No.1 Clarksville prevails over Tenaha, 72-61 - March 5, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

CHS captures Region III title, advances to State

Tenaha's Chavis Gregory (22) is fouled as he puts up a jump shot over Clarksville's Tyus Savage during Saturday night's Class 1A D-I Region III Championship game at Wagstaff Gymnasium in Tyler. (Photo by John Krueger)

TYLER - There were many aspects of Saturday night's Class 1A D-I Region III championship war that Tenaha head coach Todd Bodden knew would give his team bigger challenges than they've received all year. But one area that No.1-ranked Clarksville controlled was probably one that Bodden didn't figure on: free throw shooting.

In the battle of the Tigers before a vocal jam packed crowd at Wagstaff Gymnasium, Clarksville cashed in 19-of-24 free throws in the first half - 21 more attempts than Tenaha - and 33-of-44 for the game as CHS gained some revenge for last year's upset by Tenaha in the regional final by turning those freebies into a 72-61 victory.

Clarksville (29-5) will advance to the Class 1A D-I State Tournament in Austin this week, battling Olton (27-8) in one semifinal game Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. in the Frank Erwin Center, on the campus of the University of Texas. Mumford (36-0) will tangle with Kerens (24-8) in the other semifinal game at 10 a.m.

The Class 1A D-I title game will be Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Tenaha gave the Clarksville fits for two quarters despite the free throw discrepancy, leading 36-33 at the break. But CHS wore down Tenaha, outscoring THS 21-8 in the third quarter and built a 54-44 lead after three quarters and never let it drop lower than six in the final period to secure the win.

"They played tight defense and just played better overall," said Bodden after the game. "They played close-out defense and that was probably the difference in the game.

Tenaha junior DeAaron Roland (33) battles Clarksville's Tyus Savage for a rebound during Saturday's night's Class 1A D-I Region III Championship game in Tyler. No.1 Clarksville prevailed in the title game, 72-61. (Photo by John Krueger)

"We didn't run our offense, but still led by three at the half. I told my kids that we didn't run our offense, but still led by three. 'You've got to turn up your defense and run your offense in the second half,' I told them.

"(Clarksville) was ready to let us do whatever, but they regrouped at halftime and played better in the second half."

Tenaha finished its run for a two-sport state championship year with a 21-5 record.

"They were big, they were talented and they just outplayed us tonight," said Bodden. "They went to the free throw line a lot, and give them credit, they made their shots.

"We, on the other hand, just couldn't buy a basket, especially in the third quarter, and it was just too much to overcome.

"But you've got to give credit to Clarksville, they're good."

Tenaha, which shot 30 less free throws, hitting 4-of-14 from the charity stripe. That one statistical category was a lot for THS to overcome.

H.B. Rosser and Radonte Edwards were a tough one-two punch for Clarksville, combining for 38 points. The pair combined for 24 second-half points, as Rosser scored a game-high 21 and Edwards chipped in 17.

Reginald Davis paced Tenaha with 18 points, with 12 of those coming in the final two quarters. But during the third quarter when THS was outscored by 13, he managed only three.

Octavius Griffith pitched in 14 points, dumping in seven in the second quarter. Chavis Gregory pitched in 10 points and Shaquille Mitchell, who turned his offensive game up a notch in the last three games, scored nine points. DeAaron Roland scored four and Demon Horton, Keontas Davis and LaDarren Cooks each chipped in two points.

The game went back and forth in the first quarter until Mitchell had a wide-open three at the buzzer and sank it to give Tenaha a boost and a 19-16 lead.

Clarksville then began going to the free throw line in the second quarter, hitting 11-of-15, while adding just three field goals - none over the final 6:10 of the half.

Trailing 30-25 with 3:55 left in the half, Tenaha outscored Clarksville 11-3 to close out the second quarter to grab a 36-33 lead at the break. Griffith led the way during the run, scoring seven points.

But Tenaha scored just three points in the first 4:46 of the third, while Clarksville dropped in 19 of the first 24 points of third period to build a 52-41 lead with 2:14 left in the third. CHS led 54-44 heading into the fourth.

Tenaha wouldn't quit, however, going on an 8-0 run early in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to six, 58-52, with 4:15 left.

But after a Clarksville timeout, CHS took advantage of trips to the charity stripe, hitting 10-of-14 free throws to close out Tenaha's season.

Tigers take down Cayuga in regional semifinals, 75-74 - March 5, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Tenaha's Reginald Davis (2) hoists teammate Demon Horton up in his arms after Horton hit the winning shot Friday afternoon in the Tigers' Class 1A D-I Region III Semifinal win over Cayuga. (Photo by John Krueger)

TYLER - For the second time in as many years the No.4 Tenaha Tigers came to Wagstaff Gymnasium and the Class 1A D-I Region III Tournament as underdogs to the No.3-ranked Cayuga Wildcats and once again the Tigers caught the 'Cats by their tales and showed them that nobody can underestimate Tenaha.

Octavius Griffith came alive as he did a year ago when it comes to 'tourney time', scoring 21 points and Demon Horton buried a three-pointer with just 3.8 seconds remained to lift THS to a 75-74 victory before a packed crowd.

Coincidentally, the final score was the exactly the same as a year ago when Tenaha advanced to the finals, before taking down Clarksville and advancing to their second state tournament berth in three years.

Guess what? No.1-ranked Clarksville was once again the opponent in the regional championship Saturday night after Clarksville escaped with a 57-56 win over No.8-ranked Grapeland in the other semifinal. But Clarksville prevailed in the regional final, 72-61.

Tenaha, which had not been overly impressive in the regular season and thus far in the playoffs after capturing the Class 1A D-II State Football Championship in December and getting a late start on the hardwood, came alive at regional tourney time they so often have.

The Tigers overcame six three-pointers and 31 points by Cayuga's Preston Anderson.

"He's good. He's real good," Tenaha head coach Todd Bodden said of Anderson's ability to pile up the points. "But we like winning and there's no quit in my kids, that's the beauty of it."

Tenaha guard Octavius Griffith (with ball) slides past Cayuga's Zac Bowman during Friday afternoon's Class 1A D-I Region III Semifinal game at Tyler's Wagstaff Gymnasium. (Photo by John Krueger)

Like they did in the regional quarterfinal win over Broaddus Tuesday night, Tenaha won with defense, forcing 24 Wildcat turnovers and turning them into 23 points, while committing just 13 offensively, of which Cayuga could only manage four points.

"It's not how you start, it's how you finish," Bodden continued. "And we're big on the finish part. When the chips are down and there's no timeouts, these kids know what to do.

"I put the speed out there to mess them up; to get steals and turnovers - something that we could use to our advantage. I was rotating our best speed out there on defense, trying to create turnovers, while giving the other guys a blow and doing a little coaching. Then when we had the opportunity I'd put our offensive group out there and give a blow to the defensive guys and coach them.

"But I don't think Reginald (Davis) came out hardly at all. He did a super job. They all did and I'm so proud of the effort they gave out there today."

Cayuga had a much taller lineup, yet Tenaha outscored the Wildcats 46-36 on points in the paint and 12-6 in second-chance points.

Tenaha scored 11 points off eight forced Cayuga turnovers in the first quarter as Keontas Davis hit a 3-pointer to put the Tigers up 19-16 after the opening period.

Griffith, who came alive at the regional tournament last season and then dominated play in Austin, shined bright again. He finished with a team-high 21 points, scoring eight in the decisive third quarter when Tenaha outscored Cayuga 29-12, to erase a 37-30 halftime deficit and take a 59-49 lead entering the final period.

"We knew when we got to the Regional Tournament we had to step up our game and we did," Davis said after the contest. "I have confidence in myself and my team no matter who we're playing and we got the job done again."

And despite not scoring a point in the first 4:40 of the final period and being outscored 12-0, Tenaha tied the game when they finally got on the board as Jacoby Ivy (4 points) took a turnover and went coast-to-coast for a layup. Shaquille Mitchell, who had come out of Bodden's 'dog house' last week to spark the squad, stole the ball and scored two of his 10 points on the next trip down the floor and suddenly the Tigers were back in front, 63-61.

Tenaha had enough tenacity to pull off the win despite trailing by four, 73-69, with 40.1 seconds left. It didn't look well for THS when Griffith missed two free throws with 31.9 seconds left, but after a Cayuga turnover, Davis was fouled on a 3-point shot. He hit all three clutch free throws to pull Tenaha to within 73-72 with 16.3 left.

Cayuga's Zac Bowman, who scored 20 points in the game, had a chance to give his team a three-point lead with 11.8 seconds remaining when he was foul, but he only made 1-of-2 shots.

Then, with no timeouts, Davis brought the ball down the right sideline and appeared to lose control. He quickly dished the ball to Horton in the corner and the senior calmly turned and put up the trey. The ball went around the rim, hit the backboard and rattled in as the crowd went into a frenzy and the teams poured on to the court.

However, in the confusion, Cayuga coach Greg Jenkins called a timeout and the officials cleared the floor and put 3.8 seconds on the clock.

Then, with one last chance, the Wildcats' Chris Hardy threw an inbounds pass the length of the court, but it was too long and went out of bounds. Tenaha then inbounded the ball and ran the clock out.

Horton said he had a dream about making the big play all week.

"I dreamed all week that I had a last-second shot and it went in and kept wondering if it was going to come true," Horton said after the game. "Everybody had their doubts about us again this year here at the regional tournament, but this is a rivalry game and we came to play."

Horton and Reginald Davis each dropped in 12 points in the game, while Chavis Gregory chipped in nine, Keontas Davis added five and DeAaron Roland scored two points.

Navarro College take twinbill from Panola - March 5, 2012
By Stephen Ewing
Sports Correspondent

Panola College Paul Barton throws a pitch during Saturday afternoon's Game 1 of a twinbill at Jim Reeves Memorial Field. Navarro College swept the doubleheader, 5-3, 11-9. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

CARTHAGE - One inning can make a huge difference. The Panola College Ponies were reminded of that here at Jim Reeves Memorial Park on Saturday afternoon, as the Navarro College Bulldogs used a huge fifth inning to overcome two home runs by the Ponies to win the front end of an afternoon doubleheader by a final score of 5-3.

In the second game of the twinbill, the Ponies built a 9-5 lead heading into the ninth inning and fell 11-9, falling back to 8-12 on the year, 3-5 in Region XIV action.

Navarro took the lead in the top of the second frame when cleanup hitter Tyler Wilson led off with a double off of Panola's Paul Barton. Two singles later Wilson crossed the plate to put the Bulldogs on top.

The Ponies trailed until the bottom of the fourth, when Darren Kolk led off with a triple, then scored on a sacrifice fly by Brandon Zamzow. Brett Pirtle put the Ponies on top with a solo shot over the right field wall.

The lead would be short lived, however, as the Bulldogs' Brett Doe led off the fifth with a single. Jake Sutton singled to move Doe to second and Weston Hall beat out a bunt to load the bases. Kaleb Goodell hit a two-RBI double to score Doe and Sutton.

Panola College's Brett Pirtle (13) has to leap to catch a throw from the catcher as a Navarro College player slides safely headfirst into first base during Saturday afternoon's Region XIV contest. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

Panola head coach Todd Shelton elected to bring in Nick Alexiou to relieve Barton, but Alexiou gave up a RBI single to Ryan Ford, then a sacrifice fly by Craig McConaughy plated Goodell.

Alexiou gave up another hit by Colton Besett before getting Brode Boyd to hit into a fielder's choice to end the inning.

The Ponies got the bottom half of the frame started off right, thanks to a solo homerun by Steven Martinez. However, the Ponies were unable to find holes in the Bulldog infield, as Jackson McCurdy and Aaron Pangilinan both grounded out before Navarro starter Gage Curry struck out Panola second baseman Hunter Hagler.

The Ponies were unable to get a rally going in the final two frames, as Navarro closer J.T. Autrey came in to work the seventh inning and pick up the save.

Shelton was disappointed with the setback, but remains optimistic about his team's chances on the young season.

"We've got a good ballclub," Shelton said. "We're very young, but very athletic. We've got a couple of key players out, so we've got some kids playing out of position. When we get healthy, we'll be fine."

The youngsters played very good defense, committing no errors recorded in the contest. Martinez led the way offensively, reaching base every time he stepped to the plate. On the day, he went 2-for-4, with a double, a home run, a walk, and was hit by a pitch. Pirtle was also 2-for-4 with a home run. Kolk went 2-3 with a triple and a run scored.

Barton took the loss on the mound, giving up all five runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings of work. He struck out two while facing 21 batters. Alexiou fanned two and walked one, while surrendering five hits in 2.2 innings.

Curry picked up the win for the Bulldogs, giving up three runs on six hits while striking out seven. He also walked two and hit three batters in six innings of work. Autrey got the save, walking one and fanning two.

The Ponies will return to action Monday night when they travel to Tyler to take on the Tyler Junior College Apaches in a 7 p.m. game.

Lady Rams roll through tourney, top Center - March 5, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Joaquin's Chasity Baker throws the ball back to the infield after making a catch during action at the Center Softball Tournament. The Lady Rams finished the tourney with a 5-1 record. (Photo by John Krueger)

The Joaquin Lady Rams are a solid offensive squad early in the season and that was indicated on Saturday morning when they posted 10 hits in a 10-1 victory over the host-Center Lady Riders in the final day of the Center Softball Tournament.

The Lady Rams posted more wins (5) than any other team in the tournament. Despite Friday's play in the round-robin affair being cut short because of heavy rains from a cold front passing through the area in the early afternoon. The only blemish on the Joaquin record was a 5-5 'tie' with Bullard on Thursday. The Lady Panthers were credited with the win because of a tie-breaker.

The Lady Rams also beat Corrigan, 6-4, on Thursday, swept through games against Broaddus, 2-1, and West Sabine, 4-2, on Friday, and shut out Apple Springs, 9-0, in their other game on Saturday.

Bullard posted a 4-0 record in the three-day tourney, but had its two games on Friday washed out. Center finished 3-1, Corrigan-Camden posted a 3-2 record, while West Sabine struggled with a 1-4 record and Broaddus and Apple Springs were both 1-5.

Joaquin's Whitney Vaughn (2) slides past a Corrigan player and into second base during action at the Center Softball Tournament this past weekend. Vaughn was safe on the play. (Photo by John Krueger)

Jordan Welch had the hot bat for the Lady Rams against Center on Saturday, slamming a pair of triples, while finishing 3-for-4 with three runs scored. Paige Wilburn was also 3-for-4, scoring two runs for JHS.

Whitney Vaughn went 1-for-3, with a double and a walk for JHS, Ashlyn Harvey walked, went 1-for-2 and scored a run, Ryleigh Yates went 1-for-3, drew a walk and scored and Tristan Wilkerson went 1-for-3 and a run scored. Taylor Wilkerson also scored a run and drove in another.

Vaughn picked up the win in the circle for Joaquin, allowing just three hits, while striking out five and walking one. Chelsea Henderson was the losing pitcher for Center.

Henderson (1-for-3), Magon Teske (1-for-2) and Magon Nehring (1-for-2) each recorded singles for Center.

Lady Riders post 3-1 mark at own tournament - March 5, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Center bounces Broaddus, falls to JHS Saturday

Center Lady Rider Cassie Bush (9) slides into first base as a Broaddus defender tries to put on the tag during action at the Center Softball Tournament. The Lady Riders won the game, 6-4. (Photo by John Krueger)

Center's Suzanne Peace (13) aways the tag from the catcher while a Broaddus baserunner attempts to steal second base during Saturday's action at the Center Softball Tournament. The Lady Riders won, 6-4. (Photo by John Krueger)

Despite playing without No.4-hole hitter Erica Eddins, the Center Lady Rider softball team bounced back from a 10-1 loss to Joaquin on Saturday to secure a 6-4 come-from behind win over Broaddus to finish their own tournament with a 3-1 record.

The Lady Riders didn't get in two of their games on Friday because a downpour due to a cold front coming through the area. The cancellation of three varsity games caused havoc on the win-loss record of some of the teams in the round robin format because the games weren't made up.

Bullard finished the tourney as the only unbeaten team, posting a 4-0 mark, while Joaquin had only one blemish, losing a tie-breaker on the tourney's first day and posting an official mark of 5-1. Corrigan completed a 3-2 tourney, while West Sabine had a 1-4 record and Broaddus and Apple Springs were both 1-5.

Center, which opens District 18-3A play tonight (Monday) at Kirbyville (JV at 4:30, with varsity to follow), didn't hit the ball in the early morning game, but as the temperatures warmed up, so did the Lady Rider bats.

"We don't seem to play well in the morning," admitted Center head coach Christie Benton. "Also, we were missing our senior catcher (Eddins), who is also our bigger hitter in the No.4-hole, so that effected us some.

Center's Sam Bridges (4) gets set to step on home plate while the Broaddus catches leaps high to catch the ball during action Saturday at Lady Rider Field. CHS won the game, 6-4. (Photo by John Krueger)

"I thought Magon (Nehring) did a good job coming up (from junior varsity) and stepped in and got some big hits for us."

Center finished the game with nine hits against the Bulldogs, with three players picking up two hits apiece. Chelsea Henderson posted a 2-for-3 effort with a triple, two runs driven in and a run scored, while Taylor Flournoy went 2-for-3with a run scored and Cassie Bush drove in a run, recorded two singles in three at-bats and scored a run.

Suzanne Peace doubled, finishing 1-for-3, with a run driven in and a scored run. Emily Koonce went 1-for-2 and Nehring picked up a hit and drove in a pair of runs, while filling in at catcher.

Bush, Peace and Michaela Schulz each recorded stolen bases for CHS.

Broaddus took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, and it wasn't until the third inning that Center broke on the scoreboard. The Lady Riders scored five runs to take the lead for good, 5-2. Flournoy, Bush, Peace, Henderson and Schulz each crossed the plate in the inning for CHS.

Broaddus added two more runs in the top of the fourth inning to cut the lead to pull to within 5-4, but Bridges scored an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth before the time limit ended the contest.

"We're on and off at the plate and I'd like to see us become a little more consistent," Benton stated. "When we're on we really hit the ball well.

"As a team, we're jelling a little bit better as a group. We have more talk in the dugout and on the field. We also made the routine plays today. What I'd like to see us do is more of the spectacular plays that will get us 'amped' up. That's one thing we're missing right now."

CENTER SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
Final Records
Varsity Division
Bullard 4-0
Joaquin 5-1
Center 3-1
Corrigan 3-2
West Sabine 1-4
Broaddus 1-5
Apple Springs 1-5

Friday's Results
Center Softball Tourney Schedule
Joaquin 2, Broaddus 1
Broaddus 1, Apple Springs 1 (Broaddus gets 'win')
Joaquin 4, West Sabine 2
Corrigan 2, Apple Springs 1
Shelbyville JV vs Joaquin JV - CNCL/Rain
Corrigan vs. Bullard - CNCL/Rain
Center vs. West Sabine - CNCL/Rain
Center JV vs. Corrigan JV - CNCL/Rain
Center vs. Bullard - CNCL/Rain

Saturday's Results
Joaquin JV 8, Center JV 7
Joaquin 10, Center 1
Center 6, Broaddus 4
Bullard 9, West Sabine 2
Joaquin 9, Apple Springs 0
Corrigan-Camden 11, West Sabine 4
Shelbyville JV 20, Corrigan-Camden JV 9
Bullard 16, Apple Springs 2
Corrigan-Camden 6, Broaddus 5

Walks hurt Dragons in 6-1 loss to Mustangs at Shelbyville Classic - February 24, 2012
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Shelbyville centerfielder Ryon Vaughn (left) slides safely past Overton's Braylon Pierce (10) and into second base during Thursday night's action at the Shelbyville Classic. The Mustangs won the contest, 6-1. (Photo by John Krueger)

SHELBYVILLE - Early season pitching control problems hampered the Shelbyville Dragons in their opening game of the Shelbyville Classic baseball tournament Thursday night as James Bradford and Cheyenne Clark combined to walk seven batters in a 6-1 Overton victory here at Dragon Field.

Like most pitchers across the state, Shelbyville throwers haven't gotten a lot of work because of wet and cold conditions. Bradford was also in basketball until just over a week before the season began so he has some catching up to do in that respect.

A Shelbyville baserunner slides safely into second base during Thursday night's opening rounds of the Shelbyville Classic baseball tournament. The Dragons picked up four hits in a 6-1 setback to Overton in the first round of the tourney. (Photo by John Krueger

"It's hard to get the wins with the numberof walks we had tonight," said Shelbyville head coach Mike Innerarity. "They scored six runs on six hits, which means we can't walk them like we did and expect to win.

"But it's still early and our pitchers haven't had the opportunity to get anything done because of the weather. We've also got guys like James that are just out from basketball too, so it'll take some time."

Bradford took the loss for the Dragons (1-1), as he started the game and worked two frames, allowing four runs on three hits with six walks and four strikeouts.

Cheyenne Clark came out of the bullpen and finished the contest. In three innings he fared better, giving up two unearned runs on three hits, with just one walk, while fanning four.

Tyler Rhodes was the winning pitcher for the Mustangs, giving up one unearned run on four hits with four strikeouts. Rhodes did not allow a walk in the contest.

"We didn't swing the bats as well as I'd like us too; we had 11 hits against Tatum [Tuesday] night," Innerarity added. "Right now I don't have a varsity roster and we're trying a lot of different people in different spots to see who can do what.

"With only one senior on this team and as many new faces out there, it's important right now to just get reps. But I think we'll be okay. We're just trying to get 12 varsity guys and I've got guys playing JV and varsity games right now."

Innerarity said he's trying to get some extended time with his pitchers in the tourney to see what kind of control and endurance they have.

"The number of pitches we're letting our guys throw depends on the kid," the coach stated. "Right now, unless they tell me they're hurting, I'll probably try to work them and 'burn' them for the tournament to hopefully get some extended time on the mound. Unfortunately tonight we only got two innings out of James, but his pitch count was up and he was giving up way to many walks.

"But at this point I'm not going to throw any of my pitchers more than 75 pitches. If they struggle I won't hesitate going to somebody else."

Four different Shelbyville players accounted for the teams hits on Thursday. Ryon Vaughn had a 1-for-2 effort, driving in a run and stealing a base. Bradford and Dillon Brown also both went 1-for-2.

A.J. McCasland paced Overton at the plate as he was a perfect 2-for-2 with a pair of runs scored, two RBIs and a walk drawn. Tyler Rhodes was 1-for-2 with a double, two runs batted in and walk. Tyler Rhodes and Jesse Roach also had 1-for-2 outings. Rhodes drove in a pair of runs.

The Mustangs jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the second, scoring on three hits, while taking advantage of four walks in the frame.

Clark came into the game to pitch for Shelbyville and set the Mustangs down in order in the third and only gave up a pair of unearned runs in the fourth as SHS trailed 6-0.

The Dragons then broke on the scoreboard in the fifth and averted the shutout, scoring one run on one hit.

Shelbyville played Huntington today (Friday) at 12:15 p.m. and then come back at 7 p.m. to host Center. The Dragons close out the tourney on Saturday night against Tatum at 7 p.m.

SHELBYVILLE CLASSIC
Thursday's Results
Garrison 4, Center 1
Garrison 2, Tatum 1
Tatum 4, Center 2
Huntington 6, Overton 1
Overton 6, Shelbyville 1

Friday's Schedule
Huntington JV vs. Shelbyville JV, 10 a.m.
Huntington vs. Shelbyville, 12:15 p.m.
Huntington vs. Tatum, 2:30 p.m.
Garrison vs. Overton, 4:45 p.m.
Center vs. Shelbyville, 7 p.m.

Saturday's Schedule
Overton vs. Center, 10 a.m.
Garrison JV vs. Huntington JV, 12:15 p.m.
Shelbyville JV vs. Garrison JV, 2:30 p.m.
Garrison vs. Huntington, 4:45 p.m.
Shelbyville vs. Tatum, 7 p.m.

Lady Tigers Take Down Timpson, Shelbyville - January 25, 2012
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Tenaha guard Whitney Jackson (10) drives the ball up the court against Beckville's Cheyenne Haynes (5) Tuesday night in Bearcat Gymnasium. The Lady Tigers brought a six-game winning streak into that game, including wins over Timpson and Shelbyville last week. (Photo by John Krueger)

The Tenaha Lady Tigers completed the first half of the District 22-1A race the same way they did a year ago, posted a spotless record and meeting each challenge put before them. Despite the search for a new point guard to replace 2010-11 league standout Okievia Bratchett, THS knocked off Timpson, 53-30, and Shelbyville, 47-41, in overtime last week to improved its league mark to 5-0.

The Lady Tigers, who ran their unbeaten string to six games, improved to 13-11 overall heading into Tuesday night's road matchup with second-place Beckville, in a game which the Ladycats turned back the Lady Tigers, 47-36. That loss dropped Tenaha back into a first-place tie with Beckville (13-12) in the District 22-1A standings as both squads stand at 5-1 with four games remaining in the regular season.

Here's a rundown of the Lady Tigers' contests last week:

Tenaha 53, Timpson 30 -- Three Tenaha players scored in double figures last Tuesday night as the Lady Tigers took a seven point lead at the end of the opening period and extended it to 14 points at the half en route to a 53-30 triumph over cross-county rival Timpson in the Tenaha Special Events Center.

Ashlee Ray had the hottest hand for Tenaha, pouring in 17 points, while Jalysa Steadman was right behind, dumping in 14 points. Tia Thomas was in double figures with 11 points, while Eboni Moore added six points and Whitney Jackson totaled five points.

Jakelia Caraway paced the Lady Bears, scorching the net for 14 points. Tammi Harris chipped in seven points, Rachel Reeves dumped in six and LaToya Cartwright rounded out the Timpson effort with three points.

The Lady Tigers moved out to a 15-8 lead at the end of the opening period and then delighted the home crowd by extended the advantage to 28-14 at the break.

The Lady Bears were unable to close the gap in the third quarter as Tenaha outscored them 13-9 and Tenaha held a 12-7 scoring advantage in the fourth.

The setback dropped Timpson to 5-11 on the season, 1-3 against District 22-1A opponents.

Tenaha 47, Shelbyville 41 (OT) -- The Shelbyville Lady Dragons have fallen on hard times trying to get back into the win column after beginning district play with a victory. Shelbyville lost its fourth straight league matchup on Friday night, falling 47-41 to the Lady Tigers in Dragon Gymnasium, despite taking the game to overtime.

Jackson led three Tenaha players in double figures, scoring 13 points. Moore threw in 12 points and Ray posted 10 points. Steadman added seven points to the cause, while Thomas scored five points.

Camory Bolton paced Shelbyville, which slipped to 13-9 on the year, 1-4 in 22-1A action. Bolton was the only Lady Dragon in double figures, scoring 17 points.

Kadeshia Turner pumped in eight points for SHS, with Shameria Lathan adding six, Kiera Montgomery and Jakera Land each pitching in five and Tamara Lathan scoring three points.

Tenaha took a slim 11-10 lead after the first period, but the Lady Dragons came roaring back to go into the locker room with a 22-18 lead at the half.

Shelbyville held on to its four-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter, but Tenaha was able to force overtime, tied at 39-39.

In the extra period it was the Tigers picking up the pace defensively, holding Shelbyville to just two points, while scoring eight on the offensive end.

Lady Rams opens League Play With Win - January 9, 2012
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Joaquin's Katelyn Cockrell (00) drives toward the basketball during earlier season action. Cockrell scored eight points Friday night to help the Lady Rams defeat Waskom, 46-35. (Photo by John Krueger)

The Joaquin Lady Rams received nine points and eight rebounds from Whitney Vaughn Friday night as they went on the road and opened District 20-2A play with a 46-35 victory over Waskom.

The victory was Joaquin's third straight, but more importantly got the team off to a strong start in league action. Joaquin (12-10) will put its 1-0 district mark on the line Tuesday night when they travel to Tatum to battle the 7th-ranked Lady Eagles.

Vaughn hit 3-of-7 from the field, while pulling down six defensive boards to lead the Lady Rams to the win. Katelyn Cockrell and Annabeth Vaughn each scored eight points for Joaquin, with Ava Stephens pitched in seven and Mallory Martinez scored six. Jordan Welch and Chasity Baker each chipped in four points.

Joaquin won the contest despite hitting 29% (18-of-62) from the field. The Lady Rams shot well from long range, converting 6-of-15 (40%) from behind the three-point arc.

The Lady Rams tallied 21 rebounds as a team. In addition to Vaughn's total, Martinez added five, Cockrell totaled three, Baker came through with two and Stephens, Welch, and Annabeth Vaughn all had one.

Martinez led the defensive assault for Joaquin with six steals, with Whitney Vaughn picking up four and Welch adding three. The team totaled 20.

Lady Bears drop season finale to Beckville - October 26, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Timpson senior Tammi Harris (10) leaps high at the net in an effort to block the kill attempt by Beckville's T'Ouja Adams (right) during Tuesday night's regular season finale from John Herbert Eakin Gymnasium. Beckville won the match, 3-0. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

The Timpson volleyball team couldn't overcome a Beckville squad that was gearing up for a run in the Class 1A playoffs as the Ladycats knocked off the Lady Bears in straight sets, 25-21, 25-13, 25-11, in John Herbert Eakin Gymnasium in Timpson Tuesday night.

The setback ended the season for Timpson, which dropped its last seven matches of the year and finished the season with a 9-26 mark overall, 2-10 against District 20-1A competition.

Beckville improved to 26-13 on the season, having already wrapped up second place in the district standings last Friday. The Ladycats ended the season with a 9-3 league mark. The victory was Beckville's six in their last seven matches and 9th in their last 11 matchups.

Overton claimed the District 20-1A crown, with Beckville placing second and Carlisle taking third place.

Beckville is scheduled to open the Class 1A volleyball playoffs next Tuesday, Nov. 1, against Yantis, the third-place finisher in District 19-1A, at 6:30 p.m. at Winona High School.

Timpson senior Caitlyn Smith gets set to bump the ball over the net during Tuesday night's season finale against Timpson. The Lady Bears will graduate five players off their 2011 roster. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

The Lady Bears battled Beckville close in the first set, with BHS taking a four-point win. But the Ladycats finished the match with 36 kills and 36 digs, which was too much for Timpson as BHS captured the second and third sets by a large margin.

T'Ouja Adams led the Ladycats' offense at the net, recording 13 kills, while Taylor Lindsay and Shelbi Jo Dodson each chipped in seven. Ivy Rieke added five kills, Cheyenne Haynes pitched in two and Dalye Alfaro and Montana Searcy pitched in one apiece.

Beckville gained a large advantage at the service line, where the 'Cats produced 21 aces. Lindsay tallied eight to lead the team, while Dodson was a close second with seven. Emma Smith produced five service aces and Searcy chipped in one.

Dodson led Beckville with eight digs, with Smith adding seven, Adams and Alfaro each pitched in four and Haynes, Lindsay and Maya Bradford produced three each. Searcy and Rieke each had two digs apiece.

Oral Roberts joins Southland Conference - October 26, 2011

FRISCO - The Southland Conference and Oral Roberts University announced Tuesday that the institution will become the newest member of the NCAA Division I league. The Tulsa, Okla.-based university will become the 10th member of the Southland on July 1, 2012, and will begin competing for conference championships in the 2012-13 academic year.
The ORU Golden Eagles will participate in 15 of the Southland's 17 sponsored championships, including men's sports basketball, baseball, cross country, golf, tennis, and indoor and outdoor track and field. On the women's side, ORU will compete in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball.

"The Southland Conference, after a unanimous vote of its Board of Directors, is very pleased to extend an offer of membership to Oral Roberts University," said Dr. Baker Pattillo, Southland Board Chairman and the president at Stephen F. Austin State University. "Further, we are honored to learn of the institution's acceptance of our offer, and we are gratified by the approval of the ORU Board of Trustees, the leadership of President Mark Rutland and the diligent work of Athletic Director Mike Carter. The Southland presidents look forward to a beneficial partnership with ORU and its athletic program."

"Our number one consideration in this and all decisions is the well being of our student-athletes. We look forward to being a competitive member of such an excellent conference right here in our own neighborhood," Rutland, the ORU president, said. "This change in geography that the Southland Conference provides us will greatly benefit our athletes."

"The Southland Conference presidents have studied the possibilities of membership addition in the past few months," added Southland commissioner Tom Burnett. "From the beginning of the process, the Board has only shown interest in institutions that clearly bring added value to the league. That includes strong academic performance, athletic competitiveness and achievement, excellent playing facilities, geographic fit, media market size and presence in the market, and strong fan support. ORU excels in all of these categories, and this was evident as we began studying potential members."

ORU will be the first Oklahoma-based institution in the Southland's 48-year history, and will be the league's first private institution since charter members Trinity University and Abilene Christian University departed the conference in early 1970s. Tulsa is the nation's 46th largest city with a population of 391,906, and the greater metropolitan area includes approximately one million people. The area is also the 59th largest television market in the United States.

"Our league's geography provides travel and recruiting advantages in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and now, Oklahoma, and our warm weather fosters competitive and scheduling benefits for our teams," Burnett said. "Major airports in our region also facilitate reasonable and convenient air travel throughout the conference for our teams and fans when necessary."

Currently a member of the Summit League, the Golden Eagle program has set a strong competitive standard since joining the conference in 1997. Signifying all-around excellence, ORU has won nine Summit League Commissioner's Cups in 14 years, and the Golden Eagles have totaled 75 NCAA tournament appearances in that time. The athletic program has had 68 All-America selections since 1998, as well as an indoor and outdoor track national champion and two Olympians.

"The Southland Conference has proven that it is a strong and historic mid-major conference, and we are excited about competing in the league," Carter, the ORU athletic director, said. "The geographical footprint of the Southland will help us in recruiting, both for athletics and for the university."

In men's basketball, the Golden Eagles can boast defeating a team from a BCS or powerful basketball conference every year since 2002-03, including wins over No. 3 Kansas in 2006, No. 13 New Mexico in 2009, as well as other recent victories over Arkansas, Utah, Georgetown, Oklahoma State, Stanford and Missouri. The program has 13 postseason tournament trips in its history, including five NCAA tournaments and an Elite Eight appearance in 1974.

In women's basketball, the ORU program has advanced to five NCAA tournaments since 1999, and the team earned a WNIT appearance in 2010 after winning the Summit League title.

In baseball, ORU has made 23 NCAA regional appearances and has won a remarkable 14 consecutive Summit League championships. The 1978 team advanced to the College World Series in Omaha, and the baseball program has played in seven regional final games since 2002, and won a regional title in 2006.

Other ORU sports have seen a considerable amount of competitive success, including the women's volleyball team that advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight in 1995. The men's golf program has a strong tradition with 12 NCAA tournament appearances, four top 10 finishes in the NCAA championship, including national runnerup in 1981. The women's golf program has captured an impressive 14 consecutive Summit League championships and 11 consecutive NCAA appearances.

Since 1982, ORU track and field athletes have claimed 55 All-America honors, and the program boasts 106 NCAA championship qualifiers during the last 16 years. That includes 2008 indoor and outdoor 400-meters national champion Andretti Bain, who went on to win a silver medal as a member of the Bahamas' 4x400 relay team.

ORU's athletic facilities rank among the nation's best, and the university has recently invested resources into renovations at the 10,575-seat Mabee Center, home of Golden Eagle basketball, and at the 2,418-seat Johnson Stadium, home to ORU baseball. Additional improvements and new construction has also benefitted volleyball, soccer, tennis, golf and track facilities.

Academically, ORU sports teams have earned a 3.0 or better grade point average in 13 of the last 14 years. In the NCAA Academic Performance Program, Golden Eagle athletic teams have excelled, none are currently penalized, and all but one team performing significantly higher that the new proposed penalty cut rate of 930. ORU's Academic and ELI (Education, Learning and Integrity) Center foster accomplishments in the classroom and prepares Golden Eagle student-athletes for life beyond college and athletics.

Founded in 1963, Oral Roberts University serves 3,259 students on its 263-acre campus in south Tulsa. The university offers 63 undergraduate major programs, 14 master's programs and two doctoral degrees through its six colleges. Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, ORU ranks among the "Best in the West" universities by the Princeton Review, and has produced eight Gates Millennium Scholarship recipients and two Fulbright Scholars.

The university has approximately 24,600 graduates and serves a total alumni population of more than 38,000.

"For nearly half a century, the Southland Conference has proven itself as a consistent model of athletic and academic achievement, principled leadership, and innovation," Burnett added. "Since its founding in 1963, the Southland has focused on providing its member institution's student-athletes the best possible competitive and academic opportunities. Our league has experienced significant episodes of transformation during in its five decades, but has always found ways to work through changes and come out in a better position. The addition of ORU does this for us again, and we expect the Golden Eagles to excel and make our Conference even better.

The Southland Conference has excelled competitively throughout its history, including winning five various national championships in football, and advancing four men's basketball teams to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen and one to the NIT Final Four. The league has also sent a women's basketball team to the NCAA Final Four, another team to the NCAA Elite Eight and two squads to the WNIT championship game. In 2011, the Southland ranked as the eighth-best Division I baseball conference in the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), and has produced numerous major league players, including 25 draft choices this year.

Southland softball teams have defeated nationally-ranked teams every year since 1995, the league has produced a women's volleyball NCAA Final Four participant, and track and field individuals have won a combined 32 NCAA championships. The Southland placed three men's golf teams into the 2011 NCAA regionals, and has produced two top-10 national NCAA team finishes since 2006.

Academically, the Southland has experienced the best improvement of all Division I conferences in the NCAA Academic Performance Program during the past five years, and in 2009-10, its men's basketball programs collectively had the 10th best yearly Academic Progress Rate (APR) among the 31 conferences. The league celebrates and honors academic achievement with its F.L. McDonald Postgraduate Scholarship Award, the Scholar-Athlete Award, the Commissioner's Honor Roll and the All-Academic Teams.

In 2008, the league developed the award-winning Southland Conference Television Network that provides more than 30 annual live productions of various sports events to more than two dozen regional and national affiliates.

Burnett added that the Southland will likely continue to review membership possibilities. "The Southland Board considers its membership review process open, and in the coming weeks and months, it is expected that the conference will primarily focus on the possibility of adding institutions that currently sponsor football or plan on doing so in the future," he said.

'Riders in must-win situation vs. Huntington - October 26, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Area Football Preview

Center's Darron Bolton (24) tries to escape the grasp of a Diboll defender during action on Oct. 14 at Roughrider Stadium. The 'Riders are in a must-win situaion this week against Huntington if they want to make the Class 3A playoffs. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

Four of the five high school football teams in Shelby County are still mathematically still alive to make the playoffs. Only the Timpson Bears know they'll be staying home for sure and have no chance playing Thanksgiving weekend, which is an aspiration for teams across the state.

The Tenaha Tigers have already secured a Class 1A D-II playoff berth and a share of the District 12-1A D-II title and will be playing for the outright championship at home Friday night.

Shelbyville has a tough road to make the playoffs and the Dragons will have their work cut out for them this weekend to earn a spot at the postseason party.

Center and Joaquin are still in control of their own playoff destiny and will be involved in key games this weekend.

Here is a rundown of the action involving area teams:

Center at Huntington*, 7:30 p.m.
After opening the 2011 season with a 2-0 mark, the Center Roughriders have spiraled to six straight defeats, including their last two in District 18-3A action. Sitting in fourth place in the league standings with two games to be played, CHS is still in control of their own destiny to make the postseason and it all begins Friday night in Huntington.

The Roughriders (2-6, 0-2 dist.) are coming off a bye week and will meet the Huntington Red Devils (1-8, 0-3 dist.). A win over the Devils and another next week at home against Kirbyville would secure no worse than a third-place finish in the standings.

Jasper (5-4) currently sits alone in first place in District 18-3A with a spotless 3-0 record, one-half game ahead of Diboll (4-4), which is 2-0. Jasper had already clinched a playoff berth. Both Jasper and Diboll have already defeated Center this season.

Kirbyville (1-7) is in third place with a 1-1 record and will be at home this week against Diboll.

Joaquin at West Rusk*, 7:30 p.m.

Joaquin wide receiver Wyatt Hairgrove (11) reaches out to catch a touchdown pass during action last week against Frankston. The Rams are closing in on capturing a Class 2A playoff berth as they sit in second place in District 9-2A D-II. (Photo by Rusty Wilson)

The Joaquin Rams have come a long way since making the jump from Class 1A to 2A last season and finishing the 2010 season with a 4-6 mark and a league record of 1-4. They are in control of their own playoff destiny heading into the final two weeks of the regular season.

The Rams will travel to Tatum Friday night to play District 9-2A D-II foe West Rusk on a neutral site. The game is being played at Tatum High School at 7:30 p.m. because of stadium problems at West Rusk.

Joaquin (4-4) is currently tied with West Rusk (3-5) for second place in the standings, one game behind front-runner Arp (6-2), which is 3-0. The winner of the Joaquin-West Rusk game will have sole possession of second place heading into the final week of the regular season.

Union Grove (3-5) and Frankston (2-6) are both tied for fourth place with identical 1-2 records and are still mathematically still alive to make the postseason. Winona (1-7) is out of the playoff chase.

Joaquin is scheduled to host Union Grove next week to close out the regular season.

Union Hill at Tenaha*, 7:30 p.m.
Because of the small league, District 12-1A D-II will wrap up play this week. Tenaha (8-0) will be at home to battle winless Union Hill (0-8). The Tigers have already wrapped up at least a share of the District 12-1A D-II championship, and with a spotless 2-0 mark, all the Tigers have to do is defeat the Bulldogs (0-2 dist.) at home to secure the outright title.

Tenaha is already in the playoffs.

Both Mount Enterprise (7-1, 1-1 dist.) and Beckville (2-6, 1-1) are already in the playoffs because they have both defeated Union Hill and the loser can do no worse than tie the Bulldogs. However, the win over UHHS would give them the tie-breaker.

Mount Enterprise and Beckville will be squaring off Saturday night in Mount Enterprise in the Wildcats' homecoming. The winner will finish in no worse than second place and represent the league as the second-place team. The loser will be the third-place representative in the playoffs from District 12-1A D-II.

Shelbyville at Garrison*, 7:30 p.m.
The Shelbyville Dragons (4-4) will need a big win over No.6-ranked Garrison Friday night at Bulldog Stadium to keep its postseason hopes alive.

Garrison (7-1) leads the District 10-1A D-I race with a 3-0 mark, while Grapeland (3-5) and Alto (5-3), which have already defeated the Dragons this season, are one game ahead of the Dragons and are tied for second place with 2-1 records.

A Dragon loss would eliminate them for playoff contention.

In other league games this week, Alto will be at Timpson (0-8, 0-3) and Grapeland will host Cushing (2-6, 1-2).

Alto at Timpson*, 7:30 p.m.
The Timpson Bears are 0-8 on the season and 0-3 in District 10-1A D-I play and will be playing for pride in the final two weeks of the season. THS will host Alto (5-3, 2-1) this week and then close out the season at Shelbyville (4-4, 1-2) next week.

Lady Dragon runners place third at Grapeland - October 14, 2011
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Shelbyville cross country runner Catashia Walker finishes a race recently. Walker earned a medal when she posted a time of 13:09 at the Grapeland Invitational Wednesday. (Photo by John Krueger)

The Shelbyville cross country team competed in the Class 1A-3A varsity division of the Grapeland Invitational on Wednesday and placed third overall, according to the SHS coach.

Ali Baty led the Lady Dragon runners, placing fourth overall, with a time of 13:00, while Catashia Walker ran a 13:09 and Adaisha Cartwright posted a time of 13:26. Each of these Shelbyville runners received a medal.

Rounding out the top five Lady Dragon runners included Camory Bolton with a time of 13:37 and Ashlee Sellman posted a 14:49.

"I was proud of the girls and the way they competed against not only Class 1A runners, but 2A and 3A as well," said Shelbyville head cross country coach Stephany Carter. "The runners did very well against some tough competition."

The Lady Dragons will be in Lufkin on Saturday to compete in the Coke Classic Invitational. A number of local squads will join SHS in Lufkin for the meet. Others include Garrison, Center and Carthage.

Fillies start season off with strong effort - August 31, 2011
By John Krueger

Panola Fillies' Samantha Peterson (3) goes up for a kill shot during the team's opening weekend at the Coach Dana Hatch Invitational Friday and Saturday. PC won three of four at the tourney. (Photo by John Krueger)

TYLER -- The 23rd-ranked Panola College Fillies got the 2011 season off a fast note this past weekend, taking three of four matches at the Coach Dana Hatch Invitational volleyball tournament here at the Ornelas Health & Physical Education Center on the Tyler Junior College campus.

Panola College's only setback wasn't anything to 'sneeze at' as the Fillies fell to No.9-ranked San Jacinto, 3-2, in a match that went down to the wire on Friday.

The Fillies began play on Friday with a straight-set win over Laredo, 25-15, 25-15, 25-17. They had to come back in the afternoon and then faced the team that knocked them out of the District XIV Tournament last season - San Jacinto College.

Panola College captured the first game, 25-19, before San Jacinto tied the match with a 25-19 win. The Fillies took a 2-1 lead with a 25-21 win, before San Jac tied the match, 25-19.

Carthage native Hali Turner (1) goes up to slam the ball over the net at the Coach Dana Hatch Invitational Saturday in Tyler. Turner and the Panola College Fillies opened the season with three wins in four tries at the tourney. (Photo by John Krueger)

In the fifth and deciding match, San Jacinto squeezed out a 15-12 victory to claim the match.

"We got a lot out of this tournament," Fillies interim head coach Amber McCray said Saturday. "It definitely taught us a lot about ourselves.

"The girls actually exceeded my expectations in the opening win against Laredo. We didn't see a lot we had to work on when we came out of that match.

"But the five-gamer against San Jac definitely taught us some areas we need to get better and improve. But the biggest thing, overall, I found is that we have a bunch of girls who can compete and they're going to compete every game and I think that's huge.

"We'll fine-tune some things now that we have our final player in and we'll be ready to get better and better throughout the season."

Panola College sophomore Vanessa Gomes (9) taps the ball over the net during action Saturday at the Coach Dana Hatch Invitational at Tyler Junior College. (Photo by John Krueger)

Panola College swept past its competition on Saturday, blasting Coastal Bend, 25-16, 25-16, 25-11. The Fillies ended play with a 25-17, 25-19, 25-9 win over Wharton College.

Panola also welcomed the newest addition to the squad on Saturday when Francieli do Carmo, a 6-0 outside hitter (freshman) from Curitiba, Parana, arrived at the tournament during the final match.

McCray, who is handling the head coaching duties while her sister and Panola head coach Nicole Thorn is out on maternity leave, said the match against Coastal Bend was a challenge because Coastal Bend didn't have a lot of height, but played hard.

"I have to give some credit to Coastal Bend because they definitely were a scrappy team," McCray said. "They're not as big as normal and that kind of frustrated our blockers a little bit because it kind of threw off their timing.

"We preached from the beginning not to take them for granted because they're a team that's going to compete and play with a lot of heard, although they're small. So I think it was some timing and chemistry issues more than us playing down to a lower level."

Panola College freshman Sarah Allem (12) hits the ball over the net during Saturday's action against Coast Bend College at the Coach Dana Hatch Invitational at Tyler Junior College. (Photo by John Krueger)

McCray said she saw great signs of cohesiveness in the Fillies despite the fact that it is still very early in the season.

"I think for the first tournament I was very proud of the chemistry we had," the coach admitted. "We were very few moments where we had miscues and you can normally see early in the season. I thought a lot of our freshmen played with a lot of confidence and not a lot of jitters, which is something we look for in freshmen sometimes. I'm very pleased where we are chemistry-wise and I know we're only going to get better from here."

As expected, McCray said she received excellent play from her veteran players coming back.

"Josie (Santos) is always going to be a standout and catch your eye," McCray admitted. "I'm very pleased with her all-around play this weekend, from the back row, to serving and her play at the net.

"Marcela Alves is also very comfortable back in the middle. You can tell that's her position. She's an asset there, as well as Vanessa Gomes, who is one of our transfer students; she did well on the right side."

The Fillies will return to action Wednesday night when they visit Wharton College for a 6 p.m. match. Panola will then take part in the Willowbrook Tournament in Houston on Friday and Saturday.

Ladyjacks announce 2011-12 schedule - August 31, 2011

Ladyjacks Release 2011-12 Schedule
SFA to open season Nov. 11 at Louisiana-Monroe

NACOGDOCHES, Tx - Second-year head coach Brandon Schneider has announced the release of the upcoming 2011-12 schedule for the Ladyjack basketball team. SFA will take on competition from the SEC, Conference USA, Great West and the Sun Belt before opening up the SLC season on Jan. 7 on the road at Southeastern Louisiana.

"Our non-conference schedule, while once again very challenging, does have much greater balance between home and away contests than it did a year ago," Schneider said. "We're certain that our non-league schedule, highlighted by four Conference USA opponents, two Sun Belt opponents, and one SEC opponent, will prepare us for a much-improved Southland Conference slate.

"With an extremely young team and nine new players, it will be critical that we take advantage of every opportunity to improve, grow, and mature as a unit."

Six of the first nine games of the season will be played away from Johnson Coliseum. SFA will open the year on the road at Louisiana-Monroe on Nov. 11 and will then host Grambling on Nov. 16 for the home opener.

The Ladyjacks will also take part in the Southern Mississippi Thanksgiving Tournament (Nov. 25-26) in Hattiesburg, MS, which will involve SFA, Southern Miss, Georgia Southern and Jacksonville State.

In December SFA will travel to the likes of Arkansas, UT-Pan American and SMU. Also included in the final month of 2011 will be non-conference home games against St. Edwards, Arkansas State and Rice.

SFA begins the 2012 calendar year with a New Years Day tilt at Tulsa on Jan. 1 for the final non-conference game of the season. Six days later the Ladyjacks begin their journey for a conference title when they travel to Southeastern Louisiana on Jan. 7, the first of 16 games on the league slate.

Home games with Central Arkansas, UT-Arlington and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi are also included in January, bunched in with road games with UTSA and Piney Woods rival Sam Houston State.

Six of the nine games in February come against divisional opponents, while the marquee game of the month comes on Feb. 4 when the Ladyjacks host fellow 2010-11 SLC champion McNeese State. SFA's home finale will come on Feb. 29against Sam Houston State.

The Ladyjacks will play just one regular season game in March, a road contest at Northwestern State March 3 before the Southland Conference Tournament begins in Katy for the fifth consecutive season on March 6 at the Merrell Center.

'Jacks set to open season Thursday at home - August 31, 2011

Stephen F. Austin to face Div. III McMurry

Brady Attaway (8) will be the new starting quarterback for the SFA Lumberjacks when they open the 2011 season at home Thursday against McMurry. (Photo by John Krueger)

NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team begins it's quest for a third consecutive Southland Conference title on Thursday when the 'Jacks kick off the 2011 season against McMurry.

The 'Jacks are fresh off a 9-3 (.750) campaign that saw them win a second-straight SLC title, advance back to the playoffs and record another Top-10 finish. McMurry is an NCAA Division III program from the American Southwest Conference who posted a 6-4 (.600) overall record last season and finished fourth in the conference.

Thursday's game is the season opener for both schools, and will begin at 6 p.m. from Homer Bryce Stadium.

SFA vs. THE WAR HAWKS: Thursday's contest versus McMurry will be the first meeting between the two school since the 1971 season. SFA trails the all-time series 3-6-2 (.364), and has dropped the last two meetings and three of the past four. The 'Jacks are 3-1 (.750) in games played in Nacogdoches since the 1965 season. Four of the 11 meetings have been shutouts, and two of those have ended in a 0-0 tie.

CONFERENCE TITLES: The Lumberjacks made history last season by becoming the first squad in program history to win back-to-back conference titles.

BACK-TO-BACK-BACK NINES: The 2010 campaign was a historical run for the Lumberjacks, and SFA can record another piece of history in 2011. SFA enters the season looking become the first team in program history to record three-straight nine-win seasons.

SFA in SEASON OPENERS: The Lumberjacks are 45-34-5 (.565) all-time in season openers, but have lost four of the last five, including a 48-7 setback at Texas A&M last season. The Lumberjacks last season-opening win came during the 2008 season against Langston, 56-19. SFA is 1-3 (.250) in season openers under head coach J.C. Harper.

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: SFA is facing a duanting schedule in 2011. The 17th-ranked Lumberjacks will face three teams ranked among the FCS Preseason Top 25, including No. 7 Northern Iowa in the second week of the season. SFA will also travel to 2010 bowl participant Baylor in non-conference play as well as host Texas State, who is in the first year of their transition the NCAA FBS level.

PRESEASON POLLS/ALL-SLC: There was mixed opinion has to who would win the SLC title at the conference's annual media kick off event. SFA was picked first in a preseason poll of the league sports information directors, while McNeese State garnered first place in the coaches poll. The Lumberjacks were well represented on the preseason all-conference teams with 12 players named to the squad, including eight first-team selections.

THE COACHES: J.C. Harper became the 18th head coach of the SFA Lumberjack football team in December 2006. A two-time SLC Coach of the Year, Harper has guided SFA to consecutive conference titles and playoff appearances. Harper is 23-25 (.479) in three seasons as a head coach. Hal Mumme is 10-10 (.500) in his third season with McMurry. He has made head coaching stops at Kentucky and New Mexico State before moving to Abilene. He is 118-113 (.511) in his career.