Lady Tigers can't stop No.13 Slocum, 38-29 - December 30, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Tenaha junior guard Ashlee Ray (33) prepares to go up for a shot under the basket during Wednesday night's game against Slocum at the Tenaha Holiday Hoops Scholarship Tournament. Ray led the Lady Tigers with nine points. (Photo by John Krueger)

TENAHA -- Faced with the 13th-ranked Slocum Mustangs in third round of the Tenaha Holiday Hoops Scholarship Tournament on Wednesday, the Tenaha Lady Tigers' strategy had the perfect strategy - slow the game down.

Tenaha turned the ball over just seven times and held the lead for the first two periods, but the Lady Tigers' inability to hit their shots in the second half enabled the Lady Mustangs to come from behind for a 38-29 victory here in the Tenaha Special Events Center.

Slocum also played virtually mistake-free basketball, turning the ball over only nine times as both teams combined for just two points scored off turnovers. The Lady Mustangs won the game at the free throw line, cashing in on 15-of-22 (68.2%), while Tenaha converted just 3-of-8.

Tenaha senior post Tia Thomas (12) drives past a Slocum defender during Wednesday night's third round action of the Third Annual Tenaha Holiday Hoops Basketball Tournament. Thomas and the Lady Tigers fell to No.13 Slocum, 38-29. (Photo by John Krueger)

Neither team had an abundance of scoring in the paint as the Lady Tigers scored 12 and the Lady Mustangs had 10. The contest had a slow pace, with only six points scored in the game off transition.

Valarie Larkin led the Slocum scoring with 19 points, with 14 of those coming in the final two quarters. Cristina Wilkerson added 12 points and Brice Sizemore chipped in seven.

Tenaha had balanced scoring, but the Lady Tigers couldn't get their outside shots to fall. Ashlee Ray, Tenaha main shooter from the outside, started hot, scoring seven first-quarter points. But she finished the game with only nine to lead her team.

Jalysa Steadman added eight points, with six of those coming in the second half. Shantivia Gray added three points and Eboni Moore, Courtney Edwards and Taylor Killey scored two each.

The squads traded buckets in the opening period, with Ray producing most of the offense for Tenaha. The Lady Tigers went to the second quarter with an 11-6 lead.

Tenaha couldn't knock down a field goal in the second period until the 1:10 mark when Gray buried a 3-pointer. The Lady Tigers managed just two free throws until that point, allowing Slocum to fight back to a tie. But Gray's bucket gave THS a 16-13 lead at the break.

The Lady Tigers' cold shooting, which resulted in just five second-quarter points, continued in the third period as Tenaha didn't score until the 3:36 mark when Steadman converted an offensive rebound. Until that point it was the 'Valarie Larkin Show' as the sophomore guard converted a pair of 3-pointers to put the Lady Mustangs ahead, 21-6.

But despite the cold shooting, the Lady Tigers used field goals by Killey and Edwards to force a 23-23 tie heading into the stretch run.

Slocum then went to its sharp-shooting free throw shooting to pull away in the fourth quarter, converting 8-of-9 in the period, while Tenaha could only manage three field goals. The Lady Mustangs scored 10 of the first 12 points of the period to build an 8-poinnt lead and Tenaha could never generate the offense to overtake them.

Tigers rebound, knock off Kountze, 75-71 - Decenber 30, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Tenaha senior guard Octavius Griffith (left) goes up for a short jumper over Kountze defender Dante McMahon (20) during Wednesday night's third round of the Tenaha Holiday Hoops Scholarship Basketball Tournament. Griffith scored 21 points. (Photo by John Krueger)

TENAHA -- Coming off an emotional foul-plagued setback to arch-rival Laneville on Tuesday night, the No.2-ranked Tenaha Tigers were looking for a spark against two-time Tenaha Holiday Hoops tournament champion Kountze. What THS head coach Todd Bodden received was a gutsy performance by his squad, which took an early lead and then held off a late charge by the Lions, 75-71, here in the Special Events Center.

Tenaha did struggle in the turnover department, committing 25 on the night as the Lions turned them into 15 points. But 13 of those points came in the first two periods when Tenaha committed 15 turnovers.

The Tigers, who converted a season-high 13-of-14 (92.9%) free throws, used them to take the lead in the second quarter (hitting 7-of-8), 36-32, and then made all six down the stretch to help ice the game.

Tenaha sophomore post player Chavis Gregory (22) has his shot partially blocked by Kountze's Xavier Barnes as Tenaha's DeAaron Roland (33) looks on during Wednesday night action at the Tenaha Holiday Hoops Basketball Tournament. (Photo by John Krueger)

"We played better than I thought we would today," said Tiger head coach Todd Bodden after the win. "After the big game last night and losing it, I thought we'd be more flat today. But the kids came out and played real well, all things considering.

"We still in much need of some practice time so we can work on some things."

One of the Tigers who led the way was senior guard Octavius Griffith. Griffith, who was frustrated during the setback to Laneville as he scored just two points before fouling out, canned a team-hit five 3-pointers, finishing with a team-high 21 points.

Griffith's offense off-set the off-night by team leader Reginald Davis, who was held to just eight points. The post tandem of DeAaron Roland and Shaquille Mitchell also gave Kountze fits all night long, dumping in 15 and 14 points, respectively.

Jacobi Ivy scored seven points for THS, while Demon Horton added six and Keontas Davis knocked down four.

Justin Harper had the hot hand for Kountze, nailing six 3-pointers on the night, finishing with a game-high 27 points. Marcus Williams scored 10 of his 15 points in the second half, while Jamazdon Powell scored 12 points.

Griffith found his shooting range early on, canning a pair of treys in the first quarter, while Roland added a pair of layups as the Tigers led 14-12 at the end of the first period.

Kountze fought back early in the second quarter to tie the contest at 16-16, but Tenaha then went on an 11-0 run over a span of 1:04 to widen the THS lead to 27-16 with 4:38 left in the half. Griffith hit a three-ponter and a layup during the run and the Tigers were 4-of-4 from the free throw line.

But the Lions wouldn't go away, going on a 12-2 run in just 1:48 as Harper canned a pair of threes and Kountze scored off of three striaght Tiger turnovers.

With the Tiger lead cut to three, the Lions had three opportunities to take the lead, but couldn't put the ball in the basket. Tenaha then took a 36-32 lead into the locker room at the half.

The Lions finally took the lead in the second half, 38-26, as they came out scoring six straight points in the first 1:41. But the lead only lasted seven seconds as Roland threw a long pass to Mitchell for a layup at the opposite end of the court. That began a 10-0 Tenaha run, with all five field goals coming off fastbreak opportunities.

After a three-pointer and a layup by Harper, Tenaha scored the final nine points of the quarter with Griffith hitting a trey and Horton cashing in a pair of layups. THS led 53-43 heading into the fourth.

In the first 2:01 of the final period Kountze was able to cut the Tiger lead to three 56-53, but Tenaha came back with a pair of layups on its transition game to push the lead back to seven.

The teams then traded baskets until the Lions trimmed the deficit to five, 71-66, with 1:21 remaining.

But Kountze missed four shots the cut the lead further and the Tigers then widened the gap back to seven before a three-pointer at the buzzer 15 feet past the midcourt stripe by the Lions made the final deficit four.

Adams, Searcy head All-District 20-1A volleyball selections - December 30, 2011
By John Krueger

Beckville junior Montana Searcy was named the District 20-1A Most Valuable Setter as she helped the Ladycats to a second-place finish in the 2011 district standings with a 9-3 league mark. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

Beckville senior T'Ouja Adams and junior Montana Searcy led the Beckville Ladycats to a second-place finish in the District 20-1A volleyball standings and a Class 1A Area playoff berth this fall. The pair was honored with superlative recognition as they led BHS to a 27-14 season mark, posting a 9-3 record in the league.

Overton won the league standings and had three superlative selections. Junior Abby Mackey was named the Most Valuable Player in the league, while freshman Heather Raney was named Freshman of the Year and head coach Randy Smith was Coach of the Year.

Adams received the Most Valuable Hitter award, while Searcy was selected as the Most Valuable Setter in 20-1A.

Carlisle senior Lauren Gates was selected as the Most Valuable Defensive Player.

Beckville had three players named to the First-Team All-District 20-1A squad. Those players honored were sophomore outside hitter Taylor Lindsey, junior outside hitter Shelbi Jo Dodson and sophomore middle blocker Ivy Rieke.

Gary junior setter Brittany Odom was named to the first team as well as she helped the Lady Bobcats to a much-improved 9-20 overall mark and a 3-9 district mark.

Beckville junior libero Dalye Alfaro and junior setter Emma Smith were named to the second team, along with senior teammate Cheyenne Haynes.

Other area players named to the second squad were Gary junior outside hitters Heather Deason and Katalynn Bird, along with Timpson senior middle blocker Tammi Harris.

Beckville junior Maya Bradford received honorable mention, along with Gary's Bailey Reistad (soph.), Bailey Wyatt (soph.), Colby Ransom (senior), Sean Lundquist (senior), Channa Bird (junior), Hailey Duron (junior) and Josie Anderson (soph.).

2011 20-A ALL DISTRICT SELECTIONS

SUPERLATIVES
Most Valuable
Abby Mackey JR Overton

Most Valuable Hitter
T'Ouja Adams SR Beckville

Most Valuable Defensive Player
Lauren Gates SR Carlisle

Most Valuable Setter
Montana Searcy JR Beckville

Newcomer of the Year
Heather Raney FR Overton

Coach of the Year
Randy Smith Overton

First Team All-District
Taylor Lindsay (OH) SOPH Beckville
Shelbi Dodson (OH) JR Beckville
Ivy Rieke (MB) SOPH Beckville
Erica Carson (MB) SR Overton
Savannah Bobbitt (S) JR Overton
Tori Williamson (OH) SR Overton
Kennedy Bissott (S) JR Carlisle
Deidre Perry (OH) SR Carlisle
Jessica Hernandez (JR) JR L.Chapel
Tabitha Batie (S) JR L.Chapel
Brittany Odom (S) JR Gary

Second Team All-District
Dalye Alfaro (L) JR Beckville
Emma Smith (S) JR Beckville
Tammi Harris (MB) SR Timpson
Kassie Honzell (L) JR Overton
Jacee Stuart (DS) JR Overton
Cheyenne Sanchez (OH) JR Carlisle
Carley Turner (MB) SOPH Carlisle
Heather Deason (OH) JR Gary
Katalynn Bird (OH) JR Gary
Taylor Stegman (OH) JR L.Chapel
Cheyenne Haynes (RS) SR Beckville

Honorable Mention
Bethany Beets SR Overton
Nekia Chappell SOPH Overton
Maya Bradford JR Beckville
Hannah Hamilton SOPH Carlisle
Laura Deleon SR Carlisle
Katy Skelton SOPH Carlisle
Jessica Clinton JR L.Chapel
Bailey Reistad SOPH Gary
Bailey Wyatt SOPH Gary
Colby Ransom SR Gary
Sean Lundquist SR Gary
Channa Bird JR Gary
Hailey Duron JR Gary
Josie Anderson SOPH Gary
Chelsea Haynes JR Karnack
Chelsea Rankin FR Karnack
Nekia Hughes FR Karnack
Curteea Jones SR Karnack
Christine Holzman SOPH Karnack
Amber Bush SR Karnack
Rachel Reeves SR Timpson
Haleigh Solice SOPH Timpson
Mercy Tipton SOPH Timpson
Sarah McCracken JR Timpson
Madison Pierce SOPH Timpson
Madilyn Sanford SOPH Timpson
Caitlyn Smith SR Timpson
Amber Parks JR Timpson
Rosario Deleon SOPH Timpson
Harley Martin SR Timpson
Kaylie Bush FR Timpson

Academic All District
Erica Carson Overton
Bethany Beets Overton
Abby Mackey Overton
Savannah Bobbitt Overton
Nekia Chappell Overton
Jacee Stuart Overton
Hannah Hamilton Carlisle
Kennedy Bissot Carlisle
Katy Skelton Carlisle
Carlee Turner Carlisle
Deidre Perry Carlisle
Bailey Reistad Gary
Bailey Wyatt Gary
Josie Anderson Gary
Brittany Odom Gary
Hailey Duron Gary
Heather Deason Gary
Katalynn Bird Gary
Channa Bird Gary
Colby Ransom Gary
Sean Lundquist Gary
Rachel Reeves Timpson
Haleigh Solice Timpson
Mercy Tipton Timpson
Sarah McCracken Timpson
Madison Pierce Timpson
Madilyn Sanford Timpson
Caitlyn Smith Timpson
Amber Parks Timpson
Tammi Harris Timpson
Rosario DeLeon Timpson
Harley Martin Timpson
Kaylie Bush Timpson
T'Ouja Adams Beckville
Dalye Alfaro Beckville
Shelbi Dodson Beckville
Cheyenne Haynes Beckville
Taylor Lindsay Beckville
Ivy Rieke Beckville

'Riders hold off Livingston, 51-50 - December 30, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Center sophomore forward DeJalen Preston (32) leaps in an attempt to block a shot by a Livingston player during Thursday's action at the Suddenlink Dragon Classic in Nacogdoches. The 'Riders defeated the Lions, 51-50. (Photo by John Krueger)

NACOGDOCHES -- Three players that Center head coach Hiram Harrison has been needing to show leadership stepping up and take over games did so on Thursday as the 'Riders exploded with strong first and third quarters and then shut down Livingston when the game was on the line late to record a 51-50 victory in the Suddenlink Dragon Classic Thursday here at Dragon Gymnasium.

The victory vaulted the 'Riders into the championship game on Thursday night, where they dropped a 69-51 decision to Pflugerville Hendrickson, to finish the tourney with a 2-4 mark. But Center finished the tourney in second place.

Center (5-14) hit 51.2% (22-of-43) of its field goals and turned 10 Livingston turnovers into 11 points during a crucial portion of the game as Center fought back from a dismal second quarter and a 23-21 halftime deficit to take a 36-35 lead after three periods, which set the tone for the final stanza.

"I thought we had some guys step up today and take the leadership roles that I've been looking for," said Harrison after the contest. "Our biggest problem this year is that we only have two players with true varsity playing experience. Those are the guys that need to be leaders and take charge when we need it the most.

"(Senior) Johnny (Sudds), (senior) Cameron (Cloudy) and (junior) Tony (McCollister) really stepped up big-time today. Now we have to see if we can sustain that kind of play and build from it. We don't have long until we start district play again and we'll need the type of play liked we received during crucial parts of the game today."

Cloudy led the Center offensive attack, scoring 18 points, with 12 of those coming in the final two quarters. The senior guard also added four rebounds.

Center junior guard Jercarius Berry (with ball) tries to avoid a Livingston defender as he puts up a shot in the lane during Thursday's game in Dragon Gymnasium. Berry scored six points as the Roughriders won, 51-50. (Photo by John Krueger)

Sudds pumped in 12 points, with six of them coming in the crucial third quarter. He also added six steals. His defensive play on the Livingston's final shot was why the shot did not even touch the rim.

Trailing 51-50, the Lions had a chance to take the lead with 10 seconds remaining, but a 3-pointer wouldn't fall. Myles Netherly grabbed the rebound for the Roughriders and was fouled on the play. But Netherly couldn't convert the front end of a 1-and-1 foul shot with 8.1 seconds left and Livingston was given new life.

But Sudds played tenacious defense on the final Lion jumper from 17 feet and the ball fell short.

McCollister got into the scoring act for CHS with nine points, while pulling down a team-high eight rebounds. Jay Berry chipped in six points, D.J. Bolton scored four and Netherly had two points and four steals.

The 'Riders looked as if they were going to roll in the first period, forcing seven Livingston turnovers and blowing out to a 17-8 lead.

"We came out playing solid basketball in the first period, but I don't know if it was fatigue or lack of concentration, but we let them back into the game in the second quarter," Harrison noted. "Then we played strong again in the third quarter.

"If we're going to make a run at a playoff spot, we've got to learn to sustain our strong play. I know we have a lot of inexperienced players, but that's why it’s so important for the older players to lead the younger ones."

After a strong first quarter, the Roughriders appeared to make a 180 degree turn in the second quarter, committing 14 turnovers, which the Lions turned into six points. The Lions also pounded the ball inside, scoring 12 points in the paint. The end result was outscoring Center 15-4 to take the 2-point at the break.

In the third quarter it was Center defense that created offensive opportunities as the 'Riders jumped back in front by one heading into the final period Cloudy scored seven points in the quarter - including a 3-pointer - and Sudds three layups on fast-break opportunities.

Trailing 40-39 with 6:20 remaining, Center blew the game open when it went on a 9-0 run over a span of 1:51 of the fourth. Three of the field goals came on layups and six of the points were caused directly from turnovers.

Leading 48-43, Berry took a pass from DeJalen Preston and hit a 3-pointer give CHS a 51-43 lead. That was all the offense that Center would need as it held off a furious rally attempt in the final minute by Livingston.

Center vs Hallsville Tennis Match Report for 10/8/11 - October 14, 2011
Submitted by Coach Leon Dykes

According to the Texas Tennis Coaches Association, Center is ranked 14th in 3A Rankings as of today, October 14, 2011. To see the rankings click here.

Center over Hallsville 13-6. The final was 17-7 with all extra matches played. Only the Extra Matches for Mixed Doubles are on this reported below.

Center vs Spring Hill Tennis Match Report for 10/8/11 - October 14, 2011
Submitted by Coach Leon Dykes

Center wins 15-4 over Spring Hill. Center has a record of 11-0 and may be rescheduling Lindale and adding Wills Point.

Lady Riders Show Signs of Improvement - August 22, 2011
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Attack in Nac Tourney

Center's Chakera Ingram (4) keeps the ball alive during Saturday's action at the Attack in Nac volleyball Tournament. Center was defeated by Lindale and Huntington on Saturday. (Photo by John Krueger)

NACOGDOCHES, Tx -- After posting a much-improved performance early in the morning on the Saturday at the Attack in Nac volleyball tournament, the Center Lady Riders started their second match of the day aggressively and appeared as if they were going to give District 18-3A counterpart Huntington some stiff competition.

But the Lady Devils used a strong run through the midway point of the opening game and then went on an unstoppable 19-3 run to begin Game 2 as Huntington eliminated Center by a 2-0 count here at Nacogdoches High School on Saturday. HHS captured the best-of-three match, 25-15, 25-6.

The Lady Riders will be back in action on Tuesday night when they host Timpson in a matchup in Roughrider Gymnasium. The junior varsity is set to get underway at 5 p.m., with the varsity to follow.

Center had its hands full in the first day of the Attack in Nac Tournament on Thursday as the Lady Riders entered pool play. CHS dropped matches to Beaumont Ozen, 2-0, Waller, 2-0, and then New Diana, 2-0, putting the Lady Riders in the Bronze bracket on Saturday.

In their opening match on Saturday morning, Lindale captured a 25-15, 25-20 straight-set match, but Lady Rider first-year head coach Christie Benton said her squad performed better than it had in its previous matches leading up to it.

"We started looking much more like a volleyball team against Lindale," Benton said. "It's important that we concentrate on becoming more consistent and move better on defense.

"We need to continue to work on our communication and anticipating things on defense by moving our feet and making the play. We started doing those kinds of things better in the match against Lindale and I'd like to see us to continue to work in that direction."

Center was successful on 19-of-23 (82.6%) of its serves against Huntington as Christina Martin recorded three aces and Stephanie Rodriguez added two more.

Cassie Bush slammed a pair of kills in the match, while Ashlyn Johnson and Lacie Evans had one each. Magon Teske finished with a block.

Martin picked up her aces early on in the match, helping Center to move out to a 7-2 lead in Game 1. The Lady Riders appeared to have the Lady Devils on their heels at that points, but Huntington began turning the game around in a hurry.

HHS went on a 6-0 run to take an 8-7 lead, before Rodriguez planted a pair of aces to give Center the lead back, 10-8.

Huntington tied the score twice, then gained the momentum with a run of 8-0 to turn a small deficit into an 18-11 lead.

The teams then traded points until the Lady Devils scored the final four points of the game to secure the 25-15 win.

Any chance Center had getting back into the match ended early on in the second game as the Lady Devils began play with a 16-1 run. After a kill by Evans, Huntington scored the next three points and finished the game with a 9-3 run to end the day for CHS.

Dragons Progressing Toward Opener - August 22, 2011
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

The Shelbyville Dragons held state-ranked Carlisle at bay for most of Thursday's scrimmage until rain forced an early end to this regular season tuneup. Carlisle outscored Shelbyville 2-0 in the controlled scrimmage and 1-0 during a quarter of live action. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

The Shelbyville Dragons ran into a veteran Carlisle squad for their final regular season tune-up Thursday on Meet the Dragons night. The Indians, who fielded 17 seniors against SHS scored a pair of touchdowns during the controlled part of the scrimmage and then added another during a live quarter of action at Dragon Stadium.

The scrimmage had a late start because of rain and each worked 15 plays and then they went to some live action to give the players some game-like situation.

Dragon head coach Jim Bradford said the game-like situation is something his young team needs as they prepare for Thursday night's season opener against Troup at Herrington Stadium at Brook Hill High School in Bullard. SHS will play one of the first high school games in the state of Texas, participating in the Brook Hill Classic at 7:30 p.m.

"Overall, we did some things better," Bradford said of his team's performance. "They had 17 seniors and a very good team and it was good to play a team like that because it lets us know exactly what we need to work on because you can't 'hide' anything. You show just what you have and they brought out the things and showed us where we need to work harder."

Bradford said he saw improvement in his team since the first scrimmage against Colmesneil last week on the road, which was encouraging.

"There were things that we did better this week than last week," Bradford added. "We did a much better job of tackling and going to the football. Those are the things you work on in practice and the repetition of it helps you improve as the season goes along.

"Our offensive line also did a better job of blocking at getting their assignments. We will have a ways to go in that area, but the experience of getting into a game-like situation against someone else besides your team helps you get better and we looked better."

Bradford said scrimmage action was critical for his team as it looks to gain experience as the season goes on.

"It's not as much learning the offense and defense because most of these kids have been through the system for five years now, so the biggest thing for players who don't have that much varsity experience is playing on varsity and getting used to the speed of the game. Things are much faster and their opponents are going to be faster, bigger and smarter, so the kids have to learn to take their play up a notch."

Bradford that he was pleased that his team made it through two-a-days while staying relatively injury-free. He said there have been some minor things, but nothing the players haven't been able to play through.

"Right now we're just concentrating on getting better each week and putting in more things as we progress toward district," the SHS boss stated. "We talk to the kids every day about making a goal of making it a goal of going to practice each day with the intention of getting better."

Tigers Appear in Mid-Season Form - August 22, 2011
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Tenaha senior quarterback Reginald Davis throws a pass during Thursday night's scrimmage against Cushing. Tenaha moved the ball well offensively for the second straight scrimmage, scoring five times in the controlled scrimmage and then outscoring the Bearkats 16-0 in live action. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

With the regular season just four days away, the Tenaha Tigers appear ready for it to begin. After two scrimmages and 12 touchdowns offensively, the No.2-ranked Tigers are set for their first test of the season this week when they open the season Friday against Joaquin.

Tenaha dominated in both the run and the pass on Thursday night against Cushing, outscoring the 'Kats 5-0 in the controlled portion and scored two more touchdowns in a 16-0 'win' in a quarter of 'live' action.

But Tiger head coach Terry Ward said a coach still doesn't know just how good his team is until they get on that field on opening night, which will come at Tiger Stadium Friday at 7:30 p.m.

"The unknown of the season is always something a coach worries about," Ward stated. "You can look real good in a scrimmage, but until you get on that field on Friday night on opening night you never really known how your team is going to play.

"Of course there is always the unknown as far as the turnovers and penalties and you work on those things but you don't know how good you are until you play that first game."

Ward said the Tigers scored on a pair of long touchdown runs and did a better job on third-down situations, which was pleasing to see.

"(Quarterback) Reginald (Davis) really looked comfortable out there and he did some real good things with the ball," the Tiger coach stated. "He threw the ball well and did a great job of directing the offense, especially in third-down situations.

"We had over 400 yards of offense and we mixed the run and the pass up pretty well.

"I think we ran the ball better than we did last week and we had several kids who stepped up and did a good job when they had opportunities."

Tiger players that stood out included Chavis Gregory, who saw limited action running the ball after missing last week with an injury. Ward said he looked good, which is pleasing to see with the start of the season coming this week.

Jose Campos had a touchdown run of over 50 yards, freshman Cobe Carraway also looked good for the second straight scrimmage and Demon Horton caught six or seven passes, the coach stated.

"We need to be to run and throw this season and that means our receivers are going to have to run good routes and catch passes," Ward stated. "Last year we saw that people were trying to force Reginald to throw more, and if we're successful at it this season it's just going to make us a much more efficient team offensively.

"The live action during scrimmage play allowed us to see what kind of condition the players were in and how we looked when the tempo was increased, so I was pleased with that."