Category: Abilene TLCA Eagles

by Evan Ren

2023 BIG COUNTRY PREPS BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW: The area’s top teams in each class throughout the BCP coverage area

With a new season of boys high school basketball poised to begin, it’s time to take a look at what the Big Country will produce on the court.

Below you will find our top teams in each classification in the Big Country Preps coverage area, from Big Spring in the West, to Brock in the east and from Brady in the south to Munday in the north. 

Our rankings of the top teams in each class are given, along with a season outlook, cataloguing our expectations for each club. 

Here’s our preview. We’ll see you on the road.

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 6-2A DIV. II WEEK 11 REPORT: Albany runs the table, Roscoe takes second seed, Miles beats Cross Plains for No. 3 spot

Albany 66, TLCA 0 — Albany concluded a perfect regular season and sweep of its district opponents with a win over Abilene TLCA. 

Chip Chambers threw for 145 yards and four TDs and Adam Hill rushed for 98 yards and three TDs on three carries to lift the Lions (10-0, 5-0), who will face Albany vs. Eldorado, on Thursday at Colorado City’s Wolf Stadium. at 7 p.m.

TLCA  closed its season at 1-9 and 0-5.

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by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Wylie, Cooper clash in burgeoning rivalry game

LAST WEEK: 47-5, .903
SEASON TOTAL: 438-91, .827

With the column hitting at more than 90 percent accuracy last week, we now close the regular season on the upswing and with something uncommon: A local Big Country Preps Game of the Week. 

While our weekly picks column generally highlights the top area game outside of the Abilene city limits, this week seems to call for us to stay at home with rivals Wylie (6-3, 3-1) and Cooper (4-5, 3-1) fighting for sole possession of the No. 2 seed in District 2-5A Division II. 

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by Evan Ren

Big Country Volleyball Statistical Leaders (as submitted by area coaches through Oct. 31)

NOTE: This will be our final installment of Big Country Volleyball Statistical Leaders for the 2023 season 

Big Country Preps is publishing area volleyball statistical leaders each Tuesday at 7 p.m. roughout the regular season.

This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the remainder of the season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 6-2A DIV. II WEEK 10 REPORT: Roscoe secures No. 2 seed; Albany wraps up district title; Cross Plains earns playoff spot

Roscoe 34, Miles 33 — Ivan “The Terrible” McCann bulldozed his way to 231 yards rushing and four scores to lift Roscoe to an important district win over visiting Miles. 

The Plowboys led 34-21 late in the third quarter before absorbing back to back Miles touchdowns, both of which were followed by missed PATs. 

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by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Bulldogs, Bearcats meet with district title in the balance

LAST WEEK: 44-7, .862
SEASON TOTAL: 391-86, .820

It really didn’t take long for people to start talking about the Hawley – Stamford matchup in 2023. In fact, this one was on our calendar as a possible Game of the Week before the season even started. 

Who will win? That depends on who you speak with. Our Twitter poll is split virtually down the middle and even the computers see this one as a near tossup.

Stamford (7-0, 4-0 District 4-2A DII) enters this game scarcely challenged, rolling over the opposition by an average tally of 45-8. Hawley (6-2, 4-0), on the other hand, comes in with some battle scars after a brutal schedule featuring Jim Ned, Lubbock Roosevelt and Albany. 

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by Evan Ren

Big Country Volleyball Statistical Leaders (as submitted by area coaches through Oct. 24)

Big Country Preps is publishing area volleyball statistical leaders each Tuesday at 7 p.m. roughout the regular season.

This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the remainder of the season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 6-2A DIV. II Week 9 Report: Cross Plains wins crucial matchup with Hamlin; Miles, Albany both score wins

Cross Plains 28, Hamlin 6 — Dusty Wyatt rushed for 227 yards and three TDs to lift Cross Plains to an important district win over Hamlin. 

Leading 13-6 at the break, the Buffaloes took firm control of the game with a pair of second-half touchdowns. 

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by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Stephenville hosts China Spring (w/ Evan Ren’s Big Country Picks)

LAST WEEK: 40-8, .833
SEASON TOTAL: 347-79, .814

As Week 9 of the 2023Texas High School football season gets underway, there are multiple high-profile games that would qualify as our Big Country Preps Game of the Week.

But we’re settling for a rare Thursday night matchup at Tarleton State University where seventh-ranked 4A DI Stephenville (5-2, 1-0) will play host to fourth-ranked China Spring (6-2, 2-0) in a game will give the victor sole possession of first place in District 5.

Picking who wins it may come down to throwing darts, but I do believe China Spring has one key advantage. 

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Arnwine
by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 6-2A DIV. II WEEK 8 REPORT: Roscoe, Albany, Miles all come away victorious on Friday

Roscoe 57, Abilene TLCA 0 — In a game that was halted in the second half due to an injury scare, the Plowboys remained in district title contention with a win over the Eagles. 

Jace Arnwine threw for 213 yards and two scores and Aiden Cema rushed for 116 yards and two more TDs to lift Roscoe (6-1, 2-0), which faces defending state champion Albany next week for sole possession of first place in the district. 

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by Brandon McAuliffe

GAME REPORT: Serious injury ends Roscoe-Abilene TLCA early

Update, 8:30 a.m. Saturday: Per TLCA coach Jeremy Kirk, freshman Dekota Morris-Porras was released from the hospital shortly after 8 a.m. with a clean bill of health.

In a scene that nobody attending a football game ever wants to see, Friday’s Roscoe-Abilene TLCA game was called early in the second half after a major injury scare.

As Roscoe was driving on offense, TLCA freshman Dekota Morris-Porras landed awkwardly on his upper back/neck-area after being blocked, and paramedics immediately started tending to him.

TLCA coach Jeremy Kirk said Morris-Porras, who was just called up to varsity this week, was transported to Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital in Sweetwater for evaluation and treatment.

Continue reading “GAME REPORT: Serious injury ends Roscoe-Abilene TLCA early” →

by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Hico hosts Dawson with high playoff seeds in the balance (w/ Evan Ren’s Big Country Picks)

LAST WEEK: 41-7, .854
SEASON TOTAL: 307-71, .812

 Big Country Preps makes a point of sharing the love and we look for opportunities to take our Game of the Week to as many different places that make sense each year. 
Yet since our inaugural season in 2018, a rebuilding Hico football team missed our spotlight game for five straight seasons. 

That drought ends this week when BCP visits Hico for the first time as the Tigers (5-2, 2-1 District 10-2A DII) host Dawson (5-1, 2-0) in a crucial matchup with high seed implications.

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 6 2A DIV. II Week 7 Report: Albany routs Miles; Hamlin, Roscoe win

Albany 41, Miles 0 — Adam Hill rushed for 184 yards and three scores and Chip Chambers threw for 195 yards and three more TDs to lift Albany to an easy win over Miles. 

The Lions finished with 475 yards in total offense while limiting a much-publicized Miles offense to 105 total yards.  

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by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Clyde heads to Vernon for district-opening battle of unbeatens

LAST WEEK: 37-3, .925
SEASON TOTAL: 266-64, .806

Contrast in styles games make for excellent entertainment and are usually high on our list of potential Big Country Preps Games of the Week. 

Friday we have such a matchup when Clyde (5-0) travels to Vernon (5-0) in the District 3-3A DI opener for both clubs. Clyde and its power spread offense capable of running or throwing the ball well, against a run-based multiple attack used by Vernon that seems almost out of the 1950s. 

Both clubs are good at what they do. Both are physical and both are fully aware of how important this league opener is. In fact, this may end up ranking as one of the more physical Games of the Week we’ll see in 2023. 

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 6-2A DIV. II WEEK 6 REPORT: Roscoe wins while remainder of district takes a break

Most of District 6-2A Division II was idle on Friday, with district play opening next week.  Roscoe’s tough win over Junction was the lone game played, with the rest of the league enjoying a bye.

Here’s a quick look at the approaching district matchups: 

Continue reading “DISTRICT 6-2A DIV. II WEEK 6 REPORT: Roscoe wins while remainder of district takes a break” →

by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Yellow Jackets head to Brownwood to face archrival

LAST WEEK: 46-12, .793
SEASON TOTAL: 229-61, .789

More often than not, Big Country Preps makes an appearance at the annual Stephenville-Brownwood matchup. Because more often than not, it produces a game worthy of one of Texas’ top rivalries. 

This year is no exception as Stephenville travels to famous Gordon Wood Stadium for the Big Country Preps Game of the Week. 

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by Evan Ren

Big Country Volleyball Statistical Leaders (as submitted by area coaches through Sept. 26)

Big Country Preps is publishing area volleyball statistical leaders each Tuesday at 7 p.m. roughout the regular season.

This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the remainder of the season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 6-2A DIV. II Week 5 Report: Albany tops Comanche, Cross Plains, Hamlin both collect victories

Albany 31, Comanche 13 — Chip Chambers passed for 178 yards and three touchdowns and Adam Hill rushed for 136 yards and a score to lead the Lions to a comfortable win over the Indians.

Behind those two, Albany outscored Comanche 10-0 in the third quarter, stretching a 14-7 halftime lead to three scores by the start of the fourth.

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by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Sweetwater plays host to Clyde in battle of unbeatens

LAST WEEK: 44-11, .800
SEASON TOTAL: 183-49, .788

Some weeks are just loaded with competitive area games and Week 5 of the 2023 season falls squarely into that category. 

This week’s menu features six or seven games that under normal circumstances, would qualify for our Big Country Preps Game of the Week. This forces us to push some great matchups aside to select our spotlight game. 

This week, we go with a battle of unbeatens — Class 3A Division I Clyde (4-0) at Class 4A Div. II Sweetwater (4-0) — at the famed Mustang Bowl at SHS. 

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 6-2A DIV. II WEEK 4 REPORT: Albany tops Hawley in battle of state champs; Roscoe, Hamlin both win

Albany 27, Hawley 14 — Albany improved to 4-0 with a win in this matchup of defending state champions behind three TD passes from Chip Chambers. 

Leading 27-14 at the break, the Lions held on through a scoreless second half at Hardin-Simmon’ Shelton Stadium in a game that was moved due to Hawley’s Forrest Field being rendered unplayable by recent rainfall. 

Hawley (2-2) was led by Keagan Ables, who threw for 231 yards and one score. 

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by Evan Ren

BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Cooper’s Bray takes this week’s top spot

When it comes to individual performances, there are big games and there are big games.

And then there’s what Cooper junior Daniel Bray did against San Angelo Central last week in leading the Cougars to their first win of the season.

The explosive tailback, who had been limited some in the first two weeks by a nagging ankle injury and the growing pains of a young offensive line, broke out in a historic way in that 53-45 victory over the Bobcats. By the time the game was over, he had rushed for a school-record 366 yards and seven touchdowns on just 21 carries, making a case for our Big Country Preps Player of the Week award that was too compelling to pass over — even in a week with a number of other monster performances.

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by Daniel Youngblood

ABILENE NOTEBOOK: Talking Shotwell renovation, TLCA’s big football win, ACS’ matchup with Benjamin and Wylie volleyball

It’s no secret that the Abilene High-Cooper rivalry — dubbed the Crosstown Showdown — is among the best series in the state of Texas.

When the Eagles and Cougars get together, you know you’re going to excellent effort from both teams in front of close to 15,000 rowdy fans.

In that way, Friday’s matchup, which saw AHS earn a 26-7 win in the 63rd playing of the series, was a lot like many before it. But there was one factor that made the most recent Showdown just a little bit unique: It marked the first game played in Shotwell Stadium since the historic venue got one heck of a facelift.

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by Brandon McAuliffe

GAME STORY: TLCA downs Munday 14-9, claiming first 11-man win

Heading into Saturday night’s game between Munday and Abilene TLCA at McMurry’s Wilford Moore Stadium, a first win was guaranteed in some form or fashion.

The Moguls entered the game looking to get head coach Brandon Langston his first career win, while the Eagles were looking to get their first-ever win as an 11-man squad.

Munday had an opportunity at the victory, but Hunter Urbanczyk couldn’t hang onto a fourth-down pass as he fell to the ground in the end zone with 41 seconds to play, allowing TLCA to escape with a 14-9 win.

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 6-2A DII WEEK 1 REPORT: Roscoe opens season with big win over C-City

Roscoe 42, Colorado City 0 — Roscoe used a dual-threat offense and a strong defensive effort to beat C-City in the opener for both teams. 

Jace Arnwine threw for 258 yards and two scores and Ivan McCann rushed for 139 yards and two more touchdowns to lift the Plowboys, who limited C-City to only 107 yards in total offense. 

Continue reading “DISTRICT 6-2A DII WEEK 1 REPORT: Roscoe opens season with big win over C-City” →

by John Starbuck, Special to Big Country Preps

ABILENE TLCA FEATURE: Sophomore QB Rico hoping to take big step forward for Eagles

Abilene TLCA’s Johnathon Rico is aiming for a better outcome in 2023.

Rico, a sophomore quarterback for Texas Leadership Charter Academy, said getting the first victory in 11-man would be great after the team endured a winless campaign last year.

 As the Eagles enter year two as an 11-man program, head coach Jeremy Kirk said Rico’s maturation should go a long way toward achieving that goal.

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by Brandon McAuliffe

2023 ABILENE TLCA FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Eagles looking to take the next step as a fledgling program

Things have not been easy on the north side of Abilene as Jeremy Kirk has worked to build an athletic program from scratch with the Texas Leadership Charter Academy of Abilene.

Since planting roots in Abilene, TLCA slowly expanded with the addition of one grade level on an annual basis. That led to the Eagles football team often being outmanned and undersized in its formative years.

After finally having a senior class for the first time in 2022-23, Kirk is now able to focus more on the product on the field as opposed to wondering how many kids he’s going to have on his squad, and that is going to allow for the development of several locker room leaders.

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 6-2A DII WEEK 8 REPORT: Albany, Roscoe remain unbeaten in district, Hamlin falls to Miles

Albany 56, Cross Plains 0 — London Fuentes threw for 182 yards and three scores and Coy Lefevre rushed for 127 yards and two more touchdowns as Albany (5-2, 2-0) shut out Cross Plains. 

Albany built a 42-0 lead by the break before coasting to the finish line. 

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 6-2A DIV. II WEEK 7 REPORT: Roscoe, Albany and Hamlin win their district openers

Roscoe 28, Cross Plains 6 — Jax Watts threw for 214 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 33 yards and another score to lead the Plowboys to a win over previously unbeaten Cross Plains. 

Outgained 317-167, Cross Plains fell to 6-1 and 0-1.  Noah Moses led the Buffaloes with 40 yards rushing and one TD to go with 14 solo tackles and a fumble recovery.

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by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 6-2A DIV. II WEEK 6 REPORT: Plowboys fall to Sunray while the rest of the league takes a night off

Sunray 47, Roscoe 17 — The Plowboys (2-2) were the lone team in District 6-2A DII to take the field

on Friday and came up on losing side of a 30-point spread at Lubbock Cooper. 

Sunray finished with 631 yards in total offense, including 472 on the ground to improve to 5-1.

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