’s 29-yard field The comeback was short-lived, though, as Lee the late-arriving crowd of 12,500 were trying to get in. goal on the final play of the game to pull out a 25-22 vic- answered with another long touchdown pass. Moses But somehow Sterling managed to trail just 20-14 at tory over Sterling in what will be remembered as one of found James Cleveland crossing toward the left sideline, halftime. the greatest finishes in the history of the series. and Cleveland turned upfield, dodged a weak attempt to And the Ranger defense made Rougely’s score on a Lee was facing fourth-and-10 from the 30. Marvin shove him out of bounds near midfield and raced to the seemingly overthrown Keagan Kogut pass with 10:49 Sedberry Jr. elected to let Delasancha try a 47-yard field end zone for a 28-7 lead. left stand up as Sterling held Lee to 63 second-half yards goal. The kick was a good 10 yards short, but Sterling Lee struck again quickly after Sterling quarterback and no fourth-quarter first downs. called timeout just before the play, giving Lee a second Mike Marcontell could not handle a low shotgun snap, Kogut had 225 of Sterling’s 243 total yards in the game, chance to convert on fourth down. and Lee’s Kenrick Meade recovered at the Sterling 10- passing for two touchdowns and rushing for a third. This time, Sedberry sent his offense back into the game yard line. On third-and-goal from the 20, Moses scram- Lee took a 20-7 second-quarter lead with Dandrick and Jamari Gilbert went 12 yards on a flanker reverse bled right and found Cleveland in the front of the end Jackson scoring twice, on a 17-yard pass from Tim Jirrels to give his team a first down at the Rangers’ 18. Leonce zone. Tadeo Cavazos’ fifth extra-point kick capped the and a 13-yard run. A bad snap after Lee’s third TD, a 14- scrambled for six more yards on the next play to set up scoring. The Ganders held the Rangers to 69 yards on36 yard Trey Murray run, thwarted the final Gander PAT try. the game-winning field goal. rush attempts, an average of 1.9 yards per carry. Sterling’s first touchdown came after Malcolm Zeno blocked a punt to set up a one-yard Kogut score and the QB followed up a 62-yard screen pass to Lesroy Clarke 2013: Sterling 38, Lee 28 2005: Lee 28, Sterling 17 with a 12-yard TD toss to Dwain Nicholas. (Lee leads series 28-17-2) (Lee leads series 23-14-2) A victory-starved Sterling football program picked up Two crucial fumbles in the second half led to 14 a 38-28 win in what would be the last year for Ranger Gander points, as Lee came away with a hard-fought 28- 2009: Lee 35, Sterling 27 coach Troy Aduddell. 17 victory over Sterling in the annual Battle of Baytown. Relying on a rejuvenated offensive attack and a defense The victory kept REL from going winless on the season, (Lee leads series 26-15-2) that rose to the occasion when it needed to the most, Ster- as the Ganders ended with a mark of 1-7, 1-3 in District The last district game between the two teams end- ling placed its 1-19 record over the past two years in its 22-5A. The Rangers, meanwhile, ended their year with a ed like the first with Lee winning 35-27. Dandrick review mirror. mark of 2-6, 0-4 in the district. Jackson led the Ganders to the win, rushing for At least for one night. Sterling turned the ball over three times on the night, 243 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns. Ster- Sterling rolled up 398 total yards with a balanced ap- leading to two Gander touchdowns, while REL coughed ling’s Chance Nelson also had a strong game, rush- proach. It included six players rushing for a combined the ball up twice, leading to one TD by the Rangers. But ing 15 times for 156 yards, catching five passes for 217 yards and senior quarterback Archie Moyers con- it was the timing of Sterling’s giveaways that broke the 66 yards and a 95 yard kickoff return for a score. necting with four receivers for 181 yards, going 10 of Rangers’ backs. Lee had a 20-19 lead at the half and controlled the clock 18. Junior Kane Vigier was a key weapon with 60 yards Leading 17-14, Sterling’s Stephen Guillory was on a rainy evening in front of 8,500 fans. rushing on 15 carries. His 10-yard touchdown run with stripped of the ball with Craig Bradford recovering at the Keith Johnson had 13 carries for 76 yards to help 2:17 to play in the third quarter put the Rangers ahead for RSS 23. Five plays later, REL took the lead when Jarvis lead Lee to the win under Marvin Sedberry Jr. Quarter- good, 31-28. Moore found paydirt from two yards out. back Malcolm Ruben had a 56 yard touchdown pass to Gander running back Leo Cedeno rushed for 236 yards, After being forced to punt on their next possession, the Jaevon Richardson and another 43-yard scoring strike including a 17-yard TD. Javarius Irving had 152 yards on Rangers appeared to get a break when Moore fumbled the to Niko Estrada. the ground, with TD runs covering 1, 5 and 69 yards. He ball back to RSS at the 37-yard line with 7:06 remaining. C.J. Mixon added eight carries for 69 yards for the also was 15-of-28 passing for 127 yards. But disaster struck on the next play, when D.J. Street Rangers as quarterback Colton Kolaja was 11 for 21 for mishandled a pitch and J.T. Cleveland recovered. 148 yards and two interceptions. REL took advantage of the gift, marching 31 yards in 2014: Sterling 49, Lee 13 six plays, with quarterback Jeremy Moses sneaking in (Lee leads series 28-18-2) from a yard out for a 28-17 REL lead with four minutes 2010: Sterling 28, Lee 20 Sterling coach Pete Gareri had an encouraging intro- left. duction to “The Game,” leading the Rangers to a 49-13 (Lee leads series 26-16-2) win. Sterling won the “Battle of Baytown” in overtime, Leading the Ranger offense were running backs Elijah 28-20, before 8,000 maroon- and blue-clad fans at Stall- Chenier, with 173 total yards and two touchdowns, and 2006: Lee 34, Sterling 7 worth Stadium. Dajuan Hill, with 18 carries for 107 yards and two rush- (Lee leads series 24-14-2) Since overtime has been a tie-breaking rule in Texas ing touchdowns. Defense and turnovers were key for the Ganders in high schools, this was the first time it was needed for a The Sterling defense gave up 3.7 yards a carry to the winning their seventh straight over the Rangers and 13th Sterling-Lee meeting. Lee rushing attack. in 14 seasons. REL held Sterling’s offense to 93 total It was the Rangers’ second win over Lee in three years, Javarius Irving led the Gander offense with 96 yards yards and no touchdowns in winning the mid-season but only their third in the last 18 years in the annual on 13 carries. game 34-7. “Game.” This is the first time Sterling has won twice in The Gander defense got a 20-yard fumble recovery for a three-year span since winning back-to-back in 1991- a touchdown from Fred St. Luce and the special teams 1992, the latter season the first for head coaches Mike 2015: Sterling 27, Lee 21 added a touchdown when Luis Gonzales recovered a Manley (Sterling) and Dick Olin (Lee). (Lee leads series 28-19-2) fumbled kickoff in the end zone. Sterlings’ Chance Nelson scored Sterling’s only go- Ross S. Sterling held off a fourth-quarter rally by Rob- Sterling’s only points came when Denzel Kennedy ahead points of the night when he faked a handoff to C.J. ert E. Lee to win 27-21. picked off a pass and returned it 60 yards for a score late Mixon and zig-zagged up the middle to score from 18 Javarius Irving did everything in his power to will is in the second quarter. yards out on the second play of overtime. team to victory, running the ball 13 times for 145 yards Lee, which finished the season in a tie for the District Nelson rushed for 41 yards on 16 carries and found and a touchdown, while going 4-of-10 through the air for 21-5A crown, dominated despite getting only 96 yards in Jamar Gibson wide open for a 64-yard touchdown pass 50 yards, a touchdown and an interception. passing from quarterback Octavio Torres. that tied the game 14-14 in the third period. Mixon led Sterling running back Xavier Curry, whose uncles are The Gander ground game churned up 257 yards on the Sterling in rushing with 104 yards on 11 carries. Ganders legends Ell Roberson and Charles Godfrey, ground, with Jarvis Moore rushing for 145 yards on 27 Leading rusher in the game was Lee running back Keith was the Rangers’ leading rusher with 129 yards and two carries. He did most of his damage in the second half, Johnson, who gained 111 yards on 16 totes, including a touchdowns on 24 carries. picking up 92 yards and a touchdown after intermission. 31-yard touchdown run that gave the Ganders a 14-7 lead Along with the competitiveness, the crowd of 11,734 early in the third quarter. added to the atmosphere of the game. Malcolm Ruben completed 17 of 29 passes for 141 Sterling quarterback Matt Corbett had a solid perfor- 2007: Lee 28, Sterling 0 yards and scored the game’s first touchdown on a one- mance in his second start against the Ganders. The junior yard first-quarter keeper. But he was intercepted twice. rushed for 57 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries. (Lee leads series 25-14-2) He also completed six of his 13 passes while throwing an The Ganders turned in only the seventh shutout of the 2011: Lee 28, Sterling 20 interception. Jaquandez Ardoin caught three passes for series (and fourth goose egg for Sterling), but it came 44 yards for the Rangers. with a heavy price. Lee lost running back Jarvis Moore, (Lee leads series 27-16-2) Victor Clarke led Lee in receiving with one catch for a a four-year starter, to a season-ending broken leg on the After trailing, 14-0, Robert E. Lee scored 28 unan- 20-yard touchdown. 8C The Baytown Sun Sunday, August 21, 2016

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