Are you ready for a battle?

The Athens Hornets will open their season Friday night on the road against Brownsboro in the annual Battle of Highway 31.

The Hornets won a barn-burner last year, 34-27, in a game that saw the two teams combined for almost 800 yards of offense. Athens was led in that game by senior QB Ty Arroyo, but he's gone now, and the Hornets will be turning to sophomore David Richardson to lead the offense.

"We're really excited about him," said Athens Coach Zac Harrell. "He's very poised. You know he's a tall kid; he's about 6'2" as a sophomore, so he doesn't really look like a sophomore due to his build and his height. But in these scrimmages, he's thrown the ball really well."

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Richardson may be new to the Friday Night Lights, but not Coach Harrell's scheme. He's been playing in the offense since middle school, and that experience showed during the scrimmages.

"He hasn't looked like a sophomore," said Coach Harrell, "so we're really excited about his ceiling and what he can accomplish this year and beyond."

Another place experience is starting to show is on defense. The players are now in their second season playing the 3-4 front that Defensive Coordinator Chayse Rives brought with him. The defense looked fast and aggressive in the scrimmages.

"Our kids are more comfortable and are playing faster, and that's why we installed this scheme," Coach Harrell said.

The defense will have to step up Friday night to stop a potent Brownsboro team. The Bears have a lot of experience and are dangerous at both receiver and running back.

"We have to contain those guys," said Coach Harrell. "Offensively, they scare you because they have some guys that can go to the house on one play."

Defensively, Brownsboro also plays a 3-4 front, which could be helpful for the Hornets.

"It's a scheme that we see every day with our defense, so we're pretty familiar with it," Coach Harrell said.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Listen to the interview to also hear Coach Harrell discuss:

* More from the scrimmages.

* The positive vibe surrounding the team.

* The importance of senior leadership.

* Gage Friedrich coming back.

The Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals will open their season against Snow (Utah) College at 7 p.m. Thursday in Malakoff.

Snow starts the season ranked No. 4, while the Cardinals are ranked No. 15 in the nation.

This isn't your average opener. Classes started this week at TVCC, and the Cardinals are playing in a different stadium because Bruce Field was already booked. It's been a disrupted week.

"The guys have been really good at being flexible," said Coach Sherard Poteete.

Coach Poteete didn't find an easy opponent to start the season. Thursday will be a tough matchup for the Cards.

"I'd rather play a good team any day than play a team that you roll out the ball, and it's going to be a 70-point victory," he said. "Snow is a very good opponent."

The Cardinals will be led by QB Darion Peace, an SWJCFC All-Conference selection last season. Peace also knows Thursday night's field because he graduated from Malakoff High School.

The Cardinals also bring back experienced players on the front seven defensively.

Ultimately, Thursday night will come down to who can execute best this early in the season.

"It's so hard the first game," said Coach Poteete. "There's nothing like Game Day."

Listen to the interview to hear Coach Poteete talk about the possible impact of the weather, the Cardinals running back depth, their experience at linebacker, and changes in the kicking game.

This post is brought to you by our sponsors, Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Holt Wrecker, and Red Hill Construction.

This interview was recorded Thursday, Aug. 3, in the Athens ISD Field House with Coach Zac Harrell and Michael V. Hannigan.

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Another season of Hornet football has gotten underway in Athens, and to beat the heat, the seniors, juniors, and sophomores are working out early in the morning.

"It's a great group of kids," Coach Zac Harrell said. "They like being around each other. It's fun every day to come to work."

The freshmen class is getting to practice in the evening, even though it means a double day for the coaches.

"We want to put our kids in the best possible scenarios to be successful," said Coach Harrell. "We felt as a staff that, for our freshmen, we need to have them separate from the very beginning, then those guys get coached at a high level with all eyes on them."

These are important practices for all the players because the Hornets have plenty of jobs up for grabs this summer.

"Offensively, besides slot receiver and running back, every other position on the field is pretty much wide open," Coach Harrell said.

While the Hornets will be young overall, there are important senior leaders who are making a difference.

"It's the best player-led team we've had, and these guys lead the right way," Coach Harrell said, specifically highlighting Jaxson Stiles, Gage Friedrich, Jamauri Manning, and Jorien Ray.

Coach Harrell is not only excited about the team but also his coaching staff.

"From top to bottom, there's not one weak spot on our coaching staff," he said. "The way these coaches work together and get along, you really think the whole theme of the year is just how everything fits."

"Like I said, it's different," Coach Harrell reiterated. "It really is as far as togetherness and the type of bond they have together."

The Hornets will scrimmage Fairfield at Bruce Field on Friday, Aug. 11. Freshmen and JV starts at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, Aug. 17, the Hornets will travel to Corsicana for their second scrimmage.

Listen to the podcast to hear about other topics from Coach Harrell:

* Player turnout numbers.

* Great energy at practice.

* Planning for scrimmages.

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The Malakoff Tigers started a season full of high expectations when players arrived for this year's first official practice on Monday.

The Tigers are coming off a state semifinal run last year and enter 2023 ranked No. 5 in the state by Dave Campbell Texas Football.

"They (the players) know expectations are high, and they're kind of pushing each other a little bit," Coach Jamie Driskell told me during a phone interview Tuesday. "It's always good to see those guys trying to make each other better."

The early part of the season is about evaluating team strengths and weaknesses, which change from year to year, Coach Driskell said.

"We have the same base schemes every year," he said, "but we tweak it to fit our kids and what we're good at it and maybe not do what we're not so good at."

That process takes time, but he knows he's already got the building blocks for a good defense.

"Defensively, we have a lot of returning starters," Coach Driskell said. 'We look really fast, and those kids know our defense kind of like the back of their hand."

The Tigers will need to rely on those returning starters to reach their goals.

"We're expecting to be a good team every year," said Coach Driskell, "but it's tough. You're going to get teams' best every week, and they're going to get fired up to play Malakoff. And our kids have got to understand that. And they have, for the most part. There've been weeks where we didn't play as well throughout seasons, but all in all, it's been good through the last few years of kids, understanding that these non-district games, we got to continue to get better and think about the big picture, and they've done a good job with that."

The Tigers will travel to Arp for a scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 11. They will then host Crockett for a scrimmage on Thursday, Aug. 17, for the annual Meet the Tigers and Soap Scrimmage.

Listen to the podcast to hear about other topics from Coach Driskell:

* How are they beating the heat?

* Schedule for first two weeks of practice.

* Handling expectations.

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TVCC Cardinal football is about to get started in earnest.

"Today, Monday the 31st, is the quiet before the storm," Coach Sherard Poteete said Monday when I visited him at the Field House.

Tuesday, 90 players will be out on the practice field for the Cardinals, getting ready for the upcoming Southwest Junior College Football Conference season.

Not that the Cardinals have been doing nothing.

For about three weeks in July, the Cardinals worked on speed and agility in the morning, then came in and hit the weight room. They also were able to do some organized team activities (OTAs).

"The OTA's we go out and start teaching offense, start teaching defense, start teaching some schemes," said Coach Poteete, "so that when tomorrow comes, we can put a helmet on, we know which direction we're going. We don't have to waste our time teaching that install."

It is important for the Cardinals to hit the ground running because their first game is just a little over three weeks away when TVCC hosts Snow (Utah) College at Malakoff High School Thursday, Aug. 24.

"It's just going to work out where we're going to be able to play the HCJC, right," Coach Poteete said. "The old Henderson County Junior College will go represent over at Malakoff.

Please listen to the podcast to hear Coach Poteete talk about:

* How the coaching staff is approaching the summer.

* His thoughts on ESPN+ games.

* What he is looking forward to watching this summer. (Clue: The secondary)

If you enjoy this post, please share it with your friends. And remember to say thank you and support our sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, and Holt Wrecker.

This interview was recorded at the Henderson County Justice Center on Wednesday, April 12, with Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Michael V. Hannigan.

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In this week's episode, Sheriff Botie Hillhouse talks about National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the Deputies of the Quarter, and the Henderson County First Responders Rodeo.

I. Statistics (1:49)

Summary: There are currently 391 inmates in Henderson County Jail, with 104 of those being contract inmates. The average inmate population for the year is 412.

II. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (2:35)

Summary: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is April 9-15 and is a time to recognize the hardworking individuals who are the first point of contact in emergency situations. These professionals work tirelessly to ensure that emergency responders can quickly and effectively provide assistance to those in need.

Quote: "They are the backbone of this office, in my opinion," said Sheriff Hillhouse. "They take care of all of the citizens. They take care of every first responder in Henderson County."

III. Deputies of the Quarter (6:08)

Summary: Last week, Sheriff Hillhouse presented three outstanding employees with awards for their service and dedication to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Samuel Addkinson was named Deputy of the 1st quarter of 2023. Communications Officer Amanda Rose was named Communications Officer of the quarter. Detention Officer Jacklyn Hart was named Detention Officer of the quarter.

IV. First Responders Rodeo (10:22)

The Henderson County First Responders 37th Annual PRCA Rodeo is scheduled for April 28-29 at the Henderson County Regional Fairpark Complex. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission for adults is $20 and $12 for kids aged 4-12. Children 3 and under get in free. Bullfighters Only (BFO) will perform following the rodeo.

Tickets can be purchased from Elder Dodge, Cowboy Headquarters, Cavender's, Boot Barn, Verabank, and First State Bank. For more information, call 903-677-6313.

There will be a raffle each night of the rodeo for two Radical Arms SR-15223s, and a ticket will cost $10. The raffle ticket will be good for both Friday and Saturday night draws. BYOB with a 20-quart max cooler charge of $20, but absolutely no glass is allowed. The GO TEXAN Committee will host a fried fish and crawfish boil Friday night and a BBQ cookoff on Saturday. Contact Stephen Magee at 903-677-2292 for more information.

This interview was recorded at the TVCC Field House with Coach Sherard Poteete and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

One trophy down, another one in sight.

The TVCC Cardinals are the Conference Champions after going undefeated through their regular season with an 8-1 record, and a perfect 7-0 run through the Southwest Junior College Football Conference.

Now the Cardinals are looking to add a Regional Championship trophy to the case and first up are the Kilgore Rangers, who are coming to Bruce Field 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

"There's still hardware out there to be won," said Coach Sherard Poteete. "I know that's where these guys are focused at right now."

Kilgore is 6-3 on the season with a 4-3 conference record.

The Rangers visited Bruce Field on Oct. 22 and were beaten by the Cardinals, 24-14, on a windy afternoon at Bruce Field.

"They're tough year in and year out, week in and week out," said Coach Poteete. "They are playing their tails off."

"They are going to pose a battle for us," he said.

Kilgore's strengths are its defense and rushing attack.

"Their defense is good," Coach Poteete said. "They've got one of the best defensive lines as a group."

The fact the two teams played so recently could be a factor on Saturday. Coach Poteete said sideline adjustments during the game will be key as each team tries to find something new.

The turnover battle will also be important.

"When you get evenly matched teams, teams that have played back-to-back, (it comes down to) who can make the least amount of mistakes," Coach Poteete said. "Special teams, who is going to win that battle? Who is going to win the turnover battle?"

Saturday starts the postseason and TVCC starts its run at home against Kilgore. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Podcast Topics

* New trophy in the case (0:35)

* Kilgore coming to town (1:46)

* Kilgore defense (2:54)

* On playing a team twice (3:34)

* Keys to the game (4:19)

* Field position battle (6:05)

* Ranked No. 3 (7:52)

These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.

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(Travis Tapley Photo)

By Michael V. Hannigan

This interview was recorded at the TVCC Field House with Coach Sherard Poteete and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

The TVCC Cardinals vaulted to No. 4 in the nation this week after beating NMMI, 40-21, last week at Bruce Field. That win locked in the Cardinals as the regular season conference champions and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs which begin next week.

But before all that happens, the Cardinals have to travel to Miami, Okla. this week to face Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in the season finale. The game is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5.

Don't let the 1-5 Norsemen conference record fool you.

"They're a good football team," said Coach Sherard Poteete. "Their record does not indicate how good they are."

In the past month, NEO lost to Tyler 5-0, Cisco 7-6, lost to NMMI by a field goal, and last week finally broke through and beat Blinn, 28-17.

"They have a really stout defense and they're going to be ready to play," Coach Poteete said.

Coach Poteete said NEO is a man coverage team.

"They are going to get after us man-on-man and that's what we're going to see," he said.

Coach Poteete specifically highlighted the NEO safeties, saying they are good at coming down to stop the run.

"Against their defense it is going to come down to if their safeties make tackles or can we make that safety miss," he said.

Offensively, Coach Poteete said to watch out for NEO quarterback Quintevin Cherry as a runner. Cherry hasn't completed many passes on the year, but he is No. 10 in the conference in rushing.

"We know they are going to run the football," Coach Poteete said. "Even when they drop back to pass and you play coverage, their quarterback can go and he can make some yards up with his feet."

Key for the Cardinals will be staying disciplined in their assignments on defense to stop the NEO rushing attack.

Podcast Topics

* The week so far (1:04)

* On the road to NEO (1:52)

* NEO defense (4:41)

* TVCC rushing attack (5:49)

* NEO offense (6:49)

* Deundre Blanton (8:58)

* Playing unselfishly (10:31)

These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.

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This interview was recorded Wednesday, Oct. 26, in the TVCC Field House with Coach Sherard Poteete and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

There's a classic matchup on the schedule for Saturday's TVCC Homecoming game. The No. 7 Cardinals will face the defending national champions, No. 5 New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI), at Bruce Field starting at 1 p.m.

The NMMI Broncos are 5-1 in the conference and coming off a 27-24 win over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M last week. TVCC is 5-0 in the conference and beat Kilgore last week, 24-14.

"They're a good football team. They've got a good program," said Coach Sherard Poteete. "It ought to be a great Saturday afternoon for some highly-ranked football teams here in East Texas."

After having trouble finding the end zone in the first half over the past few games, TVCC is looking to get started faster this week.

"Our defense and special teams have been playing really well early on in the game," said Coach Poteete. "As of late, the offense has been a second half team, but I know we're going to continue to work and continue to get after it."

"We need to score early, score often, and then let the defense keep doing their thing and we'll have a great Saturday," he said.

Despite the slow starts, the Cardinals are leading the conference in points-per-game with 34.7. That effort is being led by WR Trent Hudson, who is leading the conference with 78.7 yards receiving per game and 5 touchdowns. Quarterback Darion Peace is leading the conference in passing with an average of 232.9 yards per game and is second in touchdowns with 13.

NMMI isn't far behind. Broncos QB Koby Muasau is third in yards-per-game with 185.6 and first in touchdowns with 14. NMMI is averaging 32.5 points per game.

"He throws the ball well," Coach Poteete said of Muasau. "If the coverage is really good he can take it and tuck it and run and move the chains with his feet.

Coach Poteete said discipline and focus would be magnified this week.

"NMMI does a good job of they don't beat themselves," said Coach Poteete. "They're not going to turn the ball over, they're not going to make dumb penalties, they're not going to make dumb mistakes."

The Cardinals are going to have to match that focus this week, he said.

"We've got to do a good job of being a disciplined football team because I know they're not going to beat themselves," Coach Poteete said.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Bruce Field.

Podcast Topics

* Big game (1:00)

* Homecoming (1:50)

* TVCC last couple of weeks (2:25)

* QB Darion Peace's game against Kilgore (3:53)

* NMMI (6:10)

* Keys to the Game (9:37)

* Balanced offense (10:58)

These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.

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ATTENTION: THIS GAME HAS BEEN MOVED TO 7:30 P.M. THURSDAY.

This interview was recorded Wednesday, Oct. 26, at the Athens ISD Field House with Coach Zac Harrell and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

For the second straight week, the Athens Hornets will face a Top 10 team when they take the field.

Last week, the Hornets battled No. 8 Kilgore and this week they get to be on the road to Tyler to meet the No. 9 Chapel Hill Bulldogs.

Although their record isn't what they'd hoped it would be at this point in the season, the Hornets proved last week that they are not giving up on the field.

"I couldn't really be more pleased with how hard we played," said Coach Zac Harrell. "That's what we challenged them to do all week."

"It would have been easy just to kind of show up and sleep walk through the game, but our kids fought, and our kids believed we had a chance to win and we did," said Coach Harrell.

The Hornets will need the same type of effort in Tyler Thursday night when they face Chapel Hill.

Chapel Hill returns most of the team that reached the state quarterfinals last season.

"Chapel Hill is extremely talented," said Coach Harrell.

Coach Harrell said Chapel Hill plays a different style than Kilgore, which was a power team that ran straight ahead. Chapel Hill, on the other hand, wants to get its skill players in space on the edges.

"Everything with them is spread the field and get the ball on the perimeter," he said.

ATTENTION: THIS GAME HAS BEEN MOVED TO THURSDAY NIGHT AT 7:30 P.M.

Podcast Topics

* Hornets kept fighting against Kilgore (1:20)

* Playing together (2:13)

* Running game against Kilgore (2:55)

* Red zone opportunities (3:34)

* An effort to grow by (6:44)

* Chapel Hill (8:15)

* Keys to the Game (10:13)

These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.

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