By Bobbie Brown
I drove down the road a bit. It was so hot you could see the heat waves coming off the road, but I needed to go visit the Anton Bulldogs. I pulled up behind the school and found a tree outside the stadium and promptly parked. The tree was definitely a bonus! The bulldogs were wandering around and joking with each other. Coach Hoover blew his whistle and stretching started. The practice field grass looked really nice. And the water was shooting out onto nice green grass next door at the Dog Pound. I learned later that the maintenance guys on staff at Anton ISD take care of the fields. Shout out to them! They do a great job! The managers had the right idea. They were in the shade of the side of the gym prepping water and making sure everyone stayed hydrated. The Bulldogs are 16 strong. Coach Hoover anticipates a few more to get back in town soon and believe they will have 20 out for Anton this year. I had to laugh about one player. He kept losing his mouthpiece… in the grass. I counted how many times… at least four. He didn’t seem too concerned about it, but his teammates were. That’s what you call teamwork… keeping up with a mouthpiece on a field with lots of grass. I was impressed. I am a firm believer in fundamentals. After warmups, the bulldogs worked drill after drill working on fundamentals. During one blocking drill with the dummy, I finally found a place and just stood waiting. They blocked and pushed that dummy all over the practice field. They didn’t care which direction it was facing. The players jumped around to the side and took the dummy for a ride across the field. I was able to have a nice conversation with Coach Hoover. We talked about COVID (of course) and the summer and all things related to football and school. I always enjoy talking with Coach Hoover. He’s excited about this year and hopes it starts and keeps on going without any stoppage due to the pandemic. I think we are all right there with you, coach! I commented on the really awesome helmets this year. They are yellow with a chrome stripe and purple bulldogs inside the shape of Texas. Seriously… really cool helmets! With all the gold and purple, the Bulldogs look a little bit like a team from Louisiana we all know. He indicated that the new uniforms were coming. He had received a call and the jerseys had been found. Seems they were in one of four thousand boxes shipped to Dallas. People were working overtime to find uniforms for teams and get them shipped out to schools. Today they were looking for the pants. Hopefully, they will get them as I will probably see the Bulldogs in week two. They have a Thursday night game at the Dog Pound. Invitation accepted! The Bulldogs bring back all of their team from last year’s playoff squad. Yep... that's right... every last player. Last year they slid under the radar. Anton wasn’t picked to do well in 2019 and yet, they made it to the second round of the playoffs and ran into a very talented and eventual State runner-up Motley County. This year the Bulldogs have only two seniors. Experience from last year will definitely give them a leg up in District 3. In district, they will face Amherst, Cotton Center, Lazbuddie, and Whitharral. I see them making a run into the playoffs again this year in DII Region I. After an hour and a half in the 100+ temps, it was time for me to take my leave. As I was passing the front of the school, I glanced at the electronic sign in front of the gym. It read 105. Woo. That’s hot. I really enjoyed my visit with Coach Hoover and the Bulldogs. Good luck, guys. Week one is right around the corner! Always Remember… go forward and do GOOD!
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By Dency McClure I got up before the sun this morning to get ready to head out to Jonesboro for their 7 am practice. When I double checked the GPS, I realized I would be traveling heavily animal populated roads again in the dark. All I could think was when will it be light outside? I braved the roads in the dark again in my little Fiat. Wouldn’t you know it, I hit a skunk right out of the gate. Thankfully, the smell was probably as light as it gets after hitting a skunk. I made the rest of the trip just fine. Pretty sure a player running a bit late zoomed past me a few miles out from Jonesboro. The school was easy to find because I just followed the row of older pick up trucks down the road and behind the school to the field house. I was greeted by a friendly group of town dogs that had a great time sniffing the skunk smell on my car. I waited with the group of boys for practice to start. One was asking everyone what they wanted to listen to and getting the music playing. He also gave a regular countdown for the moment they were to start their workout. When he announced the start time all the players began moving in mass toward a maze of hurdles and began making their way through the maze. I had no idea the hurdles were set up in that area for them. I had to move back from where I had been standing to stay out of the way. It was impressive to watch them go over and under etc with such uniformity and routine. I followed the boys and coaches around to different areas set up for drills. Everything was very organized. They had plenty of room to have multiple drill stations. Coach Gallegos took time out to come visit with me for a bit. I always enjoy our talks. We grew up not too far apart. I graduated from Newcastle and he from Strawn. Our schools played each other often. I have to admit I am older than he is so we weren’t in high school at the same time. The Jonesboro stadium sits on a flat area on a hill. You walk down from the parking area then down the bleachers on the side of the hill to the field. If you go behind the visitor stands to a practice area, you could walk even further down the hill to an area where there are lots of trees and some goats. It was a very pleasant and peaceful setting in the early morning. The field grass was green and had a heavy dew. The footballs had to be dried often because of the dew. I had to get a photo of one of the younger coaches’ socks. They were very colorful with Big Bird on them. They made me chuckle, and he wore them proudly. The Superintendent was there helping run practice. He liked one song that played on their little portable sound system so much that he kept singing it loudly even after the song was over. He told everyone he wished that song would just play continuously as it’s a great upbeat song. Everyone was relaxed and having a good time even if it was a workout. I got to see passing drills, tire roll tackles, and some fox and hound plays. I left before practice was completely over. The friendly dogs escorted me back to my car and enjoyed sniffing the skunk smell again. One was very fluffy without much of a tail. One appeared to be a German Shepherd and the others...I’m not sure about. A very friendly bunch though. I have covered many Jonesboro football games, but for some reason, never actually in Jonesboro. I decided to drive around town a bit and see what was there. Like most 1A towns, it didn’t take very long to see most of it. Jonesboro is a very attractive little town with a lot going for it. I headed back to Meridian turning at the sign pointing to Fairy. Now I don’t know about y’all, but after seeing multiple signs to Fairy over the last few days I decided I must go see this Texas Fairy town. It was a bit out of the way but I couldn’t be that close and not go. It was about what I expected. Beautiful, tiny brightly colored flying fairies greeted me and buzzed all around my stinky skunk car. Nah, it was a very pretty little town though. Glad I went, for now I know what is in Fairy and where it is. According to the Texas State Historical Association website, Fairy was named after a Confederate Army Captain's daughter. I made it back to my base camp safely without hitting any more animals. See you on the sidelines! By Dency McClure
I received a message from Coach Guereca shortly before leaving for Iredell. He was telling me where to enter the campus, and that I needed to have a mask on, and that he would have to check my temperature. All pretty standard things in this day and age. I have just learned to stay prepared and go with the flow. Once I got out of my car, I could hear the music and the sound of weights clinking. Coach Guereca was watching for me and signaled me in to the gym to take my temperature. I have to admit I was a bit worried, as it was very hot outside, that my body temp might be up and he would need to send me packing. Thankfully, I passed the test, and we went on with our plans. I watched the boys finish lifting and I have to say they have a very nice weight room. I followed one of the younger boys who was taking supplies to the field. I was immediately struck by the huge oak trees set back from the end of the field. I can’t even begin to imagine how old they are. It may have been the heat more than their beauty that drew me to their shade. At 4:30 in the afternoon in August, it is hot. The school has put nice tables under them for people to enjoy. Yep, I set myself and my water down under the biggest one while I waited on the boys and coaches. Every precaution possible was taken for keeping Covid away at Iredell ISD. The waterboys wore gloves and masks. All the coaches and any kids watching were also in masks. Not to mention me, too. It was definitely hot in a mask with the heat. But I wasn’t about to miss taking pictures. Luckily, I was able to stand in the shade of the big trees and take photos of the boys on the practice field. The shade actually extended onto the practice field a little bit. Plus, there was a glorious breeze that blew every now and again. The stadium field backs up to the practice field. All that separates them is a field goal. All the grass was a beautiful green and a creek runs alongside both. I walked over to look and there is a bit of a sharp drop to the water. Definitely not the dry area of Texas I live in now. There is a nice playground with a sun cover as well as a covered area with tables and chairs for the concession stand. The area is well laid out and impressive. As I enjoyed my shade for taking photos, I wondered how on earth the coaches kept their mask on in the direct sun and heat. They really didn’t seem too bothered by it. I’m guessing they have gotten used to it and are more concerned with what is going on in the practice. During a water break, they asked me where I had been so far and where I was planning to go. I have so many on my list it took me a moment to think of any. I finally was able to name a few after my short brain lapse. Iredell has a nice number of players. Enough to play with a few extra for rotation and support. Even though it was hot the boys did well and worked together. Defense and tackle drills were the main event for the day. I had told Coach Guereca not to worry about me. That at some point he would look up and I would be gone. With not too much longer left in practice, I decided to head for the car and get the AC going. See you on the sidelines! By Dency McClure When Coach Carroll invited me to their Midnight Madness, I was very excited. I’ve never gotten to cover two in a season. I quietly left around 11 as to not disturb the night even though I was excited. I drove way slower than normal. I’m in a tiny Fiat, and the thought of taking on a deer with it makes me feel like Evel Knievel about to jump. Just a sick adrenaline rush. When I rolled into town, I could see the stadium lights. Cranfills Gap ISD is easy to find as there is a big sign right on the highway. When you turn onto the side street, you are greeted by big paw prints painted on the road that let you know you are in Lion country. It’s the little things like visible signs and painted roads that make life easier for me. Once I got to the school I could see several cars already parked. Some were players and some were fans. I was greeted by a group of masked riders...couldn’t resist. They were masked coaches, players, and fans. They greeted me as I walked past on my way to the field. Coach Carroll opened the gate for several of us so we could go on up to the field. The field sits in an area that has been cut out of a hill. One side of the stadium backs up to the hill. Not all the stadium lights were on yet. Coach Carroll informed me they hadn’t all come on as expected. Before the night was over, most of them were lighting the field nicely. That’s one thing about having a midnight madness, you get to check some things you might not have before the first home game. Once the kids took the field, I quickly spied a girl. Not that unusual in Six-man especially in junior high. Yes, they do all the drills and make and take tackles. I’ve seen a few play in high school including a girl play in a TSMCA All-Star game and one at AT&T stadium in a state game. 1A girls are small town strong and I must say 1A boys and coaches accepting them has made the difference. Small towns make many opportunities possible that would never be possible in larger towns. I asked Coach Carroll about her after practice, and he told me she had played all through junior high and was a freshman this year. I could tell she had playing experience as she did not stick out during any drill. I was loving the music. Nothing like “Fat Bottom Girls” and “Welcome to the Jungle” to make a midnight madness complete. Apparently, at midnight and in a residential area it was a bit much for some. I can understand that. Once the music was turned down, it just wasn’t quite the same but practice went on in a much quieter setting. It’s always interesting to see the different drills coaches use. They all have their own style and the things they were taught that they bring to the table. I must admit I enjoy the drills where they are head to head on the ground and have to hop up to tackle. I personally don’t want to have to do it as I’d be down and out for a week after, but it’s very impressive to watch. I also enjoyed the back-to-back drills and the element of surprise. Very good drills, indeed. Lots of throwing and catching as well last night. I got to cover a Granfills Gap game last year during the playoffs. Unfortunately, it was their last that season. I was so impressed with them as a team. They were a team of talent and heart last season and I saw much the same during last night's practice. During last season’s game, they kept giving it their all even through injuries. I left feeling honored to have been on their sidelines and getting to be a part for only a moment in time. Hopefully, we will see them make the playoffs again this season. There were several fans watching in the bleachers, some standing along the metal rail fence, and a couple in lawn chairs. Lots of laughter and visiting could be heard. Even with masks and precautions, the socializing continued. There was even a baby! It’s so nice to see people enjoying each other’s company and supporting their local kids. This time of August I am very thankful for a cool night practice. Once practice ended everyone cleared out pretty quickly. Something about it being 2:00AM probably helped with that. I made the slow drive back to my base camp not seeing any other cars but several deer. Glad I made it back safely and didn’t have to face off with any deer. See you on the sidelines! By Dency McClure As I left Mertzon, I was a bit surprised how light traffic was. Usually there is heavy truck traffic having to do with the oil industry. Once I rolled in to Big Lake I knew instantly the oil business had slowed way down. There were not many customers at the Flying J we normally stop at when traveling that area. It is usually very busy there. Later on when I left Rankin, I noticed an RV park that is usually over flowing was only about half full. Definite signs the oil business has slowed down. I was less than an hour away from Grandfalls when my phone rang. It was the head coach and AD Jeff Corean. He wanted to make sure I remembered how to get to their house. Jeff and I met several years ago while teaching at the same school. We became quick friends and have stayed in touch. I assured him I did remember. He told me the door would be unlocked and to come on in and make myself at home and that he and his wife, Erin, would probably be trying to grab a nap before the midnight madness. I was glad to hear that because a nap sounded good to me too. The first thing you see from the little hill coming into Grandfalls is the tops of the stadium lights. I took a right at the football field, crossed the one lane bridge and proceeded down to the community center. Jeff and Erin live near the water tower. They do not live in the ever so apparent row of teacher housing near the school. Erin told me they live in the SECRET teacher housing. She likes living blended in with the community and not so on display. I can’t say that I blame her. When I arrived I was lovingly greeted by Faith and Roscoe their dogs. Needless to say Jeff and Erin were not napping. Jeff had too many things running through his head and he was too excited about midnight madness to get any rest. We visited, watched the news where Grandfalls-Royalty’s team had been showcased, and then got around to head up to the school. When I got to the field, I was glad to see a bit of a crowd was forming. There were a couple of groups on the other side of the fence enjoying the breeze and coolness of the evening. There were also a few groups gathering in the stands. There has only been one case of Covid-19 early on in the area and none since. People here are cautious but not afraid to get out and go to things. I asked Coach Corean what it was like coaching in his hometown as one of the fans yelled his name. He told me he loves it. He likes to banter with his friends and the people he was raised with. He enjoys coaching kids whose family members grew up with him. Once practice started you quickly saw that this is a team of all shapes and sizes. The perfect set up for six-man. They have the quick little guys that can juke and get free and the big guys that can block forever or carry a ball through the line. Definitely a great mix. The boys were in good spirits and were having a great time. You could tell they enjoy each other’s company and jell well as a team. I will definitely be keeping an eye on the Grandfalls-Royalty Cowboys this season. A great traction has been set and these boys and new head coach are prepared to maintain it. At the end of the night, the team poured the big water jug on one of the boys. The team started a tradition this year of doing that at the end of every practice. The recipient of the water nominates who will receive it at the end of the next practice. It’s a neat thing to watch and the boys are all enjoying it. By the end of midnight madness, the hunger pains were fierce. There is something about staying up late that makes you way hungrier than normal. I was very excited to remember that Grandfalls is blessed with an Allsups. Yep, Beef & Bean Burrito calling my name. After practice I made a quick dash to Allsups in hopes of beating the crowd from practice who probably had the same idea. Lucky for me, there were plenty of hot burritos, and I snagged one. I enjoyed it immensely and then headed to the house and bed. I woke up at 7 and Jeff and Erin were already up. I had been promised one of the amazing burritos from the ever famous burrito lady there. Jeff called our orders in never giving his name and I heard the voice on the other end of the phone lovingly say “We’ll have those ready for you Jeffie”. Yep, there are just some things about 1A life that bigger town folks will never completely understand. Jeff laughed when he hung up the phone because he knew I had heard what she said. He told me he had practically grown up at her house because he was good friends with her son and loved her cooking. There might have been something about a good looking girl mentioned too. The burritos did not disappoint. I didn’t waste time getting loaded up for my return trip as I knew I would be heading out the next morning to cover practices around the Meridian area. August keeps me busy for sure. As I finished loading my stuff, I asked one question for clarification on something and Jeff looked at me and asked if I was going to write about this. I laughed and told him yes! I left and headed out towards Crane. As I passed through Crane, my mind wandered to the past a bit and I thought about Coach Lee who grew up there and now coaches in Strawn. Coach Lee actually coached Coach Corean at Grandfalls when he was just starting his career. It’s interesting to look at history and how it shaped the here and now. Once I left Crane, the only excitement was buzzards enjoying some interesting road kill. I drove towards home as the pump jacks pumped among the mesquite brush and the wind towers turned on the mesa in the distance. It had been a great trip. Some call it God’s country, but I call it nowhere land. I absolutely love traveling in my nowhere land. See you on the Sidelines! |
The Zone
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September 2023
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