Lady Riders race past Tenaha, 49-42 - December 1, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Center guard Kemi Cleveland (10) slaps the ball away from Tenaha's Whitney Jackson as Jackson tries to bring the ball up court during Tuesday night's game in Roughrider Gymnasium. The Lady Riders won the game, 49-42. (Photo by John Krueger)

Center guard Shya Stansberry scored all seven of her points in the fourth quarter Tuesday night as the Lady Riders used a stifling defense early on and then long-range jumpers from the sophomore late in the final period to knock off the Tenaha Lady Tigers, 49-42, here in Roughrider Gymnasium.

The win was the second straight and fourth in the first five games of the season for Center (4-1), under first-year head coach Tracy Kincade. Center only managed one victory in the entire 2010-11 season. Tenaha fell to 2-3 on the year.

Center guard Shya Stansberry (with ball) begins bringing the ball up court after grabbing a rebound during Monday night's game against Tenaha in Roughrider Gymnasium. Stansberry scored seven points in the fourth quarter to lead her team to a win. (Photo by John Krueger)

Kincade has preached a 'high octane' effort from his players this season and he has received just that through the first five games. The Lady Riders forced 22 Tenaha turnovers, while turning on the offensive pressure which saw them score 22 of their points in transition against THS. Center committed 17 turnovers.

CHS created eight first-quarter turnovers and turned them directly into six points. That enabled the Lady Riders to open up a 12-6 lead after the first quarter as Lakia Shepherd, who led all scorers with 23 points, scored on a pair of layups and hit a 15-footer to knock down six points in the opening stanza.

Tenaha, which started the game with three turnovers on its initial three trips down the court, settled down after falling behind 10-0 in the first 3:25 to outscore Center 6-2 over the final 3:22 to pull back to within 12-6 at the end of the period. Ashlee Ray, who finished with 12 points, finally got THS on the board with a 15-footer, which appeared to jumpstart the Lady Tiger offense.

Tenaha continued to battle back in the second quarter as Eboni Moore scored four of her six points on offensive rebound put-backs to start the period. When Whitney Jackson (eight points) hit a trey with 4:47 left in the half Tenaha was back to within 16-13.

But despite hitting only 3-of-9 free throws over the final 4:27 of the half, the Lady Riders scored eight points in the paint and outscored Tenaha 9-1 in a span of 3:31 to take a 25-14 lead into the locker room.

The Lady Tigers continued their surge in the third quarter, slowly chipping away at the Center lead, despite five turnovers. Jalysa Steadman scored five of her 10 points in the period and Ray added five of her own as THS outscored Center 15-10 to cut the CHS lead to 35-29 heading into the final stanza.

Center post player Lacie Evans (with ball) is in traffic as she puts the ball up between Tenaha defenders Eboni Moore (left) and Taylor Killey (50). The Lady Riders won the game, 49-42, to improve to 4-1. (Photo by John Krueger)

Shepherd, who scored 15 first-half points, was held to six points in the third, but the rest of the Center squad only managed four.

In the fourth quarter it was Tenaha which turned up the defensive pressure, forcing eight Center turnovers. The Lady Tigers went on an 8-2 spurt in the first 2:43 of the quarter to tie the score at 37-37 with 5:17 remaining.

The tie was the first of three in the final stanza, with the last coming at 41-41 with 2:33 on the clock as the Lady Tigers scored eight of its 13 points in the quarter from inside the paint.

But after THS forged the final tie, the Center defense clamped down on the Lady Tigers, allowing just one point in the final 2:33 and no points after the 1:55 mark as Stansberry caught fire and scored seven of the Center's final 12 points. She broke a 41-41 tie with a three-pointer at the 2:11 mark and then Shepherd and Lacie Evans (8 points) traded layups and assists to seal the victory.

Ashley Sigler added seven points for Center, while Kemi Cleveland threw in four points.

Ray scored 10 of her 12 points in the final two periods, while Eboni Moore dropped in six, Taylor Killey added five and Tiara Williams scored one point for Tenaha.

Both teams will be in tournament action beginning Thursday. Tenaha will participate in the Santo Tournament, while Center takes on Gladewater Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Troup Tournament. CHS will then battle Troup at 12-noon on Friday.

Tigers faces nemesis Mt. Enterprise for regional title - December 1, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Tenaha defenders LaDarren Cooks (56) and Octavius Griffith (11) force Hubbard running back Bradley Walker to lose his footing as he changes direction during Saturday's game at TMF Rose Stadium. The Tigers will playing for the Class 1A D-II Region III championship Friday night in Carthage. (Photo by John Krueger)

It's been just seven weeks since the Tenaha Tigers handed Mount Enterprise an embarrassing 47-0 setback at the THS homecoming for the only blemish on the Wildcats' season record. There's no doubt that the 'Cats haven't forgotten that night and will be looking to change their fortunes when the two squads tangle Friday.

This time around there will be much more at stake as Tenaha (11-0) and Mount Enterprise (11-1) renew their grid rivalry as they battle for the Class 1A D-II Region III championship Friday night at Carthage's Bulldog Stadium. The 7:30 p.m. contest will be aired on KGAS Radio (94.3 FM).

Tickets for the game will be $6 at the gate. There will be no passes honored. Mount Enterprise will be the designated 'home' team.

Both teams have plenty to play for and incentive to go along with it as the survivor not only claims the regional crown, but also a spot in the state semifinal next weekend against the winner of the Burton (11-2)/Falls City (10-2) matchup, which will be played Friday at Buda High School (7:30 p.m.).

Although there is a short journey to the Class 1A D-II state championship game at Cowboys Stadium on Dec. 15 (4 p.m.), there is still plenty of football to be played to get there. The Tigers and wildcats much win two monumental games to reach each teams' goal of a chance in the title game in 'Jerry's house'.

With so much riding on this week's playoff tilt, there might not be many similarities to the one-sided affair that took place on Oct. 15 at The Pit.

In that game Tenaha rolled up 525 yards, including 341 yards on the ground and 184 more through the air as the Tigers built a 27-0 halftime lead and coasted in the second half.

Mount Enterprise was limited to just six first downs, while managing just 12 yards passing and 170 total yards. The ground-oriented Wildcats also struggled in

Tenaha receiver Shaquille Mitchell (8) breaks into the clear en route to a long touchdown run of a fumble recovery during Saturday's playoff game against Hubbard in Tyler. Mitchell has become the main receiving threat for the Tigers. (Photo by John Krueger)

third down conversions, converting only 1-of-14 (7.1%) attempts.

Hunter Ammons will no doubt be the 'go-to' guy for the Mount Enterprise offense. He gained 119 yards on 26 carries in the first meeting. He recently set a pair of school records when he completed the regular season with a new mark of 1,771 yards and scored his 26th touchdown of the season in the regular season finale against Beckville.

Since their loss to Tenaha, the Wildcats have rolled off five consecutive wins, beating their opponents by an average of 46.4 points to 10. Mount Enterprise has beaten Dallas Gateway Charter, 56-0, Gorman, 44-7, and Chilton, 27-24, for its three postseason wins.

Tenaha will present many of the same problems that it presented the first two times the squads met. Tiger quarterback Reginald Davis rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns in that game, averaging 26.2-yards per carry. Sophomore Chavis Gregory also had a big night, picking up 140 yards and averaging 10 yards per haul.

Davis completed 7-of-12 passes against the Mount Enterprise secondary, throwing for 184 yards and a pair of scores. Shaquille Mitchell pulled in two for 82 yards and a score, Demon Horton was on the receiving end of two for 34 yards and a TD and Octavius Griffith hauled in three for 68 yards.

With their District 12-1A D-II championship came a first-round bye for Tenaha, before destroying Bremond, 51-6, and Hubbard, 62-28, in their two playoff games.

This is not only a key playoff matchup, but a rivalry game, which means it all probability the results of the first contest can be thrown out. With all that is resting on the outcome of this game, it will no doubt be an all-out 'war'.

Ponies split a pair at Collin County tourney - December 1, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

The Panola College Ponies faced a pair of tough opponents over the holiday weekend, splitting a pair of contests at the Collin County Classic in Plano. The Ponies opened play with a hard-fought 86-84 win over Clarendon College on Friday, before dropping a 90-67 setback to South Plains on Saturday.

Here's a recap of the two contests:

Panola College 86, Clarendon College 84 -- Issac Mack and Robert Lee each had the hot hand on Friday, scoring 22 points apiece as the Ponies escaped with an 86-84 win over Collin County.

Panola hit 56.6% (34-of-60) from the field in the victory as Mack connected with 9-of-14 from the field. Lee connected on 8-of-17 from the field and 5-of-10 from the line. Lee had eight boards and 10 assists for a double-double, while Mack also dished out four assists.

JaRon Denmark was also in double figure scoring, converting 7-of-13 field goals and finish 3-of-4 free throws and 17 points. He also added four rebounds and three assists. Zieyik Estime made 4-of-10 field goals for 10 points, Ashton Harrell scored seven points and Oscar Lewis, Alonzo Murphy, Breion Beaver and Siddiq Smith pitched in two apiece.

Murphy added six rebounds and Estime had five.

Panola College finished the game with 40 rebounds and 26 turnovers.

South Plains 90, Panola College 67 -- Lee hit 8-of-18 field goals and 4-of-7 from the line on Saturday in a 90-67 loss at the hands of South Plains.

The Ponies connected on 24-of-61 (39.3%) from the field and 13-of-24 (54.2%) from the charity stripe, while turning the ball over only 14 times and tallying 30 boards.

Mack was the only other Panola player in double figures besides Lee, dumping in 13 points on 5-of-16 shooting from the floor.

Estime was the leading rebounder for Panola with nine, while Lee pulled down seven. Harrell led the squad in assists with five.

Ponies blast Northwestern State JV, 109-53 - December 1, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

With their second Region XIV game of the season staring them in the face on Wednesday, the Panola College Ponies need a strong shot of confidence. They received a full dose Monday night when they put five players in double figures in a 109-53 blowout victory over the Northwestern State JV here in Arthur Johnson Gymnasium.

Panola picked up its second win in three games with the victory over the Demons. The Ponies split two games at the Collin County Classic on Friday and Saturday, topping Clarendon, 86-84, before falling to South Plains, 90-67, on Saturday.

The Ponies, who are 4-5 on the season despite putting 10 freshmen on the floor on some nights, will take their 0-1 conference mark to Paris on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. game. Panola will then return home on Saturday to host El Centro Community College at 2 p.m. in a nonconference matchup.

Freshman Siddiq Smith (Houston) scored 13 of his game-high 23 points in the first half for Panola as the Ponies sprinted out to a 48-26 lead and then scorched the net for 61 second-half points to pull away.

"In three of our five losses - McClendon, Tyler (JC) and Southwest - we've been leading in the first half and forgot what got us to the point of being ahead and then our youthfulness comes out in the second half and we have lost," said Panola head coach Junsie Cotten after Monday's game. "But I still love my team; we just have a long way to go.

"With 10 freshmen you have the constantly teach them how hard they have to practice because the game goes really fast and the practice sometimes goes really slow. Then they get into the game and they say, 'Whoa.' So they just have to develop some mental toughest, which I think they will.

"Hopefully by the end of the season we'll be playing our best ball."

Freshman JeQuan Smith (Houston) scored 10 first-half points and finished with 16 points for the Ponies, while freshman Breion Beaver (Zwolle, La.) knocked down 16, sophomore Issac Mack (Indianapolis, Ind.) chipped in 11 and freshman JaRon Denmark (Huger, SC) pitched in 10 points. Freshman Auburn County (New Orleans, La.) added seven points and freshman Robert Lee (Austin) scored six.

Michael Ford paced the Demons with 22 points, while Orlando Davis, Tyler Lindsey and Elmer Jones, Jr. each pitched in seven points.

Beaver, Smith and Smith combined for 37 of Panola's 48 first-half points to help the Ponies to their 22-point halftime lead. The lead could have been larger at the break, but Panola only hit 10-of-19 free throws, while the Demons cashed in 6-of-7.

The Ponies continued to push the ball up the court in the second half, scoring 24 of the team's 61 points in the final 20 minutes on transition points, while pounding the paint with 42 points in the second half in the lane.

Northwestern State managed only two second-half points on transition and had 22 of its 27 in the paint.

The Ponies went on a 15-4 run in the first 4:02 of the second half to widen the lead to 63-30. Smith, Murphy and Mack each scored four points for Panola during the surge.

Leading 69-41 with 12:36 left, the Ponies made another push as they went on a 24-4 run over the next 5:31 to stretch the advantage to 93-45.

"We've had some ups and downs this season, but I think tonight's game will help our confidence," Cotten continued. "These came can develop bad habits at times, but with us having so many young players - the most I've had in my coaching career - I'm just looking for ways to build their confidence because we, as coaches, can sometimes stay on them too much."

Washington's future could be decided soon - December 1, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

TIMPSON -- The decision whether to keep Kenny Washington as Timpson ISD athletic director and head football coach could be decided in the coming days as superintendent of schools Dr. Mid Johnson and the TISD Board of Trustees continue to discuss not only the future of the football program, but the entire athletic department vision, Johnson said on Monday.

The possibility of a change in the athletic department became public when the district posted an advertisement on the Texas Association of School Administrators (www.tasanet.org) website on Nov. 18, according to the site's posting, with the contact person being Johnson.

When contacted last Tuesday about the posting, Washington denied knowledge of the posting and said that he had not been contacted by Johnson or the school board about his possible dismissal from the district.

"I know what you know," Washington stated last week when ask what he's been told by the administration and school board. "I'm the athletic director and head football coach and I'm going to continue to do my job until I'm told different. That's all I can do at this point."

Johnson, however, said on Wednesday that he had spoken to Washington previously and informed him of the situation. On Monday the superintendent said the decision whether or not to keep Washington on staff is a "district decision, made collaboratively within the district. It's based upon an evaluation, done by the administration here at the school."

Johnson said he couldn't go into detail about Washington's situation because of legal issues dealing with personnel. But he did say that no final decision on Washington's future has been made, despite the posting of the advertisement for a possible replacement.

"After a consultation with the current athletic director, the decision was made (to post the ad)," Johnson said Monday, stating that Washington is still under contract with the district. "That may or may not change in the near future."

When asked why the district is advertising for a possible replacement before a decision is made in Washington's situation, he stated, "We've been discussing those issues and right now it's a private personnel issue as to why. I will know more in the next few days."

When contacted on Monday morning, Washington still denied having been informed of the situation and as to why an advertisement had been placed.

Washington just completed his third season as AD and head football coach of the Bear football program. Hired in January 2009 after the retirement of Norman Cobb, Washington has posted an overall record of 7-23 (23.3%) during his three years with the district. In 2009 and '10 the Bears finished with identical 3-7 records, before falling to 1-9 this fall.

But the woes of the football program began before Washington's arrival. The Bears' last winning record came in 2004 when the team finished 7-3 under first-year coach Kevin Hall. The following year the team posted a 2-7 record and Hall and the Timpson ISD parted ways. Since the '05 season the program has an overall record of 16-52 (23.5%).

When asked why he thought the program has struggled for so long, Johnson said the level of the competition could be a contributing factor.

"I think part of it is the competition level that we face," the superintendent stated. "If you've noticed, a lot of the teams we've played and have a rivalry with are still playing in the playoffs. So the competition level is very high.

"It's been a struggle to stay up with that level. Teams that beat us by a few points this year are just now getting beat out of the playoffs. Teams very similar performance-wise to us (Garrison and Tenaha) are still playing."

Johnson said several factors go into the evaluation of Washington and the other coaches in the district.

"The administration has to make a decision as far as the direction it goes, according to the performance it feels like the staff has performed," Johnson said. "To say our talent level is down, I'd say that overall it has been stronger at times in the past, but we still have some good kids that work really hard to be successful."

Johnson said the district currently employs five coaches for the high school football program. When asked whether that number has decreased in recent years he said it's gone "back and forth."

"I know at times we've looked for a coach and probably would have hired somebody. We struggle here because, and people need to understand, that we can't just hire a coach, because we have to have something they can teach. When we have an opening in science or mathematics, we have to fill that opening. If it's somebody that can coach, that's great; we'll hire them as a coach if we have an opening.

"Unfortunately it's becoming more difficult to find teachers that teach in those areas that coach. We can't hire six coaches and have six P.E. teachers. They wouldn't have anything to do all day.

"So, yes it s a struggle. That's probably the reason we just have five or so (football coaches)."

Johnson said if the district could find more qualified coaches, the district would probably hire as many as seven or eight and that the community wouldn't have a problem with it. But he added that he didn't think the number of coaches on the football staff had any relativity to the program struggling.

"I've seen coaching staffs with four or five be very successful. I know that they only had that at Joaquin for years. It might have some bearing, but I wouldn't think it would have significant bearing."

Johnson, who coached for more than five years in the past and is in his second year as superintendent at Timpson, said he feels that a major problem with the district's athletic department, as a whole, is the lack of fundamental skills in the athletes.

"We've got to create something here that causes people to want to have a work ethic and really understand that hard work is the means by which that can be achieved," he said. "One of the things is creating a system within the district that emphasizes the sports fundamentals.

One of the things that we've done in our elementary school and in the lower grades is implement as part of the P.E. curriculum as in integrated part of the curriculum that has to be taught, according to the state, is ways to reinforce those kills. Kids need to learn how to dribble a basketball with both hand, they need to learn to throw a ball properly, learn proper catching technique and proper foot work. All those athletic-type skills transfer into athletics.

"But people understand that those fundamentals have to be taught, and part of that responsibility lies within the school, to find the right personnel that will reinforce fundamental skills. We have to find coaches that go back to the basics, that teach and reinforce those fundamental skills. And until we do that we're going to be beating our heads against the wall because programs that are successful teach fundamentals."

Johnson went on to say that the district has students that are excited about the football and other programs, but a way has to be found to get them focused so they will take ownership in it. "That'll take the right people in the right place and teaching those skills."

Johnson said although there is some parental involvement in athletics, there needs to be more with the district. He also said there needs to be a more concentrated effort to get athletes involved in out-of-season leagues to fine-tune their skills.

For now, Washington's future appears to be in limbo. And whether he will be part of the Johnson's plan to reinforce basic skills and to improve the athletic department as a whole has apparently yet to be decided.

2011 UIL Football Playoff Pairings - December 1, 2011

Class 5A Division I
Region I
Southlake Carroll (13-0) vs. Arlington Martin (12-1) Saturday 6:00pm Ford Stadium, Dallas

Region II
Dallas Skyline (13-0) vs. The Woodlands (12-1) Saturday 4:00pm Waco ISD Stadium, Waco

Region III
Fort Bend Hightower (11-2) vs. Pearland (11-2) Saturday 4:00pm Tully Stadium, Houston

Region IV
Harlingen (13-0) vs. San Antonio Madison (9-4) Friday 7:30pm Javelina Stadium, Kingsville

Class 5A Division II
Region I
Abilene (10-3) vs. Mansfield Timberview (11-2) Saturday 2:00pm Collins Athletic Complex, Denton

Region II
Spring DeKaney (11-2) vs. Spring Westfield (10-3) Saturday 2:00pm Turner Stadium, Humble

Region III
La Porte (12-1) vs. Port Arthur Memorial (12-1) Saturday 1:00pm Reliant Stadium, Houston

Region IV
Cibolo Steele (13-0) vs. San Antonio Reagan (12-1) Saturday 5:00pm Heroes Stadium, San Antonio

Class 4A Division I
Region I
Wichita Falls Rider (10-3) vs. Waco Midway (10-2) Friday 7:30pm Newsom Stadium, Mansfield

Region II
Sherman (10-3) vs. Tyler John Tyler (10-3) Friday 7:30pm Ford Stadium, Dallas

Region III
Angleton (13-0) vs. Pearland Dawson (11-2) Saturday 1:00pm The Rig, Pearland

Region IV
Lake Travis (13-0) vs. Cedar Park (11-2) Friday 7:30pm DKR Memorial Stadium, Austin

Class 4A Division II
Region I
Aledo (11-2) vs. Stephenville (11-2) Saturday 3:00pm Midlothian ISD Stadium, Midlothian

Region II
Corsicana (12-1) vs. Kilgore (9-4) Friday 7:30pm City Bank Stadium, Forney

Region III
LaMarque (11-2) vs. Manvel (13-0) Saturday 2:00pm Galena Park ISD Stadium, Galena Park

Region IV
Corpus Christi Calallen (12-1) vs. Kerrville Tivy (11-2) Saturday 2:00pm Comalander Stadium, San Antonio

Class 3A Division I
State Semi-Finals
Alvarado (13-0) vs. Henderson (11-2) Friday 7:00pm Pennington Field, Bedford
Tyler Chapel Hill (13-0) vs. West Columbia (13-0) Friday 7:30pm Bryce Stadium, Nacogdoches

Class 3A Division II
Region I
Shallowater (11-2) vs. Monahans (11-2) Friday 7:30pm Grande Communications Stadium, Midland

Region II
Argyle (12-1) vs. Gilmer (13-0) Friday 7:30pm Tiger Stadium, Corsicana

Region III
West Orange-Stark (9-3) vs. Coldspring (13-0) Friday 7:30pm Turner Stadium, Humble

Region IV
Devine (13-0) vs. Wimberley (13-0) Saturday 7:00pm Comalander Stadium, San Antonio

Class 2A Division I
Region I
Muleshoe (11-1) vs. Eastland (12-0) Friday 7:00pm Ratliff Stadium, Odessa

Region II
Melissa (10-1) vs. Daingerfield (11-2) Friday 7:30pm Royse City ISD Stadium, Royse City

Region III
Crockett (11-1) vs. Tatum (11-2) Friday 7:00pm Bruce Field, Athens

Region IV
Blanco (8-5) vs. Hempstead (12-0) Friday 7:30pm Memorial Stadium, Bastrop

Class 2A Division II
Region I
Holliday (11-2) vs. Cisco (12-0) Friday 7:30pm Pojo Stadium, Springtown

Region II
Gunter (10-2) vs. Mildred (12-0) Friday 7:30pm HBJ Stadium, Garland

Region III
Arp (10-2) vs. Lexington (10-2) Friday 7:30pm Waco ISD Stadium, Waco

Region IV
Sonora (12-0) vs. Refugio (12-0) Friday 7:30pm Heroes Stadium, San Antonio

Class A Division I
Region I
Seymour (11-2) vs. Stamford (11-2) Friday 7:30pm Buckaroo Stadium, Breckenridge

Region II
Muenster (12-0) vs. Mart (10-2) Friday 7:30pm Bearcat Stadium, Aledo

Region III
Lovelady (11-1) vs. Garrison (11-1) Friday 7:30pm Martin Stadium, Lufkin

Region IV
Mason (12-0) vs. Shiner (8-5) Friday 7:30pm Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex, Georgetown

Class A Division II
Region I
Springlake-Earth (7-5) vs. Wellington (12-0) Friday 6:00pm Bivins Stadium, Amarillo

Region II
Munday (11-2) vs. Windthorst (11-1) Friday 7:30pm Memorial Stadium, Wichita Falls

Region III
Mount Enterprise (11-1) vs. Tenaha (11-0) Friday 7:30pm Bulldog Stadium, Carthage

Region IV
Burton (11-2) vs. Falls City (10-2) Friday 7:30pm Shelton Stadium, Buda

Ladyjacks continue early season hot streak, 53-39 - December 1, 2011

HOUSTON - The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks overcame a slow start to pull away from the Houston Baptist Huskies, 53-39 Tuesday evening at Sharp Gym and move to 6-0 for just the fourth time in school history.

Freshmen Tierany Henderson (12 points) and Brittney Matthew (11 points) each scored career highs and were part of an SFA bench that outscored HBU 27-7.

The Ladyjacks thrived from three-point territory by hitting 11-of-27 (40.7%) from beyond the arch and were part of their 19 made field goals on the night.

SFA (6-0) went over five minutes without scoring to start the second half until Henderson finally ended the scoring drought with her third three-pointer of the night, giving SFA a 32-26 advantage.

That play sparked a 13-0 run in which SFA connected on three, three-pointers to take a 42-26 lead. Matthew played a pivotal role in engineering the offense with six points and two assists during that span.

SFA outrebounded the Huskies 41-39 with 20 of those being of the offensive variety.

The Ladyjacks relied heavily on the three-point shot in the first half, connecting on 6-of-15, including two each from Tammara Marion and Henderson.

SFA took their largest lead of the first half (23-15) with just a little over three minutes remaining following a three-pointer from Henderson out of the left corner. However, the Ladyjacks took just a 29-24 lead into halftime as the Huskies went on a mini, 9-6 run to end the half.

HBU (0-7) shot 41 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes and were carried by Shanice Steenholdt's nine points and nine rebounds. The Ladyjacks defense, which came into Tuesday night as the second-ranked scoring defense in the Southland Conference, took advantage of 15 forced Huskies turnovers.

The Ladyjacks will finally return home this Saturday when they play host to St. Edwards at 6 p.m.

Lady Bears Drop Two After Winning Opener - November 21, 2011
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

MARTINSVILLE -- Timpson girls head basketball coach Keith Prather knows his offense centers around guard Jakelia Caraway. The junior guard who earned all-region honors a year ago, started the season where she left off a year ago when she scored 20 of her team's 32 points on Thursday in a 32-28 win over Douglass at the Martinsville Tournament.

Caraway earned all-tournament honors, leading the Lady Bears to a 1-2 mark in the tournament. Timpson fell to Shelbyville, 55-42, in the second round and then lost the third-place contest to Joaquin, 52-34.

Martinsville won the title with a 47-35 win over Shelbyville and Gary claimed the consolation trophy with a 24-15 victory over Douglass.

In the Lady Bears win over Douglass, Caraway's big scoring output was in the second quarter when she scored eight of her 20 points. Rachel Reeves dropped in seven points, with seven of those coming in the third quarter.

Caitlyn Smith added two points and Harley Martin, LaToya Cartwright and Tammi Harris each scored one point.

"I'd really like to see us get more players involved in the offense," Prather stated. "We need to be more balanced because teams tend to put more pressure on Jakelia and try to stop her. She does an excellent job of getting the fast break opportunities going for us.

"But it's early in the season and we've got a long way to go."

Neither team caught fire offensively in the first quarter as Douglass was clinging to an 8-7 lead at the end of the first period. Caraway then began getting out on fast break opportunities and she scored eight of the nine points the Lady Bears scored in the second as THS surged ahead 16-12.

Reeves dumped in five and Caraway contributed four in the third quarter as Timpson widened its lead to five, 25-20, and the Lady Bears held off a late surge by the Lady Indians in the fourth quarter.

Timpson guard Rachel Reeves (15) dribbles past a Douglass defender during action Thursday at the Martinsville Tournament. The Lady Bears won the game, 32-28, over the Lady Indians. (Photo by John Krueger)

Timpson's Jakelia Caraway (3) drives in for a layup against Douglass in the opening round of the Martinsville Tournament on Thursday. Caraway scored 20 points to lead her team to a 32-28 win. (Photo by John Krueger)

Timpson's Harley Martin drives toward the basket during Thursday's action against Douglass at the Martinsville Tournament. The Lady Bears won the game, 32-28. (Photo by John Krueger)

No.2-ranked Tigers open playoff run Thursday - November 14, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Tenaha Playoff Preview

Tenaha's Coby Carraway (20) tries to get away from a pair of Union Hill defenders during recent season action for the Tigers. Tenaha will begin their quest for a Class 1A D-II state championship Thursday night when they take on Bremond in Crockett. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

For the past four seasons Tenaha football fanatics have been pointing to this season. This is the year, they've been saying. In other words, the time is now.

The No.2-ranked Tigers open probably their most promising opportunity to claim a state football championship since the 1998 title team Tenaha opens the Class 1A D-II Region III playoffs Thursday night against Bremond. The Area contest will take place at Monte Driskell Stadium at Crockett High School at 7:30 p.m.

Tenaha (9-0) received a bye in the opening round of the playoff by virtue of their District 12-1A championship. Gorman (District 9), Hubbard (District 10) and Detroit (District 11) are the three other league champs who received first-round byes.

In the Region III bi-district round this past weekend, Mount Enterprise whipped Dallas Gateway Academy (4-7), 56-0, Chilton rolled Cross Plains (3-8), 29-7, Beckville outlasted Cumby (6-5), 39-31, and Bremond eliminated Meridian (5-6), 24-14.

The winner of the Tenaha-Bremond contest will face the survivor of Hubbard and Beckville in the Region III Quarterfinals. Hubbard (8-2) and Beckville (3-7) will play Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Bear Stadium in Brownsboro. The other two Region III matchups include Gorman (5-5) taking on Mount Enterprise (9-1) on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Groesbeck Stadium in Groesbeck and Detroit (7-3) matching up against Chilton (7-4) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Pirate Stadium in Crandall.

The Tigers have had plenty of time to think about the second-round playoff matchup. Tenaha hasn't played a game since Oct. 28 when the team completed a 3-0 run for the District 12-1A D-II championship with a 65-0 whipping of Union Hill. The small four-team district meant an open week for all league teams on the scheduled 10th week of the season. And since most other teams are entrenched in league play, it made it impossible for THS head coach Terry Ward to schedule a game last season.

This year Ward was able to sign a contract with Dallas Christian for the final regular season spot since his opponent would be getting ready for the TAPPS playoffs. But Dallas Christian cancelled on the Monday of the week of the game, leaving Tenaha with a two-week gap before the playoffs once again this year.

"There wasn't a whole lot we could do about it, so we're just making the best of our time before the first playoff game," said Ward during the forced bye week. "What we have to do is make sure we're ready for the playoffs; it's more about us being ready for the playoffs as much as preparing for other teams.

"Last year I don't think we were really ready for the playoffs and we didn't push the kids that much during those two weeks off. Of course, hind-sight is 20/20. But we've used that to help us prepare for this season and our first playoff opponent.

"Our kids know that this is the year. This is the season we've been shooting for, and I think they'll be ready when the time comes."

Martinez, Ram 7th surprises Frankston, 8-0 - October 21, 2011
Submitted by John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Ram 8th grade captures thriller as well

With time running out and the Joaquin Ram 7th grade and Frankston battling in a scoreless tie, the Rams needed an edge. They received that edge in running back Peyton Martinez.

Joaquin had gotten the ball on the Frankston 39-yard line with just 2:12 remaining and one last chance to pick up a win. In the first five plays the Rams moved the ball to the FJHS 21-yard line. Then Martinez took a pitch from Brock Lawson. But instead of running around the end with 1:02 remaining, Martinez stopped, looked down field and found a streaking Justin Hooper for a 21-yard touchdown pass.

Lawson tacked on the 2-point conversion and Joaquin secured the 8-0 victory in this defensive struggle at Jeff and Opal Austin Stadium in Frankston.

The eighth grade contest was also a wild one as the Rams came from behind late to secure a 30-28 victory.

Both Joaquin squads will travel to West Rusk next Thursday to take on the Raiders.

Martinez led the Joaquin ground attack with 40 yards on 12 carries, while teammate Nate Belrose added 28 yards on seven attempts.

Lawson completed 1-of-3 passes for 23 yards. He was, however, picked off once.

The contest was a defensive battle for the first three quarters. Both teams shut down their opponent when they needed to, but it was the Rams' offense that began coming alive late in the fourth.

Lawson was intercepted earlier in the fourth, but the pick didn't hurt Joaquin as the Ram defense rose to the occasion. Frankston ran the ball five plays, but couldn't generate any offense and gave possession back to Joaquin with 2:12 remaining.

When the option play was called Martinez hit Hooper in stride and the celebration began.

The Joaquin offensive line was also credited with some outstanding play in the contest. It is made up of Clay Adkison, Hayden Jergins, Cutter Smith, Ruston Miller, Reagan Hovey, Justin Bloodgood and Justin Hooper.

Joaquin 8th 30, Frankston 28 -- Nathaniel Retaumar rushed for 107 yards on 19 carries, but none of his yards were more important than the ones that put him in the endzone with 37 seconds remaining Thursday night to give Joaquin a come-from-behind 30-28 victory over Frankston.

Tanner Williams added 66 yards and a score on 14 carries to the Joaquin ground game, while Cole Powdrill rushed for 12 yards and a TD.

Joaquin's offensive line was opening up some holes when the game was on the line. The Ram linemen include Bryan Risinger, Josh Darnielle, Colby Hamilton, Blake Durham, Blake Harvey, Cordra Brown and Abram Arcibar.

The Rams broke on top in the first quarter, despite Frankston controlling the close for most of the period. Retaumar hit paydirt from two-yards out. Baker then hit Bryan Risinger for the 2-point conversion to put the Rams on top, 8-0, with 1:17 left in the opening period.

Kendrick Rogers tied the score for the Indians at the 7:45 mark of the second period with a 61-yard run. He also tacked on the 2-point conversion.

The Rams came right back grabbed the lead before the half with a 7-play, 49-yard drive. Powdrill bounced in from two yards out. Williams ran in the 2-point conversion with 4:54 left in the half and the Rams led 16-8 at the break.

Rogers wasted little time in the third quarter to tie the score. He took the kickoff at his own 25-yard line and sprinted 75 yards for the score. He also converted the 2-point conversion and suddenly Frankston had tied the game, 16-16.

The Indians scored again just before the end of the period, moving 79 yards in seven plays. The 2-point conversion was no good, leaving Frankston ahead 22-16.

The Rams then drove the ball to the Frankston 13-yard line and lost it on downs. But Frankston fumbled soon after and Williams was there to pick up the loose ball for JHHS. Williams scored on the next play from 14 yards out and Retaumar added the conversion with 3:48 remaining to give the Rams a 24-22 lead in this tight contest.

Two plays after they received the ensuing kickoff, the Indians were back in the endzone, this time on a 62-yard TD pass to Rogers. The try for two failed, leaving Frankston with a 28-24 lead.

The Rams drove the ball and then lost it in Frankston territory on downs.

The Indians then took over with 1:40 remaining, but fumbled it two plays later and an alert Joaquin fell on the loose ball. Three plays later Retaumar scored on an 11-yard run with 37 seconds remaining.

Frankston received the ball with one last chance to score. The Indians looked like they might, moving the ball down to the Joaquin 17-yard line. But the Joaquin defense stiffened and preserved the win.

No.2 Tigers blast Class 2A West Rusk, 45-0 - September 26, 2011
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

What a difference a year makes.

Tenaha defensive players Shaquille Mitchell (8), Assuntay Cleaver (23) and Demon Horton (4) put the clamps on a West Rusk runner during Friday night's game at The Pit in Tenaha. The Tigers exploded for a 45-0 win. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

A year ago the Tenaha Tigers met West Rusk in a clash of Class 2A and 1A state-ranked heavyweights and the result was a 54-31 decision for the Raiders. This year the Tigers are ranked No.2 by the Associated Press and the top-ranked squad by TheOldCoach.com and unbeaten Tenaha blew out to a 35-0 lead in the first quarter en route to a 45-0 whipping of the winless Raiders (0-5).

Last season Tenaha piled up 493 yards in the setback, but it only took the Tigers 332 yards to roll up the impressive point total this year as THS improved to 5-0 on the season.

It was a balanced offensive attack that aided the Tigers to their win Friday night at The Pit. Reginald Davis completed 11-of-21 passes for 178 yards and four touchdowns, while the Tiger ground attack gained 154 more.

On the season Davis has now completed 40-of-68 passes (58.8%) for 602 yards, nine touchdowns and only one interception.

Tenaha defensive back Cobe Carraway (2) makes a direct hit on a West Rusk runner during Friday's game at The Pit in Tenaha. No.2 (AP) ranked Tenaha scored 35 first-quarter points en route to a 45-0 win. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

Shaquille Mitchell was the leading receiver for Tenaha with four catches for 50 yards and two touchdowns. Octavius Griffith hauled in two passes for 37 yards and a score, while Keontas Davis had two receptions for 70 yards and also scored a touchdown.

Other Tenaha receivers with a catch included Demon Horton (1-8), Darius Hill (1-8) and Chavis Gregory (1-5).

Davis, who is the leading ground gainer for the Tigers this year from his quarterback spot with 607 yards, went over the century mark against the Raiders with 109 on eight carries. He also scored a touchdown.

Chavis Gregory, who is the second-leading ground gainer on the squad with 459 yards and a 7.4-yard per carry average, added 51 yards on 12 carries, finding the endzone once.

Jose Campos led the defensive charge for the Tigers with 15 tackles, while DeAaron Roland was also in double figures with 10. Griffith and Gregory each had eight stops, Cobe Carraway tallied seven and Assuntay Cleaver tallied six. T.J. Thomas, Keontas Davis and Aaron Harris each totaled five.

After Tenaha blew out to a 35-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, Edgar Flores added a field goal in the second quarter to give THS a 38-0 lead at the break.

Tenaha then scored one more time, this coming in the fourth quarter with the game solidly in hand.

The Tigers will now finish non-district action this week when they travel to Harleton Friday for a 7:30 p.m. matchup. Harleton is 3-1 on the year and is coming off a bye week.

Tenaha will have a bye week on Oct. 7 and begin District 10-1A D-II action on Saturday, Oct. 15, against Mount Enterprise in the Tigers' homecoming game.