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!
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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! By Johnna Reynolds
What ever happened to the Golden Spirit Stick award, you might ask? It’s been absolutely crazy! From trying to match up schedules, to crazy snow storms then the ‘Rona and quarantine. It’s been difficult to catch up with the winners! This year two squads were selected that do amazing work during the game. They are constantly cheering on their team. I have enjoyed watching them. The smiles on their faces says it all! Congratulations to the Sanderson Cheerleaders and to the Ropes Cheerleaders! I can hardly wait for football season to start. I look forward to seeing all of you cheer on your teams. Until we meet again, I leave you with the cheer song I learned at camp many years ago. Friends we are and friends we’ll always be. Together we will cheer so faithfully. Cheerleader we’ll always be, ‘til we meet again! By Dency McClure
There is no greater honor for me as a photographer than to see my photos being used and enjoyed by others. When I first started taking pictures I would get excited to see them used as screen savers on phones and computers or on social media as profile pictures. Oh sure I enjoy being told that people admire my work. I mean who doesn’t like being appreciated. However, the greatest reward is seeing them be enjoyed by others. I recently received a request for a written release so a printer would agree to print some of my work. I knew they were going to be used for something to honor seniors. Today on Facebook I saw the finished product. I was so honored and I have to admit I got a bit emotional. What a treat to see that some of my work had been used to showcase some great high school memories for some fantastic 1A kids. Since I mostly shoot school age kids, I was quite shocked and taken a back the first time I received a request for some of my pictures to be used at a funeral. How could a child have died? I never, ever imagined that any of my photos would be used at a funeral. Yet here I was being asked for just such a thing. At first, I started to question what I was doing. Not sure why, but I did. I didn’t like the idea of my work being part of such a sad time. Then I realized that my pictures hadn’t caused the tragedy or the sadness. But that I had captured a moment in time that was cherished by the family and to be remembered. To all the small 1A communities, there is no greater honor than to capture on film some of your life’s most cherished moments. For you to be able to view them with your own eyes and know they truly did exist in more than just your heart and mind. Thank you for allowing me into your lives to capture some of those moments. By Stephen Reynolds
Good morning! Looks like it’s going to be another beautiful day. Oh, sorry. I’ll bet you’re wondering who I am. I live on school property in a small West Texas town called Jayton, Texas. My name is… Well, I’ve decided to see if you can figure out who I am. Most of my days throughout the year can be boring. I guess it’s how each person perceives their day as to how you would describe it. Some say boring or I could say relaxing. December through February are actually extremely lonely. I don’t get to see anybody except the occasional stray dog or cat that happens to walk by. Most of the time they don’t have time to stop and visit. They’re just passing through since they know they’re not supposed to be here. And there is no audience to yell at them to leave. Where’s the fun in that? It can get very cold that time of year without a coat. Hey, it’s wintertime. How would you feel with 6-8 inches of snow on top of you and there was nothing you could do about it? You just have to sit there and take it. Then wait for the snow to melt. March through May is much better. I get to see a lot of kids running back and forth. Some sit on top of me to change shoes. Others even lay down on top of me for a short nap. Don’t get me wrong, I do love the attention. But it’s a lot better before the race instead of after with all that sweat and stink. Also, in the spring the weather is much nicer. I even get a shower every now and then. I do love that nice clean feeling, and it’s nice to get the ‘ol toupee shined up. That’s right. A toupee. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. It’s much easier to keep. No more haircuts. No more color jobs. Wash and go. That’s the life. Oh, did I mention I have some cousins in other towns that have not gone the toupee route? Still all natural. And they have to wait for a haircut since they can’t do it themselves. And they only get a good color job in the fall. Shoot, my granddad didn’t even get a color job. All he got was a buzz cut right down to the roots. “HEY!” Excuse me just a minute. “HEY! GET OUT OF HERE.” It’s the town stray. We call him Mutt. “HEY MUTT! I SAID GET OUT OF HERE. WHAT? NO! NO! NO! YOU CAN’T DO THAT HERE. I DON’T CARE IF YOUR BUDDIES TOLD YOU THIS WAS A NEW PORTA-POTY. HOW RUDE! GET OUT OF HERE!” Sorry about that. They think they can just come over here and do their business anywhere they want. Sometimes right on top of me. I just can’t have that. Now where were we… ah summertime. Back to some lonely days with a few drifting strangers that come by. I like summertime but it does get hot this close to the ground. Actually, the toupee makes it even hotter. I suffer through it because I know what’s right around the corner. The fall and the lights on Friday night. The time of year I live for. But first, there is this thing called the Gridiron Classic the last weekend in August. Sure, it’s blistering hot. But you can’t believe how many people I get see in those three days. And all the players and coaches running by. Even with the heat, it’s really something special. Actually, it’s an exhausting three days with no rest at. But football is what I live for. You should come by during the Gridiron sometime and say hi. I really like meeting new folks. Now on to September through November. There is something special about the brisk fall air under the lights. I get to see a lot of old friends on Friday nights. Sure, I see people other times of the year, but this is the time of year I get to participate on a weekly basis in the sport I love Six-Man Football. My Friday nights start with watching the home team warm up. Some players jump me, some straddle me, some even step on me. But all are near. I can hear the coaches giving last minute instructions. Some of the seniors helping the under-classmen with toe touches. Seriously fellows, how tough can a toe touch be? Come on guys, get serious and get it right. I even get to see the cheerleaders and the band. You would not believe the stories I get to hear during pregame. Players talking about which cheerleader is the cutest? Cheerleaders talking about which player is the coolest? Coaches and administrators telling some wild stories. Sorry guys, I’m not allowed to tell. Yes, that’s right. I had to sign a non-disclosure agreement with the school. I guess you will just have to let your mind run wild about the stories I’ve heard. Now back to the game. The excitement builds during the coin flip. Next the shaking of hands at midfield. The fans cheering for their team. And finally, the kickoff. The moment when I finally get to participate in the game. I wait patiently. Sometimes the players are near and other times far away. But I’m a happy dude. I get to be part of a Six-man football game. Most games a few of the players eventually get really close. I can even hear them breathe as they pause for a minute. Sometimes they go by so fast I can barely see them. Oh, what speed some of the youngsters have. On a rare occasion, I just have to watch the game from a distance. It’s almost like I have some sort of sickness or disease like Coronavirus. No one comes near me. I’m glad that doesn’t happen very often. Other times they get within inches of me. Close enough to drip sweat and sometimes even blood on me. That’s ok with me. It’s Friday night under the lights. No where else I’d rather be. Even though the fans are yelling and screaming, no one truly understands the excitement I get to feel. That rush of adrenaline as the players get close. Then the burst of excitement when a player runs over me, dives over me, jumps over me, and even lands right on top of me. It’s indescribable. Oh, did I mention that I have a brother on the other end of the football field. Yes, that’s right. I’m the south goal line at Jaybird Stadium in Jayton, Texas. Nice to meet you. By Boo Boo Bear
It’s hard to forget certain memories in life; some are tragic and some are of joy. Within a lifetime, sports will push the entire gamut of emotion in each of us in it’s own unique way. However heartbreaking sports may be at times, young men and women are drawn to compete over and over again. They will receive little warning of its pain. But, instead with full hearts, a mind full of family lore, and an unbreakable spirit, each will set out to create his or her own story. My love of sports came to me on a Friday in the month of September, 1980. I was a five years old with almost no understanding of football or organized sports in general. However I did know feeling and emotion. What I remember of my first encounter of football is my Kindergarten teacher announcing we would have special guests coming in that day. I had no idea that on this day, my world would soon change. Suddenly other kids were talking about a Pepper Ally? A couple kids had been to one, explaining that you scream and they play music for the Football Players! I smile writing this because although I am 44 years of age, to this day, I call a Pep Rally a Pepper Ally. Destiny knocks upon your door a few times throughout a lifetime, and on this day, came a bang on the classroom door! A Red Devil cape, pitchfork, and all came running into the room! It was a dark figure at first with the suns light behind it. It soon exploded in full color before our young eyes. Immediately, I felt fear, and I remember a couple kids crying, while other kids high-fived that darn Devil. Then like Knights in shinning armor entering a castle, I saw in line the Rankin Red Devil Football Players at least in my mind marching into the room. They were huge! All their hair styles were like either Bo or Luke Duke from the Dukes of Hazzard. Each one had on a maroon and white jersey, blue jeans, and boots. They came around desk to desk signing a ribbon for each of us. The Football Players talked to us and the Cheerleaders did a cheer, we screamed and whooped uncontrollably! For the rest of the day we talked in excitement of the upcoming football game, of which I knew nothing about. But was now talking as if I did. Back in class I was lost in a day dream where the Football Players came back. They told me I was strong and told my teacher I could go outside and play anytime I wanted to. I envisioned them bringing me a jersey that I could wear. A real world voice broke the silence of my day dream when Mrs. King stood and spoke. She explained the rules of the Pepper Ally. We lined up in alphabetical order, and I was first! When we walked out, Mrs King was behind the other class. I followed her as we marched along in a single file line. The sun was bright, light was reflecting from all the cars parked everywhere; people and kids seemed to be in a rush. We were now outside the gym, and Mrs. King was saying stay together! I could hear the band playing with that drum banging, it was amazing! Then I felt it, as we entered the gym! Well let me tell you, at five years old, I felt the very air put into me. A wall of sound, color, and spirit hit me directly in my chest, and filled my very soul. I could feel the bass drum in my heart, the rhythm gave me goosebumps, and the very air around us was electric. We made our way into the bleachers and sat in a row as a class. The other grades would fill the seats behind us. Suddenly it all stopped, the last of the kids stopped talking, and a kind of murmur silence set in. Then just as quickly, the room tore open with noise! On the gym floor from right to left entered the Football players jogging into place, settling into the form of a giant “L” on the far left of the Gym floor. The band, fans, cheerleaders, and students cheered and clapped along although I did not realize it at the time, the unison of clapping to the fight song blew me away! Noises echoed off the four walls, the banners and vividness of the gym had me hooked I must have sat there in place frozen with zeal, because it was over way to quickly. Yes, I remember when I fell in love with sports. So to the brave youth who now embark on each of your sports journeys, may you earn that first broken heart with sweat and grit. Yet always remember to smile and celebrate in all the little and great victories that are yet to come. A word of advice. At some point take the time to research The Laurel Crown and the phrase Memento Mori. By Dency McClure
To cover state track is to survive the 18 or more hours on your feet, sometimes in the harshest conditions to capture the thrill of it all. I’ve covered extremely hot state track meets to one with a high temp in the 50s with a strong wind and there was no sun in sight. It’s not for the faint of heart. It is, however, a testament to say I did it and never had to be hauled off by the lingering EMS staff. Yes, the EMS staff linger just waiting for someone to drop. Much like a wild animal waiting for the weak to show itself. Not a pretty thought at all. The key is to constantly drink water, a good hat and sunscreen, plus my personal trick is to keep hard candies in my pocket that I enjoy almost unceasingly. The sights and smells of state track are much like a county fair. You have the glorious smells of the pricey food vendors with fresh buttered popcorn, hot roasted peanuts, sticky pink cotton candy, and oh the fabulous zingy frozen Lemon things. Those are the best treats when it's hot. You have camps under the bleachers of contestants much like those at the fair animal show barns. Watching the events is the excitement and rush of the rides on the midway. People are everywhere outside of the sacred field. I have to admit it’s nice to flash the badge and walk into the show arena. Last but not least you have the porta potties. At state track the porta potty area is so large I personally refer to it as Porta Potty City. It honestly looks like a little planned city with streets and rooftops. I have to admit I was very glad to find Porta Potty City after hiking up three long steep flights of stairs to get to the regular, non air conditioned, restrooms. No more reason to risk death on the stairs when you can easily walk to the city. I fell up a non moving escalator last year and caused myself great physical injury. It’s okay to laugh! So, yes stairs can be deadly. Lets just say I look way over my age holding onto the railing and going slowly. No need to act normal and end up bashing my face into them. There are many sights and sounds that make it unique to being a track meet. The sharp loud jolting sound of the starter gun, along with the sight and smell of the smoke in the air. The distinctive sound of cleats clicking rhythmically on the track or cement. The clang of multiple medals around the neck. The sound of the events and results blaring over the speakers. The roaring of the crowd and the distinctive smell of pungent sweat lofting around when the wind dies down. The comradary of photographers and media is always fun too. You get to know people from different towns and areas. It’s always fun to see them and catch up and enjoy the state of excitement mixed with exhaustion and misery. Nothing makes friends like shared extreme physical circumstances. My favorite events are the pole vault and the relays. We didn’t have a good way to practice pole vaulting when I was in high school and I had too great a fear of heights to even be interested. The strength and fearlessness it takes ceases to amaze me. Watching it is absolutely addicting for me. If you saw the number of photos I take of pole vault trying to get some magical shot you would surely be aghast. I’ll be honest the stress of being on a relay was almost more than I could take in high school. Maybe that’s why I love to watch them. Capturing a good hand-off with the camera is a proud moment. I love to watch the contestants carefully set their tape marks and then take a moment of meditation or prayer as they mentally go to their competition mindset. It’s also interesting to watch them pace or jump to prepare physically. I love the yells as the hand-offs are happening and the sight of the white flags popping up at each exchange station around the track. Then the best sound is the celebration sounds of the teammates watching their last leg cross the finish line. Then seeing the true compassion that got them there as a team. The bursting emotional run, though exhausted, to embrace and celebrate together. They know that without each other none would have ventured this far alone. The real reason to cover state track is the adrenaline rush! Being present with the knowledge that a new state record may be about to happen or even a national one! Watching an event with that great anticipation is exhilarating. Hearing the crowd chant and roar with the knowing possibility of a new record. No matter the student, town or school you came to watch you feel pride and excitement that it might happen in front of you. That you might get to bare witness to history being made! This year new records will never be written in the history book. The pages will remain blank with what might have been. Future generations will question why this year is blank and how those pages could just simply be missing. Not only are they missing from the books they will forever be missing in our hearts. The what might have beens...the if onlys. This year I feel would have been one of the more noted ones. One with extra entries in the history book. The few track meets that took place showed phenomenal times for the early weeks. So much so that coaches were questioning the way and equipment being used to mark those times knowing if they were legit major history was in the making! Yet, the history is not to be and the pages will forever remain blank. Here’s to all the record breakers that could have been. We know and will not forget what might have been. We saw your abilities and your true accurately recorded results and will hold those in our memories! We will forever know the records that might have been and remember this as the year of unmade history. The Texas 1A Fan team takes for granted that you all know who we are and why we do what we do. For new and seasoned fans alike, we thought we'd offer an introduction and let you know the answers to these burning questions!
How In November 2015, Texas 1A Fan shot out into the 1A Texas world like a canon. There was no fanfare, only a mindset that 1A kids deserved coverage and accolades like all the other classifications in Texas. The goal was and continues to be to cover as many 1A events and activities as possible and to report all that information via social media and a website in a clear and transparent way. We do this so EVERYONE has the opportunity to witness our 1A kids in action and applaud their incredible efforts. We also like to engage fans along the way! Why We started as one person and steadily gained team members who shared the feeling of loving all things 1A. We have a passion for 1A kids, schools, and communities. Why? Because we are all from 1A schools. We all either participated in everything in our 1A schools or have kids who attended 1A schools and experienced the joy of being able to try everything offered. We are 1A community members, and we love our 1A Alma Maters. So why spread the love to all 1A communities? It needed to be done and what better way to show our love for all things 1A? Our small communities are like family. We all know each other and most of everyone's extended family - whether it be the cousin who comes to visit a week in the summer or the grandparents who drive hundreds of miles to see a classmate play basketball. It's the grandmother of a student who everyone calls Mee Maw because she IS everyone's Mee Maw, no matter if she's related by blood or not. It's a special relationship between communities. The town 20 miles up the road and all its townspeople. Everyone knows everyone. We see each other at the store and at school activities. We all make special bonds. The kids make friendships that sometimes last an entire lifetime! We are part of that family. The family of 1A communities. We live it. And it's important for the world to know how very special our communities are to us and our kids. Who The Texas 1A Fan Team now consists of seven awesome individuals. We all have full-time jobs doing different things. One works at a university. One is a technology guru at a company. Another works in uniform on the highway. We have a big equipment operator. Another works for the government. We all do different things from 8:00-5:00 every weekday, but we all share one passion. Some ask us, "How much money do you make covering 1A?" We don't get paid in money, but then again, we don't value money in relation to our passion. We value the moments, good and not so good, we experience when bringing you all 1A sports and activities. We relish the proud moments, the excited fans, the player hugging the coach, the kid that makes it to the finals in debate for the first time, the band that earns all ONES for the first time in seven years. Our payment comes by capturing these moments for 1A fans. We put great value on all of these moments. We feel proud right along with you. We feel heartbroken right along with you. We smile big, but we also shed more than a few tears. We share in these moments and hope we capture the memories in a respectful way for you, your family, and your community. Some schools do not have dedicated photographers or broadcasters. Some kids only have pictures they themselves take or that appear in the yearbook. And that is why all our photos are always free. We are incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to capture and share these moments with all of you. There really is nothing else we'd rather be doing! We do get lots of questions. People are curious and rightly so. We hope this clears it up a little. And as always, we like to stay in the background. The 1A kids, schools, and communities are in the spotlight. We will continue to shine that spotlight big and bright. Because 1A is truly the very best Texas 1A Fan Team Bobbie Brown, Jayton Stephen Reynolds, Hamlin (lives in Jayton) Johnna Reynolds, Jayton Dency McClure Newcastle (lives in Paint Rock) Michael McClure, Paint Rock Leman Saunders, Blackwell Jason Henderson, McLean Boo Boo Bear Armendariz, Rankin We receive great photos from 1A kids to share out on Texas 1A Fan Instagram. Baylee Orsak, a cheerleader from Moran, sends us photos regularly. One day she sent several photos of their pink out pep rally, and there were several photos of a dog included. I asked about the dog. She told me her name is Quincee, and she’s her alert dog. I asked Baylee to write a paragraph telling us about Quincee that we could share. This is what Baylee wrote:
Quincee was born in Nebraska so we had to drive all the way there to pick her up. As soon as she turned six months old, we started obedience training with our trainer in Ranger Texas. She definitely caught on quick and finished in six months. After that, she started her training to sense when my blood sugar drops. Again, she caught on fast and surprised us. So, when my blood sugar drops, she alerts me by pawing at me or rubbing her nose on me. At night, if I don’t wake up, she will go get my mom. Quincee goes everywhere I go, including school! She has saved my life several times. I don’t know what I would do without her. Thank you, Baylee, for allowing us to share with Texas 1A Fans! If you all see Baylee and Quincee, be sure and stop to say HI! We arrived in Camp Wood after passing several animals on the road side that had met their fate trying to cross the road. We had left my little Fiat at home for this trip knowing it would not fair well if it had to fight with a deer or hog. Thankful for our truck to navigate the dark roads home we parked under some trees off to the side and walked up to the stadium.
We saw the boys warming up on the field and were greeted by the referee team who were looking for the coaches too. Coach Fletcher soon appeared and warmly welcomed us all to Camp Wood. We had a few chuckles and then got to work getting our gear and bearings. I ventured over to the concession stand in hopes of finding the restrooms. I found the restroom door padlocked and was about to head back to the field when two cheerleaders came up behind me. One of them walked up to the door and began doing the combination on the lock. I smiled and thought to myself how normal that was at a 1A school for a student to know the bathroom lock combination.. Everywhere we went people would welcome us and tell us to let them know if we needed anything. There was a sense of excitement that we had come to town and that made us even more excited to be there.. Before the game started the cheerleaders and their sponsors surprised me with a welcome package and asked me to take a photo with the girls. I was very honored. I’m usually the one taking the photos; not the person in them. I had a nice visit with the cheer sponsors before getting to work. There was more excitement than normal as not only was it going to be a full moon but it was also Friday the 13th and their 9-11 tribute. Nueces Canyon was honoring the fallen of 9-11 by recognizing their sheriffs, an EMS member, and a firefighter as honorary captains during the coin flip.. Yes, I said sherrifs with an “s”. Nueces Canyon school is a consolidated school district. The junior high and high school are located in Barksdale and the elementary and football stadium are located in Camp Wood. Barksdale is in Edwards County and Camp Wood is in Real County. When someone mentioned the Real sheriff I was trying to figure out who wasn’t real. Then I remembered seeing the Real County sign on our drive in and realized they were referring to the country name not the authenticity of the sheriffs. The game was full of excitement and hard hits. Very fitting of the full moon and it being Friday the 13th. Marfa played hard but the game still ended at half. Nueces Canyon knew the emotions Marfa was enduring as just the week before they had been 45ed by Balmorhea. In Six-man the tables are often turned from one week to the next. Even though the game ended at half everyone stayed to watch the band perform. The football players and cheerleaders in the band quickly grabbed their instruments and joined the others on the field. Those not in the band settled where they were on the sidelines to enjoy the performance. 1A kids are stretched thin doing many things so they can have more opportunities for everyone. They also show respect to their peers doing activities they themselves have opted not in which to participate. 1A schools make well rounded responsible adults who are good at balancing multiple responsibilities. Marfa had traveled 5 hours one way by bus to play. We had traveled only half that. Even with the game ending early the Marfa team would not be getting home until 2:00 am or after. We stopped in Junction for a bit to help us stay awake and get an evening snack. We saw lots of deer and one hog along with other wildlife. We were very blessed to make it home un scathed by any wildlife. See you on the sidelines! Dency |
The Zone
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September 2023
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