Football Preview

Back to business

Permian seniors hope strong portfolios lead to college careers

BY SAM WALLER

The goal of football players everywhere is to be able to continue playing at the next level, whether moving from junior high to high school or junior varsity to varsity. High school seniors face the prospect of advancing to the collegiate level,... Full story

Winds of change

Proposal could blow area schools all over

BY SAM WALLER

The University Interscholastic League’s biennial realignment has a well-earned reputation as the best-kept secret in Texas. Which is why it’s more than a little surprising that the governing body for Texas high school athletics has openly discussed... Full story

Rodriguez takes over At Grandfalls-Royalty

BY CRAIG CRAKER

GRANDFALLS Arturo Rodriguez had an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. A job at a school with six-man football tradition and a chance to be closer to family. The 23-year-old was hired as Grandfalls-Royalty’s head football coach in mid-July, replacing... Full story

A path seldom traveled

Hanna turns heartbreak around into new career

BY F.A. KRIFT

MONAHANS Larry Hanna isn’t the old ball coach. Because when the school board fires the old ball coach, he and his wife neatly pack the dishes wrapped in the newspaper articles that once glorified his playoff runs. They leave town with a cardboard... Full story

Breaking through

Camacho goes from fill-in QB to top of the OHS charts

BY LEE SCHEIDE

When David Camacho began spring football practice at Odessa High in 2006, it was all about pass routes and hitting the holes on the running plays. Set to be an all-around weapon on offense, in the mold of Chandler Goode from the previous season,... Full story

New faces join OHS staff

King adds three new varsity assistant coaches

BY LEE SCHEIDE

One of the perks of being the head coach in any high school football program is getting the chance to put your coaching staff together. One of the headaches that accompanies the position is the trying to keep the staff together year after year. Openings... Full story

Leader of the pack

Harris wants experienced Bronchos defense to make life tough on District 3-5A opponents

BY LEE SCHEIDE

LaShon Harris was a sophomore linebacker when Odessa High defensive coordinator Mike Munguia threw him into the pool. Sink or swim. That watershed moment during the 2005 season opened the adrenaline glands in Harris and the eyes of every opposing... Full story

Diggin' the new digs

Good finances around the area play part in slew of new facilities

BY CRAIG CRAKER

The ongoing oil boom has done more than just boost the West Texas economy. It has helped the real estate market, provided jobs and helped area schools. With the influx of money into towns throughout the Permian Basin, schools have been passing... Full story

Loboes take pride in paving the way

Experienced OL should be team strength

BY CRAIG CRAKER

MONAHANS It’s a chicken-and-the-egg argument. Is it the line that makes the offense go for the Monahans Loboes? Or is it the running backs? The Loboes have had running backs among the area’s rushing leaders the last two seasons, with Sam Graves... Full story

QB embraces leadership role

Corral heads into third season as Panthers starter

BY CRAIG CRAKER

FORT STOCKTON Sergio Corral has always had the physical talent. Now, the mental aspect of his game is catching up. The Fort Stockton senior quarterback is primed and ready for his third year as the starter under center. “He has matured... Full story

The gift of grab

Lee’s skills highlight experienced team

BY CRAIG CRAKER

ANDREWS To say Corey Lee is modest is an understatement. The do-everything senior for the Andrews Mustangs doesn’t like to take too much credit. His play this season, though, will be a key to whether or not the Mustangs can match their three-round... Full story

Wilber anxious for another shot as Rangers QB

BY CRAIG CRAKER

GREENWOOD In Colton Wilber’s dreams heading into the 2006 season, he led the Greenwood Rangers to the Class 3A Division II state title. In reality, Wilber tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on the sixth play of the team’s first... Full story

Indians plan to attack every way they can

Balance should offset loss of Boyd

BY CRAIG CRAKER

SEMINOLE The Seminole Indians will have a completely different look this season. After three years of giving Eric Boyd the ball and getting out of the way, the Indians will have a new quarterback. Neither Cal Moring or Steven Garza — the candidates... Full story

Fightin’ Bucks could light up scoreboards again

Skill positions are loaded with experience--and skill

BY CRAIG CRAKER

ALPINE The Alpine Fightin’ Bucks may be a couple of youngsters away from a district title. Alpine is returning nearly every skill position player on offense but must replace nearly its entire offensive line. The Fightin’ Bucks finished second in... Full story

Jackets hope tough lessons pay off now

Injury-plagued 2006 might be a benefit this season

BY CRAIG CRAKER

KERMIT Injuries are never a good thing. Sometimes, though, they contain a silver lining — at least that is what the Kermit Yellowjackets are hoping. The Yellowjackets were devastated by injuries last season, but a lot of underclassmen got playing... Full story

Golden Cranes are settled on return to playoffs

With starter at QB decided, offense is ready to soar

BY CRAIG CRAKER

CRANE A season of disappointment and confusion appeared to be rectified in two hot July days. At the Small School 7-on-7 State Championship, Lloyd Chisum lined up under center and Tyler Esparza at running back. The two split time at quarterback... Full story

Back where he started

Lujan returns to play QB as a senior

BY CRAIG CRAKER

WINK Corey Lujan is happy to be home. Lujan lived in Wink through his freshman basketball season before moving to Eunice, N.M., to live with his father. As a sophomore and junior, he was the starting quarterback for Eunice. Now, he has... Full story

This Fellows thrilled to be a head coach

Former Braves assistant ready to take charge of solid program

BY CRAIG CRAKER

IRAAN The Iraan Braves football team will have a new look this season. Joe Willis will no longer be roaming the sidelines. Preston Villanueva and Colby Jennings will no longer be leading a potent offense. Instead, career assistant John Fellows... Full story

The bar is raised

Badgers aim to finish what they’ve started

BY CRAIG CRAKER

MCCAMEY All right. Now what? Eight months after reaching the Class 1A Division I state championship game, the McCamey Badgers must figure out how to outdo last season. “The only way to top it is to win the state title,” head coach Jay McWilliams... Full story

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