Day 1 of Big Country Preps’ 2022 Photo Tour is now in the books, with seven more days of shooting yet to come from practice fields throughout the area.
Here are but a few of the images collected Monday:
Category: Clyde Bulldogs
COUNTDOWN TO TWO-A-DAYS: Clyde Bulldogs
Football is just around the corner, and we at BigCountryPreps.com are committed to bringing you the information you need to prepare for your favorite team’s season.
We’ll be releasing our Big Country Preps Preseason Football Preview, the most comprehensive look at the upcoming Big Country football season anywhere, on Wednesday, Aug. 17. But you won’t have to wait until then to sate your gridiron appetite.
Leading up to the first day of fall football practice on Aug. 1, we’ll be spotlighting each 11-man team in the area and posing some of the key questions they’ll face in 2022 as part of our annual “Countdown to Two-a-Days” series.
We stay in Class 3A Division I with the Clyde Bulldogs. On Sunday we will take a look at the Jim Ned Indians followed by the Brock Eagles Indians on Monday.
Evan Ren’s 2022 BCP Baseball/Softball All-Hustle Team: The hardest-working players in the area!
OTHER 2022 ALL-BIG COUNTRY PREPS TEAMS
- All-Big Country Preps Baseball Superlative Award Winners (Pitcher of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, etc.)
- All-Big Country Preps First-Team Baseball Selections
- All-Big Country Preps Second-Team Baseball Selections
- All-Big Country Preps Softball Superlative Award Winners (Pitcher of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, etc.)
- All-Big Country Preps First-Team Softball Selections
- All-Big Country Preps Second-Team Softball Selections (plus honorable mention)
- Big Country Preps Rising Stars Team (area’s top Sophomores and Freshmen!)
Character, grit and work ethic aren’t seen in a box score. And it is with our Big Country Preps All-Hustle Team that we wish to honor those players (male and female) who exemplify those qualities.
The All-Hustle team isn’t about who the best baseball and softball players were. It honors the best teammates.
It is here where effort, discipline and coachability — traits that coaches wish they had in every player and upon which championships are built — are honored.
It is for that reason that this team is largely selected by area coaches and described in their own words.
Big Country Preps is now honored to present these individuals to you — the best team players (boys and girls) that the Big Country had to offer during the 2022 baseball and softball seasons.
The players below are listed in no particular order.
CAPITAL FARM CREDIT/BCP PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Stephenville pole vaulter Kirbo wins final award of 21-22 school year
As one of the defensive leaders for Stephenville’s state championship football team, Ben Kirbo was ensured a memorable senior year regardless of what happened at the Class 4A state track meet.
But the SHS standout and future TCU pole vaulter wanted a little icing on his cake … and got it.
Kirbo vaulted 16 feet in Austin last week to win the Class 4A pole vault competition by a full foot over Pleasanton’s Preston Pilgrim and Argyle’s Mitchell Thompson. And in doing so, he earned our final Capital Farm Credit/BCP Player of the Week award for the 2021-22 school year.
CAPITAL FARM CREDIT/BCP PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Stephenville’s Eakin snags this week’s top spot
For Stephenville standout Coy Eakin to land our Capital Farm Credit/BCP Player of the Week really shouldn’t surprise anyone.
Already signed to play football at Texas Tech, Eakin earned Offensive MVP honors in the wake of a spectacular performance in the Class 4A state title win over Austin LBJ in December, which netted him our final award for 2021. So this isn’t his first rodeo.
Eakin’s latest big-time performance came at the District 6-4A track meet, where he captured two individual district championships in the triple jump (43-0) and long jump (20-10) and assisted in a third title with the 1,600 relay team (50.5 anchor leg).
It’s important to note that Eakin took the district titles in the triple jump and long jump on short notice — having only practiced for both events for a week. That, ladies and gentlemen, is absolutely remarkable at the Class 4A level.
CAPITAL FARM CREDIT/BCP PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Snyder’s Aviles takes this week’s accolade
Back-to-back shutouts.
Under normal circumstances, that’s enough to capture the Capital Farm Credit/BCP Player of the Week award.
But when one of the shutouts is a no-hitter, that’s a rock-solid insurance policy.
PHOTO GALLERY: Ballinger-Clyde baseball (66 images)
Digital photos, prints and keepsakes may be purchased by clicking on the “Buy on SmugMug” link below. The “BigCountryPreps.com” watermark will be removed from all purchased photos.
Continue reading “PHOTO GALLERY: Ballinger-Clyde baseball (66 images)”
PHOTO GALLERY: Ballinger-Clyde softball (70 images)
Digital photos, prints and keepsakes may be purchased by clicking on the “Buy on SmugMug” link below. The “BigCountryPreps.com” watermark will be removed from all purchased photos.
Continue reading “PHOTO GALLERY: Ballinger-Clyde softball (70 images)”
GAME STORY: Big sixth inning fuels Ballinger baseball past Clyde for key district win
CLYDE — Entering Friday’s game at Clyde tied with the Bulldogs for third in the District 6-3A standings, the Ballinger baseball team arrived at CHS hoping to solidify its playoff positioning with a big road win.
Despite trailing for much of the game, the Bearcats did just that, using a six-run sixth to rally past the Bulldogs for a 9-6 victory.
Ballinger, which improved to 13-4 overall and 6-3 in District 6-3A with the win, remained two games back of Wall for second place in the league standings. But more importantly, the Bearcats picked up a game on both Clyde and Brady, creating some welcomed breathing room in its pursuit of one of the league’s four playoff spots.
GAME STORY: Jeffers’ walk-off slam lifts Clyde softball to wild win over Ballinger
CLYDE — Stepping up to the plate in the bottom of the ninth with two outs, the bases loaded and her team trailing the visiting Ballinger Ladycats by a run, Clyde’s Jaci Jeffers was going to end Friday’s game one way or another.
In the midst of a marathon affair with more twists and turns than any rollercoaster, the sophomore third baseman chose to do so in the most dramatic way possible.
Facing a 1-2 count two pitches after blasting a hooking fly ball well over the left-field fence but foul, Jeffers timed the next one right, hitting a no-doubter into fair territory this time. The result: a walk-off grand slam that lifted the Lady Bulldogs to an 18-15 win — roughly three hours after her team had fallen behind 8-0 during a disastrous first inning.
CAPITAL FARM CREDIT/BCP PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Kirbo vaults his way into the top spot
In a week loaded with top-flight performances, Big Country Preps would have had a difficult time choosing the Capital Farm Credit Player of the Week.
But Stephenville pole vaulter Ben Kirbo made the decision easy by accomplishing something which hasn’t been done by a Stephenville track athlete in nearly three decades.
FEATURE: Clyde standout Payton Phillips hoping for a return trip to Austin
Payton Phillips knows where she wants to visit next month.
The Clyde junior enjoyed her first experience at the UIL state track meet last spring, competing in the 3A long jump and 100 hurdles. It left Phillips wanting more.
“My experience at state was eye-opening because I got to see competition like I haven’t seen before,” Phillips said. “Seeing so many great athletes pushed me to run and jump to my fullest potential.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Clyde-Jim Ned baseball (50 images)
Digital photos, prints and keepsakes may be purchased by clicking on the “Buy on SmugMug” link below. The “BigCountryPreps.com” watermark will be removed from all purchased photos.
Continue reading “PHOTO GALLERY: Clyde-Jim Ned baseball (50 images)”
GAME STORY: Palmer narrowly misses another perfecto in crucial district win over Clyde
TUSCOLA — In the end, one run would have been enough.
But on a night when Jim Ned starting pitcher Blaine Palmer was nearly unhittable, the Indians drove in enough runs to end a crucial district game with Clyde, 10-0 in only six innings.
Braden Lewis was 2 for 4 with a double, triple and three RBIs and Troy Doran was 2 for 3 with a double and two RBIs to lead Jim Ned (15-1, 6-0), which solidified its hold on the District 6-3A lead with the win.
CAPITAL FARM CREDIT/BCP PLAYER OF THE WEEK: C-City pitcher Kaci Rivera takes the top spot
It’s difficult to top back-to-back shutouts when searching for a Player of the Week, especially when one of the vanquished is a solid team from a higher classification.
That was the case last week for Colorado City softball pitcher Kaci Rivera, who held both Big Spring (7-0) and Borden County (6-0) to a goose egg, with 23 strikeouts in 14 innings of work.
Our Capital Farm Credit/BCP Player of the Week allowed only five total hits in the two games, to go with two walks.
“Kaci has really started to show her dominance on the mound,” coach Krysten Marr said. “She is a fierce competitor on both sides of the ball and we are excited to see how she does going into district play.”
Big Country boys basketball playoff pairings, results (March 5)
Here are the updated Big Country boys basketball playoff pairings, results through March 5:
Continue reading “Big Country boys basketball playoff pairings, results (March 5)”
Big Country Boys Basketball Statistical Leaders (Final)
Below are the final regular season statistical leaders for Big Country boys basketball in 2022.
This database has been continually updated for our subscribers throughout the season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.
Big Country Girls Basketball Statistical Leaders (through Feb. 3)
Each Thursday night, Big Country Preps will publish area boys and girls basketball statistical leaders.
This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the remainder of the season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.
Teams that do not submit their statistics in a given week will not be listed when our stats are posted, but will be added to the lists below as they are received in the coming days.
UIL REALIGNMENT: Going virtual amid winter storm adds stress for area coaches
When the University Interscholastic League held its biennial realignment in February 2020, the world had yet to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
That would come just over a month later.
While many thought things would be back to normal in time for Thursday’s release, on Wednesday another winter storm from Mother Nature led to an unprecedented challenge: a virtual realignment.
UIL REALIGNMENT: Big Country football landscape will change dramatically
While icy road conditions may have changed the UIL’s method of delivering the news, the results of its biennial realignment still offered the usual mix of surprises on Thursday.
Held via live feed over the internet, area coaches learned their fate on the web.
Topping the list of stunners for area teams would be the shift of Brownwood from its centralized home in District 5-4A DI to the far west in District 2. There, the Lions will join Big Spring, Lubbock Estacado, San Angelo Lake View and Andrews — the last of which will produce a 480-mile round trip.
SIGNING DAY: Eakin, Jones among several high-profile area signees
What appeared to be a slow year for the Big Country on the signing front quickly blossomed into something memorable in 2022.
With National Signing Day taking place on Wednesday, the Big Country Preps coverage area finished with multiple Division I signees, including several on the gridiron.
PHOTO GALLERY: Brady-Clyde basketball doubleheader (96 images)
Digital photos, prints and keepsakes may be purchased by clicking on the “Buy on SmugMug” link below a selected photo. The “BigCountryPreps.com” watermark will be removed from all purchased photos.
Continue reading “PHOTO GALLERY: Brady-Clyde basketball doubleheader (96 images)”
GAME STORY: Clyde boys, girls take step towards postseason with sweep of Brady
CLYDE — The boys and girls basketball teams from both Clyde and Brady entered Tuesday’s showdown knowing they were facing a must-win situation to remain in the hunt for a playoff berth in the District 6-3A races.
While one game separated the squads in both the boys and girls standings, Tuesday’s results had a major impact on the standings as Clyde swept the doubleheader.
The Lady Bulldogs opened the night with a dominant 60-30 win, before the boys squad, under interim coach Don Heseman, pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 58-52 win.
Case made: What others are saying about longtime Clyde, Cooper basketball coach
Marc Case impacted hundreds of lives during his time as a high school basketball coach across several decades.
His decision Monday to step away from the Clyde boys basketball team due to health concerns left many of his former players and coaching colleagues from around the state stunned when the news came out on Tuesday afternoon.
Here’s what those that knew him are saying.
UPDATED: Clyde’s Case stepping away from team due to health issues
In a stunning announcement, Clyde CISD announced on Tuesday afternoon that boys basketball coach Marc Case would be stepping down from his post effective immediately due to health issues.
The decision, which was made by the longtime coach on Monday, came as his squad is battling to remain in the District 6-3A playoff hunt with just a few weeks remaining in the regular season.
Clyde principal Don Heseman, who previously coached the Abilene High boys team, has been named the interim head coach and led the Bulldogs to a 58-52 win over Brady on Tuesday night.
Big Country Boys Basketball Statistical Leaders (through Jan. 20)
Each Thursday night, Big Country Preps will publish area boys and girls basketball statistical leaders.
This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the remainder of the season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.
Teams that do not submit their statistics in a given week will not be listed when our stats are posted, but will be added to the lists below as they are received in the coming days.
Big Country Girls Basketball Statistical Leaders (through Jan. 20)
Each Thursday night, Big Country Preps will publish area boys and girls basketball statistical leaders.
This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the remainder of the season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.
Teams that do not submit their statistics in a given week will not be listed when our stats are posted, but will be added to the lists below as they are received in the coming days.
CAPITAL FARM CREDIT WEDNESDAY NIGHT PODCAST: Evan and Dan discuss All-BCP Team
Evan and Dan go over the 2021 All-Big Country Preps Football Team, plus Player of the Year, Offensive and Defensive MVPs, Coach of the Year and more!
EVAN REN’S 2021 TRUE GRIT TEAM: The toughest, hardest-working players in the Big Country!
Most high school football teams have that one player acknowledged by the coaching staff as the prime example of what a teammate should be.
He’s the guy who seldom misses any practice time and is a regular in the weight room. He’s early to arrive. He’s late to leave, takes pride in being coachable but seldom needs direction.
He always sets the right example for younger players. He doesn’t gripe and, above all else, he’s tough enough to make all the aforementioned traits possible.
Know someone like that? Here is where they are honored.
Welcome to Big Country Preps’ “True Grit” team — a collection of area players nominated by their head coaches, who exemplify the character traits football mentors want throughout their roster.
Not all of them are great players. In fact, many of them will never play a down of college football. But every single one of them is making the most of their high school football experience and has helped those around them do the same.
We are absolutely honored to present these young men to you — the toughest, hardest-working football players the Big Country had to offer in 2021.
2021 BIG COUNTRY PREPS MAX EFFORT TEAM: The hardest-working players in area volleyball!
While our All-Big Country Preps Volleyball team is in place to honor those who achieved the most on-court success, our “Max Effort” team is something much more uncommon.
This is a special accolade, which has nothing to do with talent or stats.
It is here where character, grit and work ethic — traits that coaches wish every player had — are recognized. It is here where we honor the best teammates and best citizens that area volleyball has to offer.
It is for that reason that this team is selected by area coaches and described in their own words.
Big Country Preps is now honored to present these individuals to you — the hardest-working, toughest volleyball players in the Big Country. Ladies and gentlemen: Our 2021 Big Country Preps Max Effort Team.
CAPITAL FARM CREDIT/BCP PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Roscoe’s Watts claims this week’s award
Nobody ever truly obtains perfection on the football field. And even if you believe you’ve achieved it, any competent coach can quickly scan the game film and point out when and where you could have been better along the way.
Roscoe sophomore Jax Watts, however, came about as close as one can come to that lofty goal in Friday’s 61-0 win over Hamlin.
To begin with, our Capital Farm Credit/Big Country Preps Player of the Week hit 17 of 18 passes for 436 yards and six touchdowns as the Plowboys (9-1) closed the season with a nine-game winning streak and district title.
District 3-3A Div. I Week 11 Report: Early stuns Wall to force tiebreaker for the No. 2 seed
Early 24, Wall 14 — Jaxyn Price threw for 185 yards and two scores to lead Early to a big win over Wall.
Trailing 14-10 in the fourth quarter, the Longhorns (8-2, 3-2) got a pair of late touchdowns to force a three-way tie for second place in the league standings between the Longhorns, Wall and Breckenridge.