As you all probably know by now, I didn’t have far to drive. I actually drove my beloved 1992 faded red golf cart (aka The Ghetto mobile) the short ½ mile to Jaybird Stadium. It was a nice drive, and a big storm was brewing to the Northwest. The clouds were moving in quickly. I wasn’t going to complain as Jaybird Stadium has turf and those millions of little black rubber balls heat up really quickly. When it’s 100 outside, you can bet it will be 110 or more on the field. Sometimes I worry the bottom of my shoes may melt. BUT today that was not going to happen.
I arrived and the Jaybirds were gathered in the end zone stretching and getting loose. They are 22 strong this season. That really is incredible because just four years ago they only had eight boys in the program and not many more than that in high school. I saw some pretty good things during workout this evening. I saw kids who could consistently catch a hard pass. I saw players talking to each other on the field – communicating (so important). I saw each #nastybird working hard every down. When they messed up, it was counted. The number of “gassers” they ran directly related to those mess ups. For day three, there were 14 gassers. There were immediate up/downs – not a favorite of the Birds – for going offsides at any time. For the first time wearing pads, they seemed very comfortable. I haven’t seen the Jaybirds look that good on day three in a very long time! And for the first time in as long as I can remember, nine Jaybirds will run cross country! Another thing that caught my attention is that the new concession stand building at the end of the field is almost complete! There are also two very large covered areas, one for home and one for visitors. There are dressing rooms in the new building so players no longer have to run the 300 yards back to the school building at halftime. And I’m guessing much larger bathrooms. Coach Josh Stanaland is excited about this year’s team. He’s ready to get the season started. The Jaybird’s first scrimmage is next Friday, August 16 starting at 5:00PM. They will host Hermleigh, Newcastle, Knox City, and Valley. Good luck to the Jaybirds this season! Remember… Go Forward and Do GOOD!
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I drove in to Mullin and began searching for the school. I knew the general area of town it was located in as I had been there before but for some reason, I was having one of those directional days and had to do the three minute small town circle. I caught a glimpse of it through some trees and after a quick turn around and a way too fast drive across the railroad tracks I was there. I hope those of you from Mullin got an image of my little Fiat as it took flight and my rearview mirror flying off. Not to mention my Minion Man passenger was a bit disheveled. Totally worth a belly laugh. For the record, I drove much slower across the tracks on my way back through town.
I arrived at the field and parked between the Ag truck and a bullpen. Mullin has a nice green field next to the school in a farm-like setting. A very serene place that makes you want to go to school there. The boys and coaches were working hard when I arrived. The sun was starting to heat things up as the last hour of practice was starting. Coach Williamson greeted me, and I was able to get a quick interview with him before he had to get back into practice. They ran multiple drills and worked on defense for various common plays. The boys and Coach Williamson are finding their niche and working well together. I left town and took FM 573 to Comanche. If you are a motorcycle rider, this is a great road. Lots of twists, turns, and views. There is a particularly surprising hill top view of Comanche about two miles from town. It was a wonderful drive to end my morning venture. I love the small towns and rural areas. Once a 1A kid, always a 1A kid. See you on the sidelines! Dency I came around the bend into Zephyr on the back road coming in from Blanket and was glad to see the team on the field. I zoomed around to the field house and hurried out to the field. Coach Phillips was deep into drill instructions and the boys were anxiously listening. I don’t think anyone other than the water girl that greeted me noticed my existence, and that is just how I like it. I like to be an observer and stay out of the way. I at no point want to be a distraction from practices or games.
I was able to get several photos of different drills while I enjoyed the morning air. I felt so comfortable there that it took me a moment to figure out why I was so overwhelmingly comfortable on that field. Then I realized that I had covered multiple Bulldog Bonanzas here. Zephyr used to host a big week one event called the Bulldog Bonanza. It was nine games in three days. Two on Thursday, two on Friday, and five games on Saturday. At Least I remember it being nine games. Might have been less. Once you have covered an event like that on the same field for several years, it kind of feels like you’re hanging out in your own backyard. Coach Phillips told the boys to take a quick water break and then he headed in my direction. I was able to get a quick interview with him before they got back to work. I stayed a bit longer and got some more photos. Once I felt like I had ample photos of the kids and coaches, I headed out. On my way out of town, I decided to stop at the Diamond R Store and Cafe. I was in need of a snack and Coke before I started the last leg of my trip to Mullin. I have always seen lots of cars there when passing by but had never stopped. Glad I did as it was very nice and refreshing. I will be stopping there regularly now. By the way, they have lots of nice tables in there for a crowd along with drinks and snacks. The grill was already sizzling; wafting amazing smells through the air when I was there. I headed back to my car refreshed and ready for the trip to Mullin. See you on the sidelines, Dency I was up before the sun this morning as I prepared for a full morning of practices. Blanket was first on my list followed by Zephyr and Mullin. These three towns are only a few minutes apart, and my hope was to catch them all in one morning. Luckily, I did not only catch all three towns practicing, but they were all working outside while I was there.
I pulled into Blanket while the morning was still crisp. I figured they would be at the old field on the hilltop, and I was correct. I was greeted by Coach Tabor who informed me that the boys were getting their pads. Today is day one for pads. Still no contact except touch but time to start getting used to wearing them and the weight of the pads. I moseyed on out to the field where the sprinklers jugged away spraying water into the golden morning sunlight. In this part of Texas, there is often a light haze of moisture in the air in the early mornings, and this day was no different. Blanket is set in a beautiful area full of hills, creeks, and big oak trees. The kind of place that makes you want to become one with nature. From the old hilltop field you can see for miles and really take in the view. You can also see the new fancy stadium below. When you stand on the hill and look down at the new stadium, the Hallelujah chorus plays in your mind. It’s like the heavens opened up and perfectly placed it there at the bottom of the hill for all to enjoy. The boys came out with their pads and began their morning stretch routines. Coach Tabor commented to them and me that day three is a hard one because the soreness has set in. I took pictures of their various stretches and drills and just enjoyed the quiet coolness of the morning. The sounds of coaches voices and whistles floating across the peaceful countryside was mesmerizing. After a while, I looked at my watch and realized it was time to hit the back road to Zephyr. See you on the sidelines! Dency After visiting Gustine in the morning, I made my way north to Gordon. When you come into town, the first thing you see is the United Methodist church. If you don’t follow the curve of the road, you will cause them to do major remodeling. Then you meander through the downtown area, across the railroad tracks, and past the car dealership. Once at the field, I was quickly welcomed by Coach Reed and his staff.
It was 103 outside so the coolness of the locker room was a physical relief. Gordon started school this week so the luxury of practicing in the mornings, like many other schools, is not an option. He showed me around the locker room and told me about all the new things they have done and the plans for the future. I told him it was the best smelling locker room I had ever been in. He quickly pointed to some air fresheners and told me he doesn't mind splurging for those. I got a quick interview, and we sat and enjoyed the cool office before the boys came. Very quickly the sounds of voices filled the air. I sat right there while the coaches got up and attended to the players. As a woman in this realm of work, I know where and where not to be in a locker room. Coach Reed came back by, and we headed out into the 103 heat and onto the field. The Gordon field is a lush green field nestled between two big hills. Some might call them mountains. They make for a beautiful backdrop to the stadium. Every now and then a cloud would pause over us and a soft breeze would blow. It was just enough relief to keep a person going a bit longer. Lots of water and allowing helmets to be off at times got the boys through safely. I personally am older and more plump and was ready to feel some air conditioning after an hour. Two trucks in the parking lot with American flags attached to the back caught my eye as I was leaving. I snapped a few pictures of the trucks. I felt they summed up my visit to Gordon very well. See you on the sidelines! Dency When traveling to Gustine from Comanche, you pass the Deep Shit Cattle Company Gate. I was a little surprised to see that. If you don’t believe me, do a quick Facebook search and go to their business page. Followed by the ranch this morning, was a rolling green hill- covered with beautiful golden round hay bales. When I was a kid roaming on my relatives farms around here, it was peanut country. Slowly the area has moved towards dairy and hay farming. Don’t worry, there are still peanuts, especially around Gorman.
I arrived in Gustine and headed to the campus. The sprinklers were running on the field so I knew that is not where practice would be held. I quickly found Coach McVey, and he told me to follow him to the practice area. We convoyed; McVey with his truck full of supplies, followed up by the golf cart also loaded with supplies then me in my little white Fiat with my Minion man riding up front. We went down the road a bit and then turned, and I quickly spotted the open, grassy area. We all found shade trees to park under and then part of practice started. The boys had already lifted weights and had a distance run. This was phase three for them. You could hear the June bugs humming and an occasional goat holler out so as not to be forgotten. Horses were also in the area just happy to be there. The kids sounded off approval of the excellent breeze, as did I. Everyone was working well together and working hard for their new coaches. There was some laughter and a few jokes about possible new affectionate nicknames. I always enjoy listening and observing all the activity. I stayed a while and took lots of photos and caught a quick visit with the coaches during a break. It was a good morning in Gustine and the future is bright for the Tigers. See you on the sidelines! Dency I arrived ten minutes early to the second day of Paducah Dragon workouts. The Dragons were already putting in work in three separate groups. Coach John York welcomed me, and we chatted for a while. The Dragons have 22 players out this year and are looking to take advantage of their speed. If Paducah’s success on the track as 2019 UIL State Track Team Championship has anything to do with it, the speed of the Dragons on the gridiron will be something to watch!
I always notice the smaller players because they seem to have an enormous amount of "no quit" in them. One caught my eye. Coach York said his name is Diego but everyone calls him Diggy. He added that Diggy is very tough. As I watched Diggy and the rest of the Dragons practice, I realized they have size and speed. If they keep working hard, they will definitely be a force in District 3 and Region 1! Next week the Dragons will welcome Borden County and Ropes to Paducah for the first scrimmage of 2019. The scrimmage is set for 10AM, Thursday, August 15th. I plan on being there to catch the action! As always, it was a pleasure visiting with Coach York. I look for the Dragons to do very well this season! Good luck, Dragons! Remember to Go Forward and do GOOD! |
The Zone
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September 2023
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