Author: Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Albany’s Hill becomes focal point of offensive attack

By Zach Duncan, special to Big Country Preps

Before this season, Albany supporters would probably agree that Adam Hill made the biggest impact on the defensive side. 

After all, that’s where Hill generated the most headlines last year, earning first-team Texas Sports Writers Association honors at defensive end. 

Hill is still a menace at chasing quarterbacks for the No. 1 Lions, but the senior has also seen an increased offensive workload through non-district. Hill’s 825 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns are among the Big Country leaders as Albany has turned to him as the feature back. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Young Goldthwaite team beginning to live up to coach’s expectations

By Zach Duncan, special to Big Country Preps

Andy Howard knew Goldthwaite would be much improved this season. 

A second year in new schemes, tremendous mental growth and defensive progress were all reasons for the Eagles’ development. 

It didn’t take long for Howard’s beliefs to be verified. Playing highly ranked Crawford within 14 points in Week 1 didn’t snap Goldthwaite’s losing streak, but it proved to be the start of the turnaround. 

“Going into that Friday night, our motto was to believe,” Howard said. “I felt like we had a high-caliber team, but you’ve got to go out there and prove it. Our kids believed all week and kids executed at a high level. I’m not big on moral victories, but we wanted to continue to use that momentum and apply it for the last two weeks.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Sweetwater newcomer not a distraction for Mustang football … even though she’s a girl

Photos contributed by Michael Harbour

CJ Cox had always wanted to try playing football, but she’d never really had an opportunity. 

That changed last spring when Cox was finishing up her sophomore year at Sweetwater. That’s when she surprised head football coach Russell Lucas by asking if she could kick for the Mustangs. 

“I’ve never had a girl on our football team, but I laid out the expectations. Show up all the time and work really hard,” Lucas said. “If you do those things, you’ll have the same chance as everybody. I’m not going to give preferential treatment or discriminate against you because you’re a female.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Jim Ned impressive in road win over eighth-ranked Holliday

HOLLIDAY – It took Jim Ned the final three minutes of the first half to turn a deficit against Holliday into a comfortable lead. 

Turnovers helped the Indians gain a halftime advantage at Eagle Stadium, and a pair of third-quarter interceptions paved the way for Jim Ned to slam the door on Holliday for a 40-22 victory Friday night. 

It was another quality win for the Indians (2-0), who were 0-2 at this point a year ago. It also snapped Holliday’s 30-game regular season winning streak. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GOLDTHWAITE FEATURE: Wetzig emerges as leader up front for Eagles

After Goldthwaite finished last season winless, AJ Wetzig told himself he wasn’t going to let that happen again. 

The senior set goals not only for himself, but Wetzig also set goals for his fellow linemen to be more physical. 

“I know that we are going to be a much more aggressive and physical team this year,” Wetzig said. “We told ourselves that the only way we can improve is to work extremely hard in the offseason, and believe me, we have.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2023 GOLDTHWAITE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Eagles have high expectations in 2023

Andy Howard is still looking for his first win as Goldthwaite’s head football coach. 

Let’s rephrase that. Howard is awaiting his first win on the scoreboard after taking over the Eagles last year. Even though Goldthwaite went 0-10 against one of the toughest schedules in the state, Howard saw many off-field gains. 

“I kept telling the kids every week, we’re not winning on the scoreboard, but we’re winning in our program,” Howard said. “I wanted to see growth daily within our program. You have to learn to overcome the little losses, but we were able to grow throughout the football season.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME REPORT: Coahoma tops Santa Gertrudis 4-2 to claim second softball state title

The special moment that had been a year in the making could begin as soon as Kaedyn Lee secured the fly ball in right field. 

Coahoma, which had come so close to winning it all the previous year, could finally celebrate on the infield at McCombs Field. 

The Lady Bulldogs captured the Class 3A state championship Thursday afternoon with a 4-2 victory over Santa Gertrudis Academy. It’s Coahoma’s second softball title in school history with the other coming in 1998. 

Continue reading “GAME REPORT: Coahoma tops Santa Gertrudis 4-2 to claim second softball state title” →

by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME REPORT: Hermleigh softball routs D’Hanis to claim first state championship

Call it dominance. Call it revenge. Call it a transcendent performance from Summer Smith. 

However you decide to label it, the Hermleigh softball team earned the right to be called Class 1A state champions Wednesday afternoon after overpowering D’Hanis for a 9-0 victory at the University of Texas’ McCombs Field. 

It’s the Lady Cardinals’ first state softball championship, and it comes almost a year to the day since Hermleigh suffered a 6-2 defeat against the Cowgirls in last year’s title game. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME REPORT: Wells pitches Bulldogettes to 1-0 win over Rains in Class 3A state semifinals

A fifth-inning single that didn’t even leave the infield. 

That was the only hit Coahoma ace Hannah Wells surrendered Wednesday afternoon during a Class 3A state semifinal against Emory Rains. 

Wells’ domination in the circle combined with Baylor Wright’s RBI single in the second inning were the difference as the Bulldogettes kept their state championship hopes alive with a 1-0 victory at the University of Texas’ McCombs Field. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME REPORT: Como-Pickton too much for Stamford in 7-1 state semifinal win

Como-Pickton struck for three runs against Stamford in the first inning Tuesday night in their Class 2A state semifinal. 

With ace Mattison Buster hitting her spots, that was more than enough run support for the Lady Eagles, who picked up a 7-1 victory at McCombs Field in Austin. 

Como-Pickton (38-2) advances to face Weimar in the 2A championship set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, while the Lady Bulldogs (27-7-1) had their successful season end in the semifinals for the second straight year. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME REPORT: Big fifth inning fuels Hermleigh past Dodd City, earns Lady Cards rematch with D’Hanis

Hermleigh is once again a victory away from its first state softball title. 

The Lady Cardinals broke open a scoreless Class 1A state semifinal with a seven-run fifth inning, claiming a 9-3 victory over Dodd City on Tuesday afternoon at McCombs Field in Austin. 

And once again, D’Hanis will be standing in Hermleigh’s way of a championship. The two teams will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday in a rematch of last year’s 1A title game that the Cowgirls won 6-2. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Bulldogettes’ dominant run fueled by last year’s state tournament heartbreak

A week. 

That’s how long the Coahoma softball team took off after last year’s heartbreaking 6-5 loss to Hallettsville in the Class 3A state championship game. 

The Bulldogettes returned to work over the summer with one goal — making another trip to Austin and taking care of unfinished business. They haven’t relaxed much since. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Hawley left-hander Balch a tone-setter in strong Bearcats rotation

When Westyn Balch takes the mound for Thursday’s regional semifinal series opener against Ropes, he’ll feel right at home. 

The Hawley junior is no stranger to setting the tone in a Game 1. Balch has victories over Coleman, Christoval and Stamford this postseason, compiling a 1.87 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 15 innings. 

Hawley coach Jamie Seago knows he has three quality starters he can rely on. It’s one of the reasons the Bearcats (23-9) are still playing. 

And he also knows what to expect from his left-hander every time out. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Strosnider’s two home runs fuel hit parade as Brock sweeps Holliday

IOWA PARK — Sawyer Strosnider admitted he didn’t get all of the ball during his first home run in Friday night’s Game 2 against Holliday. 

But the Brock junior left no such doubts in his next at-bat, smashing a two-run homer that broke a tie game in the fourth inning. 

Strosnider’s knocks were two of the 10 extra-base hits Brock collected in a windy 20-7 victory that advances the Eagles to the Region I-3A semifinals. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Gordon hurdlers Reed, Crowe set for state after special regional meet moment

Photo/video contributed by Gordon coach Mike Reed

The picture of Gordon’s Stryker Reed crossing the finish line in the 110-meter hurdles two weeks ago at regionals says it all. 

As soon as Reed steps across the white stripe, he turns to his right to celebrate teammate Kaden Crowe also locking up his state berth with a second-place finish. 

The two Longhorn freshmen are great friends away from the track and fierce competitors between the lines. Now they’ll get to race together one more time this season Saturday night at the Class 1A track meet in Austin. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Breckenridge boys track hoping to make another strong showing at region meet

The Breckenridge boys track team is peaking at the right time. 

That’s good news for Mark Young’s Buckaroos as they head into the Region I-3A Meet this Friday and Saturday at Abilene Christian University. 

Young has a special place in his heart for the mile relay, an event he ran during his college days at ACU. That explains why he was still pumped up a couple days after Breckenridge ran an area-best 3 minutes, 22.79 seconds at last week’s Districts 7/8-3A area meet. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Young, tight-knit Brownwood softball team excited to make playoff return

At the end of every practice and game, Brownwood’s softball team breaks out shouting the word “family.” 

First-year head coach Cherita Munguia believes that mantra has been an important one for a squad that often starts five sophomores and a freshman. 

“They love each other fiercely and play like a family,” Munguia said. “They’re extremely hungry, are super coachable and have an energy that’s unmatched. It’s been a really exciting journey.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Brock leaning on Lewis’ experience heading into postseason play

Zach Lewis is ready to leave everything on the court these next couple weeks. 

The Brock senior point guard’s competitive basketball days are numbered as he’ll be attending business school at Texas A&M next fall. 

After playing a crucial role on the Eagles’ state-qualifying team two years ago and nearly leading Brock back to San Antonio last year, Lewis is well-versed in high-stakes postseason games. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Albany’s Hill not just a standout football player

Adam Hill was a key member of Albany’s state championship football team last fall. 

The junior lined up at running back, played tight end in certain sets and even was occasionally a fullback. Hill was also a defensive end for the Lions after playing strong safety the previous year. 

Hill’s versatility can also be seen on the basketball court. He’s a bigger guy who can handle the ball well. Hill pounds the glass with his 6-foot-2 frame and has worked hard to improve his outside shooting. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Wall’s Armstrong finally back to full strength after frustrating injuries

Everson Armstrong’s junior season was both trying and ironic. 

The Wall basketball player ran into a wall early in his first scrimmage. The result was that Armstrong snapped part of his arm, missing the first couple months. 

That injury combined with a broken thumb once he returned kept the Wall guard from becoming a dominant force during the 2021-22 season. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Comanche’s Martinez a standout in multiple categories

Photos courtesy of Santos Gomez

As Richard Pringle walked off the floor a couple months ago after telling his Comanche boys basketball team he would be retiring after the season, senior Miguel Martinez jogged up and put his arm around him. 

“Looks like we’re going out together,” the point guard told Pringle. 

That timing isn’t by coincidence. Pringle had thought about calling it quits at the end of the 2021-22 season, but he admitted Martinez was one of the main reasons he hung around this season. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Versatile Smith putting on a show for dangerous Coleman team

Braxton Smith spent the fall as a dynamic receiver and defensive back for Coleman’s football team. 

But from a young age, Smith’s favorite sport has been basketball. 

“Basketball has always been my happy place,” Smith said. “The success we had in football has made me want to keep pushing and striving to become better and better because settling for less is not an option.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Highland’s Taylor Allen closing high school career on a high note

Photos courtesy of Kevin Wright 

Taylor Allen has accomplished many impressive feats during her four years playing basketball at Highland. 

The 5-foot-8 standout has earned all-state honors during her first three seasons. By averaging 17.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists this year, a fourth all-state nod seems like a lock. 

Allen has led the Lady Hornets to the regional tournament and has already signed to play basketball at Division II powerhouse Lubbock Christian. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Hermesmeyers spearheading all-around team effort in Goldthwaite

GOLDTHWAITE — The Goldthwaite girls basketball program’s motto this year is “US.” 

It stands for “Unified Squad,” and that unselfish approach is one main reason why the Lady Eagles enter the week with a 23-3 record and are No. 21 in the Class 2A rankings. 

While coach Angie Hermesmeyer wants this season to be about the team more than any individual, it’s worth noting the growth of a certain individual she shares a residence with. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Stamford’s Applin finishing her high school career on a strong note

Graduation hit Stamford’s girls basketball team pretty hard after a historical run to the Class 2A state championship game. 

But coach Joe Crabb knew that with point guard Laylonna Applin still suiting up, the Lady Bulldogs would always have a chance. 

Applin has continued being the heart and soul of Stamford’s team her senior season, averaging 19.7 points, four assists and 6.2 steals per game. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Throckmorton’s Cunningham living up to expectations

Photos courtesy of Michael Leal 

Grant Gooch foresaw the possibilities right away during his first Throckmorton basketball practice more than two years ago. 

Gooch noticed a talented forward named Lily Cunningham and right away challenged the freshman to diversify her offensive game. 

“It was during the first half of our first workout, and I said I wanted her to work on her 3-point shooting then,” Gooch recalled. “She was a little shocked, but she has bought in 100 percent. She’s been able to focus on growing her game from the post to getting to the rim to being a deadly 3-point shooter.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Cisco’s Fox a top threat from beyond the arc, but is an underrated defender

Justice Fox enjoys letting it rip from 3-point range. 

But the Cisco senior’s favorite part of the sport doesn’t have anything to do with shooting the basketball. 

The 5-foot-8 shooting guard takes a lot of pride in her defense for the Lady Loboes, who are ranked No. 19 in the latest TABC rankings. 

“I love offense, but I honestly would have to say defense is what I like better,” Fox said. “I just love getting to help my team with the defensive side of the game. I usually guard some really good athletes, and when I guard them well, it just makes me feel confident on how I defend.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Benjamin sophomore leading Mustangs to historic season

Main photo courtesy of Naomi Skinner

Grayson Rigdon makes playing six-man football look about as easy as anyone can.  

While defenders labor to chase him, the Benjamin sophomore glides around the field. Rigdon even occasionally slows down before hitting the turbo button and zooming past helpless pursuers.  

After leading Strawn to a state title as a freshman, Rigdon’s on track to do the same thing at Benjamin as the Mustangs are in the state semifinals for the first time in 45 years. They’ll play Whitharral at 3 p.m. Saturday with a chance to make history.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Mustangs advance with rout of Throckmorton

SPRINGTOWN — As Benjamin kept scoring on one-play drives Friday night, it became only a matter of time the Mustangs were going to mercy-rule Throckmorton.  

But the top-ranked team in Class A Division II wanted to end things by halftime in its state quarterfinal matchup at Porcupine Stadium.  

That’s why the Mustangs called timeouts on Throckmorton’s final second-quarter possession. It proved to be a savvy move as Grayson Rigdon’s 44-yard touchdown catch with five seconds left put the finishing touches on a 48-0 victory.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Albany uses big second half to eliminate Muenster

GRAHAM – Albany was challenged for the first time in a couple months Thursday night.  

The sixth-ranked Lions needed a touchdown in the last minute of the first half against Muenster to take a lead into the locker room in a Region II-2A Division II area round matchup.     

But once Albany regained the lead against the Hornets, there were no plans to relinquish it. The Lions scored six second-half touchdowns to pull away for a convincing 56-10 victory at Newton Field.  

Albany (10-2) advances to face No. 4 Wink (12-0), which eliminated Santo 35-19, at a time and place to be determined, while Muenster ends its season at 6-6.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Jim Ned locks up third straight district title with gutsy win at Iowa Park

IOWA PARK — Jim Ned hasn’t backed down from the adversity it has faced throughout this season.

So it was no surprise the Indians rose to the occasion once more against Iowa Park on Thursday night with the District 3-3A Division I title on the line.

After falling behind midway through the third quarter, the Indians scored the game’s final three touchdowns to claim a 31-13 victory at Hawk Stadium.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Vinson battles through diabetes to become one of area’s more versatile players

If you watched Jim Ned’s Avery Vinson play volleyball for the first time, you’d notice a few things about the junior.   

She never comes off the court. The six-rotation standout helps the Lady Indians as an outside hitter while sharing setting duties with Kate Bryant.  

She has really good hands, which is one reason she leads Jim Ned with 478 assists. She’s also a lefty, which adds another dimension to the Lady Indians’ attack.  

Perhaps you’d notice the passion Vinson has for the game and how she’s become more of a leader this year.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Stephenville’s Maruska could find a spot in the SHS history books

Tate Maruska is well on his way to rewriting Stephenville’s rushing records.  

With 16 touchdowns in six games, the junior is on pace to break the Yellow Jackets’ mark of 29 scores set by Kason Phillips in 2020.  

Coach Sterling Doty wasn’t sure what Stephenville’s single-season rushing record was off the top of his head, but with Maruska already having 1,290 yards, it’s not a stretch to say that total is in danger of falling too.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Senior Madilyn Loper enjoying leadership role in her final season

Photos courtesy of The Dublin Citizen

Madilyn Loper isn’t ready for her time as a Dublin volleyball player to end.  

Loper has been on varsity since the early stages of her freshman season. Now she’s a senior standout who knows her playing days at Dublin are numbered. 

“Volleyball is going to be incredibly hard to say goodbye to,” Loper said. “It’s been so much fun, and I have made some of the best memories I could possibly imagine. I have put all my time and effort into this sport, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”  

Loper has been a stalwart in Arin Knight’s first year as Dublin’s head coach. She leads the Lady Lions with 2.2 kills per set and 23 aces while also ranking second in digs.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Jim Ned recovering from plague of injuries as district race heats up

Jim Ned is still Jim Ned.  

That’s the message coach Matt Fanning is confident his Indians will convey as District 3-3A Division I kicks off this week.  

After an injury-riddled start to their season that included three consecutive losses, Jim Ned (2-3) closed out non-district with a pair of victories. The Indians look to keep that momentum going into Friday night’s 3-3A debut at Bowie.   

“Our kids understood at the time – they’re savvy football players,” Fanning said. “We’re still Jim Ned. We weathered the storm and got some younger guys lots of reps.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Trent’s lone senior providing leadership in Lady Gorilla’s return to volleyball

Photo courtesy of Jacob Brenem, Brenem Productions

Gracie Dearing feels like the rewards for playing volleyball at Trent are constant.  

The senior captain hadn’t ever competed in the sport before it was brought back last year after a hiatus dating back to the 1950s.  

But Dearing became interested when she saw a video of a men’s volleyball match. Getting an opportunity to represent her school and help start a program from scratch was too good of a chance to pass up.  

“It’s been very rewarding, not only as an individual but as a team,” Dearing said. “This team has worked really hard to keep this program going. It’s been hard with how little players we have.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Haskell’s Marquise Johnson proving himself to be top-quality utility man

Marquise Johnson hadn’t played the position in about four years.  

But when Mitch McLemore was looking for someone to take over as Haskell’s starting quarterback this season, he turned to last year’s slot receiver.  

“He’s had a little bit of a learning curve, but he brought the most to the table as far as athleticism, throwing, running and smarts,” McLemore said. “He’s done a great job learning a lot of stuff in a short period of time.”  

The Indians are taking a 2-3 record into this week’s important District 7-2A Division II game at Petrolia, where McLemore spent two years (2019-20) as head coach.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Versatile Bryant helping Lady Indians to banner season

Photos by Meredith Goodwin

Is versatile Jim Ned senior Kate Bryant better as an outside hitter or as a setter?  

It’s a question that leaves Lady Indians volleyball coach Miranda Garcia stumped upon reflection.  

“Ooohh that’s a tough one. She has always been a great setter, always had great hands, even in middle school,” Garcia said. “Her hitting has really come along since her sophomore year. She wanted to be an outside hitter since middle school, so she’s really been working on hitting.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Clyde off to great start with the help of defensive specialist

Photos by Rachel Laughlin and Tony Brockway 

Clyde’s Chloe Ukle works best under pressure.  

The senior libero thrives when opposing teams send volleyballs hurling her way, sprawling all over the court for digs.   

“What I love about being a libero is the control that I have of the back row,” Ukle said. “Knowing that I am in control of what goes on in the back row pushes me harder.”  

Ukle’s defensive efforts are a key reason the Lady Bulldogs are 20-12 heading into Tuesday’s non-district finale against Glen Rose. Despite facing difficult competition, Ukle leads the Big Country with 5.4 digs per set and has tallied 457 digs for the year.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Breckenridge QB not surprised by Buckaroos’ quick start in 2022

Breckenridge has surprised a few folks around the Big Country, racing off to a 3-0 start that includes wins over perennial powers Childress and Cisco.  

But senior quarterback Chase Lehr isn’t one of them.  

“I know all of the hard work we have put in,” Lehr said. “This is what we have been working up to for the past couple of years, and now it’s finally starting to show.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Versatile Williams’ leadership matching her physical talent

Kamryn Williams is more than just a six-rotation standout for Wall’s volleyball program.  

While she once again leads the No. 8 Lady Hawks in kills (3.7 per set), it’s Williams’ senior leadership and determination that have been just as impressive.  

“For the first time, she’s not necessarily our only go-to player because now anytime, we can go to anyone,” Wall coach Robynn Jones said. “That says a lot about Kamryn.

“She’s helped other players come into their own and gain the confidence they need so we can have a great team, not a good team.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Brock falls to Wichita Falls Hirschi in overtime thriller

By Zach Duncan, special to Big Country Preps

WICHITA FALLS — Two heavyweights repeatedly traded punches Thursday night at Memorial Stadium.  

Brock’s Billy Mathis watched his squad force overtime with 31 seconds remaining against a Hirschi team ranked No. 3 in 4A Division II.  

Already having battled back from multiple second-half deficits, the Eagles were ready to answer once again in the extra session after the Huskies’ A’Marion Peterson scored from 17 yards out.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

SWEETWATER FEATURE: Slimmed down Mustang nose guard Mekogue ready for 2022

SWEETWATER — Noel Mekogue’s confidence has done nothing but grow in the past year.

A stellar junior season as Sweetwater’s nose guard is one reason for that. Another is the two new sports Mekogue succeeded in last year.

Now that Mekogue is one of just a few Mustangs with starting experience, even greater things are expected of him in 2022. It’s a challenge he has prepped for.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2022 SWEETWATER FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Mustangs bring a host of new faces to the field in 2022

SWEETWATER — It’s staggering how much Sweetwater lost to graduation after coach Russell Lucas’ first year.  

Twenty-seven seniors walked across the stage last May, leaving the Mustangs with only three returning starters from an 8-4 squad that won a district title and advanced to the second round.  

Lucas is aware of his team’s youth, but he doesn’t want that to define his 2022 squad, either.   

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GOLDTHWAITE FEATURE: Campbell twins ready for final year on the gridiron

Carsyn and Cutter Campbell have been competing against each other their whole lives.  

It doesn’t matter if it’s on the football field or at their house, Goldthwaite’s senior twins are always seeing who the “big dog” is.  

“Whether it’s the first one who gets to the truck or who can eat the most food, we’re fighting for it,” Carsyn said. “Everything is a competition. We’ll end up tying or one of us will win, then the other will win the next time. We don’t have a legit answer on who’s the better twin.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GOLDTHWAITE 2022 FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Youthful Eagles welcome a new coach and a new system

GOLDTHWAITE — Andy Howard is more than comfortable being back on Goldthwaite’s sidelines.  

It’s the hometown of his wife, where his four kids still go to school and where he spent from 2015-18 coaching the Eagles’ defense under Greg Proffitt.  

After being at Brownwood the past three-plus years, Howard returns to lead a football program that has four state titles on its resume but also hasn’t enjoyed a winning season since 2016.  

Continue reading “GOLDTHWAITE 2022 FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Youthful Eagles welcome a new coach and a new system” →

by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

STATE SOFTBALL PREVIEW: Coahoma, Stamford, Hermleigh set to compete for titles

The Big Country will be heavily represented at this week’s UIL state softball tournament as Coahoma, Stamford and Hermleigh will vie for championships.  

The action begins Tuesday as the Lady Cardinals take on Chireno at 10 a.m. in the Class 1A semifinals. Stamford will take the next step in defending its Class 2A championship by facing Lovelady at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the semis.  

Making its first state appearance since 2008, Coahoma will meet Franklin at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Class 3A semifinals. All games will be played at the University of Texas’ Red and Charline McCombs Field.  

Here’s a look at what each team is facing in Austin: 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Goodwins to square off in father-son showdown for trip to the state tournament

The text came across Tyler Goodwin’s phone once Ira got off to a great start against Westbrook and after Nazareth had already locked up its berth in the Region I-A finals.  

“I think I’m going to puke,” it read.     

Don’t blame Kristi Goodwin for feeling this way. Either her husband, who has spent the past 24 years coaching at Ira, will lead the Bulldogs to their first state tournament in program history.  

Or her oldest son will return the Swifts to Dell Diamond in his first season as their head baseball coach.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Big Spring freshman the lone representative at state for the Lady Steers

Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

Niomi Wines isn’t surprised she qualified for the UIL Class 4A state track meet.  

The Big Spring freshman will compete in the high jump at 9 a.m. Thursday and then turn around and run the 200 later that night.  

“I thought it was a realistic goal, I just had to work a little bit to achieve it,” Wines said. “It was very realistic from the start.”  
Continue reading “FEATURE: Big Spring freshman the lone representative at state for the Lady Steers” →

by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Whitmire’s aggression in the circle paying off for Breckenridge

By Zach Duncan, special to Big Country Preps

Chloe Whitmire isn’t afraid to challenge opposing batters.   

The Breckenridge sophomore has always had the heat to back up that aggressive mindset. Now Whitmire also has tweaked her off-speed repertoire, making her one of the Big County’s toughest pitchers to hit. 

“With my catcher in front of me and a solid defense behind me, it gives me the opportunity to really try some of the big bats,” Whitmire said. “Sometimes it gets us in trouble, but that’s just how we play.”  

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