Author: Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

TOLAR FEATURE: Senior trio looking to return Tolar to prominence

When Blake Mouser looked at Tolar’s head coaching opening after its 2023 state championship appearance, he knew the Rattlers had a quality senior class returning.

But the then-Vandegrift offensive coordinator also recognized a couple of freshmen who had played in the 2A Division I title game. Kelvin Murray made a 13-yard catch against Timpson, while Cayden Abrego recorded two tackles.

And Mouser’s investigation didn’t end there. He also stumbled across a couple Tolar JV games on Hudl and noticed a freshman named Briton Rice who stayed calm and collected while throwing the football.

“They had a really good junior class coming back, but do they have another quarterback who’s really good?” Mouser said. “Somebody in the future who can throw the ball? He was a playmaker. That’s the first time I saw his name.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2026 TOLAR FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Rattlers ready to bounce back in 2026

When Blake Mouser looks back at Tolar’s 2025 football season, he sees more than a 4-7 record.

He sees a team that lost three games by a touchdown or less. He sees a team that had young guys in prominent places and a team that gave district champion Jacksboro all it wanted in bi-district.

“Maybe we weren’t a 9-3 or 10-2 team, but we could have been an 8-4 team,” Mouser said. “We had a youth movement, and a bunch of young guys had to come play key roles. When things go bad, we were learning how to not panic and finish games the right way.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

DUBLIN FEATURE: Salinas brings intensity to Lions

Every coach wishes they had a Joe Salinas.

Someone that plays physically, never takes a snap off and will do whatever he’s asked.

When Dublin coach Greg Hardcastle needed a quarterback after losing a couple Lions to injury early last season, Salinas was the obvious candidate to handle the position.

“He’s going to do whatever he needs to do to help the team,” Hardcastle said. “He’s a great teammate, and he’s that same way in everything he does. He’s one of those kids who if someone needs help with anything, he’ll get it done. It’s the way he’s been raised.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2026 DUBLIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Dublin leaning on strong junior class

Dublin doesn’t have a big senior class to lean on.

But what the Lions do have is a strong junior class that gained plenty of experience during last year’s 1-9 record when they were sophomores.

“We’ve got a good core group that gained a lot of experience, and now that they’re juniors, they’re a little more mature,” Dublin coach Greg Hardcastle said. “I feel like it’s going to help us in the long run. Another year in the weight room plus being experienced and comfortable in our system.”

Among the veteran juniors is Joe Salinas, who is Dublin’s leading returning rusher with 380 yards and six touchdowns. Jayden Balvantin is a talented lineman who can play anywhere up front, while Kyler Gaitan and Hudsen Joslin are versatile skill players.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

SAN SABA Q&A: Zach Duncan speaks with San Saba senior Jason Everett

When San Saba coach Andreas Aguirre looks at running back Jason Everett, he immediately thinks of former Tampa Bay Buccaneer bulldozer Mike Alstott.

“Except Jason plays both ways. Offense, defense and special teams,” Aguirre said. “He’s an all-around football player for us. We put a lot on him.”

Not only is Everett the Armadillos’ leading returning rusher, but he’s the quarterback of San Saba’s defense at middle linebacker, racking up 95 tackles and three sacks as a junior.

“We are all very proud of Jason and the leader he is becoming,” Aguirre said. “Jason goes above and beyond in the classroom, and that along with his athletic ability, directly correlates with his ability to play football at a high level.”

Here’s what Everett had to say about San Saba’s defense, the Armadillos’ large senior group and his future with the sport:

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2026 SAN SABA PREVIEW: Battle-tested San Saba ready for more challenges

When San Saba opens its season next week against De Leon, Andreas Aguirre’s squad will have already been battle-tested.

The senior-heavy Armadillos narrowly lost against a state champion (Hamilton) last year and played a couple state quarterfinalists (Junction and Mason) respectably.

The result – a 6-5 record that wasn’t indicative of how good San Saba really was. But it’s also got the Armadillos prepared for battle when the 2026 season kicks off.

“Those are tough opponents, and we were in a dogfight with a lot of those teams,” Aguirre said. “It’s really good for our experience. And there’s no cupcakes on our schedule this season, either.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

DE LEON FEATURE: De Leon’s Garza, Heinz ready to lead the way in trenches 

Game Photo by Tedra Zmeskal  

A football team is typically as good as the foundation it’s built on.

That foundation for the De Leon Bearcats can be found in the trenches as senior stalwarts Eli Garza and Gage Heinz have provided productivity and dependability for multiple seasons.

Heinz excels on the defensive side as a tackle. After making 76 tackles and two sacks as a junior, he was voted 5-2A Division I’s Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Meanwhile Garza, who started at right tackle as a freshman, has spent the past two seasons as De Leon’s left tackle, earning first-team all-district honors both ways as a sophomore and junior.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2026 DE LEON FOOTBALL PREVIEW: De Leon relying on special senior group again

De Leon graduated a special senior class that helped the Bearcats win nine games last season.

What many observers outside Comanche County may not realize is that De Leon will have an even bigger senior class (17) that could make this season just as memorable.

“They were in the shadow of last year’s senior class because last year’s senior class was very talented,” second-year coach Brennan Whitaker said. “This group is very talented as well, but a bunch of kids have had to wait their turn while last year’s group started since they were freshmen and sophomores.”

One senior Bearcat who needs no introduction is receiver Bryce Burkeen, who earned all-state honors while hauling in 1,029 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior. Burkeen is also the team’s free safety.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Brock’s top of lineup ready to slap way into state finals 

Do you know what’s more annoying than facing a lefty slap hitter leading off a lineup?

How about facing two lefty slap hitters right off the bat who are quick with the bat.

That’s the reality for anyone facing Brock this season as sophomore Kayden Blue and freshman Jayci Smith have helped set the tone offensively for the Lady Eagles’ state semifinal run.

Brock (32-10) enters its best-of-three 4A series against Van Alstyne on a seven-game win streak where it’s averaged 9.3 runs. The Lady Eagles are two victories away from playing for the 4A Division II title next week in Austin.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Jayton’s Chisum ready to shine in final state meet

Jayton’s Jace Chisum admits she’ll likely feel nervous when competing in her final state track meet Saturday.

The senior has earned silver medals in the Class 1A 3,200 and 1,600 the past two seasons in Austin. When Chisum lines up for the 3,200 that morning, it’ll mark her eighth state track race in four years.

But Chisum isn’t anxious because she’s diligently prepared for moments like this.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: France’s Le Borgne making big difference in Ballinger

Ballinger coach Nathan Riggan spent the summer worrying about who was going to replace three-year starter Matilda Galvan at point guard.

The answer came about a week before school started when he got called down to the front office to meet Ballinger’s new student.

Ysée Le Borgne was a 6-foot-1 foreign exchange sophomore from France. Not only had she played basketball since she was 3 years old, but both her parents played and coached at a high professional level.

“Once she came out on the court that first day and I saw her handling the ball, I said, ‘There’s my point guard,’” Riggan said. “She’s everything for us. She’s our best defender, shooter, she can shoot from outside and she averages 3.4 blocks per game. She’s everything you’d want in a basketball player.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Gordon’s Reed honored to earn NFHS national track award

Mike Reed didn’t get into coaching to win awards.

But the Gordon athletic director was honored to receive a prestigious honor last week when the National Federation of High School Coaches Association named Reed the 2024-25 Coach of the Year for boys track and field.

Of the 24 coaches across the country that were honored, Reed was the only one hailing from Texas. And he said it meant a lot to him because Reed feels like he’s been a supporter for small schools during his time at Rule, Throckmorton and Gordon.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Special time for Cisco’s Hearne, Kilpatrick families

Leading Cisco’s girls and boys basketball teams are hard-working coaches’ kids.

But it’s a unique situation in Eastland County for the Hearne and Kilpatrick families as both standouts play for the other’s father.

On a typical Tuesday night, boys coach Kevin Hearne can watch his senior daughter Pearson play for about three quarters before turning his full attention to the Loboes.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Undefeated Gordon, Jayton squads look to defend Class 1A titles

Gordon is one victory away from history.

Winners of 43 straight games, the Longhorns can capture their third consecutive state championship when they play at 11 a.m. Wednesday against Rankin at AT&T Stadium.

Gordon coach Mike Reed remembers the last time a Big Country team was attempting a three-peat at the Class 1A Division I level. Westbrook had a chance to pull off that feat in 2023, but instead a sophomore-heavy Longhorns squad overwhelmed the Wildcats 70-20.

Gordon hasn’t been tested in the two years since, but Reed cautioned that Rankin shouldn’t be overlooked now.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Junior RB McClendon shining in featured role for state hopeful Yellow Jackets

With 1,505 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, it’s fair to say that Stephenville running back Zyler McClendon is having a special junior season.

Just don’t expect Yellow Jackets’ coach Sterling Doty to say he’s surprised by McClendon’s output.

“He got some good burn last year and he had a really good offseason,” Doty said as Stephenville prepares to face defending state champion Celina in the 4A Division I semifinals. “Sawyer (Wilkerson) graduated so he knew he had an opportunity to start and compete for carries.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Graham plays complete game in shutting out Godley

ALEDO — Graham may not have the playoff experience that it’s enjoyed in the past, but the Steers looked like a team peaking at the right time in a 32-0 victory over Godley Friday night.

By scoring on their first five possessions and limiting the Wildcats to seven first downs, Graham made sure there would be no late-game drama or upset inside Bearcat Stadium.

“We’re definitely going to enjoy this one,” Graham quarterback Jace Gill said. “You know, a lot of people are doubting us and some people didn’t even think we’d make the playoffs so it’s good to come out here and show they can do it under the Friday night lights in playoff time.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Frazier making his mark as Brock’s first-year starting QB

Photos provided by Tommy Hays

Holt Frazier’s success as Brock’s starting quarterback isn’t a surprise to his head football coach.

After all, Billy Mathis watched the Eagles’ junior signal-caller have a great spring season of track. Which carried over into a strong summer that included 7-on-7 and never missing a workout.

But Mathis admits there was still a little bit of uneasiness until the action in August heats up. 

“Once you start the season with a new quarterback, you just never know until you get in a game situation how the guys are going to respond,” he said. “We put him into the fire pretty quickly in scrimmages with Springtown and Stephenville.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Pinkerton thriving as catalyst of Haskell’s offense

Haegen Pinkerton isn’t a one-man show for Haskell’s football team.

But the junior quarterback is many things for the Indians this season. He’s a dual threat. He’s one of the best athletes in 6-2A Division II – if not the best.

He’s a three-year starter. He’s a hard worker and a leader. He makes an impact in multiple sports. And he’s motivated to lead Haskell to the playoffs after the Indians came up short last season.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Jackson’s growth sparking Hico’s offensive success

More than anything, quarterback Tyler Jackson just feels comfortable running Hico’s offense.

The senior gained confidence during the Tigers’ state-qualifying 7-on-7 campaign and learned from playing the position the past two years.

But the game has slowed down now for Jackson, who is a key reason why Hico is entering district with a 4-1 record and averaging 40 points per game.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Reed, Gordon excited for 11-man challenges 

Gordon coach Mike Reed admits he may have bitten off more than he can chew this time.

The two-time defending state champion Longhorns are taking a break from six-man football this week.

Gordon is used to being a heavy favorite these past two years, but it’ll be an underdog Friday night when the Longhorns travel to Thorndale to play 11-man football.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Wall’s wide receivers excelling in spread offense

Reid Robertson

When Craig Slaughter took over at Wall less than two years ago, he knew what needed to happen.

The Hawks had some special players coming through their football program. And Slaughter wanted those guys to get the ball in space.

While quarterback Landon York has generated his fair share of headlines, York has benefitted from a strong collection of receivers led by seniors Reid Robertson, Kellen Oliver and Hagyn Barbee.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Stephenville’s Dearth carrying on the family name 

Football holds a special place in the Dearth family’s heart.

James Dearth played in the NFL for more than a decade mostly with the New York Jets, specializing as a long snapper but also catching a few passes as a tight end.

His oldest son Kendall was a standout offensive lineman who played at Tarleton State. And now his youngest son is beginning his senior season as one of Stephenville’s key starters.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

DUBLIN FEATURE: Handful of Dublin 10th graders looking to thrive in 2025

Dublin will rely on 15 seniors on its high school football team this season.

But don’t get the impression that the Lions’ success will solely be determined by upperclassmen.

That’s because Dublin will also rely on six sophomores to play pivotal roles in 2025 after most of them earned varsity snaps as freshmen.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2025 DUBLIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Young Lions plan to only worry about the things they can control

Control what we can control.

That’s one of the messages Dublin coach Greg Hardcastle always preaches to his players no matter what the situation.

Last year the Lions lost their first seven games and had some injuries, but they were resilient enough to make the playoffs.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

DE LEON FEATURE: De Leon’s Whitaker achieves goal of becoming head coach

While a freshman playing football at Friends University in Kansas, a guest speaker challenged Brennan Whitaker to write out a few goals on a notecard.

Whitaker scribbled down that he wanted to be a head football coach before he turned 30 years old.

That notecard spent time in his dorm room, at his parents’ house and in his wallet, but it now can be found framed on a shelf in Whitaker’s coaching office at De Leon High School.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2025 DE LEON FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Experienced De Leon looking to take next step forward

Brennan Whitaker has seen the magazine clippings and high school football predictions.

The first-year De Leon coach is well aware his Bearcats are highly ranked and expected to be a regional title contender.

But Whitaker also wants his players to know they shouldn’t buy into the hype. That’s why he sent them a video from a 2017 Nick Saban press conference where he compares the media’s hype to rat poison.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

BANGS FEATURE: Dragon linemen looking to pave way for improvement 

Changing from the spread to the wing-T takes time for every offensive player. 

But it’s even more of a transition for the offensive linemen who must fire off the ball after being so used to pass protecting. 

Second-year Bangs coach Colton Buzzard doesn’t hesitate in pointing out what needs to be better for the team to succeed this fall. And he has complete faith in his offensive line to take the next steps. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2025 BANGS FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Dragons looking for growth in Buzzard’s second season 

Colton Buzzard saw some good things during his debut season at Bangs.

But Buzzard also saw some missed opportunities as the Dragons finished with only two victories and went winless in District 5-2A Division I.

“We lost four close games last year, and to me, that’s a culture thing and a mindset thing,” Buzzard said. “We weren’t doing the right thing when we were tired. Our record could have been totally different.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GOLDTHWAITE FEATURE: Lee makes move back to quarterback

The switch had already been made.

After spending his sophomore season as Goldthwaite’s starting quarterback, Aidyn Lee was looking forward to thriving in a new role as the Eagles’ slot receiver.

The move wasn’t a demotion — Lee had earned first-team all-district honors in leading Goldthwaite to a 7-5 season.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2025 GOLDTHWAITE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Eagles continue to make strides under Howard

Andy Howard has seen Goldthwaite’s growth for some time.

But it wasn’t until the Eagles put together the program’s best season in a decade that Howard’s players could also realize the hard work had paid off.

Goldthwaite won seven games a year ago, including throttling then-No. 1 Mart 46-0 to end the regular season. The Eagles knocked off Maud in bi-district before falling to Grapeland in the area round.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Coahoma overcomes adversity with Game 3 whipping 

HOLLIDAY – Hannah Wells’ prolific high school career is ending the only place it was meant to end.

But Wells and her Coahoma teammates had to play twice Saturday to ensure a trip to Austin would occur after S&S Consolidated snapped the Bulldogettes’ 90-game winning streak.

How would Coahoma respond after suffering its first defeat in more than two years? With complete domination.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: A special basketball season for Roscoe’s Arnwines

Roscoe girls basketball coach Shella Arnwine admits it can be difficult for her to convey into words what these past few months have meant to her family.

Arnwine’s Plowgirls are having one of their best seasons in recent memory. They’ve already beaten Sonora and Smyer in the Region I-2A Division II playoffs and will face No. 10 Clarendon in the regional semifinals.

When she’s not coaching, Arnwine sits in the stands and watches her younger son Jace start as a guard on Roscoe’s boys team, while her older son Jaiden serves as an assistant coach.
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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Salinas overcomes obstacles to lead Comanche

It’s been a hard last few months for Comanche’s J’Lee Salinas.

First there was the torn PCL in her knee that kept Salinas from playing the sport she loves all summer.

Then toward the end of volleyball season, the 5-foot-11 junior suffered a high ankle sprain that kept her out for more than a week.

But the icing on the cake was when Salinas’ back began hampering her once basketball season started.  

Comanche basketball coach Diana Salinas, who also doubles as her mom, said it was a bulging disc that kept J’Lee from looking like the all-state player that she is.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

BREAKING NEWS: Ira’s Toby Goodwin announces retirement

Toby Goodwin never would have dreamt he would become a six-man football coach.

In fact, when Goodwin made his debut leading Ira’s football program in 1997 fresh out of college, it was only the second time he’d ever witnessed a six-man football game in person.

Goodwin never left Ira, amassing 237 victories in those 28 seasons. He also reached the pinnacle last baseball season when the Bulldogs captured the 1A state championship.

And now Goodwin has only one semester to add more coaching memories as he announced his retirement this week.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

BREAKING: Haskell football coach, Big Country staple Mitch McLemore retiring after 33 years in profession

A coaching staple in the Big County is retiring after a 33-year career in the profession.

Mitch McLemore is stepping down from Haskell after a four-year run with the Indians that included three playoff appearances. McLemore has also spent time coaching in area towns Knox City, Big Spring and Stamford, where he helped win two state titles as the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator.

“I’m going to be 59 in March, and 50 of those years I’ve either been a coach’s son, player or doing this,” McLemore said. “Half a century of my life has been associated with athletics and education in some sort of form and fashion.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Graham’s defense steps up in second half against Glen Rose 

Photos by Kael Duncan

MINERAL WELLS – Graham is headed to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2020.

The Steers have many reasons why they’re going to be playing in December, but the biggest reason is a defense that took some punches but held high-powered Glen Rose to three second-half points.

That enabled Graham to close out a 38-27 victory over the Tigers at a packed Ram Stadium. The Steers (12-1) advance to face Brock (12-1) for the Region I-4A Division II title, while the Tigers finish at 10-3.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Holliday eliminates Tolar, 46-20

Photos by Kael Duncan

MINERAL WELLS — It just wasn’t Tolar’s afternoon Friday in its Region II-3A Division II semifinal against Holliday.

The Rattlers couldn’t stop the Eagles’ high-powered offense. Neither could they run the ball against Holliday’s defense.

Tolar fared better in the second half after falling behind by 36 points, but it couldn’t make up the difference in a 46-20 loss.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Albany routs Archer City to advance to Region II-2A DII semifinals

GRAHAM – No. 2 Albany has a likely date circled with No. 1 Muenster next week.

But Denney Faith’s Lions weren’t going to overlook Archer City Thursday night at Newton Field.

Four touchdowns in an eight-minute span during the second quarter put the Lions in complete control as they eliminated the Wildcats 48-14.

Albany (10-2) will either face Muenster or Wheeler next week in the Region II-2A Division II semifinals, while Archer City finishes its season at 8-4.

“We weren’t going to look past Archer City. We needed to make sure we took care of this one,” Faith said. “They’re a little beat up, but so are we. We told our kids all week long, there’s no excuses now.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Vernon ends Sweetwater’s season with 28-9 bi-district win

Photos by Kael Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps
 

GRAHAM — Sweetwater picked a poor time not to play its best.

The Mustangs got off to a slow start and struggled offensively as Vernon ended their season with a 28-9 decision Friday night at Newton Field.

The Lions (7-4) advance to face Amarillo River Road in the Region I-3A Division I area round, while the Mustangs drop their second straight game to finish at 6-5.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Graham routs Brock in our weekly spotlight game

GRAHAM — Graham was dominant in the Big Country Preps Game of the Week from beginning to end.

From the time they drove the field on their first possession until Ozzy Trejo drilled a 50-yard field goal in the waning minutes, the fifth-ranked Steers left no doubt who the better team was in a 38-0 dismantling of No. 2 Brock.

The rout clinched the district title for Graham, which extended its scoreless streak to 22 quarters. Meanwhile, it was the Eagles’ worst loss in their brief 13-year history.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Laine’s career night, Rehburg’s walk-off field goal key Wylie to thrilling win over WF Memorial

WICHITA FALLS — Feed Julius Laine. Feed Laine again. Then feed the Wylie junior tailback some more.

As Wylie and Wichita Falls Memorial kept swapping touchdowns Friday night in a crucial District 2-5A Division II contest, the Bulldogs’ strategy became obvious. Put the ball in the hands of its 220-pound bruiser and let a worn-out Maverick defense try to stop him.

The approach worked as Laine rushed for 268 yards and four touchdowns on 36 carries, the last of which moved the Bulldogs into scoring range. Kicker Noah Rehburg did the rest, drilling a 26-yard field goal at the buzzer to give Wylie a thrilling 45-42 victory on the road at Memorial Stadium.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Missed opportunities doom Cooper in 24-7 loss to Wichita Falls Memorial

WICHITA FALLS — Aaron Roan’s message to his Cooper football team after Friday night’s 24-7 loss against Wichita Falls Memorial was straightforward.

It’s still early in the 2-5A Division II race. And Roan still believes his Cougars are a good football team, better than their 1-4 record indicates.

The story of Cooper’s district opener at Memorial Stadium started and ended with missed opportunities. The Cougars drove into the red zone five times against the Mavericks, but they came away with only one touchdown.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Anson rallies for big win at Archer City

Photos courtesy of Kael Duncan

ARCHER CITY – Anson’s start was definitely rough Friday night against Archer City.

The Tigers allowed two touchdowns in less than four minutes and were about to be punting from deep inside their territory.

That’s when Anson quarterback Corey Layne made a play, scrambling out of the Wildcats’ pass rush to convert a third-and-27.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2024 DUBLIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Lions banking on trench experience

Dublin coach Greg Hardcastle believes his Lions have something to prove this season.

After only winning three games over the past two years, Hardcastle knows Dublin won’t be appearing in any state rankings or at the top of district prediction lists.  
But Hardcastle is only worried about what the Lions can control.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

BANGS FEATURE: A Buzzard is back in the Big Country

When Bangs wins its first football game of the 2024 season, it’ll mark the first victory in Colton Buzzard’s head coaching career.

He won’t have to look very far to celebrate with family, either.

That’s because Colton enticed his father Rusty Buzzard out of retirement, hiring the former Coleman head coach to be his offensive coordinator.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2024 BANGS FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Dragons switching to wing-T under new coach

BANGS — Bangs will have its third head coach in the past three seasons, but that’s not the only thing new with the Dragons.

First-year head coach Colton Buzzard is bringing the Wing-T to Bangs as it looks to bounce back from a two-win season a year ago.

“We’re going to run more of a smashmouth, heavy-run type of offense,” said Buzzard, who was coaching defense at Gregory-Portland before landing his first head job. “It’s basically learning a whole new language, but they’ve been doing a good job.”

Buzzard played in the Wing-T offense growing up for his dad at Coleman, and he’d decided that when he became a head coach, that’s the offense he wanted his program to operate from.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

BALLINGER FEATURE: Hernandez to lead strong Ballinger linebacker corps

BALLINGER — Jaylen Hernandez can feel the different mindset surrounding Ballinger’s team this year.

The strongside linebacker is one of several seniors leading the charge as the Bearcats get ready for life as a Class 2A program.

“I think we have a pretty big opportunity this year and have been working really hard,” Hernandez said. “We have a different mindset, and we have a chance to show people what we can really do.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GOLDTHWAITE FEATURE: Eagles counting on veteran offensive line

Goldthwaite coach Andy Howard mentions all the time how success can breed more success.

The Eagles’ success this fall hinges on an offensive line that returns four senior starters looking to return Goldthwaite to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

Left tackle Jacob Ross, left guard Edmond Martinez, right guard Daniel Barrera and right tackle helped Goldthwaite finish second in Class 2A during the annual state lineman challenge over the summer.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2024 GOLDTHWAITE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Eagle progress expected to continue with return of several starters

GOLDTHWAITE — Andy Howard saw growth in his second season at Goldthwaite.

After a winless debut, the Eagles won three times last fall and were more competitive in a difficult district.

With 17 starters returning and a drop to Class 2A Division II, Howard is ready to unlock the next stage of his program’s rebuild.

“It’s a process. You’re going to see progress and then there’s days where you feel like you’re not advancing,” Howard said. “You have to stay in it day by day. It’s time for the process to start paying off some more.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Brock rides big first inning to Game 2 win, evens series with Jacksboro

GRAHAM — It took Brock almost five innings to score in Thursday’s opener against Jacksboro.

With the Eagles’ season on the line Friday night in Game 2 of the Region I-3A championship series, Brock erupted for six runs in the first inning.

With Evan O’Connor throwing strikes, that was more than enough as the Eagles forced Game 3 with a 7-2 victory at Steers Stadium. The Region I-3A title will be decided at 7 p.m. Saturday at Weatherford College.

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