Friday Night Previews: Week 9

It's a big, if not huge, night locally for high school football. That being said, before we head into our previews, allow me a chance to vent about my beloved Texas Rangers.

Never in my life have I felt more emotionally drained following a sporting event. Silly? Probably, but real none the less. As I sat on my couch helpless and watched David Freese rounding the bases, I figured that I'd just lived through the worst sporting event experience in my life, and perhaps in the life I haven't even lived yet.

Now, this all sounds rather extreme, I know, but that's what fandom is about, right? It's about investing yourself emotionally in a group of people you've never met and probably never will meet. That's at least part, if not all, of the fun.

Now the team gets a chance on the biggest of stages, Game 7. They don't come any bigger. As a fan who can look at things as subjectively as I want, I want to say I think they can pull it out, think they can rebound. As a sportswriter whose job it is to be object, I'm not that sure.

I don't know if teams get many more opportunities than the Rangers got last night, but as a fan, I hope they have one more in them. If they can't pull it out...well I just don't know.

On to the football.

Friday Night Previews: Week 8

After a week away — car trouble — from the previews, here we are again. Week 8 is setting up to be arguably the biggest week of the season for a variety of reasons, namely that a lot of teams have everything on the line this week.

But, the marquee game isn't one with everything on the line. Fairfield comes into Palestine tonight in a battle of two teams who have yet to lose a district game. Fairfield comes in at 7-0 on the season, Palestine is 5-2, having won four-straight games.

Outside of the Dogwood Circle and the Fairfield area, this game isn't really getting much attention. It's understandable. In East Texas Class 3A alone, Van will take on Lindale and Carthage and Henderson will face off. Those are, arguably, four of the state's top-15 3A football teams, including a battle between last year's D-I and D-II state champions.

But, just because the attention won't be here doesn't mean this game isn't huge.

Friday Night Previews: Week 6

After the majority of the local squads got the weekend off last weekend, everyone returns to the field tonight. Everyone also begins their quest for a district title.

All seven local squads begin district play tonight, headlined by the resurgent Palestine Wildcats taking on visiting Groesbeck.

But, there are plenty of intriguing matchups already in the first week of district, plenty of which could alter the playoff landscape.

That's right, games played tonight could easily be looked upon in four weeks as deciding factors in the playoff races.

Excited yet?

Friday Night Previews: Week 4

It's the final week of non-district play for the six Dogwood Circle schools that play 11-man football, and no one wants to ponder a loss for a single week, let alone two.

That being said, plenty of local squads take on some tremendous opponents this week and, if nothing else, we'll get to see what these teams are truly made of.

On the season, I'm 13-12 picking high school, which shows how much I know I guess.

Without further adieu, let's go:

The Dogwood Circle Power Rankings (Week 4)

After a week's hiatus, we're back with the latest edition of the Dogwood Circle Power Rankings, where we ranked each football team in the area based not on how they'd match up against one another, but how they match up against their schedule.

For example, Oakwood may be the area's No. 1 team in this week's rankings, but obviously the Panthers wouldn't be Palestine or Westwood. That being said, against the schedule they've played and still have to play, the Panthers could be considered the area's best team.

Now that we've gotten the explanation out of the way, let's get into the rankings.

Friday Night Previews (Week 2)

We're entering the third week of the season, dubiously titled Week 2, and things are beginning to shake themselves out across the local landscape.

There are plenty of teams in need of wins this Friday, all of them really with the possible exceptions of Elkhart and Oakwood, who are both already 2-0.

With that in mind, onward, forward and upward we go.

The Dogwood Circle Power Rankings (Week 2)

Two games are in the books for each of the local teams, and after last week's games there's been a bit of a shakeup in the Power Rankings.

But before we get into this week's rankings, a few thoughts from the first two weeks of the season.

If someone would've told me before the season that there would be two teams that hadn't won a game yet in 2011 after two weeks, I would've said something along the lines of, "sounds about right."

I would not, however, have thought that those two teams would be Frankston and Cayuga. In fact, I'd have been confident that those two teams didn't have losses yet by this point.

In 3A, both Westwood and Palestine are 1-1 — and before I forget, a hardy congrats to the Panthers and Roger Mays, who deserved a W. The Panthers should move to 2-1 on Friday, but more on that in tomorrow's previews.

As for Palestine, the Wildcats should probably be 2-0 and I think everyone around the program knows that. They showed in the second half an ability to both move the football on Pittsburg and stop the Pirate defense, but you can't go back now.

Anyway, on to the rankings.

Friday Night Previews: Week 1

It was an interesting and entertaining first week of games for the Dogwood's Circle seven teams. Some surprised in a good way (Palestine) and a not so good way (Frankston, Cayuga), while others lived up to their expectations.

After last week's picks, I'm 4-3, hoping to do a little bit better this week. The matchups for Week 1 are very interesting across the board, and could provide some really big wins or losses for the home teams.

The Dogwood Circle Power Rankings (Week 1)

Welcome everyone to our new venture, the Dogwood Circle Power Rankings. Every week we'll dive in to how we rank the Dogwood Circle's seven football teams based up their performances so far this season.

But first, some explanation. This is not a poll based on how we think teams would do matched up against one another. Obviously, with Palestine's sheer numbers they could best a lot of the teams in the area. On the other end of the spectrum, Oakwood doesn't even play 11-man football.

What this is is a poll to show how we think each team matches up against their own level of competition and their own schedule. Nothing more.

So with all that said, let's go.

UPDATE: Volleyball playoff clarification

Apparently, I've gotten the playoff scenario wrong for District 20-3A's playoff situation, which will be resolved tonight and tomorrow in Fairfield.

Tonight, Palestine and Fairfield play for the chance to play Saturday. The winner of tonight's game moves on to Saturday at 3 p.m. to play Westwood for the district's second-place spot. The loser of the 3 p.m. match then moves on to play the loser of tonight's match for third place.

Sorry for the confusion, I just had the scenario re-explained to me today. I was under the impression that the loser of tonight's match is done. Not the case.

Playoffs begin tonight in Fairfield, Groesbeck

While the actual postseason for Texas High School football is still almost a month away, it starts in all earnest tonight for both teams residing inside the Palestine city limits.

Needless to say, both the Palestine Wildcats and Westwood Panthers have had disappointing seasons in 2010 that once began with promise, but all that can be forgotten--at least for a week--with victories tonight.

The situation is a little complicated, but it boils down to this: Both teams have to win to keep hope alive. Now, winning out doesn't guarantee anything for either team, but losing even a single game from here forward officially ends the playoff dream.

Now, lets get to some predictions:

Do or die time in Palestine

With a couple of big games on the outskirts of the Dogwood Circe this week, things are a little more desperate inside the Palestine city limits, where both teams are looking to avoid 0-2 district holes. It won't get easier for either, as Palestine welcomes in preseason district favorite Mexia, while Westwood and new head coach Roger Mays host undefeated and unchallenged Fairfield.

Speaking of the outskirts, the Dogwood Circle Game of the Week has to be in Frankston, where the Indians (4-2, 1-0) welcome in the No. 7-ranked West Rusk Raiders (6-0, 1-0). Odds are, this ones for the district title.

In Elkhart, playoff positioning may very well be on the line when the Elks take on Teague. With a win, Elkhart will own wins over both the Lions and Trinity, the two other teams who seem to be able to fight for that third spot. Unfortunately for everyone in that district not Malakoff or Crockett, it seems third place is all that there is left to fight for.

Now, on to the predictions:

One week until the abyss

That's right, the title says it all. This is the final week of non-district play which is great, because that means district play is up next. Unfortunately, we've got to sit through next weekend first.
The dreaded "Bye" week.
All six 11-man football teams are off next week, leaving only Oakwood to take center stage.
Will I travel to Trinidad to watch the Panthers? Absolutely
Will it be fun, entertaining and a good time to cover? With out a doubt
Should you come too? Why not.
I mean, I'm not taking a carpool or anything, but what else will you do with your Friday night? If you can make the time, I strongly suggest taking in some six-man football. It'll change the way you view the game.
But to get there, we've got to play this weekend first. With the bye weeks coming, tonight's games take on extra importance. After all, teams have an extra week to think about how they played tonight (good or bad).
Now, on to the predictions:

PALESTINE at Athens
An old district rivalry gets renewed tonight as the Wildcats make the half-hour or so drive up Hwy 19 to Athens to take on the 1-3 Hornets. Don't think those returners on the PHS squad have forgotten last season, when Athens welcomed in the Wildcats and earned a 24-19 win, propelling them into the postseason with a 4-6 record and giving the 'Cats their only district blemish.
This isn't that same Athens team, except to say that is mostly is. The Hornets return eight defensive starters and a handful of offensive stars, including 6-foot, 2-inch Courtney Whitehead, a monster of a receiver. Add in to the mix former Westwood signal caller Tevin Watson, and you've got 3-1.
But, Athens has given up some yards this year and some points (just over 27/game) and the Wildcats have that winning taste still in their mouth. Saddle up the Simon and Chivers wagon and lets run.
Palestine 27, Athens 21

WESTWOOD at Rusk
It's got to happen this week for Bryan Price's squad. A loss to an 0-4 Rusk team could possibly deflate the Panthers headed into the bye week. But, a win could be just what the doctor ordered, followed by a district opener against another winless squad, Madisonville.
To get a win, however, against any team will require the young Panthers to cut out the mistakes and play within themselves. If they can do that tonight, it'll mean a much needed W.
Westwood 32, Rusk 17

Mildred at ELKHART
With convincing wins the past two weeks, the Elkhart Elks have re-emerged as a threat in a district that keeps getting tougher. Tonight, the Elks find out how far they've come when they host 3-1 Mildred. Last week the Elks had three backs rush for more than 50 yards, led as always by Lane Grant. Couple that with another stout defensive showing, and it spelled victory. Call it a formula, of sorts.
Mildred isn't Grapeland and is coming off a win against Buffalo, a team expected to make the playoffs. But, the Elks confidence is sky high, and the streak keeps rolling.
Elkhart 34, Mildred 23

Crockett at FRANKSTON
The brutal schedule continues for the Frankston Indians, who welcome in Crockett a week after travelling to state-power Alto. It's the second time this season the 3-1 Indians will have to rebound from a loss (the White Oak game wasn't awarded to Frankston until last week), but coach Sam Wells said his team is adjusting well. Jamal Allen had a rebound game against Alto, racking up more than 350 yards of total offense, and he'll go head to head with Crockett QB Dominique Wheeler who, like Allen, is his team's top runner and passer. Expect the scoreboard operators to get tired in this one.
Frankston 53, Crockett 44

Colmesneil at CAYUGA
After tough road games in Buffalo and Dawson, the Wildcats appear to get a break from the schedule makers, but it still won't be easy with the 'Cats having to fall back to their third and fourth options at running back thanks to injury. Had these injuries occurred a week or two earlier, we wouldn't be talking about an 18-game winning streak. Fortunately, they didn't, and with a three-plus year home winning streak on the line as well, don't expect any let-up from Cayuga tonight, despite the injuries.
Cayuga 41, Colmesneil 13

Buffalo at GRAPELAND
A week after hosting a much-improved Elkhart team, the task doesn't get any easier for the suddenly-struggling Sandies of Grapeland. Losers of their last three (The last two by a combined 56-12), the Sandies have to find a way to take something positive in to the bye. Unfortunately, the Bisons have lost two straight as well to some really good teams, and are probably looking for that same type of momentum. If the Sandies can get out of their own way their offense has a chance.
Buffalo 31, Grapeland 17

Bloomburg at OAKWOOD
Oakwood is a team coming off of a bye and a loss before that. Bloomburg is a school in its first year of football play. This one is easy and a great tuneup for the Panthers before next week's trip to Trinidad.
Oakwood 66, Bloomburg 7

Check out the blog from time to time tonight for score updates from Athens and around the Dogwood Circle, then head over to fridaynightcentral.com for all the finals when the final horn blows.

It's Week 2 (The third week)

The story-lines are starting to come together all across the Dogwood Circle for the local football squads.
The hunt is still on for three local squads looking for their first wins. Tonight, I think two of the three will get it done. Hopefully a third, but we'll see.
Two other squads will look to stay perfect on the year, while the final two either make the leap over or fall below .500.
Without further adieu, here are my predictions for Week 2 (The third week. I know, awkward):

Van at Palestine
The Wildcats have not gotten off to the start they hoped for as they look for a repeat trip to the postseason, but the schedule makers haven't been exactly kind to the boys off Loop 256. Brownsboro and Pittsburg are two tough squads who made playoff runs last season, and I think Lance Angel and his squad know a W should have come in Zero Week.
Against Pittsburg, well, Palestine ran into the well-oiled machine that is the Pirates and their star quarterback Mitch Manley. Returning most of a team that was a win away from the state title game, Pittsburg should win more than its fair share of 2010 contests.
This week, Palestine looks to get in the win column against Van, a tough-nosed group who'll spread the ball around and then run, run, run. A lot like the Wildcats themselves.
With its home crowd behind it and back inside the friendly confines of Wildcat Stadium, I think Palestine takes this best-on-best battle in a close one.
Palestine 20, Van 14

Bullard at Westwood
The time is right for Bryan Price to earn his first win in the Westwood orange and white with Bullard coming in to town. This week, for once, Price and his team don't have to worry about a team that wants to only do one thing offensively, and do that thing superbly.
The first week it was the Chapel Hill passing attack, followed by last week's Frankston rushing attack. This week, Bullard comes in wanting to be balance, and does so also looking for their first win of the year. But, this week belongs to the Dogwood Circle, and Westwood and their stud quarterback Dominique Mickens take this one going away.
Westwood 34, Bullard 13

Centerville at Elkhart
Last week, someone woke up the Elks' offense to the tune of 300-plus yards of offense. The only problem was, Elkhart again allowed a team to rush for over 300 yards.
As much as I want to see Elks' coach John Adair get his first win at the helm, until that defense proves it can stop someone, I'm skeptical. Throw in the fact that Centerville ran for almost 200 yards against Grapeland in the Zero Week opener (couldn't find Week 1 stats), and it could spell doom for homecoming festivities.
But, maybe Lane Grant and co. can outscore Centerville in a barn-burner. For me, until it stops someone, Elkharts' defense is the weak-link.
Centerville 44, Elkhart 34

Elysian Fields at Frankston
Frankston is 1-1, their lone defeat a close loss to White Oak. They've run for more than 300 yards in each of their first two games, including more than 440 in last week's win over Westwood. The passing game is virtually non-existent at the moment, but that's okay because with their running game, the Indians may never need to throw the ball
Elysian Fields comes in at 1-1 as well, having fallen to New Diana 48-19 last week.
For Frankston, Jamal Allen, Treston Coleman and the rest just keep on running.
Frankston 31, Elysian Fields 17

Cayuga at Buffalo
One of only two Dogwood Circle teams to have to hit the road this week, Cayuga remains a team on a mission.
The 'Cats are out to show people that despite personnel losses from the team that reached each of the last two state title games, they're still a force to be reckoned with.
If you ask Overton and Mt. Enterprise--who Cayuga has defeated by a combined score of 69-21--they're still a force.
It won't be easy in Buffalo this week, with the Bisons also sporting a perfect 2-0 mark. But, a team on a mission is a tough team to stop, and I don't think Buffalo will.
Cayuga 27, Buffalo 21

Grapeland at Lovelady
The Sandies hit the road for the second-straight week looking to rebound from last week's loss to Trinity, 26-19.
Lovelady is still looking for a win, although they came close last week in their 7-6 loss to Garrison.
Despite having to travel, it should be a good weekend to rebound for the Sandies in this Houston County grudge match.
Grapeland 18, Lovelady 12

Oakwood at Milford
The second Dogwood Circle undefeated team, Oakwood may face the toughest test of all when they travel to Milford, a team ranked No. 11 by sixmanfootball.com
According to Oakwood coach Mike Heckathorn, Milford is the fastest team the Panthers will see in 2010. Nothing like a good non-district challenge to get a team fired up.
No matter the competition, for now I'm hitching on to the Oakwood bandwagon, currently being driven by Junior Edwards. Like I said last week, something special is going to happen on the Dogwood Circle's western edge this season.
Oakwood 67, Milford 59
--gotta love six-man football

I'll be live at Wildcat Stadium here in Palestine with live updates from PHS/Van and other games as well. After the games, head-on over to fridaynightcentral.com for complete scores. Just click on the Scoreboard icon in the top left.

Jazmine Hicks likes to eat (and other musings)

As promised, we here at The Baseline caught up with Westwood star volleyball player Jazmine Hicks after practice yesterday.
Among the hard-hitting topics we dicussed were rap music, Hicks' eating habits and all that pregame yelling.
But, we also delved a little in some volleyball and what it was like for Hicks to go from Westwood to Palestine, and come right back again.

The Baseline: How long have you been playing volleyball?
Jazmine Hicks: Since seventh grade.
TB: Always here, always at Westwood?
JH: I started at Westwood, then my junior year I went to Palestine and that was it. Now I'm back here.
TB: Which did you like better?
JH: (Laughs) Let's see. I like it here because this is where I started, this is where most of my friends are. That's why I'd rather be here than Palestine, so I made the decision to come back here.
TB: It's a pretty big rivalry, right?
JH: When I moved over there, it was like I had to make a change. It was kind of hard making a change because everybody  knew me as a Panther, and I had to change to a Wildcat.
TB: Did you get rid of all your orange stuff (Westwood's main color)?
JH: Kind of.
TB: I like orange. I think it's a cool color.
JH: Actually, I wore my letterman (jacket) to school one day, and all my friends wanted to beat me up (laughing).
TB: That's not polite at all. Are you superstitious at all?
JH: I'm very superstitious.
TB: How? Do you like have a certain meal that you have to eat before a game or something?
JH: Well, when we go out there...we pray before the game and when we don't pray or don't get in our circle and say 'work hard' or something like that, then I feel like we're not going to do good that came because we haven't come together. Other than that, that's about my only superstition.
TB: What's with all the yelling? (Westwood players whoop during pre-game. A lot. Seriously.)
JH: It's fun. It's part of volleyball. If you don't yell then you can't get pumped up, you can't get happy.
TB: Even all the whooping and stuff?
JH: Everything.
TB: You feel like that's necessary?
JH: It has to be there. If you don't yell, then you can't win.
TB: How often do the other teams just kind of look at y'all like y'all are crazy?
JH: They don't, because they're yelling too.
TB: Okay. So, if a game's about to start (and) your back in the locker room getting ready, what kind of music do you listen to?
JH: A little rap, some R&B and some country. I love Carrie Underwood.
TB: Okay so let me ask you this important question, Jay-Z or Lil' Wayne? Which camp are you in?
JH: Oh Lil' Wayne. I hate Jay-Z.
TB: I'm just curious. I like to know these things.
JH: (Laughs)
TB: Okay, what's your favorite part about playing volleyball?
JH: Hitting. It's very fun. It's what I'm best at. I dunno, like I feel like I help my team out more when I'm hitting and then there up and stuff. And, being a positive leader. It's a really big part actually.
TB: Do you like intimidating people when you hit? Last time I was here I think you hit someone in the head. That's got to help the intimidation factor
JH: (Laughs) I love intimidating people and I love giving them mean looks. I'm not a mean person at all.
TB: Yes, you seem vicious
JH: I'm very happy and outgoing and funny. I love to make people laugh. So, when I intimidate people, it makes me feel happy inside because they're really scared like, 'She's going to hit the ball now.' So, I have to hit the ball now.
TB: Well, you can't let them down.
JH: Exactly
TB: Do you play any other sports?
JH: Basketball, track, softball.
TB: So everything?
JH: Everything
TB: What's your favorite food?
JH: Well seeing as I'm kind of big, fat (Note: she's not. At all) I eat everything, but I love Mexican food.
TB: Wait, hang on, stop. Did you just say that you were fat?
JH: Yes I did. I'm a really big girl, if you really got to know me, you'd be like 'She's really fat.' This is how big I am. My ninth grade teacher, Mr. Russell, used to say--because I always carry food in my bag--if I got stranded, I wouldn't die even if I was there for a long period of time because I'd have food there with me.
TB: So you just carry food around in your backpack?
JH: I have to eat. Every period. Sorry teachers.

Let me just say that this was a lot of fun. I've always loved to talk to athletes about more than just the sports they play, because they're always a lot more than just an athlete.
So, that being said, I want to keep doing these. If you've got a suggestion for which local athlete I should interview next (Any one from any varsity team in the Dogwood Circle, preferably a sport in season) shoot me an e-mail or put it in the comments section down below.
Also, we should name this installment, so I'll take suggestions for that as well with the winner getting full credit when it's decided.

Campbell, Black earn Waco Trib honors

The Waco Tribune-Herald released its annual football section with today's paper, and both Westwood's Dustin Campbell and Palestine's Jermaine Black earned nods as a top performer 20-AAA.
The Trib named Campbell the district's top  lineman, while Black was named top defensive player.
The paper also picked the district and has newcomer Mexia edging out the Wildcats for the district title. But, the writer admits a desire by the PHS-faithful for redemtion following last year's playoff loss to Mexia.
Westwood is slated to finish fourth, one spot out of the playoffs behind Madisonville.
In 11-AA, the Elks were picked to finish last, with Crockett, Malakoff and Teague slated to make the playoffs.
In 8-A, D-I--a district the Trib calls "arguably the best" in all of 1A--defending state champion Cayuga is picked to finish third behind Mart and Kerens. The Wildcats Coleman Shafer earned the title of best lineman for the district.

Check out all the high school picks for the Central Texas area here, as well as previews of Baylor and the Big XII