Down Trails of Victory

In February of 2022, Jeff Joseph was named the 20th head football coach at Port Neches-Groves High School. It was his first head coaching job.

Two years later, Coach Joseph is the undisputed Coach of the Year recipient from practically every Texas organization that honors high school football coaching excellence!

How did Coach Joseph achieve this seemingly meteoric recognition, and lead storied football power Port=Neches Groves to its first state title since 1975?

Host Dr. Buck Ford and his podcast partner Judge Brad Burnett attempt to answer that question, as they talk with Coach Joseph about a variety of topics,  including:

• His thoughts about the Indians' 2023 state championship;
• The job application process he went through that landed him at PN-G;
• His family and his family's connection to football success;
• His educational and coaching background;
• His thoughts on the 2022 and 2023 playoff runs, and the amazing community support that accompanied them;
• His thoughts on the 2023 State Final matchup vs South Oak Cliff, including the coaching decisions that brought home that remarkable 20-17 victory...and more!

The podcast brings up several names from Southeast Texas, including Dr. Mike Gonzales, Kevin Schexnaider, Todd Dodge, Coach Joe Washington, Jonathan Hernandez, Jacob Cabrera, Cory Parsons, Reid Richard, Kameron Droddy, Max Scroggs, Matt McDaniel, Jon Deckert, Scott Ryan, Coach Lewis Ford, Bum Phillips, Barbara Comeaux...and more! 

Other well-known and lesser known names discussed in the podcast include Ric Renner, Riley Dodge, Gary Joseph, Eddie Joseph, Johnny Manziel, Mark Snyder, John Chavis, Kevin Sumlin, Blake Joseph, Jeff Banks, Judy Garland...and more!

In January of 2022, legendary coach Todd Dodge was hired as a consultant on PN-G's head coaching search. In a Season Three interview on Down Trails of Victory podcast, Todd Dodge said, at the culmination of that head coaching search, "I recommended Jeff Joseph." 

What qualities did Jeff Joseph possess that led to that recommendation? Find out here...as Down Trails of Victory podcast presents:

Jeff Joseph, Texas 5A Coach of the Year, and head coach of the 2023 State Champion Port Neches-Groves Indians!

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

St. Francis of Assissi said, "He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”

Phil Brannan is a wood carving artist who has spent a lifetime pursuing a passion. It is a passion that has burned within him always, through his life's highs and lows. His passionate pursuit has taken him on a spiritual journey of  revelation, wherein he has felt a closeness with the divine. 

The journey has also taken him to the highest stage of his artistry:  the world fish carving championships, at which he has been a three-time world champion.

Hear Phil Brannan talk with Buck and Wanda Carole about his art, including:

• His recent exhibition at the Beaumont Art Museum;
• His success on the world stage;
• The spiritual insights he has gained on his journey;...and more!

The podcast brings up several names from Southeast Texas, including Andy Coughlin, Richard "Dick" Spinney, Sunni Gonzales, Savannah Gonzales, Gerry Mouton, Bubba Busceme, Jerry LaCroix, G G Shinn...and more! 

Other well-known and lesser known names discussed in the podcast include Moses and Bezaleel...check that out!

World champion artist Phil Brannan takes us into the mind, heart, and soul of his artistry--an artistry adjudged the best in the world! Accompany Buck and Wanda Carole as they enter Phil's inspiring world of imagination, dreams, and spiritual faith...

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words....

If this is true, then the photo production of Bart Bragg and Wayne Rogers would be prolific enough to fill a library!

Bart and Wayne talk with Buck about their 60-plus years of photographing the people and events of Southeast Texas, including:

• Their early interest in photography;
• Working alongside Museum of the Gulf Coach Hall of Fame photographer Frank Cricchio;
• Stories surrounding some of their most memorable experiences photographing celebrities, politicians, athletes, and other personalities of Southeast Texas;
• In-depth commentary about some of their most remarkable photos,...and more!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including James Badgett, Frank Cricchio, Roger Russell, Leonard Duckett, Ethel Redman, Bum Phillips, Wade Phillips, Claude Brown, Dana Rogers (Mrs. Wayne Rogers), Jack Brooks, Judge Brad Burnett, Jimmy Everett, Nick Lampson, Mike Simpson, George Caraway, Leo and Mary Weeks, Wanda Carole Wrinkle Ford, Christy Morace, Lew Ford, Todd Dodge, Dr. Jesse DeLee, William Seale...and more! 

Other well-known names discussed in the podcast include Dottie Rambo, Barry Goldwater, John Tower, Linda Laughlin, Nancy Ann Fleming, Bob Hope, Leon Jaworski, Richard Nixon, Joe Jaworski, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, Cecil Stoughton, Lyndon Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, Lee Harvey Oswald, Jim Leavelle, Jack Ruby, Don Rickles, Bob West, George Herbert Walker Bush, George W. Bush, Walter Humphrey, Harry Goins, Don Knotts, Jonathan Winters, Johnny Carson, Eddie Albert, Buddy Ebsen, Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, Ann Richards...and more!

Minor White said, "Photography is a language more universal than words."

Listen to these two masters talk about capturing over sixty years of Southeast Texas life...

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

On the Wings of Eagles....

1979 was a Cinderella football season for the Stephen F Austin Eagles of Port Acres, Texas. Projected to finish 7th in tough District 18-2A, the Eagles overcame an 0-3 pre-district record to capture SFA's first District title since 1965.

Seniors Chuck Anderson, Ty Coburn, David Lutcher, Richard Smith, and Ricky Sonnier were senior players on that historic campaign--a campaign that influenced the future of SFA football for years to come. 

Hear these seniors of that 1979 team talk with Buck about:

• Overcoming pre-season projections of a 7th place finish in District 18-2A;
• SFA's disappointing 0-3 pre-district record;
• The incredible events leading up to their district opener vs undefeated Orangefield; 
• SFA's weekly march through District 18-2A;
• The Eagle's dramatic 9-7 win over Hardin-Jefferson in a winner-take-all battle for the District crown;
• SFA's 1979 Regional Finals playoff run;
• Remembrances of coaches, players, opponents, games, rivalries, and more!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Bevil Deckert, Joe Landry, George Rose, Dr. Chester Levy, Richard Marler, John Blocker, Dale Westmoreland, Greg Green, Steve Coulter, Boyd Edwards, Larry Southard, Bob Gough, Jimmy Wyble, Joe Smith, Herschel Taylor, Bryan Comeaux, Curtis Price, Matt Harrington, John Tomplait, Tommy Gaspard, James Tomplait, Delmonte Hebert, Bernard Fleener, Craig Broussard, Todd Dodge, Brent Duhon, Preston Williams, Kenneth Durham, John Mire, Ed Peveto, Sidney Arceneaux, Matt Harrington, Mitchell Michalke, Harold Joseph, Todd Mouton, Jay Jackson, James Harris, Billy Thomas, Dizzy Dean Arceneaux, Phil Danaher, Dozier Lee, Billy Farrow, Tracy Rayburn, Kenneth Green, Pat Hollomon, Kenny Guy, Tommy Nequent, Darrell Victor Hadnot, Walter Allen, Blaine Melancon, Willie Cockrell, Jody Hartmann, Gerard Dies, Percy Villemez, Kevin Wolf, Tony Cockrell, Carlton Anderson, Monte Jeanis, Mark Crowder, Walter Jackson, Wesley Monk, James McCarter, Sidney Boullion, Phillip Hallmark, Damon Martin, Dalyn Martin,...and more! 

"1979 was a big year in the annals of SFA football," said podcast host and SFA defensive line coach Buck Ford. "If the players on that team hadn't stepped up and accomplished what they did, I'm not sure what the future of SFA athletics would have looked like--including my own future!"

Hear about that colorful and historic season from the players themselves...

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"Ooh...let's go...
boom...boom...boom...
Another one bites the dust!"--by Queen bassist John Deacon

Coach Ronnie Thompson and quarterback Todd Dodge were football legends at Port Arthur Thomas Jefferson High School. Under Thompson's coaching genius, and Dodge's quarterbacking excellence, the #1-ranked Yellow Jackets rode the "Another One Bites the Dust" steamroller to a showdown with Odessa Permian in the 1980 State Finals.

Thompson, known for his innovative offensive philosophy, is a 1962 graduate of Thomas Jefferson, and played on their 1960 district championship team along with college and NFL coaching great Jimmy Johnson. In addition to coaching at Thomas Jefferson, he had Southeast Texas coaching stints at Vidor, Lamar University, and Port Arthur Memorial. He also coached at the University of Texas and Texas A&M as offensive coordinator, as well as many years coaching high school in the Garland area.

Dodge, along with receiver Brent Duhon, went on the secure All American honors for the Yellow Jackets, while setting numerous state and national records. In 1980, he was named The Most Outstanding Football Player in Texas. He went on to quarterback the Texas Longhorns. Afterwards, Dodge became one of Texas' most decorated high school head football coaches, winning seven state titles--all in Texas' highest classification. He won four titles at Southlake Carroll, where the Dragons went 79-1 over a five-year span. He subsequently won three state titles at Austin Westlake, before retiring at the close of 2021. 

Hear these respected football greats talk with Buck and Brad about:

• Coach Thompson's years as a student athlete at Port Arthur Jefferson;
• Coach Thompson's return to Southeast Texas in 1975 to lead Vidor out of its 43-game losing streak, and turn the Pirates into winners;
• Coach Thompson's return to TJ in 1978, and his relationship with then-sophomore quarterback phenom Todd Dodge;
• The Yellow Jackets' evolution from their 1-9 team of 1978, to the "Another One Bites the Dust" State Finalist powerhouse of 1980;
• Todd Dodge's consulting work with Port Neches-Groves ISD's head coaching search, that culminated in the hiring of Jeff Joseph;
• Todd Dodge's induction into the Museum of the Gulf Coast Hall of Honor;
• Remembrances of players, opponents, games, rivalries, and more!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Brent Duhon, Jimmy Johnson, Clarence "Buckshot" Underwood, Don Holloway, Robert Smothers, Ken Watson, Lonnie Linscomb, Randy Brevell, (Todd's mom and dad), Richard Rice, Colleen Rice, Bobby Rice, Bruce Miller, Donnie Schexnider, Rick Wyble, Steve Durso, Mike Owens, Hank Clark, Steve DeRouen, Norman Gaspard, George Hawkins, Emerick Jagneaux, Bill Mehan, Ron Stump, Willie Williams, Charles Wilson, Frank Eidom, Larry Mayer, Gary Hammond, Kenny Harrison, Roman Leviege, Gary Jefferson, Anthony Dupuy, James Wallace, Shea Walker, Tug Lewis, Troy Terrell, Arnold Landry, Greg Brugman, Hayward Laurent, Clay Southerland, Jeff Joseph, Dr. Mike Gonzales, Lew Ford, Dr. Jesse Delee, William Seale...and more! 

Other names included in the podcast are O. J. Simpson, Otis Wylie, Kenny Stabler, Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Mark Rypien, Riley Dodge, Gary Joseph, Tony Salazar,...and more!!

Are you ready? Hey are your ready for this?
Are you standing on the edge of your seat?
Out on the gridiron, the Jackets fly,
Swarmin' to the sound of the beat, yeah!
boom...boom...boom...
Another one bites the dust!

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"Runnin' down a dream...that never would come to me...
Workin' on a mystery...goin' where ever it leads...
Runnin' down a dream..."--Tom Petty

Allen Wrinkle, one of Texas' premiere ultra trail runners,  is here to talk with us about a few of his many experiences seeking out challenges that push the envelope of human endeavor. Hear Allen talk with Buck and Wanda Carole about: 

• his running inspirations;
• his early years marathon experiences, including Houston, Austin, and Beaumont's Gusher;
• his Ironman finishes;
• running iconic ultra 100-milers, including Western States, Leadville, and Bear;
• his groundbreaking solo run at the 2009 Texas Independence Relay, a 200-plus mile course that starts at Gonzales, Texas, and finishes at the San Jacinto monument;
• his adventures running exotic ultras, including La Ultra the High in the Himalayas of India, and running across Tennessee in the Volunteer State Run;
• and other topics!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Wallace Wrinkle, Ashley Wrinkle, Kelly Wrinkle, Danny Wrinkle,...and more! 

Other names included in the podcast are Joe Prusaitis, John Sharp, Mariela Botella, Gina Fioroni, Patrick Silva, Jeff Galloway, Dr. John Weaver, Gordy Ainsley, Cow Man, Uncle Hardy Wrinkle,...and more!!

Do you have a dream? Do you wonder if dreams can come true? Wonder no more!!...

Listen to this inspiring podcast about the pursuit of dreams, and yes, they can come true!

Check it out!

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"Always be Faithful...

To Purple and White..."

No one exemplified these words than Beaumont High graduate and longtime PN-G educator Butch Troy.

Hear Coach Troy, in his last public communication, talk with Buck and Brad about:

• pitching the Beaumont High Royal Purples to the 1959 state baseball championship;
• pursuing his dreams of playing professional baseball;
• hiring on at Port Neches Junior High in 1965;
• his years as head baseball coach at PN-G;
• his years as an assistant football coach under Coaches Ken Watson and Doug Ethridge at PN-G;
• his years as head coach at PN-G;
• his love for his family;  the players, students, and colleagues worked with; and Port Neches-Groves ISD;
• and other topics!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Dick Sheffield, Terry Cobb, Braxton Boudoin, Logan LeJeune, David LeJeune, Bubba Busceme, Tommy Odiorne, Les Fleming, Gene Fleming, John Linney, Carlos Adams, Ken Watson, Gene McCollum, P J Granger, Joe Allen, David Mire, Buddy Tibbs, Kim Folse, John Startz, Doug Recio, Brett Smith, Jay Stone, Steve Fry, David Fry, Mike Barnett, Rodney LeBoeuf, Moe O'Brien, Doug Ethridge, Jeff Bergeron, Justin Eicher, Matt Burnett, Tim Owen, Glen Boudoin, Todd Guidry, Elton Woodrom, Robert Fuller, MIke Reeder, Mark Grissom, Randy Lovelace, Robert Giblin, John Davidson, Jeff Woodard, Nathaniel Springer, Donnie Standley, Barbara Comeaux, Matt Faye, Guiseppe Barranco, Bobbie Troy, Shelley Troy Boudoin, Teri Troy Guidry, Holly Troy Sartin, Amy Troy LeJeune...and more! 

Other names included in the podcast are Hall of Fame pitcher Ted Lyons, University of Kentucky baseball coach Harry Lancaster...and more!!

Be ready to laugh--and cry--and feel all the emotions in-between as Coach Troy tells his story with humor, integrity, and love.

Rest in Peace Coach Troy. Thank you for the enduring legacy you left behind.

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"I want to fly like an Eagle, let my spirit carry me..."

The Stephen F. Austin High School Eagles of Port Acres, Texas, did just that in 1986, as they soared through a season of triumph, culminating in a historic State Semifinal matchup with Cuero and its sophomore phenom Robert Strait.

Hear SFA seniors Kenny Ford, Allen Griggie, Kevin Henry, Damon Martin, and Derek Moore talk with Buck (who was an assistant coach for the Eagles) about that 1986 season, including remembrances about:

• attending Stephen F Austin High School in the mid-1980s;
• the 1985 Regional Finalist team, and its impact on the 1986 team;
• pre-district and district games;
• the 1986 playoff run;
• thoughts on SFA educators, coaches, players, and opponents;
• and other topics!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Richard Marler, Boyd Edwards, Danny Knowles, Greg Green, Jo Ellen Green, Loyce Comeaux, Ned Cole, Joe Washington Sr, Dr. Chester Levy Jr, Mike Owens, Sylvester Smith, Robert Lawson, Jimmy Wyble, George Thompson, Joe Smith, Larry Reece, Jim Yarberry, Larry Southard, John Evans, Leroy Ross, Graylin Johnson, Devin Woods, Kenneth Everfield, Roderick Batiste, Keith Randle, Burk Whittington, Jack Foster, Richard Washington, Curtis Barbay, Ernest Bo Gipson, Fred Kennebrew, Scott Conner, Randy Tomlinson, Scott Gooch, Shane Dronett, Otis Sowell, Chuck Langston, Ed Peveto, Julian Bush, Fredena Ballou, Ronnie Fisher, Robert Conner, Daniel Green, Derrick LeBlanc, Frederick Rhine, Kip Texada, Terry Parker, Brett Wilson, Murphy Ford, Jimbo Guy, Eric Garcia, Zandar Hebert, Glen Simien, Ed Reynolds, Jeff Sly, Terry Jones, Chris Lalonde, Arthur Thibodeaux, Derrick LeBlanc, Fred Robbins, Bobby Durham, Jason Chenault, Troy Bertrand, Brice Alpough, Eric Malveaux, Terest Pete, David Lalonde, Travis Sanders, Gerard Green, Amante Martin, ...and more! 

Other well-known names included in the podcast are Spike Dykes, Mike Gundy, Curtis Looper, Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, Brian Bosworth, Ray Lewis, Harry Hickey, Paul Johnson, Robert Strait, Wayne Mathis, Adam Arroyo, Rodney Pedrazza, Irvin Thomas, Brian Parks, Bill Shimek, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow...and more!!

"Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin', into the future..."

Harken back to that time in 1986 when young men flew like Eagles...

Right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

Championship Fridays and Championship Saturdays...

Greg Davis, legendary Port Neches-Groves High School graduate, talks about his storied football career, including: 

• his years as a student at Woodlawn Junior High and PN-G;
• quarterbacking the Indians on their 1968 District Championship run;
• his return to PN-G as offensive coordinator, where the Indians won a State title in 1975, made a Semifinal appearance in 1976, and another Final appearance in 1977;
• his career in collegiate coaching;
• his seven years at Texas A&M as an assistant working under Emory Bellard, Tom Wilson, Jackie Sherrill, and alongside R C Slocum;
• his thirteen years as offensive coordinator at the University of Texas under Mack Brown;
• his insights into Texas legends Darrell Royal, Ricky Williams, Vince Young, and Colt McCoy, among others;
• his recollections of the Longhorns' National Championship win vs #1 USC in 2005;
• his thoughts on other memorable Texas matchups, including their win vs Michigan in the 2004 Rose Bowl, and their loss to Alabama in the 2008 National Championship game;
• his family;
• and other topics!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Doug Ethridge, Rusty Davis, Jimmy Burnett, Tip Durham, Harold Lawson, Clint Crisp, Zack Byrd,, Brandon Faircloth, Mike Simpson, Frank Stanfield, Frank Cheek, Dixie Dowden, Ken Watson, Cecil Green, Wayne Skeet Williams, Moe O'Brien, Joe Allen, Paul Carswell, Dan Ives, Butch Troy, Rodney LeBoeuf, Jack Lynch, Leyton Brown, Richard Alvarez, Tommy Landry, Don Howard, Steve Fleming, Steve DeRouen, Bobby Merrin, Tommy Alexander, Dennis Howell, Mike Owens, Gary Hammond, Rusty Brittain, Richard Grissom, Howard Esquivel, Ronnie Wilbanks, Gary Banks, Phillip Sanderson, Dennis Kiger, Mike Tibbetts, Wanda Carole Wrinkle Ford, Burt Darden, Wayne Winn, Patsy Davis, Richy Ethridge, Gary Davis, Bruce Bush, Tim Nunez, Ken Clearman, Phil Vergara, Terry Cobb, Jerry Hooper, Don Bryson, David Findley, Norman Reynolds, David Fry, Steve Worster, Glen Gaspard, Lewis Ford, Kay Davis Doucet, and more! 

Other well-known names included in the podcast are Mack Brown, Frank Broyles, Nolan Viator, Tom Wilson, R. C. Slocum, Emory Bellard, Jackie Sherrill, Gary Kubiak, Tony Dorsett, Bear Bryant, John Robinson, Jerry Stovall, Danny Ford, Eric Zwier, Ray Goff, Vince Dooley, DeLoss Dodds, Darrell Royal, Ricky Williams, Rob Ryan, Major Applewhite, Vince Young, Cedric Benson, Pete Carroll, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, Gene Chizik, Nick Saban, Colt McCoy, Garrett Gilbert, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Brett Stafford...and more!!

So, sit back and bask...

Always be Faithful, to Purple and White;

The Spirit of Aggieland;

The Eyes of Texas are Upon You...and more...

Right here on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is set aside for honoring and mourning the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

We at Down Trails of Victory podcast are privileged to present our tribute to the heroes of Memorial Day by telling the story of one of Southeast Texas’ heroes, Army First Lieutenant Bruce Churan. Bruce, a 1966 graduate of Port Neches-Groves High School, is one of the 58,318 names inscribed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

Joining Buck and Brad in this special Memorial Day podcast is Bruce’s brother Charles Churan, and Ohio native Jeffrey Coburn, who served with Bruce in the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division light observation helicopter unit in Vietnam.

Bruce’s story is not only a commemoration of his sacrifice, it is also a tribute to the 1.3 million American men and women who have died in service to our country, and the hundreds of millions of lives that they touched.

We wish you a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend.

May God bless the families and comrades of our deceased heroes;

May God bless Southeast Texas; and

May God bless America.