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Tag: Texas Sports Monthly

The Baseball Recruiting Game

Written by Aaron Puffer on . Posted in High School Baseball.

With the cost of college only going up and the value of a sports scholarship becoming ever increasingly more valued and important for some, I’ve noticed many obvious trends over the past 25 years. 

Ill start by pointing out the largest “excuses or misconceptions” voiced by high school ball players who end up getting overlooked or severely undervalued each season.  The biggest misconception is, “It’s the High School coaches’ job to promote the players on the team to colleges all over the country”.  Next, “You must play for the best and most expensive travel ball club in the area and attend National Baseball Tournaments and events”.  Also, I hear, “When it comes to baseball size and strength are not all that important, it’s not like football”.  This is followed by, “I received a camp invitation, so they must be recruiting me, then not to hear from that school again, and I don’t know what happened”.  Lastly many believe and state, “You must pay thousands of dollars to a National Recruiting Service to match you and represent you to colleges around the country”.  Enjoy your last days of playing High School Baseball if you are among those who believe these common untruths.  

From left to right, prospects Brett Baty, Brennan Malone, Daniel Espino and Jackson Rutledge pose for photos after the first round of the Major League Baseball draft, Monday, June 3, 2019, in Secaucus, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

One must be unbiased and realistic about their abilities when targeting colleges that will be a good fit for them.  There are industry “standards of measurements” that come before all else when playing this game of recruiting.  Starting with arm strength, most right-handed players especially pitchers need to have a minimum velocity of 85 for infielders and 90 MPH for pitchers at a major division one program.  Left-handed outfielders and pitchers can play at 85 MPH, all of which must be verified on a Jugs radar gun or the likes.  When it comes to hitting, most major division one players have an exit velocity of 95 MPH off the tee with an aluminum bat, while 3, 4, and some 5-hole hitters are consistently in the 96-100 MPH range.  The standard Speed measurement of a ball player is still the 60-yard dash and the slower runners can post in 7.0 seconds, while the sought-after CF or MI players run 6.7 or better times consistently.  With 80% of the college outs per year coming from pitches on the low and away location in the strike zone, a good hitter can control the outer third.  Measuring ability to hit is not based on a High School batting average, rather on the ability of the player to “Square the Baseball up to all fields”, and having the skills to drive the low and away pitch consistently with equal power as the others.  Defensive ability is measured, more particular as a catcher and infielder, than a good offensive outfielder.  A Good division one catcher can block and pop a 1.9 or better, and a good Middle infielder will field 90% of the routine plays.  Major division one players have more than just one above mentioned skill, usually they have at least 2 or more.  Last, the mental status of a player is added with potential and player makeup, to be one of the few chosen to play Major division one ball. 

There are many recruiting companies that try and match players to any opportunity they can find and can cost a bundle.  Many teams travel the entire US with similar lack in results of finding good matches for all the players.  Many “showcases” lack college recruiters on hand to find a good match for each student athlete either.  Many “resume builders” leave you high and dry after building your profile with no one to share it with.  However, there are more open spots in college than student athletes available, just be realistic and “There is a college for everyone”

My honest unbiased FREE ADVICE is to be proactive in the recruiting process from the beginning.  As a freshman start your path to becoming a stronger bigger player and allow maturity to kick in.  As a sophomore and junior, be proactive and get quality exposure.  Start by making a “Top 10” list of schools you could attend based on academics and socio economics of your family, that offer the degree in which you want to pursue.  Make sure your good enough to play these schools physically first, don’t waste time feeding your ego.  Find out which ones even need your position the year you graduate. Then attend those specific college camps hosted by that particular school’s baseball coaching staff.  Go each season, see all the facilities, narrow down your list, and make it known you want to go to school there, once you have decided.  If they need your position, and your as good as they are looking for, because you were honest about your abilities, they will surely want to talk to you about attending school there. 

Jared Southard of Rouse poses for a Texas Sports Monthly photo shoot in 2019 at the Dell Diamond. One of our Top 20 recruits of 2019, Southard is now at The University of Texas.

Do this, and this way you will have landed one of your top ten choices in schools, and have a much better chance of it being a good fit for you.  The chance of your dream school, seeing you play the best game of your summer, at a huge event halfway across the United States, are much, much, less than being pro active and going to them.  Saving money for training and conditioning and advanced skill rehearsal to gain the strength and skills required for division one athletes. 

Fall into the hype and you could miss your goal entirely of getting a good college education while playing the favorite sport in your life.  You may end up at the wrong college academically or physically, or worse miss out entirely on any opportunity to play in the NCAA all together.  Only then look back and seeing how much you invested and see your “all in” and missed the river card.  However, if you play it smart, there is a college for everyone. If your honest about your skill ability and match them to the needs & requirements of the program you are seeking, your odds of success are very good.

Aaron Puffer, of College Recruiting Consultants, has over 25 years of recruiting experience seen both as a player and professional consultant and event host.  He has guided 300+ student athletes over the years in finding a good fit for them, to continue their baseball career while pursuing a college degree.  Over the years he has built a large network of college contacts and stays up needs of said programs.  If you have any questions, comments, or great thoughts he would surely like to hear from you and he can be reached at [email protected]

Houston Roughnecks Kickstart XFL with Win

Written by River Tompkins on . Posted in Football.

A new decade, a new league, a new season and two new franchises were set to kick-off as the start of the XFL was underway. The Houston Roughnecks took on the Los Angeles Wildcats in a historic opening game. The Houston Roughnecks defending their home turf smashed the Los Angeles Wildcats in a 37-17 ball game.

The game started with the new and improved kickoff system where a player cannot move until the returner has caught the ball. The Houston Roughnecks received and after a great return, they were set up at the 39-yard line. It did not take long for dual-threat quarterback P.J. Walker to throw a bomb to his speedy wideout Cam Phillips who not only caught it but took it to the house for a 50-yard touchdown.

“Just one-on-one you know me and P.J., man we have been working it all camp. I just gave him a little stutter [defender] since he was in off coverage. I knew P.J. would give me a chance and I just made a play. It’s great man, the energy out here is electric, this town, this city. Houston supported us and just feels good playing football”, stated Roughneck receiver Cam Phillips.

XFL rules state after a touchdown, the scoring team is not able to kick an extra point, instead they must go for a one, two or three-point conversion. The Roughnecks did not convert giving the Wildcats a chance for the lead. The Wildcats took a more methodical approach with consistent gains of 6,7 and 8-yards moving the chains. On a key 3rd & 12 Wildcat quarterback Charles Kanoff stepped up in the pocket throwing a pass that was tipped straight into the hands of receiver Nelson Spruce for a 20-yard pickup. Kanoff would finish the drive off with a 5-yard QB keeper touchdown.

After several failed plays and a questionable missed PI call Houston was forced to punt, luckily for them the punt was muffed and they recovered in great field position starting at the 38. Houston picked up the first down but was soon forced to take a field goal that shanked left. Both teams would punt on the drives to come.

Later Kanoff attempted a pass, however defensive tackle Kaelin Burnett would not have any of it as he got his arms around Kanoff forcing his throw early which would conveniently land in the lap of defensive lineman Burnett for an interception. The Roughnecks once again stalled out.

Both the Wildcats and Roughnecks amassed drives with the Wildcats scoring on a 10-yard TD pass from Kanoff to wide receiver Jordan Smallwood. The Roughnecks did not make it look pretty but they got the job done as running back Ajene Harris scored on a 16-yard catch off a broken screen. The Roughnecks lead by offensive-minded head coach June Jones, formerly on the Falcons, had a conflicting play style to that of Wildcat head coach Winston Moss a defensive coach, formerly with the Packers.


When the half seemed all but over Roughneck kick returner James Butler made a splash fumbling the ball then picking it up and returning it to the Wildcats 39-yard line. P.J. Walker capitalized on the short field position and found wide receiver Sam Mobley for a 39-yard go-ahead touchdown giving the Roughnecks an 18-17 lead.

At halftime fans were loving what they were seeing, for the first time there was a real alternative football league, the XFL did not look like a joke, in fact, it was far from one, with loads of talent both on and off the field.

In the third quarter nothing got easier for the Wildcats especially on the offensive side of the ball. For the Roughnecks it was all clicking and you had to attribute a lot of that success to quarterback P.J. Walker. Walker had a high completion percentage throwing on the run. He threw for 272 yards and tossed four touchdowns throughout the evening.

The Roughnecks, after forcing the Wildcats to punt, drove downfield with wide receiver Kahlil Lewis finishing the drive on a wide-open 4-yard score. Houston then split the uprights after previously missing, giving them a 12 point lead over the Wildcats.

With the Wildcats offense seemingly nonexistent, a quarterback change took place when Jalan McClendon took the field for Los Angeles. Different quarterback, same result, as he fumbled a handoff, (McClendon would recover) he then threw an interception as free safety Deatrick Nichols was prepared for the tip drill and took away the possession.

With a comeback out of sight, it only got worse for the Wildcats as defensive back LaTroy Lewis hit the quarterback triggering a strip-sack where Roughneck linebacker DeMarquise Gates recovered. James Butler plowed forward into the endzone for a 4-yard touchdown, increasing the score and eliminating the Wildcats hope.


Ultimately it was a thrilling – action-packed game and both teams now know their strengths and weaknesses. As a Roughnecks fan, it will be exciting to see how P.J. Walker develops as well as the coaching scheme. The Roughnecks will take on the Tampa Bay Vipers at TDECU Stadium Sunday night.

Westlake Soccer coach James Baker

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in SOCCER.

TSM: Welcome to Texas Sports Monthly coach. At about the halfway mark through the season coach, how do you feel about this team so far as you get settled into district play?

Coach Baker: We knew coming in, with the experience that we had returning, this group had the potential to be pretty special. We have had some early season injury issues to our seniors, but we have used that opportunity to establish some depth, and the boys have really risen to the challenge. I really like what we have as a group, and I think, as long as we continue to work and improve, game by game, we have a real chance at something big.

TSM: Things are looking good as you’ve posted a 10-1-2 record thus far. Talk about your offense coach i see Zack Burd nailed that kick in the Lake Travis game the other day. This team has shown some grit thus far would you agree?

Coach Baker: It is one of the things that we preach here, being able to meet adversity head on and overcome it. We want to be aggressive and attack, but we also have to be able to respond when things aren’t going our way. A lot of teams would have folded after going behind to a team with such a tremendous defense; I thought we improved significantly after they scored and we responded right away, and probably could have added another at the end.

TSM: Lake Travis coach David Bammel will likely get in the playoffs, they played you pretty close in that tie game holding your guys to just that one goal in the 1-1 tie. Soccer may not get the accalades that football does by most media around town but district rival is still a rival. What did you think of that Cavs team yall just played in late January?

Coach Baker: They are a perennial playoff team and have had their fair share of success recently in the form of District Championships and playoff runs. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Bammel and the program he has developed. They are always well organized and difficult to get through, and they always seem to have playmakers that can create that something special offensively. Rivalry games are always tight affairs, and our game certainly lived up to the billing. We are looking forward to heading to their place in February and trying to take the season series.

TSM: What players stand out as your top offensive guys? And what 2 or three are you best defenders?

Coach Baker: We have a lot of fantastic attacking players, any of which are capable of finding the back of the net. Right now, our leading goal scorers are Junior David Leadbetter, who generally gets the most attention from opposing defenses, and Sophomore Raghav Sharma, who has stepped into our striker role perfectly and helps spearhead our attack. Junior Ty Jarrett has also been phenomenal this year, and is undoubtedly our most versatile player; he has played almost every position on the field at an extremely high level. Our defense is led by Senior Captain Oscar Nordfjell, who is an absolutely wonderful player, as well as Junior Max Moeser, who has been the biggest revelation with our injury issues in the back. He has come in on a mission and has been a rock for us in the back.

TSM: You have Del Valle coming up coach who also has won 10 games this season and is decent in this district. What will you prepare for in this contest as we close out January?

Coach Baker: Del Valle is always a tough opponent and they have had a great start to their season. The big challenge is that they play a similar style to us, in that they want to control the ball and influence the defense to create space. We have to continue to work on playing as clean a game with the ball as we possibly can. Our talent lies in our control and our passing, so we have to put ourselves in a position to be successful by taking care of the ball. It will be a challenge, certainly, but we are feeling confident in our chances to get the three points.

TSM: Best of Luck with the rest of the season coach as we get in the net with district play. Any final thoughts on the popularity of Soccer in Austin as we are only a year away from
a professional team in 2021?

Coach Baker: Thank you! I’ve been around soccer in Austin for a long time, and this is probably the most soccer crazy the area has ever been. That can only be a good thing for the area and for the young players coming up through the pipeline. We look forward to seeing the product that Austin FC put out on the field to add to what the Bold have been doing the past couple years. It is a really exciting time to be a soccer fan in Austin!

Chiefs Win Superbowl LIV

Written by River Tompkins on . Posted in NFL FOOTBALL.

With the world watching, the high flying Kansas City Chiefs took on the smash mouth San Francisco 49ers on the biggest stage, this was Super Bowl LIV. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, two quarterbacks were fighting to cement themselves next to battle-proven players such as Tom Brady, Steve Young, Joe Namath, Bart Starr, Joe Montana, Dan Marino and many more, while two coaches were battling for their first ever Super Bowl win. The veteran Andy Reid with 221 career wins was seeking his first Super Bowl Championship against third year head coach Kyle Shanahan.

In a match that would come down to the wire with exciting plays, the Chiefs showed their toughness emerging victorious in a 31-20 win snapping their 50 year Super Bowl drought. Patrick Mahomes not only placed himself next to the greats, but also in the record book as he is the only player to win both regular-season MVP and Super Bowl MVP in his first three seasons. 
The Chiefs received to start the game, continuing their streak of slow starts they went three and out giving the ball straight to the 49ers. The 49ers had a different tone as rookie speedster Deebo Samuel took an end-around handoff 32-yards up the right sideline putting them in Chiefs’ territory. Deebo Samuel once again took a handoff for 7-yards setting up veteran kicker Robbie Gould for three points. 


The Chiefs responded in a professional manner putting together a strong drive highlighted by Damien Williams who totaled 25-yards and key first downs. Spotted in the red zone it was third-and-11, Patrick Mahomes picked it up using his legs but with a price as he took a shot from Jimmie Ward, consequently Mahomes fumbled the ball out of bounds making it a fourth-and-one situation. During a confusing play all of the Chiefs players started spinning around as running back Damien Williams took a direct snap to pick up the first down. Patrick Mahomes would then run it in for a 1-yard touchdown. 


The next drive 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was heavily pressured, making a rookie mistake, he flailed the ball into the air while being taken down, this of course resulted in an easy interception for the Chiefs. The Chiefs made short work of the great field position getting in field goal range and nailing it from 31-yards out.


Garoppolo shook the interception off and channeled his inner Tom Brady as he lead his team on a methodical drive downfield. Deebo Samuel once again shone with a 16-yard catch to get them out of a jam. Garoppolo would find none other than the best fullback in the NFL, Kyle Juszczyk for a 15-yard catch and run touchdown tying the game up. 


Heading into halftime neither team was being true to themselves. Both teams had gone away from what got them to the Super Bowl and it showed on the scoreboard. The Chiefs, one of the best deep threat teams in the league had only attempted one pass over 20+ yards. Whether that was due to game plan, nerves or the 49ers defense locking down the secondary they needed some chunk plays. The 49ers were not running the ball, that is what they did all season and now all of a sudden they were trigger happy with Jimmy G, they would have to get back to the run if they wanted any chance to win the ball game. 


The 49ers exploded coming out of halftime on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Immediately piecing together a nine play drive for 60-yards that ended with a field goal giving them the lead. The 49ers defense started to get after the quarterback harassing him in the pocket. After a strip sack by Nick Bosa (Patrick Mahomes recovered). The Chiefs were in a bad position, Patrick Mahomes trying to make a play stepped up in the pocket while being tackled throwing it straight to middle linebacker Fred Warner who would intercept the pass. 


49ers head coach Kyle Shannahan has had too many memories of comebacks as a former Atlanta Falcons coach. The sequence of 28-3 had a strong impact on him, brushing this aside he told Garoppolo and the offense to end it right then and there. Garoppolo followed orders finding Super Bowl stud Deebo Samuel for 16-yards, he then threw a laser to Kendrick Bourne to move the sticks on a 26-yard pickup and of course a 10-yard pass to Kyle Juszczyk setting up Raheem Mostert for a 1-yard touchdown giving them a two-score advantage. 

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – FEBRUARY 02: Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid gets gatorade poured on him after winning Super Bowl LIV on February 2, 2020 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Rich Graessle/PPI/Icon Sportswire)


Patrick Mahomes would struggle on the next drive as speed demon Tyreek Hill would bobble and drop a pass landing in the hand’s of second-year safety Tarvarius Moore. The 49ers once again strayed from the run and were quickly forced to punt the ball back without having successfully taken time off the clock.  


Patrick Mahomes finally took his shot down the field, and this one hit as he found Tyreek Hill wide open for a gain of 44-yards putting them in prime scoring position. On third-and-10 from the 21, Patrick threw up a jump ball to Travis Kelce who drew a somewhat questionable pass interference call in his favor setting up a 1-yard touchdown catch by Travis Kelce. 
The 49ers once again struggled to take time off the clock allowing Patrick Mahomes (26-42,286,2,2) to do what he does best, make awesome comebacks. He found Sammy Watkins wide open for a 38-yard catch and run. On third down Patrick Mahomes rolled out to his left hitting Damien Williams in the backfield who elongated to reach the pylon. Did he break the plane? I do not know, but what matters is they gave him the touchdown giving the Chiefs the lead.  


It was do or die for the 49ers after getting to about mid-field Garoppolo (20-31,219,1,2) went for it all to Emmanual Sanders who had beat his man. With the entire crowd holding their breaths, the ball hit the ground just in front of Emmanuel Sanders, leaving people to wonder what would have happened if he had caught it. 


Ultimately the 49ers would not surmount the lead and the Chiefs were crowned Super Bowl LIV champions, a dramatic conclusion to the final game of the centennial season of the NFL. The start of a new dynasty, the end of old school football, the next G.O.A.T., all questions to be answered next season. You know both teams will be back next year. The 49ers have a group of young bucks determined to get back here and the Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes. 

Marucci welcomes High School area student athletes

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in High School Baseball.

BATON ROUGE – Marucci Sports announced last fall that a new Marucci Clubhouse site would be opening in Austin. They have now been open since last October 2019.

“Austin is an area that prides itself on developing top notch baseball and softball players as the weather is perfect for year-round training,” Marucci Co-Founder and CEO Kurt Ainsworth said. “The Marucci Clubhouse will be another way players can continue to improve their game with an indoor training location as well as access to a specialty retail store.”

Marucci Clubhouse Austin is housed inside a 13,000-square-foot, climate-controlled indoor facility. The inside features seven cages, a bullpen and a 24/7 member area and lounge with TVs, couches, private offices and a business center.

Marucci Clubhouse Austin provides customers with the full Marucci Experience, including a retail shop filled exclusively with Marucci and Victus products that customers can learn about and purchase directly from Marucci’s seasoned staff. Consumers also have opportunities to demo new products, test new innovations and purchase products first.

The facility is located at 11160 Circle Drive. This will be one of multiple Marucci Clubhouse locations opening within a year, joining Lafayette, Midwest and Orlando. There are currently 3 Marucci Clubhouse sites in Louisiana, located in Baton Rouge and Covington and now Austin.

Stay up to date by visiting the Marucci Clubhouse website or following Marucci Clubhouse Austin on Twitter and Instagram @Clubhouse_atx.

About Marucci
Based in Baton Rouge, Marucci was founded by two former Big Leaguers and their athletic trainer who began handcrafting bats for some of the best players in the game from their garage in 2004. Fast forward to today, that dedication to quality and understanding of players’ needs has turned Marucci into an All-American success story. Today, Marucci is the Number One bat in the Big Leagues.

El Matador: Luka Doncic

Written by Charles Branch on . Posted in NBA.

2000, In Slovenia, there was a baby that picked up a basketball, not knowing it will always stay with him to this present day. Luka Doncic, next Super Star of the NBA, has established a dominance at the youthful age of 20 before he can even legally purchase a beer. A lethal step back that can rival Houston Rockets’ own, gutsy finishes, and crafty ball fakes; Doncic has the ability to take over games.

Where has this come from? In a sit-down interview there was a player who explained he would play against older players who were bigger, faster, and stronger. He was one of the NBA’s most dominant players who’s ever played the game, Shaq. Where does this even tie in with Luka?

While at 8 years old he began playing with the older players, his Dad played professionally in Europe who was provided the best trainers available for Luka. It was meant to be,  the journey began.           

As a teenager, Real Madrid took him in, a basketball organization that develops younger players. This eventually prepared him to be able to jump to the pro’s as a sixteen year old in Europe. While playing against grown men, he made a name for himself competing with guys in their twenties and even thirties. His competitiveness grew til he was on the NBA’s radar.  

The Mav’s traded for Luka Doncic at the age of eighteen and the rest is history and history is about to be made.

The legend begins in his rookie year a year ago, he already achieved 4 triple doubles and beat Michael Jordan’s record of consecutive 20-5-5 games . Let’s not forget he’s a teenager providing this for all to see. The Dallas Mavericks were waiting for the heir apparent to future Hall of Famer Dirk Dowitzki and they finally got him. With each game he creates and finished better than the last.

This season Luka Doncic elevated his game to another level. Almost averaging a triple double while averaging a little over twenty nine points per game, Luca has steadily kept the Mavs in the mix of the playoff race heading into All-Star Weekend. As a underrated number two, New York Knicks, castaway Kristaps Porzingis he has contributed respectfully almost producing double double numbers. The Unicorn puts up seventeen points a game and understands the fact this is not his team like it was in New York is a very selfless. A great team player and will continue to grow at just twenty-four years old. The Knicks who will regret it when it’s all said and done might have given the Mav’s a contender for years to come.

The Mavericks made the right move in placing their franchise on the shoulders of a twenty year old as crazy as that sounds. Give the kid five years and we might be talking Conference finals appearances or even NBA Finals. The L.A. teams will get in his way, but don’t count out the Rockets and the Warriors are still in play once Klay Thompson and Steph Curry return from injury. Golden State will have a lottery pick and they can pick the best player available if they want to in the next draft.

Dallas is still building its young roster for the future, but as of right now they are maybe one player away from taking their team to contending status. This year is respectful but adding another starting like player will move the pendulum towards greatness. The torch has been passed in Dallas can Luca keep the torch lit guiding this franchise into history?

WESTLAKE STATE CHAMPS

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL.

Westlake secured the second state championship in program history at AT&T Stadium in Arlington by relying on one of the oldest coaching clichés in football.

You can’t lose if the other team doesn’t score.

The Chaparrals won the UIL Class 6A Division II crown by blanking Denton Guyer 24-0 at the home of the Dallas Cowboys. An interception by defensive back Henry Smogur secured the shutout late in the fourth quarter.

It was the first state championship since Drew Brees led the Chaps to glory in 1996. This time around, the quarterback was Kirkland Michaux, who capped the season with 2,894 yards passing and 44 touchdowns in addition to 404 yards and another seven scores on the ground.

In the title game against Guyer, Michaux tossed all three of the game’s TDs. The senior signal caller found Jake Misch on a 5-yard score in the first quarter and added a 33-yard strike to Mason Mangum in the second period.

“Our defense really kept us going,” Michaux said after the game. “The momentum they gave us was insane. I was able to give us some big plays.”

Michaux helped extend Westlake’s lead to 21-0 in the third quarter after hitting Jackson Coker for a 39-yard TD toss. Just for good measure, Chaps placekicker David Leadbetter tacked on an 18-yard chip shot late in the stanza to give Westlake a commanding lead.

The Chaps finished the 2019 campaign with a 15-1 overall record, with the lone loss coming against Lake Travis back on Oct. 11. That 26-25 setback cost Westlake a chance at the District 25-6A title, but head coach Todd Dodge’s team bounced back and steamrolled each of its next 10 opponents.

How dominant were the Chaps down the stretch? They won their final four district games by an average margin of victory of 50.3 points per game.

In the playoffs, Westlake continued its roll by winning its six contests by an average margin of 30.7 per outing. That includes a 63-3 bludgeoning of Katy Taylor in the state semifinals.

The state championship was the fifth overall for Dodge, who previously claimed four titles as the head coach at Southlake Carroll. However, the latest triumph was especially meaningful.

“This has been a bucket list wish for (wife) Elizabeth and I to come back to Westlake and be able to win a state championship here,” Dodge said. “After a six-year wait, this means everything to me and my family.”

The Chaps’ fearsome defense was paced by senior defensive back Leo Lowin, who led the team in tackles with 98. Lowin, a 6-foot-1 cornerback, also routinely shut down opposing wideouts, as did senior safety Sage Luther, who added 89 total stops this season.

The duo also tallied seven interceptions between the two of them. 

Up front, senior defensive linemen Austin McClendon and Bobby Duncum kept quarterbacks on their toes all year. McClendon posted a team-high nine sacks, and Duncum added another six. As a team, the Chaps registered 38 total sacks and also notched an impressive 33 total takeaways — 17 interceptions and 16 fumble recoveries.

By comparison, Westlake’s offense only turned the ball over 14 times during the entire season.

Michaux’s top targets in 2019 were senior wide receivers Ryan Lindley and Mangum, who capped the season with a combined 2,325 yards and 34 scores. Lindley hauled in 101 passes, which was a team-best total by a whopping 37 receptions.

On the ground, junior running back Zane Minors supplied 871 yards and 14 scores on 100 carries.

Texas Out Hustle Utah in Alamobowl Win.

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in TEXAS SPORTS, UT FOOTBALL.

SAN ANTONIO — The Longhorns’ 38-10 demolition of 11th-ranked Utah in the Alamo Bowl provided yet another sugary sweet catapult into the off-season despite a topsy-turvy season overall.

Texas (8-5) was enigmatic at times during 2019, as the secondary and offensive line took turns regressing during Big 12 play. But on New Year’s Eve in the Alamo City, everything came together.

Sam Ehlinger was his old efficient self, as the junior quarterback completed 12 of 18 throws for 201 yards and three touchdowns. He also used his imposing size to add 73 yards and a score on the ground.

Meanwhile, junior linebacker Joseph Ossai spent all game looking like a heat-seeking missile. Ossai finished with eight total tackles — including six for loss and three sacks — as Texas held the Utes (11-3) to their lowest scoring output since the 2018 Pac-12 championship game against Washington.

Not surprisingly, Ehlinger and Ossai were rewarded by being named the Alamo Bowl’s Offensive and Defensive MVPs. 

“Our talent can take us pretty far,” Ehlinger said. “When you add mistake-free football, watch out.”

The Longhorns began the game with a 29-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker on the opening drive. Ehlinger avoided potential disaster when a Utah defensive back dropped a possible pick-6, and the former Lake Travis kicker converted the march into points.

From there, it was pretty much smooth sailing for the boys in burnt orange.

Texas’ defense smothered Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley early and often, as Utah managed just 60 total yards in the opening quarter. Even special teams made an impact, as D’Shawn Jamison broke loose for a 71-yard punt return in the second quarter to set up the game’s first TD — a 5-yard throw from Ehlinger to senior Collin Johnson.

The Longhorns emerged from the halftime locker room up 10-0 and tacked on another 6 points when Ehlinger hit Keontay Ingram on a wheel route that went for an 11-yard score.

Utah booted a short field goal to pull within 17-3, but Texas went back to work on offense and crossed the goal line again on a 6-yard run up the gut from Ehlinger.

” But again, just to also be in this game, to come back home and get back to my roots and play in a place I’m familiar with means a lot to me, as well.” – Caden Stearns

Despite a few questionable calls, the fourth quarter turned into a glorified curtain call for the Longhorns’ seniors as the lead ballooned to 28 points. Devin Duvernay snagged a 16-yard throw from Ehlinger, and Ingram later rumbled 49 yards to the end zone to cap the game’s scoring.

The Texas defense forced seven punts on the night and dominated even though it didn’t force a single turnover. 

It was a fond farewell for linebacker Malcolm Roach and fellow seniors Johnson, Duvernay and Zach Shackelford. All four have a legitimate shot to be playing on Sundays next season.

The Alamo Bowl rout also helped head coach Tom Herman improve to 4-0 in bowl games with the Longhorns.“We knew that we were going to have to play with a greater passion and physicality than they would,” Herman said. “It would have been easy for guys to splinter after the regular season was not what we had hoped. These guys are competitors. They want to win.”

Is Brees the GOAT?

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in NFL FOOTBALL.

At this point, betting against Drew Brees is just plain dumb.

And yet, somehow, it still continues to happen.

The legendary former Westlake quarterback added another page to his Hall of Fame resume on Monday night when he passed Peyton Manning to become the NFL’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns with his 540th. The record-breaking score came on a 5-yard play action toss to tight end Josh Hill during the Saints’ 34-7 destruction of the Indianapolis Colts — one of Manning’s old teams.

And what did Brees do for an encore? He tossed another TD on his next throw, which went for 28 yards to Taysom Hill. 

Brees finished the game with yet another league record in his back pocket, as he set a single-game mark for completion percentage after going 29 for 30 for 307 yards to connect on a ridiculous 96.7% of his pass attempts.

Brees, the one-time Chaparral standout and Purdue alum, now holds those two NFL records in addition to the league’s top mark for career completions (6,792) and all-time passing yardage (72,577).

However, it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that Brees would add another few records to his total after he sustained a torn ligament in his right thumb earlier this season. Given that Brees is already 40 years old, some wondered whether he’d be able to make it back to his old self.

But New Orleans kept churning out wins under Teddy Bridgewater, which allowed Brees to be patient with his injury and ensure that he took the proper time to heal from successful surgery. He made his return on Oct. 27 against Arizona and quickly reminded all the doubters why he’s one of the best to ever chuck a pigskin by throwing for 373 yards and three TDs during a 31-9 rout of the Cardinals.

Since then, he’s continued his assault on the record books alongside wide receiver Michael Thomas, who has become perhaps the best wideout in the NFL. As the playoffs approach, though, Brees likely has only one more goal in mind — bringing a second Lombardi trophy back to New Orleans. Now that he’s back to 100%, it would be a huge mistake to overlook the Saints in any round of the postseason.

Westlake Chaps win 2019 6A DIV II State Title

Written by River Tompkins on . Posted in HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL.

Two teams would enter only one would emerge victorious as the 6A DII Texas UIL Football State Championship was underway with the Westlake Chaparrals taking on the Denton Guyer Wildcats. Both teams had risen to the top of their division due to their physicality and run game and both were prepared to out-muscle and out-work the other. In a surprise upset Westlake shut out Denton Guyer 24-0 in a game with many twists and turns.

Both teams are no strangers to the big lights at AT&T stadium with a combined total of 13 championship appearances including tonight. Guyer won its two titles back-to-back in 2012 and 2013. While Westlake’s victories were much further apart with one in 1996 and the other in 2019. Coincidentally, Denton is 0-2 against the Dodge family (Todd Dodge – Westlake and Riley Dodge – Southlake Carroll) this season and 14-0 against everyone else.

“There’s no doubt that they are ready to play. They’re ready to go after a state championship and we’ve got a tremendous opponent in front of us, but we’re gonna have fun tonight,” said Westlake head coach Todd Dodge of his team.

“On the way here, I wore the Drew Brees jersey that Sam wore in the Sugar Bowl, the Westlake one. I kinda got in my mojo, but it’s awesome. When I was a freshman, I was behind [Ehlinger], and it’s really cool to have him here and have him watch us win state,” said Westlake quarterback Kirkland Michaux.

Westlake received to start the game and as they always did they looked to assert their physical dominance. Starting off with two straight power runs it proved unfruitful as the wildcats matched the Chaps physicality. Westlake than took to the air and exploited a defensive weakness as Westlake quarterback Kirkland Michaux would complete a series of passes, 18-yards, 35-yards, 11-yards, and a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jake Misch who was wide open in the end zone.

Guyer electrified the crowd as their speedy kick returner brought the ball all the way to the house. However a flag was thrown and it was called back due to holding, the fans excitement soared then plummeted. The Wildcats would have to slog it out getting down field as they went through three 4th down conversions. They then suffered a major casualty with the loss of star quarterback Eli Stowers due to injury. Stowers, a four-star recruit committed to Texas A&M is reported to have torn the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his left knee. With Wildcat fans shocked, silent and heartbroken, freshman qb Jackson Arnold bravely took the field. Arnold whose hands were visibly shaking, understandably having been thrown in to the un-fillable shoes of Stowers, attempted his his first throw, which was intercepted by defensive back Michael Taffe in the end zone.

The game from here on out would be a defensive one. Guyer continued that trend forcing Westlake into a three and out. Jackson Arnold would than fumble the snap and get sacked on the ensuing play by Westlake defensive end Austin McClendon once again forcing them to punt.


Denton Guyer got the ball back after a Westlake punt and star running back Kaedrick Cobb went to work weaving and juking his way through defenders for a pickup of 26-yards. Than the pressure came as Westlake defensive back Michael Taff came roaring into the pocket and dropped Arnold for a loss.

Westlake would put together a long drive aided by 4th down conversions and somewhat lucky penalties. The highlight was a 10-yard catch by Ryan Lindley and Kirkland Michaux being sacked in the backfield by Dotun Olanipekun. Then on 4th&18 from the 33-yard line the Chaps went for it, what seemed to be a terrible decision was in motion. Michaux rolled out to his left and fired a missile down field to Mason Magnum for a 33-yard score. The Westlake fans erupted.

Guyer would intercept Michaux’s pass before halftime but nothing would result. Westlake did everything fairly well in the first half, they were lock-down on defense and the passing game was roaring, the number one thing was to get Zane Minors going. For Denton Guyer it was about getting the offense going, especially through the air, they had 15 passing yards through the third quarter and that would simply not due against a strong Westlake defense.

Coach Dodge had this to say going in to halftime,”We’re not running the ball well enough right now. We’re making some explosive plays in the passing game. We got to do a better job of protecting the quarterback, the second half. Got to get a little bit more out of our run game.”

Coming out of halftime Guyer quarterback Jackson Arnold just did not want to be pummeled by players 100 pounds heavier than him. Sadly, his wish did not come true. On the first drive he was sacked twice by Austin McClendon and Will McConnell. The Guyer defense would continue to generate pressure on the quarterback but it was no help as the offense was essentially a stationary turret that was out of bullets and the secondary was a piece of armor that was hit one too many times.


Westlake took advantage of this as Kirkland Michaux found a wide open Jackson Coker down the field for a 39-yard touchdown. Westlake put the game on cruise control only scoring a field goal from there on out, but still managing to stay on top. 

Westlake defensive back Henry Smogur would get an interception putting him in company with Michael Taffe (1 int, 1 sack) who won defensive MVP. Michaux completed 20 passes for 285-yards and won the offensive MVP of the championship. His favorite target was Ryan Lindley (7-65) who went out with a hand injury as well as Mason Mangum (3-79-1).

“We have a very physical football team,” said Dodge when asked about the physicality of his players. “We have a bunch of kids that the worst thing that can happen to them is, to come to video on Saturday morning and have their team see them being soft or less than physical or giving less than great effort and that’s such a great peer pressure in our locker room.”

Westlake held their opponents to a scoreless game with a 24-0 victory. Westlake brings the title back home to Westlake/Austin which has not been done since their first state championship trophy in 1996, known as the Drew Brees era. After being eliminated multiple times by North Shore (2019 6A D1 state champion) they finally brought one back, symbolizing a banner year for Todd Dodge where he achieved 200 career wins and a Texas 6A DII State Championship.

“What a tremendous job that they’ve done all year long and I just, I am so happy. I’m so happy about the state championship,”commented Dodge on his team’s victory.

Jackson Coker had this to say about the team’s journey,”It’s unbelievable. This is something you know we’ve been working for, you know some of these guys I’ve been friends with since I was about two years old, and just to come out here and play the way we played is just, I’m at a loss, it’s unbelievable. It means everything, you know, we have a tradition of winning and I’m just glad that we could come out and uphold that to the potential that you know we held ourselves at.”