Category: Uncategorized

by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Jaybirds heading into the playoffs simply wanting to enjoy the experience

When the UIL boys basketball playoffs start this week, Jayton will enter as one of several highly ranked favorites to capture Region I-A.  

A third trip to state in four years would be quite an accomplishment for Ryan Bleiker’s program. However, that’s not on the mind of the longtime Jaybirds coach right now.  

“We really do just try to enjoy the process, enjoy each win,” Bleiker said. “What I never want to happen is that we take things for granted, that winning a bi-district game doesn’t mean as much. I really want us to try and enjoy each moment while also having goals, but those goals will come if we enjoy the process.”  

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

GAME STORY: Peaster hits Lady Hawks with two big runs, eliminates Wall 70-41

ABILENE — Locked in a half-court battle with heavily favored Peaster on Friday, the Wall Lady Hawks had the look of a team capable of pulling off a titanic upset at Abilene Christian’s Teague Center. 

That is, until Peaster turned the Region I-3A area round matchup into a full-court game, and literally pressured its way to a 70-41 win. 

Brooklyn Bosher and Payton Hull both scored 24 points with three 3-pointers apiece to lift Peaster (33-4) which advances to face Nocona in the regional quarterfinals next week. 

Leading 27-23 at the break, Peaster used the second of two lengthy runs to put Wall on the ropes, ripping through the third quarter with a 22-5 margin for a 49-28 lead heading into the final period. 

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

Big Country Boys Basketball Statistical Leaders (through Feb. 10)

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. 

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

Big Country Boys 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. 

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

EVAN REN: This week in Big Country girls basketball (Jan. 31-Feb. 6)

We’re down to the final two weeks of regular season play for girls basketball, which means every game carries a heavy significance. 

Before you know it, the Big Dance will begin. But first, we need to see who gets invited. 

We now take our weekly look at Big Country girls hoops — the top games of this week and the most important results of last week. 

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Mike Lee, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: At 25 points and 9 rebounds per game, Hico’s Booth drawing flattering comparisons

HICO — As Grace Booth nears the halfway point of her high school basketball career, the Hico sophomore can’t help but draw comparisons to Marissa Warren, the previous Lady Tigers’ star player.

“Oh yeah, you can compare them. They’re actually very similar,” longtime Hico girls’ coach Brad Stegall said. “Grace is a little stronger, especially going to the basket and rebounding. Marissa was a little better ball handler. They both can take over a game if they need to.”

Warren, who played at 5-foot-8, was a two-time all-state point guard and three-time district MVP. Anybody objective fan from an opposing town or school that saw Warren play knew she was hands-down the best player in the district from 2016-2018.

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Brandon McAuliffe

BREAKING: Phil Blue set to retire as AISD’s athletics director

After a long career in coaching and administration, Abilene Independent School District Athletics Director Phil Blue announced Wednesday morning that he will be retiring from his post at the end of the school year.

Blue, who was named to his post in 2015, has spent more than 30 years of his career in coaching and administration.

AISD Superintendent Dr. David Young said in a press release that a search would begin immediately for Blue’s successor.

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Brock’s Jones waiting out foot injury as playoffs approach

The last few weeks have been tough on Brock’s Nathan Jones.  

A competitive person at heart, Jones wants to be out on the court helping the Eagles. But the University of Minnesota football signee also knows the importance of letting his foot injury heal.  

The plan is for the All-Big Country Preps standout to return during the second half of district, which means fans will soon be seeing Brock’s 6-foot-6 post who averaged 19 points last season.  

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

BEST OF THE CAPITAL FARM CREDIT WEDNESDAY NIGHT PODCAST: Stephenville’s Sterling Doty

With Evan and Dan taking a brief holiday break from the Podcast, Big Country Preps will be rereleasing two of its more interesting shows from 2021 during their hiatus.  The Capital Farm Credit Wednesday Night Podcast will return with a new release on Jan. 12.
TONIGHT: Stephenville football coach Sterling Doty talks Yellow Jacket football with Evan and Dan.  ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: 11-24-21. 

by Evan Ren

PHOTO GALLERY: Anson Holiday tournament (222 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.

Anson Holiday Tournament 222 images featuring:
Boys teams: Anson, Roscoe, Gunter and Sweetwater.
Girls teams: Roscoe, Seymour, Anson, Idalou

Continue reading “PHOTO GALLERY: Anson Holiday tournament (222 images)” →

by Evan Ren

GAME STORY: Eastland’s Doug Galyean secures career win No. 700 with victory over Stamford

EASTLAND — The last thing Eastland boys basketball coach Doug Galyean wanted on Tuesday night was to have a lot of people to making a fuss over him. 

Entering a non-district game with Stamford with 699 career wins accumulated since his career began in 1980, the 64-year-old did his best to keep the accomplishment under wraps.  In fact, Big Country Preps was one of the few area media outlets which was aware of the approaching milestone. 

Galyean secured win No. 700 with a 60-36 victory over Stamford. But the aftermath was anything but quiet — with an announcement being made to the crowd over the PA system, after which a slide presentation was given to commemorate the achievement. 

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

Class 2A regional semifinal report: Albany, Cisco, Hawley advance; Santo sees season end

DIVISION II

Albany 34, Muenster 21 — Cole Chapman threw for 176 yards and two scores and Jaheim Newton rushed for 162 yards and another TD to lift Albany (12-0) over previously unbeaten Muenster.

The Lions raced out to a 28-0 halftime lead and held off a late Muenster rally to get the win. 

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Santo falls to Windthorst, 40-7

rioGRAHAM — When Santo’s option offense gets rolling, it puts opponents on edge and drains precious minutes off the clock.  

But the Wildcats couldn’t gain any traction Friday afternoon against No. 3 Windthorst’s dominant front. 

That translated into a lot of Santo punts and short fields for the Trojans, who kept their title defense hopes alive with a 40-7 victory at Newton Field. 

Windthorst (12-1) advances to play Albany next week for the Region II-2A Division II title, while Santo ends one of its best seasons in school history at 11-2. 

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

Class 4A region semifinal report: Celina ends Snyder’s surprising run; Stephenville escapes Argyle

DIVISION II

Celina 46, Snyder 6 — The Bobcats outgained the Tigers 442-118, building a 39-0 lead by halftime on their way to a dominating victory.

Celina (11-1) hurt Snyder for 268 yards on the ground, getting 123 yards and one touchdown from Gabe Gayton and 96 yards and two scores from Troy Peterson. Noah Bentley, meanwhile, had an efficient day passing the ball, going 9 for 16 for 174 yards with TD passes to Collin Urich, Brady Cunningham and Jacob Vincent.

Snyder was limited to just 55 yards rushing on 30 carries, getting 25 yards from Bryce Ford and 24 from Dom Dominguez. Hunter Stewart threw for 63 yards on 7-of-21 passing but was intercepted three times.

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

GAME STORY: Jayton advances with win over Benjamin

KNOX CITY — The issue was in doubt well into the fourth quarter in Thursday’s Class 1A DII bi-district matchup between Jayton and Benjamin. 

That is, until the Jaybirds, came up with a pair of scores down the stretch and forced a late turnover to end one of Benjamin’s finest seasons ever, 52-41 at Greyhound Field. 

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

District 2-3A Div. II Week 10 Report: Ballinger gets important road win at Bangs

Ballinger 46, Bangs 3 — Carter Arrott threw for 142 yards and two scores and Nathan Rivera-Mcduffee rushed for 117 yards and two scores to lead Ballinger to an important win on the road. 

The Bearcats produced 419 yards in total offense with only 17:28 of possession time. This included 277 yards rushing. 

Bangs was led by Guy Powell, who rushed for 56 yards on 13 carries. 

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

District 4-3A Div. II Week 10 Report: Roosevelt tops Coahoma to remain unbeaten

Lubbock Roosevelt 52, Coahoma 19 — Roosevelt limited Coahoma to 221 yards in total offense while rolling up 381 yards of its own (all on the ground). 

Five different Eagles added rushing touchdowns, including Nate Gensler and JJ Diaz, who both scored twice to help Roosevelt improve to 9-0, 4-0. 

Continue reading “District 4-3A Div. II Week 10 Report: Roosevelt tops Coahoma to remain unbeaten” →

by Evan Ren

District 5-3A Div. II Week 10 Report: Eastland, Dublin, Jacksboro still vying for league crown

Eastland 45, Merkel 21 — Keaton Hicks and Cooper Wright combined for 257 yards passing and two TDs to help Eastland improve to 4-5 overall and 3-1 in district play. 

Isaiah Burns led Merkel with 112 yards rushing and a score. Joey Zink added 75 yards passing, including a pair of TD strikes. 

Continue reading “District 5-3A Div. II Week 10 Report: Eastland, Dublin, Jacksboro still vying for league crown” →

by Evan Ren

District 4-3A Div. II Week 9 Report: Coahoma routs Reagan County to retain playoff pulse

Coahoma 55, Reagan County 7 — Jaidyn Vineyard rushed for 154 yards and two scores and Brysen Kerby rushed for 91 yards and another TD to help Coahoma (3-5, 1-2) snap a three game losing streak. 

The Bulldogs limited Reagan County to only 130 yards in total offense and nine first downs, including just 47 yards rushing. 

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

District 2-3A DII Week 7 Report: Brady hands Ballinger stunning loss on the road

Brady 54, Ballinger 41 — JD Ibarra rushed for 217 yards and five scores to help the Brady Bulldogs to a district-opening stunner in Ballinger.

Brady (3-2, 1-0) pounded out 378 rushing yards as a team and never scored fewer than two touchdowns in a quarter while handing the Bearcats what many consider to be an upset loss.

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

District 3-3A Div. I Week 7 Report: Bucks hold off Clyde to win important district opener on the road

Breckenridge 44, Clyde 29 — Jerry Lawson rushed for 106 yards and four TDs and Anson Rodgers rushed for 143 yards and two more scores to lift Breckenridge to a tough road win in the district opener for both clubs. 

Breckenridge never trailed, but never managed to completely shake Clyde, which rallied from a 32-14 deficit with two straight third quarter TDs to cut the gap to 32-29.  

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

CAPITAL FARM CREDIT WEDNESDAY NIGHT PODCAST: Area’s top dogs at the midpoint?

—The area’s most improved teams at seasons midpoint? Early, Roscoe, Forsan, Big Spring, Coleman, Snyder, Dublin and Stephenville are among those mentioned.

—Teams with best shot at getting to Arlington? Albany, Cisco, Jim Ned, Brock, and Stephenville are among those discussed.

—Top quarterbacks, running backs and receivers get a shout as we prepare to jump into district play.


by Evan Ren

Big Country Volleyball Statistical Leaders (through Sept. 28)

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

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

We will continually update the database throughout the regular season.

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

DISTRICT 2-3A Div. II Week 5 Report: Ballinger wins thriller in overtime over Llano

Ballinger 35, Llano 34, OT — Carter Arrott threw for 208 yards and two scores and Beau Perkins rushed for 117 yards to lift Ballinger to a thrilling OT win at home.

The Bearcats (3-1) trailed 3-0 after one quarter, 9-7 at the break and 15-13 after three quarters, but took a 28-21 lead with 3:33 to play after Arrott scored on a 1-yard run. 

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us
by Evan Ren

District 4-3A Div. II Week 4 Report: Bulldogs put C-City to bed after midnight

Coahoma 26, Colorado City 12 — Brysen Kerby rushed for 119 yards and a score on 27 carries and Billy Bailey threw for 122 yards and a touchdown to lead Coahoma to a lightening-delayed win over one of its top area rivals.

The game was halted for more than three hours due to lightning and ended at roughly 1 a.m. Saturday morning.

You need to be logged in to view the rest of the content. Please . Not a Member? Join Us