The Lakeview Centennial Patriots soundly defeated the Episcopal School of Dallas Monday, Dec. 20 by a score of 80-37.

Also on Dec. 20, the Garland Owls won over Madison High School 68-56; and The Colony defeated the Naaman Forest Rangers by a score of 62-32.

On Tuesday, Dec. 21, HSAA defeated the Sachse Mustangs 58-44.

Kim Everett | December 18, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Lady Patriots of Lakeview Centennial High School defeated Rowlett High School’s Lady Eagles in overtime Friday, Dec. 17.  The final score of the basketball game was 56-55.

Kim Everett | November 26, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Lakeview Centennial boys’ varsity basketball team, which made it to the state championship game last season, is ranked No. 21 in the ESPN Rise Fab 50 this season.

With Toddrick Gotcher, Jamarlus Demas, and Chris Jones returning for another year on the team, another run for the state championship is a definite possibility.

LCHS soundly defeated Hebron Wednesday, Nov. 24 by a score of 76-49.

Kim Everett | November 26, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Lady Rangers basketball team from Naaman Forest High School were defeated by Frisco Wakeland by a score of 55-40 on Thursday, Nov. 24.

Eagles eliminated from playoffs

Chris Long | November 22, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Rowlett Eagles’ playoff run came to an end Friday, Nov. 19 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington as they lost to the John Horn Jaguars of Mesquite 44-22.

Horn jumped out to a quick lead on the first play of the game when the Jaguars’ quarterback Collin Strahan launched an 80-yard bomb to wide receiver Jakeem Grant to post the Jaguars to an early 7-point lead.

Rowlett answered back on the next series when Chase Thrasher nailed a 43-yard field goal to cut the Jaguars’ lead to four. Thrasher had an excellent night kicking. He made two extra points and put most of his kickoffs into the opposing end zone.

In the second quarter, Horn began to run away with the game. Strahan scored on successive drives with touchdown runs of twelve and two yards respectively. The Jags missed one of their extra points but extended the lead to 20-3.

The Eagles started to make a game of it late in the half. With less than two minutes left in the half, Colton Kalmus connected with tight end Corey Manges for a 3-yard scoring pass. Thrasher’s kick was blocked making the score 20-9.

Three plays later, Eagles’ linebacker Victor Berry recovered a fumble and set Rowlett up on the Horn 39-yard line. On 3-and-8 from the Jaguars’ 16-yard line, Treyvon Green executed a draw up the middle to score. The 2-point conversion failed but the Jaguars lead was cut to five going into halftime.

The Eagles were unable to maintain the momentum in the second half. Horn scored on each of their next four possessions to put the game out of reach.

The only Rowlett score came near the end of the third quarter when Logan Brown took a Kalmus pass and leaped over a defender into the end zone.

Kalmus had a good night. He was 19 of 30 with 174 yards and two TDs. Green had 68 yards on 21 rushing attempts and one TD. Brown was the leading receiver with 98 yards on nine catches.

Horn’s stat line was dominated by Strahan who had 128 yards on the ground and 275 in the air.

Kim Everett | November 21, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The South Garland Colonels were defeated by the Longview Lobos in the Class 5A Division II Region II area round of the playoffs Saturday, Nov. 20 at Dallas’ John E. Kincaide Stadium. 

After a scoreless first quarter, the Lobos got on the board with a 24-yard field goal by Kyle Jenkins.  Soon after, LaDarrin Robertson scored on a 2-yard run, and Dakota Anthony scored on a 14-yard run.  Both of Jenkins PATs were good, and the score going into halftime was 17-0.

After another Jenkins field goal in the third quarter, the Colonels’ John Lacour made a spectacular end zone catch on a 31-yard pass from Stephan Turner.  Angel Maldonado’s successful PAT brought the score to 20-7.

Longview scored in the fourth quarter on a 9-yard run by J’Haston Faggans, and Jenkins’ extra point kick was good to bring the score to 27-7.

The Colonels’ Cory Sherman had a 3-yard run for a score in the fourth, and along with Maldonado’s good PAT, the final score came to 27-14.

Sachse girls' basketball team defeated by Berkner

Posted November 19, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

Sachse High School's Lady Mustangs basketball team was defeated this week by the Lady Rams of Berkner.  The final score was 51-43.

Chris Long | November 14, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Rowlett Eagles won an aerial battle against the Jesuit Rangers Saturday, Nov. 13 at SMU’s Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Rowlett won the class 5A, division II, bi-district playoff game by a score of 35-28.

The game was contested mostly in the air with Eagles quarterback Colton Kalmus amassing 305 yards on 19 completions. Jesuit signal caller Mike Savage had 306 yards on 25 completions.

The big difference, however, came on the ground. Rowlett’s Treyvon Green had 156 yards on 28 carries and two touchdowns. Green gave credit to the offensive line for his success. “The whole line came out and beat the guys over them,” he said.

The key linemen were Chandler Layer, Terence Patrick Cameron Rhodes, Dillon Jordan, and Evan Briscoe. The Eagle line also did not allow a single sack, which allowed Kalmus to be successful.

The Rangers got off to an early lead with 30-yard scoring run from Christian Franz on their first possession. Jesuit then attempted an onside kick, but it was recovered by the Eagles and Rowlett would start from their own 48-yard line.

Three plays later, Green busted loose and sprinted 32 yards to pay dirt. Chase Thrasher’s extra point tied the game at 7. Thrasher was a perfect five for five on extra point attempts.

Jesuit fumbled the kickoff return, and Tyler Chase recovered for the Eagles, Six plays later Kalmus threw a touchdown pass to Logan Brown to put Rowlett up 14-7.

With 2:24 to go in the half, The Rangers tied it up with a pass form Savage to David Kaplan. The knot was short lived, however, as Kalmus and Brown hooked up again on a 15-yard strike and the Eagles took the 7-point lead into the half.

On Rowlett’s first series of the second half, Green scored from three yards out on a direct snap. Green’s second touchdown set the Rowlett lead at 14.

The game was put out of reach on the Eagles’ next possession. Kalmus hit Chris Osborn for a 25-yard touchdown toss bringing the score to 35-14.

Jesuit made a game of it in the fourth quarter with Savage throwing two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the dominant Rowlett lead.

Leading receivers for the Eagles were Brown with 212 yards on 12 catches and Osborn with 48 yards on three receptions.

Rowlett will face the Mesquite Horn Jaguars Friday, Nov. 19 at 9 p.m. at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington in the area round of the playoffs.

Chris Long | November 13, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

John Lacour ran for 153 yards and three touchdowns to lead the South Garland Colonels in a 42-10 drubbing of the Lake Highlands Wildcats Saturday, Nov. 13 at SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium. South Garland was one of three district 10-5A teams to win in the bi-district round of the playoffs this week.

The Colonels wasted no time in scoring their fist points. Lake Highlands’ running back Davonte Sunwegham fumbled the ball on their second play, and South Garland recovered on the Wildcats’ 14-yard line. On the next play Stephan Turner ran it in on a quarterback keeper for a touchdown. Angel Maldonado added the extra point and made the score 7-0.

Three series later, Lake Highlands' Mitch Henton scored a 23-yard field goal to bring the score to 7-3. The Colonels fired right back when Lacour reeled off a 59-yard touchdown run. Maldonado split the uprights and extended the lead to 14-3.

In the second quarter Sunwegham managed the Wildcats’ only touchdown, a 3-yard run. Henton's PAT made the score 14-10.

With less than a minute left in the half, Lacour struck again with a 2-yard dive into the end zone. With the Maldonado extra point South Garland took a 21-10 lead into halftime.

The second half belonged exclusively to the Colonels. Lake Highlands’ first drive ended with a missed field goal. Their second ended when Brice Brooks intercepted a Brian Dupree pass.

In the fourth quarter, South Garland scored on three straight drives. First, Turner scored on a 46-yard run. Second, Lacour added a 16-yard run and finally Reece Loyd nailed the door shut with a 92-yard touchdown sprint.

Cory Sherman ran for 44 yards on 11 carries, Turner had 70 yards on six touches and Loyd had 97 yards on two attempts. Turner only completed two passes as South Garland kept to a simple, yet effective ground attack.

Next week, the Colonels will take on Longview in the area round of the playoffs. Time and place have yet to be determined.  

Chris Long | November 12, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Garland Owls’ season came to end Friday, Nov. 12 at Wildcat-Ram Stadium when they lost to the Skyline Raiders 28-10 in the bi-district playoff match. The game was closer than the 18-point deficit might indicate.

The Owls started out strong. On Skyline's first drive, quarterback Davante Kincaid was  sacked twice, once by a flock of Owls and once by Gerrard Gant. The drive ended when Garland's Desmond Mapps picked off a Kincaid pass and ran it back 66 yards.

Mapps' Interception set up a 16-yard touchdown run by Malcolm Miller. Josh Lambert added the PAT and put the Owls up by 7.

In the second quarter, The Raiders answered with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Kincaid to RaShaad Samples.  Fabian Soldevilla's extra point tied the game.

Late in the third quarter, Garland's Marty Williams recovered a Raiders fumble and ran it back 43 yards. Williams looked as if he was going to score but began limping and was finally hauled down by a band of Raiders.

Seth Russell then completed a 33-yard pass to Jordan Spencer, and three plays later, Lambert nailed a 37-yard field goal to put the Owls back in the lead.

The game soon got out of hand as Skyline reeled off three unanswered touchdowns on their way to the eventual victory.

Despite the loss, there were many good performances by the Owls. Russell ran for 103 yards on 15 carries and threw for another 107.  Jordan Spencer had 52 yards receiving and 24 running.

Garland Head Coach Jeff Jordan expressed pride in his team's effort and praised the young team's performance against a very good Skyline team.

Kim Everett | November 10, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

Sachse High School's Lady Mustangs advanced in the playoffs Tuesday Nov. 9 against the Lady Wildcats of Lake Highlands.  The match, in which SHS captured the regional quarterfinal title, was won in three straight sets.  The individual game scores were 25-6, 25-14, and 25-21.

They were defeated by Austin Westlake in three sets to one in the regional semi-final round on Friday, Nov. 12 at Sam Houston State University.

Buddy League ends fall season

Kim Everett | November 8, 2010

The Buddy League, a baseball league that makes a difference in the lives of special needs young people, ended its fall season Saturday, Nov. 6 with games, a trophy presentation for the players, and a medal presentation for the volunteers.  The league, started by Heather Miller, the mother of a special needs son, provides an opportunity for kids with disabilities to participate in a team sport.  In addition, parents have a chance to visit with others who are experiencing the same challenges and an opportunity to see their children have a wonderful time.

The league started with eight players in 2002 and has now grown to more than 100 players.  Miller does everything possible to find a way for each and every child play, no matter what their disability may be, and volunteers help the players to bat and run the bases when needed.

Buddy League will be back in swing in the spring.  For information on the organization and how to sponsor or donate, visit www.buddyleague.org.

Kim Everett | November 7, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Sachse High School Lady Mustangs defeated Richardson's Lady Eagles on Nov. 2 in three sets to one to earn the bi-district title.  The individual game scores were 25-15, 25-11, 18-25, and 25-16.

On Nov. 5, the Lady Mustangs went on to defeat North Mesquite, also in three sets to one, 25-12, 24-26, 25-18, 25-13.  This win gave them the area title. 

They will meet the Lake Highlands Lady Wildcats this week for the regional quarterfinal title.

The Rowlett High School Lady Eagles won over Berkner's Lady Rams in three straight sets on Nov. 2 to take the bi-district title.  The game scores were 25-17, 25-21, and 25-11.

The Lady Eagles were defeated in their bid for the area title by A&M Consolidated High School on Nov. 4 in three sets to one.  Scores were 17-25, 25-16, 21-25, and 22-25.
 

Chris Long | November 5, 2010

Garland High School’s Jordan Spencer ran for 121 yards to lead the Garland Owls to a 21–7 victory over the Sachse Mustangs Thursday, Nov. 4 at Williams Stadium. The win secured a playoff spot for the Owls.  Garland will face Skyline in the first round of the playoffs.

Sachse struck first using the passing game to score on a 24-yard touchdown strike from Trent White to Cody McSwain.  Joey Silva added the PAT and the Mustangs went up 7-0.

Garland fought right back with a passing attack of their own, and Seth Russell heaved a 72-yard bomb to a streaking Marty Williams who outpaced his pursuers on the way to the end zone. Josh Lambert’s extra point was good, and the score was knotted at 7.

After the initial back and forth aerial assaults, both teams settled into a defensive struggle with no points being scored until late in the third quarter.  There were several opportunities but stingy defensive play denied both offenses.

The stalemate was broken when Spencer scampered three yards into the left corner of the end zone. Lambert’s kick was true and the Owls took a 14-7 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Mustangs first drive of the fourth quarter was blunted when Scott Bland was sacked by the Owls for a loss of 11 yards, forcing Sachse to punt.

Garland then chewed up the clock with a 20-play, 86-yard drive the ended with a 2-yard run that saw Russell stretch the ball across the goal line. Lambert was three for three on extra points, and the game ended at 21-7.

Sachse was led offensively by David Wesley with 26 yards of rushing on 10 carries.  White had 79 yards passing on five completions and 10 attempts. The Mustangs leading receiver was tight end Jeff Guckenberg who had 54 yards on three catches.

Russell had a banner night in the air going 9-17 for 137 yards. Russell also added 51 rushing yards on 14 caries for the Owls.

“We took some deep shots early on to loosen them [Sachse defense] up.” said Garland Head Coach Jeff Jordan commenting on his team’s early aerial game plan. 

After the game, the Owls’ Spencer said “Nothing was going to hold us back.”

Sachse ends their season 5-5, 3-4. Garland improved to 7-3, 5-2, in third place in the district, and they will go on to the playoffs next week against Dallas ISD’s Skyline at Lake Highlands’ Wildcat Ram Stadium, Friday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Kim Everett | November 5, 2010

The McKinney Boyd Broncos gained an impressive 412 yards in their 35-24 victory over the South Garland Colonels Thursday, Nov. 4 at Garland’s Homer B. Johnson Stadium.

The Colonels had a great night with 336 yards rushing and 27 yards in the air, but it wasn’t enough to pull out a win for their last regular season game.

Broncos’ quarterback, Jonovan Griffin, who was 7-12 with 132 yards passing, scored twice for Boyd on short yardage rushes before leaving the game due to an injury in the middle of the third quarter.  It is unknown at this time whether he will be able to play in next week’s first playoff game.

Tyler Phelps came into the game after Griffin’s injury and threw for 40 yards and one touchdown.

Bryan Driskell, who ran for 156 yards on the night, scored three times, with 47-yard, 30-yard and 3-yard runs for the Broncos.  All of kicker Taylor Symmank’s PATs were good.

The Broncos finished the regular season sharing the 10-5A district title with the Rowlett Eagles.

Stephan Turner, SGHS quarterback, passed for 27 yards and rushed for 61.  John Lacour had 233 yards on the night and scored two touchdowns, one on a 66-yard run and the other on a 79-yard run.  Kicker Angel Maldonado was successful on all three PATs and kicked a 29-yard field goal.

South Garland’s regular season ended with them in fourth place in district 10-5A.

South Garland will square off against the Lake Highlands Wildcats in the first round of the playoffs Saturday, Nov. 13 at Ford Stadium at SMU.

Kim Everett | November 5, 2010

The Rowlett Eagles ended regular season play with a 38-19 win over the Lakeview Centennial Patriots Friday, Nov. 5 at Homer B. Johnson Stadium.  They will share the district 10-5A title with the McKinney Boyd Broncos.

Colton Kalmus passed for 132 yards and connected with Logan Brown, Chris Osborn, and Blake Glenn for touchdowns.  Treyvon Green scored on a 3-yard run, which he set up with a 50-yard rush on the previous play.  Jalen Rhodes scored on a 34-yard run.  Kicker Chase Thrashers’ PATs were all successful, and he kicked a 44-yard field goal.

The Eagles gained a total of 383 yards.  Green had 96 rushing yards, and Rhodes rushed for 91.  Osborn had 81 yards in pass receptions.

The Patriots came alive and scored 19 points in the fourth quarter.  Quarterback Davonte Black rushed for 182 yards and threw for 143, which included 30- and 50-yard passes to Jarvis Baxter for scores.  Sherrod Haynes also scored on a 19-yard pass from Black.  Kicker Andrew Fletcher was successful on one point after attempt.  The Patriots’ 2-point conversion attempt on their last touchdown failed.

The Eagles will take on the Jesuit Rangers in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at SMU's Ford Stadium.

Billy Gallion | November 5, 2010

The North Garland Raiders took on the Naaman Forest Rangers at Williams Stadium Friday, Nov. 5.  The Raiders scored first when Savion Washington ran the ball in for a touchdown and Juan Michel was good with the PAT.  The Raiders were up 7–0 with 10:41 left in the first quarter.

The Rangers offense stalled on their opening drive, and they were forced to punt the ball away. On the Raiders’ second drive, Joaquin Davis intercepted for the Rangers and returned the ball to the NGHS 19-yard line.  This was the first of his two interceptions on the night 

The Rangers’ offense failed to get into the end zone, and Ryan Anderton kicked an 18-yard field goal to get Naaman Forest on the board at the end of the first quarter. 

The Rangers scored first in the second quarter on a 25-yard TD run by Terrance Robertson, and Naaman Forest took a 9-7 lead with 9:26 remaining in the half.

The Raiders answered with 3:50 left in the half, when Washington hauled in a 25-yard touchdown pass from Kent Freund.  With Michel’s extra point kick, the Raiders reclaimed the lead, and the score was 14-9 going into halftime. 

With 5:38 left in the game, Freund hit Washington for his second TD, and Michel’s extra point brought the score to North Garland 21 – Naaman Forest 9. 

That’s the way the game ended as the Naaman Forest Rangers finished their season 2-8-0, and the North Garland Raiders finished the season at 1-9-0.

Kim Everett | November 5, 2010 

Jeff Jordan, who is celebrating 10 years as the head coach of the Garland Owls, has been coaching at Garland High School for 23 years. 

His statistics are impressive:  an overall win record of 70% as head coach; most playoff victories in school history; five district championships; second winningest coach in school history; and the list continues.

These stats, however, do not tell the whole story.  He has goals for his players – things that he hopes to teach them through athletics.  “We want to send the kids out to be the best young men they can be.  And we want them to learn all those things that you learn in athletics, things like responsibility, character, doing the right things,” Jordan said.

He teaches them that making mistakes is acceptable, but a lack of effort is not.  “They are going to make mistakes just like we all do,” Jordan said.  “You’ve got to let them know they can’t play scared, afraid to make a mistake.  We encourage them to just go out and play to win.”

He doesn’t feel stress during the games.  “On the field, you don’t think about that stuff.  You just get in there and coach,” he said.  “You just try to keep a calm head and react the way you need to.  We’ve got to be a rock for the kids to lean on, a calming presence on the sideline.”

Jordan’s favorite thing about his job is having the opportunity to work with the kids and to help teach them the right way to act and the right way to do things. 

He has started programs to teach the players the importance of giving back to the community.  They participate in a reading program at Freeman Elementary School where they go to the school and work with kids.  “It’s a way to teach them to give back, and it’s a way to help the younger kids,” he said. 

They are also involved in the Special Olympics event each year.  The players walk around with the Special Olympics kids and help them during the event.  “It’s one of my favorite events of the year.  It’s neat to see how much it means to those kids, to come here and be in the field house and be a part of it,” Jordan said.  “It reminds us that we’ve been blessed and are fortunate to be able to be here and do the things that we do.  And it teaches us how little it takes to help others.”

Jordan enjoys the camaraderie shared between the coaches.  “You build a bond with the guys you coach with, and that’s something that can’t be replaced,” he said.  “It’s always been a “we” deal around here; we’re going to work together, we’re going to win together, and we’re going to be successful together.”

Jordan said that because he has been at GHS for 23 years, he has a narrow view of what it is like at other schools, but he knows that GHS is a special place.  “It’s unique,” he said.  The spirit and the camaraderie are very special, and I’m very proud and happy to have been a part of it for so long.”

Team captains Rocky Brashears, Gio Olvera, Jordan Spencer, and David Beamon respect and trust their head coach and appreciate the time and effort that he puts in to help them.  Olvera appreciates the respect that Jordan shows to the players, and Spencer said that he sets them up to have the right mindset to make it through anything.

Beamon said that Jordan has taught him that success comes from hard work, and Brashears has learned more than football skills from Jordan.

Posted November 3, 2010 

The Sachse High School freshman white team won 21-6 over South Garland last week.  The Mustangs scored three touchdowns in the first quarter.  Jason Delgado and Daniel Farooqi scored touchdowns, and Gavin Burl completed a two-point conversion to Christian Oakes after one of the touchdowns. The defense held the Colonels to six points.  Late in the game, Jose Raya scored a touchdown to seal the game. The white team’s record is 8-0. 

The blue team increased their record to 8-1 by defeating the Colonels 28-6 last Thursday night.  Braxton Wilson scored in the first quarter to get the Mustangs going, then the Colonels scored a on long run to tie the score at 7-7.  The defense held strong, and DJ Henderson recovered a fumble and ran it in for touchdown to put the Mustangs ahead. 

In the second half, Brandon Deckard scored a touchdown to bring the score to 21-6. Dennon Wheeler intercepted the football, and the Mustangs added seven points on a touchdown pass from Kent Myers to DJ Blohm. 

Kim Everett | November 1, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Garland Owls defeated the Naaman Forest Rangers Thursday, Oct. 28 at Garland’s Williams Stadium by a score of 27-13.  The victory kept the Owls’ playoff hopes alive. 

Garland’s Jordan Spencer had the first score of the game on a 19-yard run, but the 2-point conversion failed, and the score was 6-0.  Quarterback Seth Russell connected with Kendre Bridges for the second touchdown, and Gabe Ortega’s PAT brought the score to 13-0.

In the second quarter, Kendrick Nickerson intercepted an NFHS pass and ran it back for a touchdown; and again, Ortega’s kick was good.  Before the end of the first half, Russell connected with Bridges for another touchdown, bringing the score to 27-0 going into halftime.

The Rangers came alive in the second half, scoring twice in the third quarter.  Quarterback Justin Torris connected with Chandler Smith on an 18-yard pass for their first TD, and again on a 30-yard pass for their second score.  Trent Bergeron’s PAT was good on the first touchdown, but a 2-point conversion attempt on the second score failed.

Russell passed for 119 yards and rushed for 45 for GHS.  Jordan Spencer rushed for 154 yards.  The Owls’ total yardage on the night was 331.

The Rangers had a total of 279 yards, 93 on passes and 45 on runs by Torris, and 137 on runs by Tank Mitchell.

The Owls will meet the Sachse Mustangs Thursday, Nov. 4 at Williams Stadium, and they need a win to get to the playoffs.

The Rangers will be matched up against the North Garland Raiders Friday, Nov. 5 at Williams Stadium.

Kim Everett | November 1, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Sachse Mustangs lost in a close battle with the South Garland Colonels Friday, Oct. 29 at Garland’s Williams Stadium.  The final score was 20-17.  

The Mustangs scored first on a David Wesley push into the end zone, and Joey Silva’s PAT was good, giving SHS a 7-0 lead.

The Colonels answered with a 32-yard rush for a TD by John Lacour, and Angel Maldonado’s kick was good to tie the game at 7-7.  In the second quarter, Maldonado added 31- and 25-yard field goals.

Also in the second quarter, the Mustangs’ Jeff Guckenberg caught a 5-yard pass from quarterback Trent White for a touchdown.  Silva’s kick was good and brought the score to Sachse 14, South Garland 13 going into halftime.

The Colonels scored on a 1-yard run by quarterback Stephan Turner in the third quarter, and Maldonado’s PAT brought the score to SGHS 20, Sachse 14.

Silva hit a 23-yard field goal for the Mustangs in the fourth, but it wouldn’t be enough to take the lead back, and the Colonels defeated the Mustangs 20-17.

The Mustangs’ David Wesley had a total of 120 yards on the night.  John Lacour had 96 yards for the Colonels.

The Mustangs will be matched up against the Garland Owls in their next game, and the Colonels will meet the McKinney Boyd Broncos.

SHS Head Coach Mark “Red” Behrens’ picks for Sachse players of the week

Offensive Player of Week:  Trent White – Threw for 75 yards, rushed for yards, threw a TD Pass

Offensive Lineman of the Week:  Cole Emert – blocking percentage grade 85%, two knockdowns

Co-Defensive Players of the Week:  Drew Douglas – three tackles, one assisted tackle, one for loss, one QB hurry, graded out at 94% and Tyler Holmes – five tackles, assisted tackles, graded out at 81%

Defensive Front 7 Player of the Week:  Keyandrea Choice – five tackles, five assisted tackles, QB pressure, one caused fumble, graded out at 85%

Special Teams Player of the Week:  Cody McSwain – two for two on punt return catches for a total of 48 yards, three kickoff returns for 105 yards

MVP:  Tyrone Melton – seven tackles, one assisted tackle, one pass break-up, one fumble recovery

Kim Everett | November 1, 2010

The Rowlett Eagles were dealt their first loss of the season by the McKinney Boyd Broncos Friday, Oct. 29 in McKinney.  Both teams have clinched playoff spots in district 10-5A, but a district champion has not yet been determined.

Treyvon Green scored on a 6-yard run for the Eagles, and Logan Brown scored a touchdown on a 9-yard pass from quarterback Colton Kalmus.  Chase Thrasher added to the Eagles point total with two good extra point kicks and a 48-yard field goal.  They gained 202 total yards on the night.

The Broncos had a yardage total of 409 on the night, 255 rushing and 154 in the air.  Their defense scored twice on interceptions off Kalmus.

Rowlett had 68 rushing yards and 134 passing yards.

Chris Long | October 31, 2010

With 46 seconds left to play, the Lakeview Centennial Patriots secured their fist victory of the season against the winless North Garland Raiders Friday, Oct. 29 at Homer B. Johnson Stadium. Lakeview-Centennial trailed North Garland for most of the game until fourth quarter.

The game was scoreless until 3:12 left to play in the first half, as both teams put together solid defensive performances. North Garland's Savion Washington scored on 9-yard run around the right side of the line and Kent Freund added the PAT to post the Riders to a 7-0 lead.

Midway through the third quarter, Lakeview-Centennial quarterback Davonte Black lobbed an 82-yard bomb to sophomore Jarvis Baker bringing the score to 7-6. The Patriots failed to convert the extra point.

Halfway into the final quarter, Black threw another touchdown pass. This time the receiver was Sherrod Haynes. Lakeview-Centennial was again unable to convert the extra point, but took a 12-7 lead.

On the ensuing Raiders’ series, Washington broke loose for a 22-yard scoring dash. Freund threw to Jordan Green for the 2-point conversion, and North Garland retook the lead 15-12.

On the kickoff, Baker ran the ball back 81 yards to start Lakeview-Centennial on the Raiders 10-yard line. Three plays later, Black skirted around the left side of the line for a 1-yard keeper and scored easily. Jorge Estrada added the PAT to make the final score 19-15.

"This is a great victory for us. This is the kind of game we enjoy playing." said Patriots’ Head Coach Don Willis. Lakeview-Centennial improved to 1-8, 1-5 while North Garland remains winless.

Washington led all runners with 80 yards on 22 carries. Black led the Patriots’ runners with 27 yards on 20 attempts.

Black led all passers with 108 yards on three completions. Fruend had 76 yards in the air on eight completions.

Chris Long | October 26, 2010

Wednesday, October 27, at 6:57 p.m., the Texas Rangers will make their first appearance in the World Series. They will face the San Francisco Giants, whose last World Series appearance was in 2002.

The two franchises have very different histories and yet share a couple of moments in baseball’s history. The Rangers and Giants played in the first regular season inter-league game in 1997 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The Rangers lost that game 4-3.

Both teams also have their origins in other cities with other names. The Rangers began as the second incarnation of the Washington Senators in 1961. In 1972 they moved to Arlington and became the Rangers that we all know and love today. The Giants were founded in 1883 as the New York Gothams and changed their name to the Giants later in the 1880s. In 1957, the Giants moved to San Francisco.

There is also stark contrast between these two franchises. The Giants have a long 127-year history that contains some of baseball’s greatest moments. Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard ‘round the World,” along with Russ Hodges’ iconic radio call, “The Giants win the pennant!” which is probably the greatest. Another would have to be Willy Mays’ “The Catch” in game one of the 1954 World Series.

The Rangers comparatively short history contains few great moments, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. Nolan Ryan’s 5000^th strikeout and his sixth and seventh no hitters are a couple of examples as is the home run ball that bounced off of Jose Canseco’s head in 1993.

Of course history matters not as the Rangers proved in the ALCS. This edition of the series features a Rangers team that is unlike Rangers teams of yore. This team features two ace starters --  Cliff Lee and C.J. Wilson, a fireball throwing closer -- Neftali Feliz, and solid middle relief. The offense is much more than the traditional Rangers big bat philosophy. Today’s Rangers feature speed as well as power and can play small ball.

The Giants rotation will feature ace Tim Lincecum and three starting pitchers with ERAs under 3.15 and Brian Wilson, arguably the best closer in baseball. San Francisco does not have the same hitting prowess as Texas. Catcher Buster Posey is the only Giant starter batting over .300.

World Series schedule:

Game 1 - Wednesday, Oct. 27 at SF (6:57 p.m.); Cliff Lee (12-9, 3.18) v Tim Lincecum (16-10, 3.43)
Game 2 - Thursday, Oct. 28 at SF (6:57 p.m.); C.J. Wilson (15-8, 3.35) v Matt Cain (13-11, 3.14)
Game 3 - Saturday, Oct. 30 at Texas (5:57 p.m.); Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.7) v Jonathan Sanchez (13-9, 3.07)
Game 4 - Sunday, Oct. 31 at Texas (7:20 p.m.); Tommy Hunter (13-4, 3.73) v Madison Bumgarner (7-6, 3.00)
Game 5* - Monday, Nov. 1, at Texas (5:57 p.m.); TBD
Game 6* - Wednesday, Nov. 3, at SF (6:57 p.m.); TBD
Game 7* - Thursday, Nov. 4, at SF (6:57 p.m.). TBD

* if necessary

The Generator Coffee House on the square at 107 N. 6^th Street will be hosting watching parties for all of the World Series games. Fans are invited to bring camp/lawn chairs and enjoy the games on the big screen. Ballpark favorite food will be available for purchase. Find out more at www.generatorcoffee.com or Generator Coffee on Facebook.

Posted October 23, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Lady Owls of Garland High School defeated the Lady Raiders of North Garland High School in three straight sets of volleyball Tuesday, Oct. 26.

Billy Gallion | October 25, 2010

The Naaman Forest Rangers took on the South Garland Colonels Friday, Oct. 22 at Garland’s Homer B. Johnson Stadium.  The first quarter was all Colonels, and it looked like the Rangers were in for a rough night. 

South Garland’s Reece Loyd ran the ball in for the first touchdown of the game with 9:08 left in the first quarter.  The PAT by Angel Maldonado was good, and the Colonels led 7-0.

After a stalled Ranger drive, the Colonels scored again on a 17-yard run by Turner.  Maldonado’s kick was good, and the Colonels led 14-0 with 3:40 left in the first quarter.

On the next drive, the Rangers fumbled the ball on the Colonel 40-yard line and South Garland’s Jordan Davis recovered the ball and ran it for a touchdown. The PAT was good again, and the Colonels lead 21-0 with 2:30 remaining in the first.

On the Ranger’s next possession, Justin Torris hit Marcus Perkins for a 9-yard strike to put the Rangers on the board with 9:50 remaining in the second quarter.  The 2-point pass from Torris to Darin Wicker brought the score to SGHS 21, NFHS 8.

The Colonels came up with nothing on their next drive, and when the Rangers got the ball back, Torris hit Perkins for an 11-yard TD pass.  The PAT by Trent Bergeron was good, and the score going into halftime was Colonels 21, Rangers 15.

The Rangers scored first in the third quarter on a Tank Mitchell 1-yard run.  Bergeron’s kick gave the Rangers their first lead of the game at 22-21.  

With 2:35 left in the third, the Colonels regained the lead when Turner got his second TD of the night on a 1-yard run.  The 2-point conversion attempt was no good, but the Colonels regained the lead 27 – 22.

Kim Everett | October 24, 2010 -- Slideshow photos by Janet Stutts

The Garland Owls, who were celebrating homecoming this weekend, defeated the Lakeview Centennial Patriots Friday, Oct. 22 at Williams Stadium by a score of 33-7.

With just over two minutes left in the first half, lightning delayed the game for 30 minutes, but the delay didn’t seem to effect the Owls’ determination to win.

Jordan Spencer gained 131 yards rushing on the game and scored two touchdowns for the Owls.  One of his TDs was on the opening play of the game, when he rushed 80 yards to the end zone.

GHS quarterback Seth Russell completed six of 20 pass attempts for 108 yards and rushed for a touchdown.  Kicker Gabe Ortega was successful on all four point after attempts and kicked a 33-yard field goal. 

Oliver Houston scored for the Owls on a 39-yard pass reception from Russell, and they also scored a safety on a Lakeview fumble.

The Owls’ defense held the Patriots to 103 total passing and rushing yards, and gave up only one TD on a fumble.  Patriots’ linebacker Samuel Eguavoen recovered the fumble and returned it 34 yards for the score.  Andrew Fletcher’s PAT was good.

The Patriots’ quarterback, Davonte Black, was successful on seven of 17 pass attempts for 87 yards.

GHS coaches’ nomination for defensive player of the week is Damien Neroes Jr. who had 10 tackles, two for a loss, along with two sacks and three quarterback pressures.

SHS Head Coach Mark “Red” Behrens | October 23, 2010

The Sachse Mustangs played a hard fought game against the McKinney Boyd Broncos football team on Thursday, Oct. 21 but came up short on the score board.   The final score was McKinney Boyd 28, Sachse 0.

The Mustangs were led offensively by running back David Wesley with 26 rushes for 196 yards.  Wesley is leading the district and is number three in the area in rushing with a total of 1,322 yards.  The Mustang defense was led by Garrett Kraus with nine tackles. 

SHS will be matched up against the South Garland Colonels Friday, Oct. 29 at Williams Stadium.

• Offensive Player of Week: David Wesley – 26 rushes for 196 yards, one knockdown
• Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week: Cole Emert – blocking percentage grade of 75% with two knockdowns and Garrett Womack – blocking percentage grade of 65% with one knockdown
• Defensive Player of the Week: Dominic Wilhite –  two tackles, one assisted tackle, and one interception, graded out at 86%
• Defensive Front 7 Player of the Week: Kyandrea Choice – four tackles and three assisted tackles, graded out at 84%
• Special Teams Player of the Week: Jordan Cox – six for six perfect punt snaps
• MVP: Garrett Kraus –  seven tackles, two assisted tackles, graded out at 88%

Kim Everett | October 23, 2010

The Rowlett Eagles, the district’s first place team, defeated the North Garland Raiders Thursday, Oct. 21 at Homer B. Johnson Stadium by a final score of 17-10.

RHS quarterback, Grant Bothun, completed 11 of 15 pass attempts for a total of 156 yards, but left the game with a leg injury with 30 seconds left in the game.  The Eagles’ Treyvon Green rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns, both scored on snaps directly from the center. Chris Osborn caught five Bothun passes for 84 yards.

Rowlett’s Chase Thrasher contributed to the win with a 24-yard field goal and two successful extra point attempts.  The Eagles gained a total of 314 yards on the game.

The Raiders’ Kent Freund completed 11 of 19 pass attempts for 93 yards, and Savion Washington rushed for 98 yards on 14 carries.  Washington also picked up 38 yards on four pass receptions.  Deronte McGee scored on a 16-yard pass from Freund, and Juan Michel kicked a 20-yard field goal and was successful on the point after attempt.

Doug Grambeau October 20, 2010 -- Photos by Doug Grambeau

The Naaman Forest High School varsity tennis team qualified for the State 5A Regional Tournament this week by defeating Garland High School in the district playoffs held at Garland Tennis Center.

The team won a fiercely contested match, which went down to the wire.  Naaman Forest prevailed when Exavier Tisdell and Alexis Grambeau pulled out key wins in their singles matches to seal the victory.  While the Rangers were not able to defeat a strong McKinney Boyd team for the district title, their runner-up finish assured the team of a trip to Tyler and an opportunity to advance to the State Tournament for the fifth year in a row. 

Posted October 23, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Lady Mustangs of Sachse High School defeated the Rowlett High School Lady Eagles in their Oct. 19 volleyball matchup in three straight sets.  The individual game scores were 26 - 24, 26 - 24, and 25 - 12.

Kim Everett | October 17, 2010

There are times when a negative situation can be transformed into something wonderful, and the formation of Garland’s Buddy League is one of those instances.  The baseball league for disabled young people was started by Heather Miller in 2002 after she was told that her son, Ben, could no longer play baseball on his team with non-disabled children. 

Ben loved playing baseball, and it made him feel good about himself, so Miller was determined that he would not lose one of his only opportunities to have fun and do something that the other kids got to do.  That determination led to Buddy League, which started with eight players and has now grown to 100. 

In Buddy League, everyone wins.  The non-disabled young people that are paired with the special needs players say that they are the ones who benefit from the experience. Kristen Aviles has been volunteering with the league since she was in eighth grade, and even though she is now attending Texas Women’s University, she comes home to help on Buddy League weekends. 

“I’ve always known I’ve wanted to work with disabled children.  They deserve to have fun as much as everyone else, and they bring you such joy,” she said.  “I’ve learned more from the players I coach than they’ve learned from me.”

The parents benefit because they have opportunities to visit with, receive support, and give support to other parents who are in similar situations, and they get to watch their kids have a great time while participating in a sport.

The special needs kids win as well.  Miller is committed to finding a way for any child to play, no matter what his/her disability is.  Volunteers are there to help them bat and run around the bases if they need help; every batter gets a hit, and every hit is a homerun.  Smiles, cheers, and high fives are abundant on the field and in the stands.

Sam Allen’s parents, Chris and Nancy, his sister Mallory, and his grandmother Mabel Bell enjoy watching Sam’s games.  He has been playing Buddy League baseball for five years, leads the Pledge of Allegiance at all his games and announces when it’s time to “play ball.”

According to his parents, he looks forward to the games all week.  Sam, who is a sixth grader at Schrade Middle School, said that he likes to hit and catch the ball and he also likes to play Wii tennis, baseball, and bowling.

Sam’s grandmother said that Buddy League is great for him.  “This is a wonderful thing.  Sam loves it, and we enjoy coming out and watching the children,” she said.

According to player Zachary Stringer’s mom Dawn, his favorite part of the game is all the high fives he gets.  Zachary loves playing on Buddy League and has been participating for five years.  “Buddy League is awesome,” Stringer said.  “Zachary couldn’t be on another team, and this is a great experience for our family.”

Julia Boren, who’s been in Buddy League for five years, also loves playing on the team.  Her mom, Donna, said that it’s great for the kids.

A long list of volunteers, sponsors, and donors have helped make Buddy League a success.  In addition, Miller's family has been involved since the beginning.  Her husband, Curt, along with sons Chase, Nick, and Sean work tirelessly to see that Ben, along with many other young people, have this chance to participate in sports.

Billy Gallion | October 19, 2010 -- Photos by Billy Gallion & Kim Everett 

The Naaman Forest Rangers hosted the Sachse Mustangs at Williams Stadium Friday, Oct. 15 for their 2010 homecoming game.  Sachse scored first when David Wesley ran 35 yards for the games’ opening touchdown.  Joey Silva made the point after attempt, and the Mustangs led 7-0 with 6:08 left in the first quarter.

With 8:11 left in the second, Sachse’s Garrett Kraus put the Mustangs on the board again with a 6-yard touchdown run.  Silva’s kick was good, and Sachse led 14–0.

In the last minute of the second quarter, Tank Mitchell ran 74 yards for the Rangers’ first TD of the game, and Trent Bergeron’s kick was good for the PAT, bringing the score to Sachse 14, Naaman Forest 7.

The first score of the second half came with 1:28 left in the third quarter when the Rangers’ Justin Torres hit Chandler Smith with a 4-yard touchdown pass.  Bergeron’s kick was good, and the score was tied at 14 all.

With 9:44 left in the fourth, Torres ran 38 yards for a touchdown to put the Rangers on top for the first time in game, but the PAT was no good, and the Rangers led 20–14.

The Rangers’ lead would not last long.  The Mustangs’ Tyrone Melton took a 35-yard pass reception in for the final score of the game.  Silva’s extra point was good, and the Mustangs upset the Rangers’ homecoming game with a final score of 21-20.

Kim Everett | October 17, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The South Garland Colonels were victorious over Lakeview Centennial’s Patriots Friday, Oct. 15 at Garland’s Homer B. Johnson Stadium.  Quarterback Stephan Turner completed eight of 11 pass attempts for 137 yards and scored a touchdown for the Colonels; and John Lacour rushed for a total of 154 and scored a touchdown. 

Quay’Shaun Littlejohn and Cory Sherman also scored for South Garland.  Kicker Angel Maldonado had a 21-yard field goal, along with four PATs.  For the Colonels’ defense, Bontavius Davis and Brice Brooks each had two interceptions.

Patriots’ quarterback Davonte Black scored twice for LCHS with 1- and 10-yard runs and passed for 230 yards in 10 of 24 attempts.  Jarvis Baxter picked up 158 receiving yards.  Kicker Andrew Fletcher hit a 38-yard field goal.

Kim Everett | October 17, 2010

The McKinney Boyd Broncos enjoyed a decisive 35-3 victory over the North Garland Raiders Friday, Oct. 15 at Ron Poe Stadium in McKinney.

North Garland scored first with a 28-yard Juan Michael field goal, but the Broncos’ defense shut them down for the rest of the game.  Two of McKinney Boyd’s touchdowns were scored by sophomore Bryan Driskell, who rushed for a total of 121 yards.  Quarterback Jonovan Griffin also scored twice, and Michael Jacob recovered a North Garland fumble in the end zone.  Taylor Symmank’s point after attempts were all successful.

Savion Washington had 138 rushing yards for the Raiders, and quarterback Kent Freund completed 10 of 14 pass attempts for 62 yards.

Chris Long | October 15, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

Posted October 17, 2010 

The Sachse High School freshman white team won against the Naaman Forest High School Rangers to bring their record to 6-0.  Alec Delgado scored two touchdowns in the second quarter.  Daniel Farooqi had a touchdown and a 2-point conversion, both passes from Gavin Burl.  The defense played well against a tough NFHS team holding them scoreless.  The final score was 20-0.

The freshman blue team won 32-22 over the Rangers, bringing their record to 6-1.  The lead changed hands six times, and both sides played a good game.  Dennan Wheeler caught the first touchdown pass from Kent Myers, and Myers also had three rushing touchdowns. 

In the fourth quarter with the Rangers driving on the last series down by four points, DJ Blohm caused a fumble, and DJ Henderson picked it up and ran 60 yards for the touchdown. 

Posted October 8, 2010

Last week, the Sachse Mustangs freshman white team won 30-6 against the Lakeview Centennial Patriots to bring their record to 5-0.  They were lead by Aerial Teran, William Bush, Gavin Burl and Daniel Farooqi, who all contributed to the scoring.  The defense played  and caused a fumble during a critical part of the game.

The SHS freshman blue team won 41-0 against LCHS, bringing their record to 5-1.  The defense caused eight turnovers, and DJ Henderson and Marcus Hubbard each had two interceptions.  James Mayden also had an interception; Christian Brooks recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown; and DJ Blohm had a fumble recovery.
 

The Naaman Forest Rangers played the McKinney Boyd Broncos Thursday, Sept. 30 at Williams Stadium. 

The Rangers began the game with what could be called their most impressive drive of the season.  They went 80 yards and ended with a touchdown by Tank Mitchell with 4:57 remaining in the first quarter. 

McKinney’s first score came with 2:12 left in the first and tied the game at 7 all.  The Broncos’ James Bristoll then caught a 27-yard pass for the last score of the half, bringing it to Broncos 14, Rangers 7.  

The only score of the third quarter was a 56-yard touchdown pass for the Broncos, and the quarter ended at 21-7.

McKinney scored first in the fourth with a 32-yard field goal to make it 27-7.

Chris Long | October 4, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

David Wesley ran for more than 150 yards and scored 3 touchdowns to lead the Sachse Mustangs to a 42-17 homecoming victory over the Lakeview Centennial Patriots Friday, Oct. 1 at Williams Stadium.

Wesley's first score of the night came on the first series. Sachse marched 76 yards on six plays ending with Wesley's 16-yard scoring run. Joey Silva added his first of five extra point kicks to post the Mustangs up to a 7-0 lead.

Lakeview stopped the second Sachse drive cold with a sack of Mustangs’ quarterback Scott Brand by Thomas Warren Jr. The elation was short lived, however, as Patriots’ quarterback Denton Edwards was intercepted by Sachse linebacker Payton Phelps. Four plays later Wesley scored his second touchdown from 10 yards out.

Lakeview's next drive was stunted when Warren was sacked by defensive end Ishmaih Miles. The next Patriot drive also featured a sack, this time from a herd of Mustangs. The ensuing punt was returned 42 yards to the Patriots’ 8-yard line by Cody McSwain, thanks in no small part to a timely block from Jordan Cox. Three plays later, Wesley dove over the goal line and the Sachse lead went to 21.

Lakeview seemed to have some things figured out on their next drive. Quarterback Davonte Black lead a six minute drive featuring passes to Ceasar Brown Jr. and Blessed Andrews from the Patriots’ 17-yard line to the Mustangs’ 40-yard line before  penalties and another sack forced Lakeview to punt. Devon Mitchell returned the punt 27 yards to the Patriot 20-yard line.

On the third play of the ensuing drive, McSwain scored on a 20-yard reverse around the right side. Silva's PAT made the score 28-0.

Lakeview finally got on the scoreboard with 16 seconds left in the half. Black connected with sophomore Marquis Denmark for a 60-yard bomb. The following extra point attempt was blocked, and McSwain returned the ball 89 yards for a safety making the score 30-6 at the half.

The Patriots scored on the first possession of the second half. Andrew Fletcher nailed a 37-yard field goal.

On the next Sachse drive, Wesley fumbled on the Patriots’ 5-yard line and Lakeview recovered. On their first play, Black was sacked by Miles for another safety making the score 32-9.

Late in the third quarter, Silva nailed a 25-yard field goal. On the following Lakeview drive, Black hit Samuel Eguavoen for an 11-yard touchdown pass. Black completed a pass to Jarvis Baxter for the 2 point conversion and made the score 35-17.

The final score of the game came on an 18-yard pass from Brand to tight end Jeff Guckenberg. The scoring play was set up by a 34-yard punt return from McSwain.

Wesley led all rushers with 150 yards on 22 carries. Black led Patriots’ runners with 54 yards on 21 carries. Black had a good night in the air with 183 yards on 11 of 20, one interception, and two touchdowns.

Eguavoen was the leading receiver for Lakeview with 66 yards on three catches. Brand went three of seven for 45 yards with one interception and one score.

Sachse improved to 4-2, 2-1 district, while Lakeview remains winless.

In a pregame ceremony, Addis Gonte was named as Sachse's Homecoming King and Bailey Iverson was crowned Homecoming Queen.

Coach Mark “Red” Behrens’ players of the game

Co-Offensive Players of the Week:  Brittien Coleman & Earl Burl – Both 95% blocking percentage

Offensive Lineman of the Week:  Cole Emert – blocking percentage grade – 86% - three knockdowns

Defensive Player of the Week:  Ishmiah Miles – four tackles, four assisted tackles, four for loss, three sacks, one QB hurry

Co-Defensive Front 7 Players of the Week:  Tyler Holmes & Payton Phelps –  Holmes had three tackles, three assisted tackles, one QB sack, and four QB hurries; Phelps had six tackles, one assisted tackle, two QB hurries, one interception

Special Teams Player of the Week:  Brandon Millikin – six for six on all kickoffs, 10-yard line and in

Kim Everett | October 3, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Rowlett Eagles were victorious in a close game against the South Garland Colonels Friday, Oct. 1 at Homer B. Johnson stadium.

SGHS quarterback Stephan Turner scored once for the Colonels on a 33-yard run, and John Lacour scored twice on 2- and 11-yard runs.  Kicker Angel Maldonado was successful on all three point after attempts.

Turner rushed for 111 yards, Lacour for 57, and Cory Sherman had 48 yards.  Turner’s passing game included 13 completions for 93 yards and one interception.  Keegan Brown and T.J. Hill were the top two receivers.  Hill had four receptions for 31 yards; and Brown had three catches for 25 yards.

Treyvon Green had 242 rushing yards and made two of the Eagles’ touchdowns.  Jalen Rhodes also scored a touchdown for Rowlett, and Chase Thrasher contributed with two field goals, a 44-yarder and a 30-yarder.

RHS quarterback Grant Bothun rushed for 57 yards and passed for 24, with four completions out of nine attempts and one interception.

The final score was RHS 25, SGHS 21.  The Eagles’ next game will be Thursday, Oct. 14 against the Garland Owls.  The Colonels will meet the Lakeview Centennial Patriots on Friday, Oct. 15.

The North Garland Raiders and Garland Owls provided an entertaining, heart-stopping Thursday night game at Homer B. Johnson on Sept. 30.

The Raiders scored first on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Hosea Abdallah to K’Maurrius McGee, with a successful point after attempt by Juan Michel.  The Owls soon answered with a 13-yard touchdown run by Jordan Spencer and point after kick by Gabe Ortega.

Each team scored another touchdown before the first half ended; the Raiders, on a 25-yard run by Savion Washington and the Owls on a 2-yard pass from Seth Russell to Oliver Houston.

The score was tied at 14 at halftime, but the Raiders took the lead in the third quarter on a 3-yard run by Savion Washington.  With one quarter left to play, the score was NGHS 21, GHS 14.

The Owls tied it up at 21 in the fourth quarter to force the game into overtime.  Savion Washington scored for NGHS in the first OT, bringing the score to 28-21, and Jordan Spencer answered with an Owls touchdown on a 17-yard run to tie it at 28.

In the second OT, Spencer was able to spin past defenders to get into the end zone on fourth down and one from the 1-yard line.

The Owls’ defense was then able to stop the Raiders on downs to win the game.  Defensive player Teddy Nickerson was already emotional because he had dedicated the game to his late grandmother, but was able to hold it together to help stop the Raiders on their last OT possession. 

The stress of the lead going back and forth during regular play and the two overtime periods could have been the Owls’ undoing, but the defense stood firm and stopped the Raiders.  “We just overcame it.  We’ve got a strong mindset and we were able to do it,” Nickerson said.

GHS Head Coach Jeff Jordan was proud that the team didn’t give up.  “We were really fortunate.  We made a bunch of silly mistakes, but we kept playing hard,” he said.  “It would have been easy to give in, but we dug down deep and found a way to get a win.  And, who can say enough about Jordan Spencer?  We rode him all the way to the end.”

Spencer was the deciding factor in the game, gaining 237 total yards on 32 carries.  The Owls’ offense utilized the wildcat formation in the overtime periods with Spencer receiving the ball and picking up the yardage that led the Owls to victory.

“I just did all I could for my team.  When things weren’t looking good for us, I did all I could to keep us in it,” Spencer said.  “And we ended up getting the win.”

Savion Washington scored three of the Raiders’ touchdowns and picked up an impressive 189 rushing yards, along with 25 yards in pass receptions.

Posted September 30, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Lady Rangers of Naaman Forest High School won out over the South Garland High School Colonels girls' volleyball team in three straight sets on Tuesday, Sept. 28. 

Coach Chris Burrow | September 27, 2010

The Sachse Mustangs freshman white and blue teams were matched up against Rowlett teams Thursday, Sept. 3.  On their second drive of the game, the white team scored a touchdown on a pass from Gavin Burl to Daniel Farooqi, and Aerial Teran scored on the 2-point conversion. 

In the second quarter, Christian Oaks caused a fumble, which Brayden Adams was able to recover.  With one second left in the half, Aerial Teran scored his second touchdown and 2-point conversion.

In the third, the Mustangs drove the length of the field, and Jason Delgado scored a touchdown bringing the score to 22-0.

The freshman blue team beat another Rowlett team by a score of 48-14.  The Mustangs scored on their opening drive, but the Eagles marched right back down the field to take the lead 8-7. 

The Mustangs scored again to take back the lead at 14-8.  The Mustang defense turned it on causing three Eagle fumbles. 

Erick Blue and Tyler Faulhaber each had interceptions.  The Mustangs’ defense allowed the offense several opportunities to put the ball in the end zone.  With the offensive line and receivers leading the way by blocking for the running backs, the Mustangs put up 42 unanswered points. 

Kent Myers ran for a touchdown and was five of eight to receivers James Mayden, Dennan Wheeler, and Hunter Swain.  On the ground Braxton Wilson, Chris Charles, and Darion Smalls ran the ball well.  Smalls lead the way with six touchdowns on the ground.

Kim Everett | September 26, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Sachse Mustangs gained a total of 363 yards compared to the Rowlett Eagles’ 214, and Sachse running back David Wesley had a 252-yard rushing game, but the Eagles came out on top on the scoreboard.

Sachse scored two field goals, a 20-yarder and a 23-yarder by Joey Silva and a 2-yard touchdown run by David Wesley.  Trent White ran for the 2-point conversion.

Scoring for the Eagles was Logan Brown on 36-yard and 5-yard passes from quarterback Grant Bothun.  Chase Thrasher made both extra points.  Bothun threw for 154 yards, and Logan Brown made five catches totaling 94 yards.

Rowlett’s kicker Chase Thrasher came through to break a 14-14 tie with a 28-yard field goal with no time left on the clock to give the Eagles a 17-14 victory.

The Eagles will play the South Garland Colonels on Friday, October 1 at Homer B. Johnson Stadium.  The Mustangs will go up against the Lakeview Centennial Patriots, also on Friday, at Williams Stadium.

Per Head Coach Mark "Red" Behrens:

Offensive Player of Week:  Cole Emert – blocking percentage grade – 88%, two knockdowns.

Offensive Lineman of the Week:  Kris Weeks – blocking percentage grade – 81%, 2 knockdowns.

Defensive Player of the Week:  Kyandrea Choice –  four tackles and five assisted tackles, graded out at 85%.

Defensive Front 7 Player of the Week:  Drew Douglas - seven tackles – one for loss, graded out at 85%.

Special Teams Player of the Week:  Michael Ramos – three for three on punt return catches for a total of 57 yards.

MVP:  David Wesley – 30 carries for 248 yards and one touchdown, three knockdowns.

Kim Everett | September 24, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Thursday, September 23 match-up between the Garland Owls and McKinney Boyd Broncos was the focus of “Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Game Day,” a Fox Sports Southwest program.

Before the game, Jeff Power, host of the show visited with the Garland Independent School District’s Athletic Director, Homer B. Johnson about his time in the Garland athletics program as a player, coach, and director.  Johnson, who is in the Texas Football Hall of Fame, was an assistant coach when the Owls won their 1956 state championship.

Power was also treated to a display of Owl spirit by the GHS cheerleaders, Dashing Debs, Bell Guard, and fans.

The Owls scored first on a pass from quarterback Seth Russell to Oliver Houston in the first quarter.  Malcolm Miller scored on a 4-yard run in the second quarter, and Jordan Spencer had a 2-yard touchdown run in the third.  Josh Lambert was successful on all point after attempts to bring the Owls to 21 points.

The Broncos scored two touchdowns, one on an 87-yard kickoff return by James Driskell, and the other on a 4-yard pass from Jonovan Griffin to Bo Davis.

Each team had 249 total yards of offense.  The Broncos accumulated 117 rushing yards and 132 passing.  The Owls gained 140 yards rushing and 109 passing.  GHS lost possession on two of four fumbles and had one interception.  MBHS lost the ball on two of six fumbles and Griffin threw one interception.

Billy Gallion | September 24, 2010 -- Photos by Billy Gallion

The Naaman Forest Rangers took on the Lakeview Centennial Patriots Thursday, September 23 at Garland’s Homer B Johnson Stadium.

The Rangers started the scoring after capitalizing on a Patriots’ opening drive fumble.  The Rangers’ Tank Mitchell ran the ball in for the first touch down of the game; and with the Trent Burgeron extra point, the Rangers lead 7-0 with 5:50 left in the first quarter.

After a short drive by the Patriots, the Rangers ended their third drive with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Justin Torres to Josh Smith. With the Burgeron extra point, the Rangers lead 14-0.

With just over five minutes left in the first half, the Rangers’ Wesley Hojdea intercepted a pass from Patriots’ quarterback Denton Edwards, but they couldn’t move the ball. The Rangers lead 14-0 going into halftime.

With 8:38 left in the third quarter, Terrence Robertson intercepted a Patriot pass and ran it in for a touchdown.  The PAT was no good, and the score was 20-0.

The next score came with 1:47 left in the third when Davonte Black rushed for the first Patriots’ touchdown.  Andrew Fletcher’s extra point kick was good, and the score was Rangers 20, Patriots 7.

The Patriot’s second score came with 9:35 left in the game.  Denton Edwards hit Sherrod Haynes for the touchdown, and once again, Fletcher’s extra point attempt was good, and the score was 20-14.

On the Rangers’ next possession with 3:07 in the game, Ryan Anderton kicked the games’ last field goal, which made the final score Naaman Forest 23, Lakeview Centennial 14.

The Rangers will be matched up against the McKinney Boyd Broncos next Thursday, September 30 at Williams Stadium.  The Patriots will play the Sachse Mustangs on Friday, October 1, also at Williams Stadium.

Posted September 22 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Lady Eagles of Rowlett defeated the Garland High School Lady Owls in three straight sets of volleyball Tuesday, September 21.

Posted September 19, 2010

Hayden Burnett, Junior QB-S, of Garland Christian Academy was honored in the private school class of the Built Ford Tough Player of the Week program.

On last week’s opening play, Garland Christian Academy’s Hayden Burnett threw a 54-yard touchdown pass down the sideline.  That set the tone for the entire game as the Swordsmen whipped Life School of Red Oak, 55-24 and provided hope that last year’s 3-8 record was clearly in the rear-view mirror.  Running the Swordsmen’s spread no-huddle offense, the 5’ 11”, 170-pound Burnett wound up with 14 of 21 passing for 347 yards and six touchdowns, and 79 yards and another score on only eight carries.  Not bad for a former wide receiver playing his first year at quarterback.

A stand-out in basketball (point guard) and baseball, Burnett is a 3.7 GPA student who was elected class president, is vice-president of the school choir, and is extremely active in the youth ministry at the school-affiliated Church at Lavon Drive, making mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica each of the last six years.  “He’s the leader of his class—and of our school,” Coach Joel Berry said.

“Hayden is a solid young man, the kind of kid you want to build your program around,” Berry said.  “He comes to work each day with the same energy, the same will to win, and the same love for his teammates.  He’s not your prototypical super-athlete, but he’s fiercely competitive and a natural leader.  That’s why he’s having success.”

Nominate student-athletes at www.playeroftheweek.com.  Students recognized by Ford, the Texas Ford dealers and the Built Ford Tough Media Advisory Board as the Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Week have excelled in three categories:
 

• Individual performance on the field, including significant game statistics
• Contribution to the team’s success through individual leadership abilities
• Performance off the field, including academic success and good community citizenship

 Texas high school football coaches, athletic directors, and fans are invited to nominate players each week. 

Kim Everett | September 19, 2010 -- Photos by Billy Gallion

A total of 98 points was scored in the battle between the Rowlett Eagles and the Rangers of Naaman Forest Friday night at Williams Stadium.

The Eagles scored first and often in their first district game.  Blake Glenn, Andron Williams and Treyvon Green ran for two touchdowns each, and quarterback Grant Bothun had a 40-yard touchdown run. 

Green rushed for 255 yards.  Williams had 150 yards, and Glenn had 54.

William Waddell also scored on a 39-yard pass from Bothun, and Jalen Rhodes scored on a 20-yard run.  Chase Thrasher kicked a 49-yard field goal and was successful on every point after attempt.

Justin Torris scored three touchdowns for NFHS, and Tank Mitchell scored twice.  The Rangers tried and missed two 2-point conversions, and kicker Trent Bergeron made two out of three extra points.

The Eagles’ offense rushed for 556 yards and Bothun passed for 82, for a total of 638 offensive yards.  The Rangers had 358 total yards.  The final score was 66-32.

The Rowlett Eagles will take on the Sachse Mustangs on Friday, September 24.  The Rangers will play the LCHS Patriots on Thursday, September 23.  Both games are at Homer B. Johnson Stadium.

Coach Mark “Red” Behrens | September 19, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

District 10-5A football started Thursday, September 16 with the Sachse Mustangs taking on the North Garland Raiders.  The game started with a fumble and touchdown for NGHS, but outstanding field position helped get the Mustangs rolling.  The Mustangs offense put up 28 points in the first half and finished the game with 41. 

Brittien Coleman had a big first half, pulling in three passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns.  One was an 88-yard touchdown pass from Trent White.  David Wesley ran for 101 yards and two touchdowns as well. 

The defense, which had six shutout quarters going in, played aggressively enough to hold NGHS to 14 points.  After the Raiders built some momentum in the second quarter, the Sachse defense took control of game.  They forced two turnovers for the Mustangs, and Aaron Ballard made an outstanding interception that dashed all comeback hopes for the Raiders.  The final score of the game was 41-14.

The Mustangs’ next opponent will be the Rowlett Eagles on Friday, September 24 at Homer B. Johnson Stadium.      

Players of the week vs. Dallas Hillcrest Panthers:

Offensive Player of Week:  David Wesley – 16 carries for 115 yards rushing and one knockdown blocking  

Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week:  Kris Weeks and Cole Emert  – Kris Weeks blocking percentage grade – 86% with two knockdowns; Cole Emert blocking percentage grade – 81% with two knockdowns 

Defensive Player of the Week:  Dominic Wilhite – Seven tackles and three assisted tackles, two pass break-ups

Defensive Front 7 Player of the Week:  Drew Douglas –  Five tackles and four assisted tackles, one tackle for loss

Special Teams Player of the Week:  Joey Silva – Five for five on extra points, two for two on field goals, 21 and 27 yards

MVP – Brittien Coleman:  Four catches for 128 yards receiving and two touchdowns

Kim Everett | September 19, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

Owls fall to Colonels

The South Garland Colonels defeated the Garland Owls in their Friday, September 17 game at Garland’s Homer B. Johnson Stadium.

The Owls’ one touchdown, scored by quarterback Seth Russell, would not hold up against Colonels’ John Lacour’s two short rushing touchdowns in the second half, along with a field goal by Angel Maldonado in the first half.

Lacour rushed for a total of 78 yards, and Reece Loyd ran for 77.  Quarterback Stephan Turner passed for 115 yards.

The final score was 17-7.  The Owls will be matched up against McKinney Boyd Thursday, September 23.  The Colonels will meet the North Garland Raiders Friday, September 24.  Both games will be at Williams Stadium.

McKinney Boyd enters district play with big win

The McKinney Boyd Broncos, in their first season as part of  District 10-5A, debut with a big win at McKinney’s Ron Poe Stadium against the Lakeview Centennial Patriots.  The Broncos took an early lead in the Friday night game by scoring on their first four possessions.

The Patriots scored two touchdowns; both on runs by quarterback Davonte Black, along with a safety.  But the Broncos, who had 163 total yards rushing and 226 passing yards, for a total of 389, outscored them.

McKinney Boyd quarterback Jonovan Griffin passed for two touchdowns and rushed for one, while Daveon Smith rushed for two scores.  The other touchdown came on a Boyd fumble recovery in the end zone recovered by Jamal Palmer.  Taylor Symmank kicked three field goals. 

The final score was 51-16.

Coach Jacob Bruehl | September 16, 2010

The Sachse Mustangs junior varsity football team defeated the North Garland Raiders on Wednesday, September 15 by a score of 26-7.  Kantrell Hunter was the offensive player of the game for Sachse scoring touchdowns by punt return one rushing.  He also had an interception on defense. 

Keaton Roy threw a touchdown pass to Joey Gogolin, and Lakeldric Moore added another rushing touchdown for the Mustangs.  Isaiah Smith rushed for a 2-point conversion.

The defense was led by nose tackle Justin Herman and overall good team tackling. 

The SHS junior varsity team improves to 3-1 on the year and will play Rowlett on Thursday, September 23.

RHS girls volleyball team defeats LCHS

Posted September 16, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Lady Eagles of Rowlett defeated Lakeview Centennial's Lady Patriots in three straight sets on Tuesday, September 14.

Coach Chris Burrow | September 9, 2010

The Sachse Mustangs blue freshman team was defeated by Coppell's junior varsity black team by a score of 28-21 on Wednesday, September 8.  The lead went back and forth throughout game, but the Mustangs came up short on the last drive. 

Darion Smalls scored a touchdown in the first quarter, and Kent Myers threw a touchdown pass to James Mayden in the second. Tyrique Edwards scored on run in the third quarter, and Marcus Hubbard had an interception.  The Mustangs’ offense and defense played hard all night.  The next game is against the North Garland Raiders on Wednesday, September 15 at the NGHS field.

The freshman white team was canceled due to weather.

The Naaman Forest Rangers took on the Mesquite Skeeters Friday night at Garland’s Williams Stadium.  At halftime, it looked like the Rangers were in for another tough week.  But one was more shocked by the Naaman Forest Rangers’ nail-biting come back than the Mighty Maroon Band from Mesquite High School. (See photo.)

The Rangers started things off with a stalled three-play drive and a blocked punt.  And with great field position the Skeeters initial drive was short lived as well, and Mesquite settled for a field goal.  With 6:25 left in the first, the score was Mesquite 3-0.

After the kick off, the opening play of their second possession, Tank Mitchell rushed 80 yards for the Rangers’ first score.  After the 2-point conversion,  with 6:13 left in the first, the score was 8-3 Rangers. 

The Skeeters second drive went 55 yards for their first touchdown of the night.  A failed 2-point conversion attempt brought the score to 9-8 with Mesquite in the lead.

Naaman Forest offense was still having trouble finding their rhythm and was forced to punt during the beginning of the first quarter.  The Mesquite offense was on the move and drove to the 11-yard line when Rangers defender Greg Nieman intercepted the ball and returned it to his 23- yard line.  Again, though, the Rangers’ offense struggled and was forced to punt. 

Mesquite’s third score came after a 70-yard drive and a touchdown, and the second quarter ended at Mesquite 16, NFHS 8. 

The Skeeters scored quickly in the third quarter, and it looked like they had the game well in hand, but the Rangers’ defense held them scoreless through the rest of the game.  With 2:00 min left in the third, Mitchell rushed for his second touchdown, bringing the score to 23-15, Mesquite. 

The fourth quarter was all defense.  With 6:21 left in the game, a Skeeter offensive fumble found its way into the hands of Ranger Darren Wicker, who returned it for a touchdown.  A successful 2-point conversion by Justin Torres tied the game at 23. 

The Skeeter offense drove the ball to the Rangers’ 30-yard line, but the Ranger defense held, and the Skeeters turned the ball over on downs.  The Rangers then drove the ball to the Skeeter 5-yard line with seven seconds left in the game, and Ryan Anderton kicked the game winning field goal.  The final score was 26-23, Naaman Forest.

Kim Everett | September 11, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Garland Owls out ran, out passed, and out scored the Lake Highlands Wildcats in their Friday, September 10 match-up at Richardson ISD’s Wildcat/Ram Stadium.

The Owls got on the scoreboard first a 4-yard touchdown run by Jordan Spencer.  Josh Lambert added the extra point to bring the score to 7-0, which is how the first quarter ended.

The Wildcats struck next to tie the score on a 51-yard touchdown pass with 11:14 left in the first half.

With 10:06 left in the half, the Owls got a first down on an interference call and moved the ball down the field to score on a 21-yard run by Jordan Spencer.  The score was 14-7 with 7:11 left in the first half.

Lake Highlands brought the ball out to the 42-yard line on the ensuing kickoff, but a bad snap and a fumble, set the Owls up to score.  Malcolm Miller got the ball to the 3-yard line, and Spencer took it in for the touchdown.  With 3:42 left in the first half, the score was 21-7.

The Owls executed a reverse that helped set them up for their next score, which was a quarterback keeper, by Dawson Hadnot.   The score was 28-7 with 8:11 left in the third.

The Owls recovered a Lake Highlands fumble on the 36, but Hadnot threw an interception, and the Wildcats scored on a 12-yard run, bringing the score to 28-14 with 6:20 left in the third.

After missing two from shorter distances, Josh Lambert hit a 52-yard field goal at the end of the third quarter, which ended at 31-14.

The Wildcats scored again with 7:12 left in the game to bring the score to 31-21, and the Owls answered with a 74-yard touchdown pass from Hadnot to Ja’Taveon Green.

The score, with 5:29 left in the game, was 38-21.  Lake Highlands would score once more to bring the final score to 38-28.

Hadnot passed for 142 yards with one interception.  Spencer rushed for 187 yards on 27 carries and scored three touchdowns, and Green had two receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown.  The Owls gained a total of 426 yards, 284 rushing and 142 passing.

GHS will begin district play against South Garland High School on Friday, September 17 at Homer B. Johnson Stadium.

Chris Long | September 10, 2010 -- Photos by Josh Wiley

The South Garland Colonels fell to the Plano West Wolves 21-7 in a match up of area top 20 teams Friday night at Garland’s Homer B. Johnson stadium. Plano West’s defense held South Garland to a total of 210 yards of offense. “We want to be known for our defense,” said Wolves Head Coach Mike Hughes.

The game opened with both teams swapping punts. On their second series Plano West ground out a 16-play, 65-yard drive culminating in a 2-yard dive touchdown drive from running back Jarrett Horan. Leon Taylor added the PAT to put the Wolves up 7-0.

Late in the second quarter, Plano West backup quarterback Nick Glogau connected on a 43-yard bomb to tightly defended Carlos Wiggins. The pass and an encroachment penalty set the Wolves up on the Colonels 12 yard line. South’s Jonathan Guerrero then sacked Glogau for a loss of four yards; and Plano West attempted a field-goal, but Taylor missed wide right.

The Wolves’ second score of the game came midway through the third on a Kameron Haddock 2-yard run up the middle. Taylor’s kick made the score 14-0.

Plano West put the game out of reach on the first play of the fourth quarter when Wiggins took a direct snap on a wildcat play and scampered 26 yards to pay dirt. Taylor’s conversion attempt was good and the Wolves went up by 21.

On the next series, the Colonels charged down the field on runs from John Lacour, Reece Loyd, and Cory Sherman. Stephen Turner completed two well-placed passes to Sherman and T.J. Hill. The drive ended with a 12-yard run from Loyd. Angel Maldonado added the PAT to bring the score to 21-7.

South Garland Offensive Coordinator Mikey Thompson was philosophical after the game.  “There are a lot of positives that can come from a non-district loss,” he said. He also stated that his team now knows the importance better preparation and the need to overcome the adversity associated with a weather disrupted practice schedule.

Turner led the Colonels in rushing with 81 yards on 13 carries. Turner was six of nine passing for 30 yards.

Plano West improved to 2-0 while South Garland dropped to 2-1. The Colonels will face the Garland Owls in next week’s District 10-5A opener.

Kim Everett | September 10, 2010 -- Photos by Joe Diehl-www.jbdphotos.com

After a scoreless first quarter, the Sachse High School Mustangs got busy in their Thursday night game against Hillcrest High School.

Cody McSwain scored on a 13-yard run in the second quarter, and Joey Silva made a 34-yard field goal to bring the to 10-0 at halftime.

The Mustangs turned it on in the third with an Aaron Shelby fumble recovery and return for a touchdown.  Sachse also scored on a safety, and then a 12-yard run by David Wesley, to bring the score to 26-0 at the end of the third.

The Mustangs scored two touchdowns in the fourth, one on a 17-yard pass from Trent White to Jeff Guckenberg, and the other on a 6-yard run by Trent White.  All of Shelby’s extra point kicks were good.

David Wesley rushed for 100 yards on 16 carries, and Scott Brand and Trent White passed for a combined 175 yards.  Brand had one interception.

Sachse’s defense shut out Hillcrest, holding them to only 34 total yards.  Hillcrest also had five fumbles and lost possession on four, compared to Sachse’s one fumble, on which they managed to keep the ball.   The final score was 40-0.

The Mustangs’ non-district record is 2-1, and they will be up against the North Garland Raiders Thursday, September 16, for their first district match-up.

Kim Everett | September 11, 2010

Patriots fall to Rockwall Heath

The Patriots of Lakeview Centennial High School scored two touchdowns and a field goal at Homer B. Johnson Stadium Thursday, September 9, but it wouldn’t be enough to defeat Rockwall Heath.

The touchdowns came on passes from Davonte Black, first a 40-yarder to Jarvis Baxter and then a 28-yard pass to Ceasar Brown.  In addition to making both extra points, Andrew Fletcher also made a 32-yard field goal.

Black passed for 172 yards with a 50 percent completion rate.  He also rushed for 118 yards on 16 carries.

The Patriots’ first district game will be against McKinney Boyd on Friday, September 17.

Wylie defeats Rowlett

The Rowlett Eagles had two touchdowns and a field goal in the first half, but the Pirates outscored them on Friday, September 10 in Wylie.  Rowlett’s Treyvon Green had 12-yard 7-yard touchdown runs, and kicker Chase Thrasher kicked a 33-yard field goal and made both extra points.

Eagles’ quarterback, Grant Bothun, passed for 116 yards and the team had a total of 166 rushing yards.

Wylie’s quarterback, Nicholas Ramirez, had 245 yards passing with a 72.73 percent completion rate.  Total rushing yardage for the Pirates was 186.

But that was the first half.  The Wylie defense shut down the Eagles in the second half, while their offense scored 12.  The game ended at 36-17.

The Eagles, who are 2-1 in non-district play, will face the Naaman Forest Rangers Friday, September 17 in the first district game.

NGHS comes up short against Denton Ryan

Denton Ryan gave up a safety at the beginning of Friday’s game against the North Garland Raiders, but that, along with one Raider touchdown, was all the Denton Ryan defense would allow.

The Raiders, who came into tonight’s game 0-2 in non-district play, were only able to post 39 total yards.  Denton Ryan had 304, 250 passing and 54 rushing.

North Garland’s Anthony Robb recovered a Denton Ryan fumble and returned it for a 68-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The Raiders will meet the Sachse Mustangs in the first week of district play on Thursday, September 16.

Kim Everett | September 9, 2010

The 27 year record for the longest Garland Owls' field goal was broken by Josh Lambert during last Friday's game against Duncanville.  The previous record, a 52-yard field goal, was set by Brandy Brownlee in a game against Skyline High School in 1983 and was tied by Matt Fodge in 2004 during a game against Plano East High School.  Josh broke the record with a 53-yard field goal.

Lambert, who also hit a 47-yarder in the same game, said that he wasn’t nervous about the 53-yard attempt.  In fact, he didn’t realize the distance at the time.  He also didn’t know that he was about to break his personal game record of 51 yards that he had set the week before against Flower Mound Marcus High School. 

The kicker said that he just went out on the field thinking about the fundamentals that he practices every day.  “If you think about it too much, you’ll most likely mess up,” he said.

Lambert, who is a junior, played soccer until seventh grade when a teacher told him that he should play football.  “I didn’t even really like football,” he said.  “But in seventh grade, in P.E., my teacher told me that I should start kicking, so I gave it a shot.  I quit soccer, and this is what I’ve been doing ever since.”

He loves football now, and he enjoys playing for Garland High School.  “It’s great. The coaches are great; and all the guys, we’re like brothers,” Lambert said.

During the same game, Lambert also kicked a 60-yard punt, which was downed inside Duncanville’s 5-yard line.

Lambert’s unofficial best in practice is an amazing 58 yards.

DeSoto defeats GHS volleyball team

Kim Everett | September 9, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Garland High School Lady Owls volleyball team was defeated by Desoto High School Tuesday, September 7.  DeSoto took three straight sets.

The Lady Owls will meet the Naaman Forest High School Lady Rangers Friday, September 10 for the first district match.  The game is at NFHS, and the varsity team plays at 6:30 p.m.

Kim Everett | September 7, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Duncanville Panthers thought they had game two of  non-district play in the bag at Panther Stadium Friday, September 3.  The Garland Owls had a different thought.

The score, which stayed close throughout the first half, was 14-13 at the beginning of the third quarter.  The Panthers scored three times in the third to take a 34-20 lead over the Owls, but the tide turned with 5:50 left in the game.

Ja’Taveon Green scored on a 65-yard pass from Dawson Hadnot, and the successful PAT, brought the score to 34-27.  On their next possession, with 2:50 left to play in the game, Green scored again on a 10-yard run to tie it at 34.

Garland held the stunned Panthers’ offense, then moved the ball 55 yards down field to go ahead 41-34 on a 5-yard run by Malcolm Miller with 56 seconds left to play.

Hadnot threw for 223 yards with one touchdown pass and no interceptions.  His completion rate was 10 of 18.  Green scored three touchdowns and Jordan Spencer and Malcolm Miller each scored once.

Kicker Josh Lambert, in addition to making every extra point, scored two field goals to contribute to the Owls’ victory.  The first was a 53-yarder, which broke the school record of 52 yards set by Brandy Brownlee in 1983 against Skyline High School and tied by Matt Fodge in 2004 against Plano East High School.

Lambert also had a 47-yard field goal and a 60-yard punt that was downed inside the Panthers’ 5-yard line.  In last week’s game against Flower Mound Marcus, he kicked a 51-yard field goal. 

Garland is now 1-1 in non-district play and will meet Lake Highlands Friday, September 10 at Wildcats/Rams Stadium for the last game before district play for GISD begins on Thursday and Friday, September 16 and 17.

Kim Everett | September 7, 2010

David Wesley, named the Dallas Morning News Offensive Player of the Week, had 13 carries for 252 yards rushing, along with a 54-yard reception to help the Mustangs to a huge victory over Arlington Sam Houston Friday night at Arlington’s Wilemon Field.

For his part, Billy Cole, the team’s Offensive Player of the Week, had 16 carries for 105 yards, along with some great blocking.

Sachse scored on eight consecutive possessions with the help of Offensive Lineman of the Week, Abran Oaks.  His blocking percentage grade, according to Red Behrens, Sachse’s head coach, was 95% with three knockdowns.

Jamal Turner and Terrell Varnes scored for Arlington Sam Houston, but in the end, they came up short against the Mustangs defense.  The defense did such a great job in stopping the explosive Arlington Sam Houston offense, that Behrens named the entire defensive team as Defensive Player of the Week.

The Defensive Front 7 Player of the Week was Ishmiah Miles with eight tackles and two assisted tackles.  Special Teams Player of the Week was Dominic Wilhite with four tackles on special teams.

David Wesley, Billy Cole, Emmanuel Adewale, Michael Ramos, Scott Brand, and kicker Joey Silva scored for the Mustangs.  The final score was 55-14.

Billy Gallion | September 5, 2010 -- Photos by Billy Gallion

Except for not being able to spell their mascot’s name correctly,  Plano East had just about everything going their way Friday night at Tom Kimbrough Stadium in Murphy.  The Panthers’ passing proved hard to stop as the Naaman Forest Rangers’ defense found it difficult to cover their fast wide receivers.  Plano East scored first with 9:46 left in the first quarter after an 85-yard drive.

After the Rangers’ first drive stalled, Plano East took over the ball with 5:50 left in the first.  It took 1:43 for the Panthers to score again on a 43-yard pass, and with a successful 2-point conversion, the score was 15-0.

The Rangers’ offense came alive on the following drive and scored with 23 seconds left in the first quarter.  The point after attempt was no good.  

The Panthers’ next possession ended in a 26-yard touchdown reception and another 2- point conversion to bring the score to 23-6 in favor of Plano East.    

The Rangers’ offense struggled again as they started their drive on their own 23, and three plays and a holding penalty later, the Rangers had to punt from deep inside their own end zone.  After three plays and a 16-yard pass, Plano East found the end zone to make the score 30-6 in the second quarter. 

The Rangers’ running game found success on their next possession, driving the ball 74 yards and ending in a 26-yard rushing touchdown and 2-point conversion.  The score, with 1:17 left in the second, was 30-14. 

The Rangers opened the second half with a 75-yard drive that ended in a touchdown.  The extra point was no good, making the score 30-20 with 10:50 left in the third quarter. 

Plano East answered with a 62-yard pass for their next score with 9:25 in the third quarter.  On the next kick off, the Rangers lined up on the 35 instead of the 40, and the Panthers took advantage of the additional five yards and tried an onside kick.  They recovered the football on the NFHS 48-yard line.  With 5:40 left in the third, the Panthers scored again to make the score 44-20, which is how the third quarter ended. 

With 6:41 left in the fourth, NFHS scored on a 9-yard touchdown pass. The point after kick was unsuccessful, and the score was 44-26, which is how the game ended.

The South Garland High School Colonels racked up a total of 421 yards in Thursday night’s contest against Arlington Martin at Garland’s Homer B. Johnson Stadium.

John Lacour scored two touchdowns, one on a 68-yard run that sewed up the game with 24 seconds remaining, along with one on a 3-yard run.  Quarterback Stephan Turner also got into the end zone from one yard out for a touchdown.  Turner also set up a field goal with a 72-yard run.  Kicker Angel Maldonado contributed with two field goals, one from 50 yards out and one 22-yarder.  The final score was 27-14.

Rowlett outscores Rockwall; now 2-0 in non-district play

The Rowlett Eagles couldn’t be stopped in Friday night’s battle with Rockwall High School at Garland’s Homer B. Johnson Stadium.  Treyvon Green, Alex Barrientos, Colton Kalmus, Chase Thrasher, and kicker Ted Gates scored a total of 38 points against Rockwall’s 14.

Green scored three times and rushed for 125 yards to contribute to the Eagles’ 2-0 non-district record.  Barrientos had a 60-yard interception return.  Quarterback Grant Bothun passed for 126 yards on nine completions.

Sulphur Springs shuts out LCHS

After a scoreless first quarter, Sulphur Springs came alive in the second, scoring 10 points against Lakeview Centennial High School’s Patriots.  They would score another 15 points in the second half to shut out the Patriots in the Thursday night game at Garland’s Williams Stadium.

The Patriots fumbled four times and lost possession on three, along with four turnovers on downs.

Sulphur Springs’ quarterback Justin Owens passed for a total of 218 yards while Patriots’ quarterback Davonte Black passed for 252 yards on 13 completions.  The final score was 25-0.

Chris Long | September 4, 2010

Hillcrest no match for NFHS volleyball team

Kim Everett | September 2, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Naaman Forest High School girls' volleyball team defeated Hillcrest this week in three straight sets.

Standout players emerge in GHS
 loss to Flower Mound Marcus

Tammy Winter | August 29, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

And so it begins. Garland High School started its football season with a 33-13 loss to Flower Mound Marcus on Saturday, August 28.

The game was held at Carrollton’s Standridge Stadium as a part of The Old Coach Classic, and the excitement over this first game was almost palpable in the stands. A lot of the buzz surrounded the fact that the opposing quarterback happened to be Deion Sanders Jr., son of the famed former NFL great.

Garland was battling some odds with Dawson Hadnot replacing quarterback Seth Russell, who was out with a broken hand. A lot of new players in new positions on the field ensured that the Owls would be forced to get on-the-job experience. 

Things started off in Garland's favor, when first-year starting kicker Josh Lambert nailed a 51-yard field goal. Marcus answered with a 25-yard touchdown run by Evan Williams for a 7-3 lead.

The Owls then struck when Jae'Torean Green took a Hadnot pass and ran 43 yards past the Marauder defense for a touchdown. That would be the last lead Garland had.

By halftime the score was 23-10, with two touchdowns and a safety for Marcus, which turned the game permanently for the Marauders.

The second half was a struggle for Garland, with the Owls' inexperience being a big factor in Marcus' continued success. Garland's big problem was the fact that it just couldn't stop the Marauders' running game, and could not maintain control of the ball. Marcus kept pounding the ball to run out the clock. By the end of the game, Garland's defense was worn down.

Despite the loss, the Owls did however, have some standouts on the field. Lambert was perfect on all three of his kicks, and Green made a splash with 111 yards receiving on five catches.

Still though, the Owl program is widely recognized as one of the best in North Texas. A challenging non-district schedule should have Garland ready for 10-5A play.

When asked how they respond to critics who say that Garland's team isn't what it used to be after the loss of many prominent players (including five NCAA Division I signees) from the 2009-10 school year, captain Rocky Brashears said, "They say it every year, it doesn't mean anything." 

The concern now is for the Owls to be able to sustain both their offense and defense in a game. But if we've learned anything from how Garland operates, it's that the Owls customarily come back stronger after they've faced adversity. They will have an immediate chance to prove themselves Friday as they play at Duncanville.

Contributor Tammy Winter is a sophomore at Garland High School. 

NFHS falls to Rockwall Heath in season opener 

Billy Gallion | August 28, 2010 -- Photos by Billy Gallion

The Naaman Forest Rangers traveled to Rockwall to face the Rockwall Heath Hawks in their season opener Friday, August 27.  The first quarter was uneventful and ended with the Rangers driving to the Hawk 15 yard line.

The second quarter opened with a 25-yard field goal attempt by Naaman Forest but the attempt was blocked, and the Hawks returned the ball 85 yards for the first touchdown of the game.

After the kickoff the Rangers had a short lived drive, but the Hawks intercepted a blocked pass at the Naaman Forest 15-yard line, scored again with 5:17 remaining in the half.

On the ensuing kickoff Naaman Forest fumbled the ball out of bounds on their own 2-yard line, but three plays later returned the ball 76 yards for the Rangers’ first score of the game with 3:18 remaining in the first half.   Rockwall Heath scored again before the first half ended to bring the score to 21-7.

Naaman Forest struck first in the second half with a sustained drive and a touchdown, along with a 2-point conversion. 

The Rangers had a strong defensive stand late in the third quarter forcing the Hawks to punt, and after a bad snap the Rockwall Heath punter was forced to fall on the ball at his own 5-yard line.  Even with the excellent field position, the Hawks held the Rangers inside the red zone and took possession of the ball on their own 4-yard line. 

With 7:25 left in the fourth, the Rangers tied the game, but the Hawks were able to score on the next play from scrimmage.  They scored again after an interception, to bring the score to 35-21.

With 2:20 left in the fourth, the Rangers two-minute drill culminated in a score with 12 seconds on the clock to get within 7 points of the Hawks, but the onside kick was unsuccessful, and the game ended at 35-28. 

Wylie victorious over Sachse in season opening match-up

Chris Long | August 27, 2010

The Sachse Mustangs came up short in their first ever meeting with the Wylie Pirates losing 31-21 Friday, August 27 at Garland's Williams Stadium. Wylie threw for 222 yards while utilizing five receivers in the victory.

The Pirates drew first blood on the first drive of the game when Nico Ramirez connected with Jacob Benator for a 7-yard touchdown pass. Seth Heddink added the PAT to put Wylie up 7-0.

Sachse wasted no time in retaliating. On the second Mustangs play, junior running back David Wesley blasted a Wylie defender off his feet to clear the way for quarterback Scott Brand's 39-yard run deep into Pirate territory. Six plays later Wesley pinched it up the middle for a 1-yard score. The point kick from Joey Silva tied the game at 7.

Wylie struck early in the second quarter when Paul Branish scored on a 6-yard option play to the left of the line. Heddink's conversion put the Pirates up by 7.

The Mustangs marched down the field on the next series, and a spectacular 42-yard run by Wesley set up a 6-yard touchdown run by Brand. Silva's PAT knotted the game at 14, but Wylie scored the last punch of the first half with a 33-yard field goal by Heddink.

The back and forth shootout of the first half was replaced with each team being forced to punt on their first series of the second half. Sachse was held to a three-and-out on their second series and was attempting to punt from their own 21-yard line when the snap flew over the head of punter Wesley and the Pirates took over on the Mustangs 13-yard line. Five plays later, Ramirez scored on a 3-yard keeper. The kick by Heddink put Wylie up by 10.

Sachse was moving the ball well on the next series until Brand was picked off by Terell Burt. Two plays later, Relus Harris launched a 64-yard flea flicker bomb to Benator for Wylie's final score of the game.

The Mustangs fought hard and managed to get within 10 with an 8-yard scoring pass from Brand to Earl Burl late in the fourth quarter. Hard charging Sachse was driving again but stalled on the Pirates 8-yard line and gave the ball over on downs to end the game.

After the game, Sachse’s head coach Mark Behrens said, "We can't turn over the ball as often as we did and beat good teams."  Behrens was positive on his team's effort and praised their chemistry and perseverance.

The Mustangs’ rushers were led by Wesley who had 87 yards on 14 carries and Brand's 82 yards on eight runs. Burl had 50 yards in receptions to lead Sachse's receivers.

Ramirez led Wylie's runners with nine carries for 17 yards. Ramirez completed 18 passes on 24 attempts for 158 yards. Benator amassed 106 yards on five catches.

Next week, Sachse travels to Arlington to face Sam Houston.

High school football in full swing

Kim Everett | August 28, 2010

Rowlett defeats North Mesquite in overtime

Quarterback Grant Bothun scored the winning overtime touchdown and 2-point conversion, and Treyvon Green rushed for 154 yards in the Friday night thriller against North Mesquite. 

North Mesquite’s Dezmin Lewis caught a 25-yard pass in the end zone on the first play of OT to give the Stallions a 21-14 lead, but they couldn’t stop Bothun from finding the end zone on the two plays that mattered the most.  The final score was 22-21.

South Garland comes back against Richardson Berkner

South Garland, who trailed by a margin of 17-0 in the third quarter, came back for an overtime victory against Richardson Berkner.  The Colonels recovered a fumbled punt on the Rams’ 1-yard line and converted it into their first touchdown.  After capitalizing on two more turnovers, South Garland took the momentum into OT to defeat the Rams 24-17.

Stephan Turner and Reece Loyd scored the Colonels’ touchdowns.  Richardson Berkner lost possessions on three out of four fumbles.  SGHS had one fumble, but managed to maintain possession.

North Garland falls to Red Oak

NGHS was shut out by the Red Oak defense in their non-district opener.  A Raider fumble, one of five turnovers, resulted in a 64-yard return for a touchdown.  Red Oak rushed for a total 314 yards and had 12 first downs, while NGHS rushed for 207 yards and had seven first downs.  The game ended at 31-0.

Lakeview Centennial defeated by Plano

The LCHS Patriots were the first to score when quarterback Davonte Black ran for a 68-yard touchdown.  On the Patriots’ next possession, Plano’s Ben Laures scored on a blocked punt return.  Plano held the lead for the rest of the game in spite of a fumble that led to a touchdown pass from Black to Jarvis Baxter. 

Plano rushed for 139 yards and quarterback Connor Michelsen passed for 208; LCHS rushed for 126 yards and passed for 69.

GHS Lady Owls fall to Berkner

Posted August 25, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis

The Lady Owls volleyball team was defeated by Berkner High School Tuesday, August 17.  The Owls took the first two sets, but Berkner managed to recover and take the last three.

GISD football ticket sales:  On the cutting edge of technology

Kim Everett | August 23, 2010

To begin the 2010-11 football season, the Garland Independent School District will have the distinction of being the second district in Texas to go to an on-line system for ticket sales.  Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, in the Houston area, is the only other district in the state that has implemented this technology. 

GISD high school football fans will be able to purchase and print their varsity game tickets at home, any time of the day or night, and avoid long lines at the stadiums on game nights.  Fans who made a special trip to the ticket office each week to purchase tickets in advance can cross that errand off their lists if they wish.

“I think it’s going to be great.  We’re really excited about it,” Shelby Morgan of the GISD Athletic Office said.

There will still be those who prefer to go to the ticket office or do not have Internet access, and that option will remain available.  Even for the ones who prefer to buy their tickets at the stadium, the wait should be shorter because of the automated system and the fact that credit cards will now be accepted.

According to Morgan, tickets printed at home will be similar to e-tickets that are used for airline travel.  If a ticket is lost, it can easily be reprinted.  She also said that ticket prices were increased by a small margin, but it is the first increase in many years.

Donna Reeves, who sells the tickets at the athletic office during the week, had been wondering for quite some time if the ticketing process could be simplified by automation, and if tickets could be sold on-line.  She talked to Jacob Velasquez in the district’s Technology Department, and after researching it; he found that it definitely could be done.  Morgan said that Velasquez is responsible for getting the system set up.

The Special Events Center began using the technology several months ago, and it has been a success.

The system utilizes a user-friendly touch screen that should simplify the process for ticket sellers.  It will be a change for them, but it should be a positive one.

Season tickets will still be printed at the athletic office this year, but next year, Morgan hopes that season ticket holders will be able to print all their tickets from home if they wish to.

“We just want to let everybody to know that they are going to be able to do this, and that we are going to be able to take credit cards,” Morgan said.  "It has been a team effort to get it set up, and everyone has worked really hard.”

From the Technology Department, to the Maintenance Department that updated the ticket booths to the ticket sellers, the change has required hard work from many district employees.

“I believe it’s going to be something great.  I think it will be easier on the sellers, but it’s like all technology; you have to get used to it.” GISD Athletic Director Homer Johnson said.  “If it works like I think it will, everybody will be moving to this system, and it’s great that our district is the second one in the state to use it.”

Owl football:  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

Kim Everett | August 17, 2010

Coach Jeff Jordan, who is in his 23^rd year as a Garland Owls football coach and beginning his 10^th year as head coach, has enjoyed a great deal of success at Garland High School.  Under his direction, the Owls have made it to the playoffs seven out of nine years. 

The team has seven starters coming back, four on offense and three on defense, and Seth Russell, last year’s junior varsity starting quarterback will assume varsity quarterback duties.  But, even considering all the changes, Jordan says that they have a good group of players. 

“We don’t have as many ‘high profile’ recruits as we’ve had before, but some of the best years we’ve had are when we didn’t have all those high-profile guys.  Sometimes it seems to work out better like that,” he said.

From a mechanics standpoint, the coach said that everything will basically stay the same as it has been for the last couple of years.  His feeling is, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

The district has changed with the addition of McKinney Boyd High School.  “They’ll be a good challenge…Every week’s a fight in this district.  You’ve got everybody in town that knows everybody and you better be ready to play every week,” Jordan said.

One might think that being “the team to beat” would be difficult, but Jordan believes that it often works in their favor.  “In ‘93 when we first made the playoffs, it started to turn where we were the team that was being hunted instead of being the hunter,” he said.  “It’s a little bit of a shock to your system…But now, after so many years of being successful, our kids kind of like that.  It helps keep them focused and motivated.  They know we are going to get everybody’s best shot so we better respond in kind.”

Carrying on the tradition of Owl football is important to the coaches and players.  “We are fortunate and very honored to have a chance to carry on that tradition.  People love Garland Owl football,” Jordan said.  “It’s great when I walk over to Homer’s [Homer Johnson, GISD Athletic Director] office and see people buying the same season tickets they’ve had for years." 

“We really appreciate everyone.  It’s amazing what a difference it makes in the kids when they walk out and see those stands full,” Jordan said.  “The atmosphere at our games is great, and it’s fun to be a part of it.  We’re going to do our best to uphold the tradition, play hard, and win football games.”

Upholding the tradition is also important to seniors Gio Olvera and Rocky Brashears, offensive linemen who have both been playing football since fourth grade. 

“The coaches make sure that there is excitement here [practice] and during games, and if we believe the tradition can keep going, we’ll be good, and people will come,” Olvera said.  “Right now there’s doubt because some of the players are gone, but we’ll still be here, and we are going to do good again.”

According to Brashears, it’s not always easy to live up to the expectations of a team that has had four state championship years.  “It’s tougher, but it makes us better in the end,” he said.

Olvera and Brashears appreciate the fans’ loyalty and agree that it helps motivate them.  “It’s awesome to know that people still come to our games after all these years.  Whether we have a 3-7 season or win state, they’re going to be there,” Brashears said. 

“Their support means a lot more than they may think…You’re playing for your teammates; you’re playing for your school; you’re playing for the town, and for all the fans that have been here forever.  Just seeing them up there cheering us on is good motivation.”

Owls start season with 'Old Coach Classic'

Posted August 19, 2010

The Garland Owls will participate in the "Old Coach Avery Air Classic" to begin the 2010 football season.   The classic will feature eight teams with a combined 14 state championship titles between them.

Thursday, August 26 Carrollton Newman Smith will play Keller Central.  The Friday, August 27 game pits Celina against Carrollton Farmers Branch-Ranchview.

In addition to the GHS vs. Flower Mound game on Saturday, August 28, Denton Guyer will be up against Waxahachie.

Avery Air has dedicated nearly $10,000 in scholarships to the participating programs.

SGLL 7- and 8-year-olds win district championship

Kim Everett / August 10, 2010

The South Garland Little League 7- and 8-year-old team became the Texas District 8 Champions in July.  Gale Dunn, proud grandmother of one of the players, said that the team overcame horrible weather conditions and made everyone proud when they came away with the championship.

“The 7- and 8-year-olds have a lot of power, and we are going to do it again,” Dunn said.

Wylie Little League All-Stars take all
three games in Garland tournament

Kim Everett / August 5, 2010

The 7- and 8-year-old Wylie Little League All-Stars team made the short trip to Garland to play a three-game all-star championship series a few weeks ago.

Wylie defeated the North Garland Little League All-Stars in the first game and the South Garland Little League All-Stars in the second and third games to become the champions for their age group.

The players selected for the Wylie team had played coach-pitch baseball all season and had very little time to get ready for the kid-pitch tournament.  In addition, kid-pitch has a few different rules that the players had to learn.

Stand-out players for Wylie were: Nick who threw 50 pitches in the first game; Mason an outfielder who hit a homerun in game one; Parker, who had both pitching and catching duties at various times in the series; and Luke and Zach who also had great games during the tournament.

“I was so proud of my boys.  They only had five practices.  They picked it up quick,” Coach Shane Settles said.

Former NFHS athlete teaches
more than football skills

Kim Everett / July 20, 2010

Melvin Bullitt, Indianapolis Colts defensive back and former Naaman Forest High School and Texas A&M football star, hosted his third annual Youth Football Camp and Sports Festival Friday and Saturday, July 16 and 17.

Bullitt, along with Jonathan Miller, Oklahoma University running back; Terrence Bullitt, Texas Tech safety; and Colts teammate, cornerback Jacob Lacey, all NFHS graduates, were on-hand to share their expertise as well as promote a drug free lifestyle, academic achievement, and physical fitness.  Pee-wee football coaches, NFHS staff, and Bullitt’s and Lacey’s families and friends also helped with the event.

The festival began with an “Amazing Race” event in which participants had to do everything from kick field goals to answer math questions and solve word scrambles.  Everyone enjoyed the competition and agreed that the math questions and word scrambles were the most difficult parts.

The winning team included Kendall Roden, Reagan Elam, and a younger competitor named Robert.  Danielle Hawkins, Ashley Barensprung, and young team member Jalen took second place.

Saturday’s event featured a free football camp where young players worked on both offensive and defensive skills.  The kids practiced with and learned from NFL and college players along with Garland Pee-Wee League coaches.

Bullitt and Lacey shared with younger players about what it takes to be successful – not only on the football field – but in school and in life as well.  In keeping with his emphasis on academics, Bullitt distributed certificates to kids that made the A-B honor roll last school year. 

All participants received t-shirts and were treated to pizza after the camp.  They were hot and exhausted but said that they learned a lot.

NFHS Assistant Principal Janet Wyatt praised Bullitt and his friends who helped with the event.  “All these guys want to give back to the community, and it’s just great.  This is the third year for this event, and it gets bigger every year,” she said.

Greg Benton, a representative from Flying Color Sports, an Ohio-based public relations firm that helped host the event, told the crowd on Friday night that not all professional athletes are as community-minded as Bullitt.  “Only 10% of NFL players do this kind of thing,” he said.

Bullitt’s parents, Jerry and Billie, along with Lacey’s parents, Mike and Francine, are proud of the way their sons are giving back to the community.  “There’s no better way to give back than in your hometown,” Francine Lacey said. 

Mike Lacey said that one of the most important things a parent can do is keep their kids busy and be involved in what they do.  “We let Jacob know that we would support him in whatever he was involved in,” he said.

Billie Bullitt said that the fact that her son works so hard to give back and has a desire to help others is what makes her proudest.

For more information, visit www.flyingcolorssports.com or www.melvinbullitt.com.

About Melvin Bullitt

Bullitt graduated from NFHS in 2003 and took only 3 ½ years to graduate from Texas A&M in 2006.  His rookie year with the Colts was 2007.

His dream was always to play football, and his career began on a team at the YMCA.  He then played for the Garland Pee-Wee League and the Sellers Middle School Sharks before going to NFHS to play for the Rangers.

“I started working on my autograph when I learned how to spell my name.  Every kid dreams of being famous. It’s not being cocky or stuck-up,” he said.  “It’s just that I had dreams, and then they just happened to come true.”

He believes that staying positive is one of the most important aspects of life.  “A lot of times kids go the wrong way because all they hear is negative stuff.  They hear it on the radio.  They see it on TV…If you can put more positive in their life maybe they’ll go that direction,” Bullitt said.

“You’ve got to tell them to do the best they can and try as hard as they can.  You never know who you’re looking at.  You may be looking at the next president.  So don’t drill them with bad things.”

This camp is one of the ways he tries to positively influence kids.  He also runs a six-week conditioning camp through NFHS and his gym, Geared for Speed. 

His coaches at NFHS influenced him in many ways.  “They never had anything negative to say, and they were straight up.  They’d tell you when you were doing something wrong and praised you when you were doing something right.  They also made us work hard,” he said.

“That’s what you have to do in this world.  You can’t be lazy because no one is going to give anything to you.  If you don’t work hard, then you are just going to be a guy out there looking for something. But if you’re trying, good things are going to happen to you.”

Bullitt credits his parents for his “common sense” approach to life.  “It’s very simple, you can go right or you can go left.  You can call it wisdom, or you can call it common sense, but you know when you are doing something wrong and when you are doing something right.  When a kid is doing something right, why not acknowledge that,” he said.

“You always hear someone yelling at a kid for not doing something he’s supposed to do, but you don’t hear them praising a kid for going that extra mile, for doing more.”

Former NFHS football great hosts youth training camp

Kim Everett / July 13, 2010

Naaman Forest High School graduate and Indianapolis Colts defensive back Melvin Bullitt will host his Third Annual Garland Pee Wee Football Sports Festival Friday and Saturday, July 16 and 17. 

Friday, July 16 – 6 p.m. – Meet and Greet / NFL Amazing Race Event

This event for students and families is based on the television show, “The Amazing Race,” and open to ages 10 and older.  Teams of three or four individuals will race against NFL players along a one-mile course that includes challenges involving a combination of skill, intellect, and teamwork.  Entry fee is $50 per team.  Check-in begins at 5 p.m., and there will be an autograph and awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 17 – 9 a.m. – Free Football Training Camp

This non-contact clinic is for experienced and non-experienced players.  NFL players will teach offensive and defensive techniques they are taught in the pros.  Check-in begins at 8 a.m.  Youth camp for grades 1-6 and advanced skills camp for grades 7-8 begin at 9 a.m.  Awards, autographs, and lunch are at 11:30 a.m.  All participants receive a free t-shirt and lunch.

Special awards will also be given to campers who achieved the A/B honor roll.  Students should take a copy of report cards.

All events will be held at Naaman Forest High School, 4843 Naaman Forest Blvd., Garland

This is my opportunity to give back to the kids in the community.  My sports festival will focus on encouraging area students to work hard on the field and in the classroom, stay physically active and say NO to drugs.  My NFL buddies and I look forward to seeing everyone at the festival. – Melvin Bullitt

The event is co-hosted by Flying Colors Sports.  Visit www.flyingcolorssports.com or www.melvinbullitt.com for more information.

GHS and NFHS athletes
sign with universities

Posted May 31, 2010

Naaman Forest High School soccer coach Scott Faris announced that Justin Lowry, who helped lead NFHS to a regional semifinal berth in the playoffs this year, signed with Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. to play soccer.

The Garland High School Lady Owls basketball coach LeeAnn Stephenson recently announced that Tamara Wilkett has signed and committed to play basketball at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark. on scholarship, and Sasha Curtis will continue managing the Lady Highlassie basketball program at McClennan Community College in Waco on scholarship.

Sachse Mustangs win 7 on 7 Shootout

Kim Everett / May 24, 2010
 

The Sachse Mustangs came out on top in this year’s Nike 7 on 7 Shootout at Keller.  According to an article by Matt Stepp at www.theoldcoach.rivals.com, the final four teams left in bracket play at the end of the tournament were a surprise and included Sachse, Keller Fossil Ridge, Dallas Lincoln, and Saginaw Boswell.  Stepp referred to them as “four mystery guests left at the table.”

The Mustangs defeated Dallas Lincoln 31-14 in the semi-finals to advance to the finals where they came out on top over Keller Fossil Ridge for the championship in a 38-31 overtime win.  Running back Billy Cole scored the winning touchdown during Sachse’s second overtime possession.

“This is a big tourney win for the program.  We were short some kids due to play-off baseball game, and there were some kids that stepped up their game and played very well,” Head Coach Mark Behrens said.  “Go Mustangs.”

Lady Eagles strong in softball playoffs

Kim Everett / May 18, 2010

The Lady Eagles of Rowlett High School defeated Sachse’s Lady Mustangs in the first two games of a three-game series for the regional quarterfinals round of the playoffs.  Game scores were 12-1 and 11-0.

The Lady Eagles will compete in the regional semifinals playoff round against the Woodlands High School.  Game one of the series, which will held be in Georgetown, is Friday, May 21 at 7 p.m.  Games two and three are on Saturday, May 22 at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. (if necessary).

In baseball area round playoff competition, the Sachse Mustangs were defeated by Tyler Lee High School in two games of a three-game series.  Scores were 5-2 and 3-1.

GHS basketball player signs with university 

Posted May 15, 2010 -- Photo by Roger Mathis -- www.mempics.com

Garland High School student Marcus Thompson signed to continue his studies and play basketball for Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio on Thursday, May 13 at the GHS gym.  The value of his scholarship is $24,000. 

Thompson was also selected to the first team 10 5A all-district basketball team and has been the starting point guard for the Garland Owls for three years.

Two GISD schools remain in playoffs

Kim Everett / May 9, 2010 -- Photos by Roger Mathis -- www.mempics.com

After games played Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 6-8, two Garland Independent School District softball teams, Rowlett’s Lady Eagles and the Lady Mustangs of Sachse, remain in playoff competition.

The Lady Eagles defeated Mesquite High School in a three-game area play-off series.  In extra innings in the third game, Jordan Terry hit a two-run single to take the lead, and the Lady Eagles held on to win 4-2.

The Lady Mustangs won 3-2 against Tyler Lee High School on Friday, May 7 in a one-game area play-off match-up.

The Lady Mustangs and Lady Eagles will compete in the regional quarter-final round of the playoffs this week.

The Lady Owls of Garland were defeated in a heartbreaker by a score of 5-4 by Mesquite Horn Thursday, May 6.

Four GISD baseball teams competed at the bi-district level.  The South Garland Colonels were defeated in a three-game series by Richardson.  The Rowlett Eagles lost their series to Lake Highlands, and Lakeview Centennial’s Patriots fell to Berkner in their three-game series.

Softball, baseball playoffs in full swing 

Kim Everett / May 5, 2010 

The Garland High School Lady Owls softball team won their bi-district match-up against Berkner by 12-0 last week.  They will meet Mesquite Horn in the area round of playoffs on Thursday, May 6 at 7:00 at Wylie HS. 

The Lady Owls won back to back state championships in 2006 and 2007, and were the state runner-up team in 2005.

Sachse High School’s Lady Mustangs are set to play Tyler Lee in the area playoff round this weekend, and Rowlett High School’s Lady Eagles will be matched up against Mesquite High School.

In the boys baseball bi-district playoff competition, Lakeview Centennial High School’s Patriots will play Berkner, the Rowlett Eagles will meet Lake Highlands, Sachse’s Mustangs will be matched up against W.T. White, and South Garland High School’s Colonels will play Richardson High School.

GISD soccer players receive honors from TASCO

Posted May 4, 2010

The Garland Independent School District had four players who received All Region and All State soccer honors from the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches.  Three of the athletes are students at Naaman Forest High School, and one attends North Garland High School.

North Garland HS

Daniel Duvila - 2nd Team All Region II-5A

Naaman Forest HS

Colin Marusak - 2nd Team All-State - First Team All Region II-5A

Cody Guerry - 1st Team All Region II - 5A

Kam Keen - 2nd Team All Region II -5A
 

NFHS “Hill Crew” makes noise for the boys 

Kim Everett / April 27, 2010

As the sun set over the hill by the Naaman Forest High School baseball field on Friday, April 23, I had an opportunity to visit with some amazing students. 

A group of young men and women, mostly seniors, called the “Hill Crew” watch every game from the hill – on couches that they have found and painted with the school colors and logos.  They support the team and have more fun than I’ve seen kids have in a long time. 

It’s simple, old-fashioned fun – no electronic games, computers, or televisions are necessary.  The only requirements are a sense of humor, school spirit, and a love of sports.  They laugh, make noise for the team with an assortment of shakers made from butane tanks, horns, and a megaphone, and good naturedly insult the opponent, which on this night was Garland High School.   

The Hill Crew originated in 2005, and a core group of young men, including Colin Marusak, Jake Johnson, Wesley Thomas, Cory Luckow, Deven Shuler, Ty Montague, and T.J. Lopez are dedicated to keeping the tradition going. 

There were about 20 students on the hill on this night – attendance was low because there was a choir concert going on at the same time – but the core group is always there. 

They all agreed that T.J. is the one in charge.  There are, after all, rules to be enforced.  For example, the same insult (all of the ones I heard were both harmless and funny) cannot be hurled at the opposing team too many times in the same game.  They have to “keep it fresh.”  T.J. is also the one who owns the truck, which means that when anyone sees a couch discarded on a curb, they call him to pick it up.

Whether the Rangers win or lose the baseball game is of little consequence.  The Hill Crew is there to encourage them either way.  They explained that the team is in a rebuilding year, but that doesn’t take away from the fun or pride for the team. 

These same guys make up another group called the “Paint Up Boys” because they paint up for all the football games, no matter how cold it is, and support the team.

While we visited, they asked me to give a “big shout out” to their parents, Mr. Baker, and School Resource Officer Hernandez who drove all the way to Austin for a Rangers soccer game when he didn’t have to.

Time with friends, school spirit, fun, and laughter – this group of students is making memories that will bring smiles to their faces for many years to come.

Sachse HS linemen prove strength in competition

Kim Everett / April 25, 2010

Photos courtesy of Joe Diehl -- www.jbdphotos.com

Jeremy Colvert, assistant coach at Sachse High School came up with a way that linemen could be involved in spring and summer competitions, be challenged in position-specific events, and have fun while competing.  He developed a competition called “The Lineman Challenge” six years ago, and now similar events are springing up all over the state.

 
Some of the events include bench press, a tractor tire flip, an obstacle course relay, harness pulls, a stone stack, and a truck push, and all are designed for the guys with lots of strength.

On Saturday, April 17^th, Colvert along with the rest of the coaching staff at Sachse HS, hosted the First Annual Sachse Mustang Lineman Challenge.  A few of the 21 teams that competed in the event included Lake Highlands HS, Flower Mound Marcus HS, Colleyville Heritage HS, Plano East HS, Plano West HS, and Rowlett HS.  More than 200 athletes participated.

The challenge is scored using a point system similar to a track and field competition, and the top teams were:

First place – Sachse HS with 55 points.

Second place – A tie between Lake Highlands HS and Plano East HS, each with 31 points.

Third place – A tie between DeSoto HS and Flower Mound Marcus HS, each with 26 points.

Of the eight events, Sachse placed first in four of them – the stone stack, farmers walk, tire flip, and tire tow.  They placed second in the obstacle course and bench press. 

An April, 2008 Dallas Morning News article by Kevin Sherrington sang the praises of the Lineman Challenge.  ‘Linemen labor anonymously in their fields, untouched by glory, unnoticed until a quarterback gets trampled,” he wrote.  He called the competition a “remedy for that condition.”

SHS student nominated for award

Submitted by Coach Mark ‘Red’ Behrens / April 17, 2010

Austin Hayes of the Sachse High School Mustangs is one the nominees for the "The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame" organization and will participate in Banquet Awards Ceremony on Tuesday at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium Banquet Hall. 

The event will be held April 20 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.  Collegiate honorees as well as 53 high school scholar-athletes will be recognized, and SMU Head Coach June Jones will deliver the keynote speech.