Lady Dragons hand Timpson severe blow, 30-24 - February 2, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Timpson's Jakelia Caraway (right) drives in toward the basket on Shelbyville's Shameria Lathan during Tuesday night's game in Dragon Gymnasium. (Photo by John Krueger)

Timpson's Jakelia Caraway (left) hangs in the air and gets off a jumper in the lane during Tuesday night's game against Shelbyville. The Lady Dragons won the game, 30-24. (Photo by John Krueger)

SHELBYVILLE -- The Timpson Lady Bears had an opportunity to take a giant step toward securing the third and final playoff spot in the District 22-1A D-I race Tuesday night. But the Lady Bears couldn't get the job done down the stretch as the pesky Shelbyville Lady Dragons handed them a 30-24 win here in here in Dragon Gymnasium.

The loss could have turned out to be more critical than first thought, although with league-leading Tenaha next on the schedule on Friday in Timpson, the Lady Bears have their work cut out for them with two games remaining in the regular season.

The Lady Bears (8-12) finished the night just where they started, tied with Garrison (7-13) in third place with identical 4-4 league marks. That's because Tenaha was knocking off the Lady Bulldogs, 48-41, in Tenaha on Tuesday. Beckville (14-13), firmed up its hold on second place at 6-2 in district play with a 43-31 win over Gary (3-13, 0-8 district). The Bearcats trail first-place Tenaha (7-1 district) by one game with two games left on the schedule.

Shelbyville (15-10) kept its postseason hopes alive with the victory, improving to 3-5 and just one game out of third place. It should make the final two games of the regular season exciting.

In games coming up on Friday, Gary will visit Garrison and Shelbyville will host Beckville. On the final night of the regular season next Tuesday, Beckville will host Garrison, Timpson will be at Gary and Shelbyville will visit Tenaha.

Only two players scored for Timpson in the game. Jakelia Caraway scored 17 points and Tammi Harris chipped in seven.

Camory Bolton paced Shelbyville with nine points with Jakera Land dumping in eight, Shameria Lathan, Summer Williams and Sparks each added three, Kadeshia Turner added two and Sierra Redmond scored one point.

Timpson's Rachel Reeves (15) gets a piece of the ball of a shot by Shelbyville's Camory Bolton during Tuesday night's game in Dragon Gymnasium. (Photo by John Krueger)

Devils dampen Center playoff hopes, 60-30 - February 2, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Center's Jermarcuss Jones (11) looks for a teammate to pass the ball to during recent season action. The 'Riders saw their postseason hopes severely dampened with a 60-30 loss to at Huntington Friday. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

With every game that brings the end of the 2011-12 basketball regular season closer, each loss is magnified even larger than wins for the Center Roughriders. Battling to grab the third and final playoff spot Center finds itself 1.5 games behind third-place Hudson with four games left in the regular season after Tuesday night.

Center was open on Tuesday, but the Roughriders are coming off a disappointing 60-30 setback at second-place Huntington on Friday. Heading into action on Friday of this week, Jasper leads the District 18-3A race with an 8-1 record, with Huntington sitting at 7-1 and one-half game back. Hudson is in third with a 6-3 record, two games off Jasper's pace.

The Roughriders' loss leaves Center (9-18) at 4-4, with Central (4-5), Diboll (1-8) and Kirbyville (0-8) bringing up the last three spots.

In other District 18-3A results from Friday, Central popped Diboll, 71-46, and Jasper thumped Hudson, 64-43. On Tuesday night, Jasper rolled over Central, 59-51, Hudson knocked off Kirbyville, 56-38, and Huntington eased past Diboll, 55-45.

Center has four games remaining in the regular season, but three are on the road. The 'Riders travel to Diboll on Friday and then visit Jasper next Tuesday. CHS will trek to Kirbyville on Feb. 10 and close out the regular season at home on Feb. 14 against Hudson in what could be a winner-take-all game for a postseason bid.

In the setback to Huntington, the Red Devils took control early, taking a 16-3 lead at the end of the opening period and extending the advantage to 35-10 at the half. Huntington then coasted from there.

No Center players reached double-digit scoring as the 'Riders connected on only 22% (13-of-58) from the field and 3-of-13 (23%) from the charity stripe. CHS posted 19 turnovers in the game, while forcing 17 by Huntington.

Darrian Cloudy dropped in seven points for the Roughriders, hitting 3-of-9 from the field, while DeJalen Preston chipped in six and Jermarcuss Jones, Jamarcus Suell and Darron Bolton each scored four points. Tony McCollister and Myles Netherly scored two points each and Jakiel Johnson chipped in one point.

McCollister dished out 11 assists to lead Center, with Netherly, Johnson and Bolton adding four apiece. McCollister contributed four steals.

In other District 18-3A games on Friday, Jasper will be at Huntington and Central will host Kirbyville. Hudson has an open date.

Bears strengthen hold on third, 48-44 - February 2, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Timpson guard Lorenzo Young (11) puts up a shot in the lane over Shelbyville's Trevor Henkel (10) during the third quarter of Tuesday night's game in Dragon Gymnasium. (Photo by John Krueger)

SHELBYVILLE -- Leading by one to begin the fourth quarter Tuesday night, the Timpson Bears went on a 9-0 run over the first 2:15 of the final period. That burst turned out to be enough as the Bears held off a furious Shelbyville rally and THS captured a critical 48-44 District 22-1A D-I win over the Dragons here in Dragon Gymnasium.

The win was huge for the Bears (8-15) as it gave them a 4-2 league mark and a two-game lead over fourth-place Garrison (2-7, 2-4 district) in the league standings with four games remaining in the regular season. Garrison was dropping a 84-33 setback to No.4-ranked and league-leading Tenaha (13-3, 6-0 district).

Gary (15-10) continued to hold second place in the District 22-1A standings with a 52-11 victory over last-place Beckville (1-17, 0-6 district). The Bobcats are 5-1 against league competition.

Shelbyville (4-15) fell to 1-5 in district with the setback to the Bears.

Friday's games will feature Timpson hosting Tenaha, while Gary travels to Garrison and Shelbyville hosts Beckville.

Shelbyville guard C.J. Watson (23) kicks the ball out to a teammate after penetrating the lane during Tuesday night's game in Dragon Gymnasium. (Photo by John Krueger)

Jaylin Rhodes and Lorenzo Young were the 1-2 punch for the Bears in the victory. Rhodes scored eight points in the first and third quarters, finishing with a game-high 16. Young saved his best for last, dumping in seven points in the fourth quarter and finishing with 14.

Tevin Brown added six points for THS, with Dimric Caraway and John Jacobs chipping in five apiece and Jay Bussey scored two points.

"This is a tough district top to bottom," said a physically drained Timpson head coach Cody Anthony after the win. "There are no easy teams in this district from top to bottom. Credit has to be given to (Shelbyville head coach) Reggie (Parks) and his team; they played a heck of a game and just wouldn't quit all night long.

Shelbyville guard Jah'Michael Jenkins (4) dribles past Timpson's John Jacobs (0) during the second half of Tuesday night's game in Dragon Gymnasium. Timpson won, 48-44. (Photo by John Krueger)

"No game is a given in this district and no lead is safe. We could be up by 20 points in the fourth quarter and I wouldn't be able to relax because the teams in this district keep coming at you."

Trevor Henkel led the Dragon attack, scoring 10 of his team-high 14 points in the second half. C.J. Watson dumped in 11 points, James Bradford managed seven, Jah'Michael Jenkins added six, Tyre Barnes scored three, Caleb Stracener scored two and Dee Osby scored one point.

Both teams relied on their pressing defenses and both were effective. Shelbyville finished the game with 43 turnovers, while Timpson had 41.

"We live and die with our defense," Anthony continued. "We press and try to cause turnovers, but it also means that we give up some things. But it's the way we've played since day one and we're going to continue to do it.

"I'm so proud of my guys. We've been talking about playing for that last playoff spot and the kids are taking ownership in working toward it. They really have turned into a team that wants to win and will do whatever it takes. Now we need to make the final push to get in."

The contest was close most of the way. The squads battled to a 12-12 tie at the end of the first quarter and the Dragons took a 21-20 lead into the locker room at the half.

Timpson put together a pair of short runs in the third quarter and secured a 33-31 lead heading into the final stanza. And it was the burst to begin the final quarter which gave the Bears the leverage needed to gain the win.

SFA to host Bracket Busters Game on Feb. 18 - February 2, 2012

NACOGDOCHES – The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks received their draw for their 2012 Sears Bracket Busters game on Monday and will host High Point on Feb. 18 at William R. Johnson Coliseum.

The game will be part of a doubleheader, with the Ladyjacks taking on Texas State at 4 p.m. in conference action, followed by the men with a tentative start time of 6 p.m. scheduled.

High Point is a member of the Big South Conference and is currently 8-14 on the year with a 4-8 mark in conference play. The Panthers have dropped six of their last eight games, but most recently knocked off Winthrop for the second time this year to put an end to a five-game losing streak. It will be the first-ever meeting between the schools and the first time the Panthers have ever played a game in the state of Texas.

HPU is led by senior guard Nick Barbour, the Big South preseason player of the year, who has scored in double figures in 20 of the Panthers’ 20 games and is leading the conference in scoring at 19.5 points per game.

The Panthers will have just one league game following their trip to Nacogdoches, opening the Big South Conference Tournament on Feb. 27.

The ‘Jacks have played in the Bracket Busters event once before, in 2006 - also on Feb. 18 - when they traveled to Louisiana-Lafayette and dropped a 66-63 decision despite a then career-high 19 points and seven rebounds from Gerald Fonzie.

The 10th annual Sears Bracket Busters is a three-day men's college basketball event pitting potential NCAA Championship hopefuls against each other Feb. 17-19. The NCAA hopefuls are selected from a pool of 142 teams from 16 conferences, making this the largest Sears Bracket Busters pool in the event's history, which includes two team that reached the 2011 Final Four in Houston.

As part of the agreement, all 13 of the Sears Bracket Busters home teams in televised games, as well as the remaining 58 home squads, will play a return game at the home facility of their opponent in November or December of the 2013-14 season.

All 12 Southland Conference teams will participate in the event this season. League teams with home games in this year's Bracket Busters in addition to SFA include McNeese State, Nicholls State, Northwestern State, Sam Houston State and Southeastern Louisiana. The other eight teams,including Central Arkansas, Lamar, UT-Arlington, UTSA, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Texas State, will have road games.

The 142-team field features teams from 16 conferences: 12 each from Colonial Athletic Association, Mid-American Conference and Southland; 11 each from Ohio Valley Conference and Big South; 10 each from Horizon League, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Missouri Valley and Summit League; nine each from America East, Big Sky and Big West; eight from the Western Athletic Association; four from the Southern Conference; three from the MEAC; and two from the West Coast Conference.

Olin, Rogers added to SFA coaching staff - February 2, 2012

NACOGDOCHES - Richard Olin and Troy Rogers have been hired as assistant coaches announced head coach J.C. Harper just 24 hours prior to National Signing Day. Olin will take over as offensive coordinator, and work with the Lumberjack quarterbacks while, Rogers will coach the outside receivers.

Olin comes to SFA after a successful career as head coach in the high school ranks. During his 18 seasons at Baytown Lee, Olin coached the Ganders to 11 state playoff appearances, advancing to the area round of the playoffs six times. The Ganders recorded six district titles, including three undefeated seasons.

The eight-time district coach of the year has produced some of the top young quarterbacks from the state of Texas. During his time in the high school ranks he has coach nine different quarterbacks who have played at the NCAA Division I level including Clint Stoerner (Arkansas), Ell Roberson (Kansas State), Drew Tate (Iowa), Brian Johnson (Utah) and 2010 Walter Payton Award winner Jeremy Moses.

"We are extremely excited to have Coach Olin and Roberts join our staff," said Harper. "Dick Olin has a proven track record of producing top caliber quarterbacks, and he has sent numerous players onto to the NCAA Division I level. I look forward to the maturity and experience that he will bring to program. He was exactly what I was looking for in an offensive coordinator. This is a win-win situation for SFA."

Rogers makes his way to the Piney Woods following a 13-year career in the high school ranks where he served as an offensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Lewisville High School, and offensive coordinator at Clear Creek High.

The evidence of Rogers' success was evident in his first season at CCHS. He helped guide a team that was 0-10 the year before, and coached an offense that advanced to the playoffs in the next four seasons. That offense scored 28 more touchdowns in the first season than in the previous campaign. Clear Creek also won its first playoff game since 1962. Rogers' offenses have produced several 5A all-state selections, including Tate, who set the 5A all-time passing mark in 2002.

"Troy Rogers is an SFA graduate who has served as the offensive coordinator for Coach Olin," said Harper. "He is highly thought of, and Coach Olin wanted to bring him to Nacogdoches. It was a great fit for us because we had an opening which allows us to take advantage of their great chemistry on the field."

Lady Riders stumble to Devilettes, 54-37 - February 2, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

The battle for the second and third playoff spots in District 18-3A continues to appear as if it's coming down to the wire. With the Diboll Ladyjacks having already sewn up the league title, Huntington, Central, Hudson and Center are exchanging blows like heavyweight fighters as they try to secure one of the two remaining postseason bids.

Center could have taken a big step toward doing that on Friday, but came up short on the road against Huntington, falling 54-37.

The setback leaves Center with a 13-11 season mark, but more importantly a 4-6 record against district opponents and in fifth place in the league heading into Tuesday night's open date. Center has two games left, traveling to Diboll on Friday before visiting Jasper in the regular season finale next Tuesday and trails third-place teams Central and Hudson by one-half game.

Diboll (21-6) has secured the District 18-3A championship with an 11-0 mark, while Huntington sits 4.5 games back at 6-4 and in control of its own destiny. Central (16-13) was 4-5 in league play heading into Tuesday night's game at Jasper, while Hudson stands at 5-6 after being upset by Kirbyville, 42-39, on Tuesday. The Lady Hornets and Lady Bulldogs still lead Center by one-half game.

Kirbyville is currently 3-7 in district and Jasper was 2-7 heading into Tuesday's game with Central.

Two Lady Riders scored in double figures against Huntington, with Lakia Shepherd and Kemi Cleveland each knocking down 10 points. Lacie Evans and Requanna Patton each chipped in three points and Ashley Sigler and Cassie Bush dropped in two points apiece.

"I told my girls before the game that it's a huge game and that Center hasn't been to the playoffs (in girls basketball) since the early '90s," said Lady Rider first-year head coach Tracy Kincade. "None of the players have ever been in this situation before [battling for a playoff spot] and they admitted there was some pressure on them. But I'm proud of them as we still can get in."

Cleveland and Bush each pulled down seven boards to pace Center, with Evans adding six and Sigler tallying two. Bush, Evans and Sigler had two steals apiece, with Cleveland adding one. Evans blocked one shot.

"Kemi played a very good game," Kincade stated. "But Huntington controlled the tempo and we turned the ball over way too many times. We got into a big hole in the first half, but played better in the second half and cut their lead down to six. But Huntington is going to the playoffs for a reason; give them credit. They made free throws and big shots to extend the lead back out in the last three minutes of the game."

Huntington posted a 14-8 lead at the end of the opening stanza and then held the Lady Riders to just two points in the second period to move out to a 24-10 lead.

Center began cutting into the deficit in the third quarter, finishing the third period down 34-22. But the Devilettes were able to pull away in the final period, outscoring Center 20-15.

'Riders Take Down Indians, Fall to Tatum - January 20, 2012
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

The Center boys soccer team continues to battle to get lineups down as well as rotations as the Roughrider work through the early portions of the 2012 season. Center scored its high goal output of the season on Friday night in a 5-1 win over Carlisle, then came back on Tuesday night and was shut out for the first time on the year in a 1-0 setback at the hands of Tatum.

Center, which stands at 2-1 on the season after Tuesday's setback, opened play at the Palestine Tournament on Thursday against Jacksonville. CHS also faced Corsicana and Whitehouse on Friday. The Roughriders are set to square off with Mabank on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

In the 5-1 win over Carlisle on Friday, the Roughriders moved out to a 2-0 lead at the halftime break, with Luis Garcia and Gerardo Chavez putting the ball in the net for Center.

Carlisle came out in the second half and quickly cut the deficit in half, 2-1, with an early goal, forcing the Roughriders to go on the offensive again.

Garcia then scored his second goal of the contest on an outstanding corner kick. That was followed by scoring plays by Bryan Ruiz and Pablo Gonzalez to close out the match.

"Luis' goal was really an awesome play," said Roughrider head coach Richard Ruiz. "We're still looking good for early in the season, but we've still got some fine-tuning to do as we make adjustments to the lineup."

In the 1-0 loss to Tatum on Tuesday, the score was tied 0-0 at intermission before the Eagles were able to break on top and take the one-goal win in the second half.

"We took a lot of shots against Tatum, but we just couldn't get them in the back of the net," Ruiz added. "We've got to do a better job of finishing when we get the ball near the net."

Barrientos, Center Rolls over Lady Eagles, 3-1 - January 20, 2012
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Annete Barrientos recorded the hat trick Tuesday night as the Center Lady Rider soccer team moved over the .500 mark on the season with a 3-1 win over Tatum at Eagle Stadium.

The victory comes after the Lady Riders posted a 2-2 mark at Palestine Tournament last weekend. Center began the tourney with a 3-0 shutout of Chapel Hill on Thursday, then blanked Tenaha, 3-0, Friday afternoon. The Lady Riders had to play back-to-back games on Friday, dropping their first game of the season later Friday, dropping a 5-0 decision.

The Lady Riders' final game of the tourney on Saturday was a 2-0 shutout loss at the hands of Chapel Hill.

In the win over Tatum, Center (3-2) took a 1-0 lead at the 33-minute mark in the first half, but the Lady Eagles came back to knot the score at 1-1 just five minutes later.

Center then took the lead for good with 20 minutes left in the half and took a 2-1 lead into the halftime break.

The final Lady Rider goal by Barrientos came with 12 minutes remaining in the contest, icing the contest.

Raquel Hernandez was the winning goalkeeper for Center, posting 10 saves on the 11 shots she faced.

"Raquel deserved the game ball for her performance against Tatum," said Center head coach Jonathan Vick. "She played the best game I have ever seen her play. She made some incredible saves and was all over the place protecting the goal."

Center will return to action Friday night at home when the Lady Riders take on Spring Hill. The game will get underway at 6 p.m.

Laneville Hands Tigers Second Loss - January 9, 2012
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Tenaha senior guard Reginald Davis (2) drives to the basket against the Laneville Yellow Jackets. The Tigers came up two points short to the Jackets for the second time this season, 66-64, last Tuesday. (Photo by John Krueger)

The Tenaha Tigers haven't played much this season because the schools' football season was extended to Dec. 15. But they must think that the Laneville Yellow Jackets have their 'number' nevertheless.

No.2-ranked (1A D-II) Laneville had to overcome a first-quarter deficit, but came back strong to hand the No.2-ranked (1A D-I) Tigers their second two-point setback of the season, 66-64, last Tuesday in the TISD Special Events Center.

The loss left the Tigers with a 6-2 mark, with both losses coming at the hands of the Jackets.

Reginald Davis led the Tenaha attack, scoring 20 points, with Keontas Davis having a big night and adding 16. Shaquille Mitchell pitched in 11 points to the Tiger cause, while DeAaron Roland scored eight points, Octavius Griffith with held to five and Chavis Gregory and Jacobi Ivy each pitched in three points.

Tenaha was in control early and it appeared as if the Tigers might get some revenge from the 77-75 overtime loss at the Tenaha Holiday Hoops Classic. Tenaha even stretched the lead by one, 37-26, at the halftime break.

But Laneville began coming back in the second half, trimming the lead to 51-46 heading into the fourth quarter and then outscoring the Tigers 20-13 in the final quarter to grab the win out of the jaws of defeat.

Tenaha Holiday Hoops, 3rd Edition - December 21, 2011
Submitted by Judy Monroe

3rd Annual Basketball Showcase Features State’s Best

With the confetti literally still fresh on the Tenaha Special Events Center floor from the Tenaha State Football Championship celebration; the city of Tenaha and Tenaha ISD are ready to welcome 32 of the best girls and boys basketball traditions in Texas. Over three days and in five different playing sites, the state’s top Class A and AA traditions will tangle in 58 games of intense playoff worthy hoops action.

The Kountze Lions and Saltillo Lady Lions return as two-time defending champions in their respective divisions, but both powerhouse programs (that enter the Holidays state ranked) should see their reign challenged. Among the girls programs descending upon Title Town (Tenaha) next week are Class AA’s state ranked Edgewood and Tatum. Joining them are a litany of Class A ranked powers that include Lipan (runners-up in A-II last year), Slocum (currently top ten), and the hosting Lady Tigers of Tenaha.

The boys’ division promises to be a preview of the Regional and even State Tournaments that are ahead in March. Just take a look at the field of top-notch boys’ programs and their current state rankings. Joining Kountze from Class AA are Top five ranked White Oak and Edgewood, along with top 20 Central Heights San Augustine also joins the AA field and are currently making an impressive pre-season showing. That’s not all, however, as Class A is very well represented with the likes of returning State Division I runner-up and current #2 ranked team (and recent football state champion) Tenaha, along with current Division I #3 ranked Stamford (who is also fresh from a visit to the State Football title game). Class A Divison II is also widely represented by top 5 Laneville, top 20 Lipan and Saltillo, and returning playoff team Chireno.

There’s no doubt that this year’s Holiday Hoops Tournament is the Best Little Tournament in Texas. Be sure to catch Tuesday’s preliminary round action in any one of our five playing sites. Also, remember that all game action will be in Tenaha beginning at 3:30PM on Tuesday and Wednesday and all day on Thursday.

We would also like to add a special thank you to this year’s generous sponsors, J. Ken Muckleroy, Attorney-at-Law, Center, TX and Panola County Abstract and Title Company, Carthage, TX, who’s gift has made it possible for us to distribute scholarship monies to one member of each participating team.

The Holiday Hoops tournament will take place on December 27th, 28th, and 29th. Games will be played at the Tenaha Special Events Center, the Tenaha Tiger Gym, the Gary High School Gym, the Joaquin High School Gym, and the Panola Junior College Gym. Tournament Bracket can be found on the Tenaha ISD web site www.tenahaisd.com and will be updated throughout the tournament. General admission is $6 per day for adults and $4 per day for students. THSCA & TASO passes are accepted. Floor seats are available in the Tenaha SEC for $7 per day or $20 for all three days.

The infamous Tiger Cafe’ will be open during tournament hours with a delectable selection to choose from. Patrons can choose from Philly Cheese Steaks, Cajun Fried Catfish, Chicken Fried Steak, Boiled Shrimp, Oysters on the ½ shell, Hamburgers, Chicken Wings, and Chicken Strips. All meals include a choice of Cole Slow or Salad, Baked Potato or French Fries plus Iced Tea for only $5.95. Full service concession stands also available with soft drinks, snacks, nachos, frito pie, etc.

Don’t miss the most exciting tournament of the season, Holiday Hoops 3rd Edition!

Joaquin Football District 9 AA All-District Players Announced - December 12, 2011

Superlatives:

Defensive Co-MVP - Austin Underbrink - Sr
Defensive Newcomer - Cody Greer - Jr

Offense:

1st Team Running Back - Kain Yates - Sr
1st Team Offensive Line _ Austin Underbrink - Sr
2nd Team Running back - Wyatt Hairgrove - Jr
2nd Team Center - Zack Wildes - Jr
2nd Team Tight End - Jordan Powdrill - Jr
2nd Team Quarterback - Will Vaughn - Jr

Honorable Mention Offensive Line: Tight End - Lance Lawson - Soph; Tackle - Holden Cummings - Sr; Guard - Zack Mason - Sr

Defense:

1st Team Defensive Safety - Kain Yates - Sr
1st Team Defensive Corner - Wyatt Hairgrove - Jr
1st Team Outside Lineback - Will Vaughn - Jr
2nd Team Defensive Inside Linebacker - Lance Lawson - Soph
2nd Team Defensive Inside Linebacker - Andrew Dean - Sr
2nd Team Defensive Corner - Nick Cheatwood - Jr

Honorable Mention Defense: Defensive Line - Keith Ferguson - Soph; Defensive Outside Linebacker: Skyler Gilpatrick - Sr

Utility Player of the Year: Marzavion Cooper - Soph

2nd Team Punter: Will Vaughn - Jr

Center Cross Country - October 12, 2011
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Woodhatch leads CHS runners to 4th at Hudson

Center's Daniel Woodhatch set a personal best time of 18:09 at the Hudson Invitational. (Photo courtesy of Donna Shannon)

Led by Daniel Woodhatch, the Center boys cross country team got a good look at the course they will be competing at for the District 18-3A title on Oct. 22 as they battled competitors at the Hudson Invitational on Saturday and posted a 4th-place finish.

Woodhatch was one of several 'Rider runners who set personal bests as he finished in 21st place overall with a time of 18:09.

Also setting new personal bests included Luis Perez, Jose Tello and Eric Gonzales, according to Center cross country coach Donna Shannon.

The Roughriders' top runner, Bryan Ruiz was battling an illness, but still ran strong stated Shannon.

Shannon said it was encouraging for the team as they finished higher overall than league foes Huntington, Diboll and Jasper.

The league meet for boys and girls is coming up on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Hudson.

The Center varsity girls did not compete Saturday because of the Poultry Festival, but Elizabeth Bailey ran third in the junior varsity girls' division.

In the middle school competition, Center's Karen Ruiz placed 48th overall.

The Center cross country squads will have one more tune-up before the league meet when they run in Lufkin Saturday in the Coke Classic.

Members of the Center boys cross country team stand at the starting line and get ready to compete at the Hudson Invitational on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Donna Shannon)

'Riders, area teams open league play - October 7, 2011
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Area Football Preview

Joaquin quarterback Will Vaughn (9) scrambles for a big gain during the Rams' game against Tyler All Saints. The Rams will begin District 9-2A D-II action Friday night at Winona. (Photo by Rusty Wilson)

The Center Roughriders have been knocking on the proverbial door of the District 18-3A championship for the past two seasons, finishing third in 2009 and then second a year ago. This year's top prize is truly up for grabs and Friday night's contest between the Roughriders and Bulldogs could very well decide it.

In addition to Center visiting Jasper, Joaquin will begin District 9-2A D-II action at Winona, Shelbyville will begin District 10-1A D-I play at Grapeland and Timpson will host Garrison in the annual 'Battle of the Attoyac' to start 10-1A DI action as well. All games will kick off at 7:30 p.m.

Tenaha will enjoy an open date before beginning its 'second season' next weekend when the Tigers celebrate homecoming.

Here's a quick look at this weekend's games:

Center at Jasper, 7:30 p.m.
There will be a 'changing of the guard' in District 18-3A this season, barring some unforeseen resurgence by the winless Kirbyville Wildcats. And it appears at the outset that Center or Jasper will be claiming the league title this season.

The Bulldogs, under first year head coach Garrett Morgan, the former offensive coordinator at Carthage High School, will host to Center Friday night at Bulldog Stadium in the league opener for both teams at 7:30 p.m.

Interestingly enough, none of the teams in District 18-3A have a winning record after six games in the season. Jasper, Center and Diboll are all 2-4, while Huntington stands at 1-5. Kirbyville, which went through the 2010 regular season unbeaten, is surprisingly winless at 0-6.

Center and Jasper could end up in a battle for the league title, making Friday's league open very important. The Bulldogs have recorded wins over Lumberton (35-21) and Houston Worthing (61-12), while suffering losses at the hands of Livingston (41-21), West Orange-Stark (37-13), Silsbee (24-17) and Orangefield (47-37).

The Roughriders have had their hands full of state-ranked teams this season during their nondistrict run this season. After topping Rusk, 33-30, and Linden-Kildare, 54-20, to begin the year, the 'Riders have dropped consecutive contests to Arp, 34-30, No.3-ranked Henderson, 51-15, No.12-ranked Carthage (27-0) and top-ranked Chapel Hill, 45-17, over the past four weeks.

Center has also been without the services of starting quarterback Cameron Cloudy, who has been out for two-plus weeks with a high ankle sprain. He is expected to make a return this week.

In the only other league contest this week, Huntington will visit Kirbyville. Diboll has a bye week.

Joaquin at Winona, 7:30 p.m.
After a tough first season in the Class 2A ranks a year ago, the Joaquin Rams are hoping to come back stronger in 2011. The Rams will visit Winona Friday night to take on the Wildcats at 7:30 p.m.

Winona, which posted a 1-9 record in 2010, finished in last place in the league standings a year ago, posting a district record of 1-4 and finishing in a three-way tie with Union Grove and Joaquin.

This year the 'Cats are 1-4, with a win over Queen City, 33-22, two weeks ago after starting off the year with consecutive setbacks to T.K. Gorman, 37-32, Simms Bowie, 41-7, Harleton, 21-7, and Grand Saline, 30-8.

The Rams 2-3 and coming off an impressive 71-8 whipping of Tyler All Saints two weeks ago. The Rams have losses to Tenaha, 57-22, Hemphill 64-52, and San Augustine, 44-16. Joaquin also defeated Shelbyville, 56-20.

It's no secret the Rams love to run the football. They are led by Kain Yates' 865 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. Not far behind is Austin Bloodgood, with 843 yards and nine scores as well. Both players are averaging over 10 yards per carry and over 160 yards per contest.

When they do throw, Will Vaughn has proven he can do the job. He's completed 12-of-27 passes for 222 yards, four touchdowns and only two interceptions. Vaughn is coming off his best throwing game of the season, completing 6-of-8 passes for 134 yards and three scores against Tyler All Saints two weeks ago.

In other District 9-2A D-II games this week, Frankston (1-4) will visit Arp (3-2) and Union Grove (2-3) will be at West Rusk (1-4) to open league action.

Shelbyville at Grapeland, 7:30 p.m.
After opening the 2011 campaign with consecutive setbacks to Troup (41-8) and Joaquin (56-20), the rebuilding Shelbyville Dragons have shown signs of life in the last three games with victories over Beckville (20-12), Burkeville (48-8) and Tyler T.K. Gorman (49-14) and is one of the hottest teams in the league race coming into Friday's District 10-1A D-I opener.

The Dragons will be in Grapeland Friday night at 7:30 p.m. to battle the Sandies, who are 1-4 on the season.

Grapeland opened the year with a 55-20 setback at the hands of Centerville, before downing Trinity, 20-14, and losing consecutive contests to Lovelady, 46-19, Elkhart, 45-26, and Buffalo, 59-14.

In other District 10-1A D-I games Friday, 6th-ranked Garrison (4-1) will visit arch-rival Timpson (0-5) and Alto (3-2) will be at Cushing (1-4).

Dillon Brown leads the Dragon ground game with 551 yards rushing and 5.5-yards per carry. He's also scored eight touchdowns.

James Bradford has run for 345 yards and a 5.3-yard average, scoring three touchdowns. Bradford has also completed 51% of his passes (51-of-100) for 736 yards, nine touchdowns and just four picks.

Blane Deal is the leading receiver for SHS with 22 grabs for 331 and a 15.1-yard average.

Ram 8th grade rallies past Winona, 32-28 - October 7, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Junior High Football

The lead changed hands four times in the fourth quarter Thursday night, and when the final horn sounded it was the Joaquin 8th grade Rams recording a wild 32-28 victory over Winona at Wildcat Stadium.

In the seventh grade matchup, Winona outscored Joaquin 14-0 in the final two periods to break an 8-8 tie and take a 22-8 victory over the Rams.

The Joaquin junior high teams will be at home next Thursday when they host Arp.

Joaquin 8th 32, Winona 28 -- Retaumar rushed for 189 yards and three touchdowns on just six carries (31.5-yard per carry average) as he helped rally the Joaquin Rams past Winona in the fourth quarter.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Wildcats' Joseph Hart scored on a 6-yard run with 2:09 left in the half to put the 'Cats in front. Hart also added the 2-point conversion for an 8-0 lead.

A Joaquin fumble was turned into a touchdown by Winona's Bolton just 26 seconds later when he stepped off a 48-yard scoring run. The try for two failed, but the Wildcats led 14-0 at the half.

The Rams began putting together an offensive punch in the second half. Retaumar capped a 3-play, 55-yard drive with a 47-yard scoring jaunt with 5:38 left in the third. Tanner Williams, who rushed for 52 yards on eight carries, added the two-point conversion, the Rams had cut the lead to 14-8.

A couple minutes later it was Joaquin taking the lead for the first time on a 42-yard scoring jaunt by Retaumar. The score came just one play after Shiloh Stone recovered a fumble for Joaquin. Williams tacked on the 2-point conversion with 3:57 on the clock to give JJHS a 16-14 lead.

The contest began to get even more wild in the fourth quarter.

Hart scored on a 4-yard run with 6:55 left. The try for two failed, but the Wildcats were back on top, 20-16.

Two plays and 61 yards after the kickoff Joaquin was celebrating as the Rams took the lead back on a TD run by Retaumar. Trevor Baker added the 2-point conversion and Joaquin was ahead 24-20 with 5:54 showing on the clock.

Bolton found the endzone for Winona on the first play after the ensuing kickoff. He scored on a 92-yard run. Hart added the 2-point run and Winona was back on top, 28-24, with 5:32 showing on the fourth-quarter clock.

Williams then hit paydirt for Joaquin to put the Rams on top for good with 3:08 on the clock. Williams also added the 2-point conversion for a 32-28 Ram lead.

Joaquin then held Winona on four downs and the Rams ran out the clock on their next series.

Coleman Dixon added 28 yards rushing on seven carries for Joaquin, while Cole Powdrill picked up 12 yards on four attempts.

Winona 22, Joaquin 7th 8 -- Nate Belrose ran for 141 yards on nine carries and Peyton Martinez added 30 more on nine tries, but the Ram 7th grade came up short to Winona, 22-8, Thursday night at Wildcat Stadium.

Brock Lawson completed 1-of-2 passes for the Rams, throwing for seven yards.

The Rams played ball control for the entire first period, holding on to the football and scoring at the end of the period. Belrose scored on a reverse from 54 yards out to complete a 9-play, 80-yard drive. Lawson added the 2-point conversion to give the Rams an 8-0 lead.

Winona came back to knot the score at 8-8 with 3:26 left before intermission when Brian McHam scored on a 7-yard run. Wheeler added the try for two and the score was tied at 8-8 at the break.

Owens scored on a 61-yard run with 4:23 on the clock in the third quarter to put the Wildcats in the lead for the first time. Wheeler added the 2-point run and Winona led 16-8.

Owens then added an insurance touchdown for Winona with 3:59 left in the game to drop the Rams to 2-2 on the year, 0-1 in District 9-2A D-II play.

(Statistics provided by Darrell Martinez)

No.19 Baylor electrifies 'Jacks, 48-0 - September 19, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Stephen F. Austin running back Gus Johnson (center) loses control of the football while surrounded by Baylor defenders inside the Bears' 5-yard line during the second quarter of Saturday's game in Waco's Floyd Casey Stadium. (Photo by John Krueger)

WACO -- The turnovers and penalties committed against Northern Iowa didn't compare to the magnification of the mistakes the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks made Saturday night as the 'Jacks failed to score on golden scoring opportunities early on and the 19th-ranked Baylor Bears turned them into a 48-0 whipping here at Floyd Casey Stadium.

The weather actually appeared to do the 'Jacks a favor. The contest was delayed with 2:14 before the half because of lightning in the area. When play resumed the teams voided the halftime break and shortened the final two periods to 12 minutes.

Lightning again stopped play with 2:48 remaining in the third quarter, but the coaches agreed to run the final 168 seconds of the period off the clock and end the contest so the game could be officially counted, according to NCAA rules.

Even with the shortened time of the game, Baylor (2-0) racked up 545 total yards, including 284 on the ground and 261 passing.

Bears' quarterback Robert Griffin III was the worst of the Lumberjack troubles. The junior completed 20-of-22 passes (90.9%) for 247 yards and three touchdowns, while scrambling for 82 yards on just eight attempts.

"I thought (Griffin) played at a really high level," said Baylor head coach Art Briles after the game. "He gave us a spark offensively and kept a lot of plays alive for us offensively.

"I thought he was really active and did a great job keeping drives going."

Stephen F. Austin (1-2) was limited to 207 total yards and actually ran more rushing plays (25) than passing plays (22) for the first time since the 'Jacks ran the ball 22 times and threw it only 19 in the team's 92-0 annihilation of Texas College early in the 2009 season.

SFA finished the game with 85 yards on the ground and 122 passing, but the performance was still one that Lumberjack head coach J.C. Harper had some positive thoughts about.

"I'm really proud of my team tonight. They played hard," Harper said. "We came out and moved the football, but we were hurt by turnovers early.

"Baylor is a good football team. There is a reason they're nationally ranked. You can't go out and make turnovers like that way we have been and expect to win."

Despite trailing only 10-0 at the end of the first quarter, the Lumberjacks missed opportunities to score and give themselves confidence and even points, which could have given the game a different look.

Missed opportunity No.1

After Baylor deferred the opening kickoff, the Lumberjacks moved from their own 30-yard line, but face a 4th-and-1 at the Bears' 24-yard line. SFA quarterback Brady Attaway, who was 8-of-13 passes for 101 yards, called his own number and was stopped on the quarterback sneak.

Baylor came back with a field goal after driving 45 yards in nine plays. The Lumberjack defense stiffened and Aaron Jones nailed a 48-yard kick with 7:28 left in the first to put the Bears on top.

Missed opportunity No.2

On the Lumberjack's second drive of the night, they took over on their own 20-yard line and once again moved the ball into Baylor territory. With a 3rd-and-9 situation on the Bears' 29-yard line, Attaway was picked off by Mike Hicks when he tried to throw the ball over the middle. Hicks caught the ball at the 9-yard line and returned it out to the 37.

Baylor took the ball and the momentum and turned them into seven points as the Bears drove 63 yards in eight plays. Lanear Sampson caught a 9-yard scoring pass from Griffin with 2:53 left in the quarter to boost the BU lead to 10-0.

Missed opportunity No.3

Stephen F. Austin, which actually outgained the Bears 185-113 in the opening quarter, had one more opportunity to stay in the contest late in the period when they took the ensuing kickoff after the Baylor score and moved inside the Bears' 10-yard line. But after a 13-play, 76-yard drive the Lumberjacks stopped themselves when Gus Johnson fumbled inside the 5-yard line and Baylor recovered at the four.

Bears go on a run

Baylor then went on a 21-0 run over the final 11 minutes of the quarter to build a 31-0 halftime lead and never looked back.

Baylor took possession after the Lumberjack fumble and didn't stop until Jerod Monk caught a 10-yard scoring pass from Griffin that completed an 8-play, 96-yard drive, giving the Bears a 17-0 lead with 11:00 left in the half.

After a three-and-out for the SFA offense, the Bears moved 65 yards in seven plays to put the ball in the end zone. Jarred Salubi bounced in from the six with 8:06 left in the half to boost the lead to 24-0.

The final score of the half came after a SFA punt. This score was a quick hitter as Griffin hit Kendall Wright on the fourth play of the drive and Wright got behind the SFA secondary and raced 66 yards for the touchdown with 3:14 left in the half.

The game was all Baylor in the second half as the Bears outscored the 'Jacks 17-0 in the third quarter and 'wash' away any SFA chances of an upset.

Stephen F. Austin will take its two-game losing skid back home next week and open Southland Conference play against Texas State Saturday at 6 p.m.

GAME AT A GLANCE
SFA BU
First Downs 10 25
Rushes-Net Yards 25-85 30-284
Passing Yards 122 261
Total Yards 207 545
Punts-Avg. 5-43.0 0-0
Fumbles-Lost 1-1 2-1
Penalties-Yards 9-52 5-35
3rd Down Conv. 3/11 3/6
4th Down Conv. 1/2 0/0
Red Zone Chances 0/1 5/6

SCORING BY QUARTERS
Stephen F. Austin 00 00 00 NA = 00
Baylor 10 21 17 NA = 48

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
Rushing
SFA: Jeremy Barnes 5-57; Fred Ford 9-28; Keith Lawson 4-21; Cordell Roberson 1-5. Baylor: Terrance Ganaway 9-98 TD; Robert Griffin III 8-78; Glasco Martin 5-61 TD; Jarred Salubi 5-44 TD.
Passing
SFA: Brady Attaway 8-13-1 101 yards; Dalton Williams 5-9-0 21 yards. Baylor: Robert Griffin III 20-22-0 247 yards 3TD; Bryce Petty 1-2-0 14 yards.
Receiving
SFA: Mike Brooks 3-7; Cordell Roberson 2-43; Ryan Gambel 2-15; Kris Lott 1-24. Baylor: Kendall Wright 8-105 TD; Lanear Sampson 5-32 TD; Jerod Monk 3-39 TD; Tevin Reese 2-44.
Records
SFA 1-2; Baylor 2-0.

Perez leads Roughrider runners at area event - September 14, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Members of the Center cross country team are shown are they prepare to run in the Helping Hands 5K run Saturday in Nacogdoches. Athletes performed well at the event and even the CHS coaches participated.(Photo courtesy of Donna Shannon)

Members of the Center High School cross country teams, and coaches as well, participated in the Nacogdoches Helping Hands 5K held Saturday. Leading the way for Center was Luis Perez on the boys' side and Celia Gonzalez for the CHS girls.

Perez claimed top honors in his age group and sixth overall, while teammate Jose Tello was second in his age group and seventh overall at the competition.

Center's Daniel Woodhatch placed eighth overall and ran third in his age group, while Roughrider Aaron Strong had the fifth fastest time for his age group.

In the girls' race, Gonzalez ran fourth in her age division, while teammate Elizabeth Bailey was fifth and Evelyn Campos ran sixth.

Also completing the race for Center were Jessica Soto, Andrea Escobedo, Lorena Gonzalez and Estephany Robledo.

Center boys' coach Richard Ruiz placed second in his age group in the 10K race, while girls' coach Donna Shannon also completed the competition.

The Center cross country teams will at Stephen F. Austin on Saturday for the Brooks Lumberjack Invitational. Center will host a junior high and high school cross country event on Saturday, Sept. 24, when they put on the annual Rider Invitational at Roughrider Stadium.

Louisiana ousts Texas All-Stars, 7-2 - August 3, 2011
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Dixie Boys World Series

Center baserunner Adam Reeves (26) slides safely into home during Monday night's Dixie boys World Series against the Louisiana All-Stars. The Center team was eliminated, 7-2. (Photo by John Krueger)

BEAUFORT, S.C. -- Louisiana pitcher Andrew Lowe kept the Texas All-Stars off balance all night long, limiting the Center team to just three hits as the Tigers spoiled an outstanding performance by Dalton Horton in a 7-2 elimination win over the 'Riders here at Burton Wells Park Monday night.

The loss was Texas' second straight as the Roughriders were eliminated from contention for the championship. Texas finished the tourney with a 1-2 record.

Lowe pitched 6.1 innings, allowing just three hits while giving up a pair of unearned runs, while striking out eight and walking three. Will Goodwin then came in and set down the final two batters of the night.

The win overshadowed a stellar pitching performance by Center's Dalton Horton. Horton pitched four innings, allowing four unearned runs on only two hits, while striking out nine and walking three.

Center baserunner Jack Ford (left) is congratulated by teammate Kam Owens (34) after Ford scored during the fourth inning of Monday night's game against Louisiana at the Dixie Boys World Series. (Photo by John Krueger)

Taylor Tomlin pitched one frame for Texas, giving up three runs on three hits with two strikeouts and a walk. Colton McSwain finished the contest, not allowing a hit in one inning. He also fanned two and walked a pair.

Texas couldn't get on track offensively, picking up just three hits. Adam Reeves went 2-for-3, scoring a run. Horton picked up the other hit for the 'Riders, while drawing a walk. He hit what appeared to be a double in the sixth inning, but was called out for not stepping on first base.

Jack Ford scored a run for Texas, while Tanner Murdock walked and stole a base and Caiden Rainbolt drew a walk as well.

Texas All-Stars head coach Roscoe McSwain (right) goes over some of the finer points of the game with all-star Alec Lucas during Monday night's Dixie Boys World Series at Beaufort, SC. (Photo by John Krueger)

Other players contributing for Texas included Josh Burns, Tanner Murdock, Kam Owens, Alec Lucas, C.J. Garner and Eric Vaughn.

The Louisiana All-Stars won the game despite recording just five hits. Goodwin posted a 2-for-3 night, driving in three runs and scoring two. Josh Scherer went 1-for-2 with three runs scored.

Louisiana took a 2-0 lead in the second inning, taking advantage of a pair of Texas errors to push across two unearned runs.

But the Texas All-Stars knotted the score at 2-2 in the top of the fourth and it appeared as if the 'Riders were going to make a game of it. Reeves singled and moved to second on a balk. He then went to third on a passed ball and then scored on an error by the Louisiana shortstop.

Horton walked and Ford came in to pinch run. Ford advanced to second on a double-steal, which scored Reeves. On the error which allowed Reeves to score, Ford moved to third. He then plated on a passed ball, giving the 'Riders something to cheer about.

Murdock had walked and stole second. He then went to third when Ford scored, but he was left stranded when the third out was called.

That was the last baserunner that Texas would have on the night as Lowe clamped down on the 'Rider attack.

Meanwhile, the Tigers would add two more unearned runs in the bottom of the fourth, before pushing three runs across in the fifth to seal the win and send Texas home.

TEXAS-LOUISIANA LINESCORE

Texas 000 200 0 = 2 3 4
Louisiana 020 230 x = 7 5 3

WP: Andrew Lowe: 6.1INN 2R 0ER 3H 8SO 3BB.
LP: Dalton Horton: 4.0INN 4R 0ER 2H 9SO 3BB.

2B: None.
3B: None.
HR: None.