Archive for December, 2012

New Live Music Places

Richard Carter

With a number of clubs dropping rock music from their offerings, it was just a question of time before other venues tried their hands at filling them. Live music brings in people and cover charges or increased drink sales.

The first place for me to check out was the Blind Pig Saloon on 2223 Sheppard Access Rd., or what is the old location for The Hubcap. I’m sure it’s been some other places along the way as well. I had seen Broadcasting on All Frequencies play at the bar before, but my first time to check out bands that regularly play the bar circuit was last Saturday night with Zig Zag and Miyagi filling the bill. You just walk in, and find a place around the square bar, at tables near the stage or other tables in the club far away from the stage.

By the way, Zig Zag sounded great but they are about to lose their lead guitarist, so I imagine it might be a short trip back to the drawing board for them. Miyagi has transitioned nicely to Jon Richerson playing guitar for them. If Zig Zag was predominantly a ‘90s band, it seemed like Miyagi was very much an ‘80s band. Both decades suit each band, though they are hardly limited to them.

The club has a decent sized stage, and there were a number of people there to check out the bands—mostly the crowd was comprised of area musicians hanging around the bar or at the tables. There were plenty of other patrons doing things completely unrelated to the music. It seemed like there was good interaction between the listeners and the bands, and the sound was fine. I could see this turning into a regular venue. I am not sure if the club has its own sound system, because without one it surely makes it tougher for a band to play. Then again, Old Town never had a sound system and neither did The Office or P2.

Last Saturday, I checked out Michael Christmas spinning his DJ thing at the backroom in Old Town. Walking to the backroom, it appears that the old area that was used for live music has been boarded off, so I am not sure what they plan to use it for. Perhaps private parties? Anywho, the backroom where the DJ spun is usually the most crowded place in the club, and it was pretty full when I got there. The crowd was mostly from Sheppard Air Force Base, some Midwestern State University students and Michael Christmas fans and then the middle-aged business crowd the club has always drawn.

There’s not much room for dancing nor is there much lighting, so it’s a strange effect for any kind of rave oriented dance music. There was also at least two wide screen TV’s playing sports programming giving the room a sort of sports bar feel. I think if they choose to develop these back room DJ programs they can make some small changes and they will be fine. The bar is, of course, top notch, as is the clubs bartenders and wait staff.

That said, I would still love to see the downtown DJ venue Crush develop back into what it was when it originally opened. From what I understand, they still host shows once a month or so on Saturdays.

I understand that Outspire will play again (the second show) at Fat Alberts Pool and Pub on December 31 from 9:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. Admission to the club on 4011 Rhea Rd is free. This club will be another interesting venue to see if it develops.

Texas APSE Class 2A all-state football team

By The Associated Press

The 2012 Texas Associated Press Sports Editors Class 2A all-state high school football team, released Monday. Voting based on regular-season performance. Players are listed in alphabetical order at each position.

FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE

Linemen:

— WESLEY HOLMES, New Boston, Jr. — Top lineman for 2,700-yard rusher

— RYAN JOHNSON, Muleshoe, Sr. — Graded at 95 percent, 66 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed

— NOAH PENNELL, Corsicana Mildred, Sr. — 98 percent grade, 0 sacks allowed in 186 pass attempts, team gained 4,800 yards

— JOHN WESLEY SHIPP, Refugio, Sr. — 96 percent grade, 40 pancakes; blocked for team that averaged 530 yards, 64 ppg

— TYLER VRAZEL, Cameron Yoe, Sr. — Blocked for team that averaged 27.6 points, 379.1 ypg; 31 pancakes, 13 knockdowns

Receivers/ends:

— DALLAS SEWELL, Pottsboro, Sr. — 49-1,336 receiving, 14 TDs

— MARCUS THOMPSON, Refugio, Sr. — 48-1,232 receiving, 20 TDs

Quarterback:

— TRAVIS QUINTANILLA, Refugio, Jr. — 145-202 passing, 3,058 yards,48 TDs, 6 INTs

Running backs:

— DARIUS FLOYD, Franklin, Sr. — 171-2,342 rushing, 29 TDs

— DAMIEN HASKINS, New Boston, Sr. — 197-2,700 rushing, 47 TDs

— LUIS LOPEZ, San Diego, Sr. — 2,451 yards, 37 TDs rushing

Kicker:

— CASEY CRENSHAW, Sunnyvale, Jr. — 8-11 FGs, long 46; 34 total PATs

Offensive Player of the Year: Damien Haskins, New Boston.

———

FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE

Linemen:

— DAMON EVANS, Sonora, Sr. — 101 tackles, 17 TFL, 9 sacks, 11 QB Hurries

— ANTHONY HADNOT, Newton, Jr. — 75 tackles, 8 sacks, 14 TFL, 3 FF, 2 fumbles recovered, 1 blocked FG

— DEVON LAFRANCE, Refugio, Jr. — 120 tackles, 26 TFL, 6 sacks, 30 QB pressures, 3 forced fumbles

— JUSTIN LAWER, Pottsboro, Sr. — 113 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 13 QB sacks

— JUSTIN SPURLIN, Waskom, Jr. — 108 tackles, 30 TFL, 11 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 recovery

Linebackers:

— BRADLEY DILLS, Leonard, Sr. — 166 total tackles, 56 solo, 3 FR, 12 PBU, 4 sacks, 26 TFL

— TY TOLLESON, Lone Oak, Sr. — 147 tackles, 22 TFL, 10 sacks, 2 INTs, 5 FR, 3 FF, 3 defensive TDs

— SOMARI WRIGHT, Cameron Yoe, Jr. — 174 total tackles, 5 TFL, 1.5 Sacks, 4 FF, 1 FR, 5 QB pressures

Defensive backs:

— JEREMY BALLARD, Corsicana Mildred, Sr. — 42 tackles, 38 solo, 7 INTs, 1 INT retur for TD, 12 PBU, 1 FF

— MARTIN CHAIRES, McGregor, Sr. — 104 tackles, 7 INTs, 3 FF, 2 FR, 4 tackles for loss

— JAVOLICK GARRETT, Tatum, Sr. — 37 tackles, 8 INTs (2 returned for TD), 1 fumble recovery

— DRAYLON STERLING, Corsicana Mildred, Jr. — 86 tackles, 66 solo, 2 INTs, 18 TFL, 2 sacks, 10 PBU, 5 FR, 4 FF

Punter:

— JACOB FELDEN, Big Sandy Harmony, Jr. — 19 punts, 43.8 average, 60 long, 7 punts inside 20

Defensive Player of the Year: Justin Lawer, Pottsboro.

———

SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE

Linemen:

— Jake Johnson, Colorado City, Sr.; Kyle Lester, Whitesboro, Sr.; Tony Molina, Muleshoe, Sr.; Anthony Norman, Edna, Jr.; Blake Washington, Godley, Sr.

Receivers/ends:

— Edwin Mims, Daingerfield, Sr.; Aaron Mitchell, Teague, Soph.

Quarterback:

— Austin Skinner, Teague, Soph.

Running backs:

— Tate Fenoglio, Nocona, Sr.; Collin Kilcrease, Whitesboro, Jr.; Jeffery Wilson, Elkhart, Jr.

Kicker:

— Carlos Macias, Daingerfield, Sr.

———

SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE

Linemen:

— Nathaniel Gill, Post, Sr.; Todd Glass, Lexington, Sr.; Edgar Luna, Cameron Yoe, Sr.; Aroldo Nandin, Gunter, Sr.; Teidrick Smith, Hallettsville, Sr.

Linebackers:

— Calvin Bryant, Daingerfield, Jr.; Alex Coronado, Refugio, Jr.; Corey Jenkins, Newton, Sr.; Tyler Loven, White Oak, Sr.

Defensive backs:

— Lorenzo Castilleja, Hearne, Sr.; B.J. Collins, Tolar, Sr.; Nick Forde, Red Oak Life School, Soph.; Kevin Johnson, Waskom, Soph.; Tim McCoy, Big Sandy Harmony, Jr.; Philip Vaughan, Karnes City, Sr.

Punter:

— Mikey Pippins, Tuscola Jim Ned, Sr.

———

HONORABLE MENTION OFFENSE

LINEMEN: Shawn Atwood, Muleshoe; Corey Ayers, Arp; Dimitri Bowie, Arp; Trevor Davis, Crane; Tristan Duden, Tatum; Willie Evans, Daingerfield; Cody Francis, Wall; Tyler Heffington, Littlefield; Chase Hibbeler, Lexington; Jacob Hodnett, Littlefield; Heath Holt, Bogata Rivercrest; John Lawless, Rogers; Tom Lawless, Rogers; Alex Mayes, Van Alstyne; Derek Shaefer, Cisco; Charlie Thomas, Coleman; Michael Walling, Wall; Kipp Welch, Boling; Parker West, Henrietta; Darius Whiting, Tatum.

RECEIVERS/ENDS: Boston Hudson, Canadian; Marcus Irons, McGregor; Travis Jones, Howe; Colby Lee, Grandview; Jansen McCurdy, White Oak; Josh Quinn, Sunnyvale; Austin Ross, Muleshoe; Jacob Shmidt, San Angelo Grape Creek; Jason Washington, Lexington.

QUARTERBACKS: Ben Arbuckle, Canadian; Ryan Breton, Grandview; Kogan Garrett, Lexington; Jason Kopriva, Cameron Yoe; Evan Moore, Alpine; Nic Shimonek, Corsicana Mildred; Trevor Spear, Elysian Fields; Tyrone Swoopes, Whitewright; Caleb Wood, Muleshoe.

RUNNING BACKS: DJ Brown, Post; Jose Dominguez, Buffalo; Grant Eubank, Wall; Phillip Garza, Poth; Ragan Henderson, Rice; Koal Houchin, Idalou; Mason Reed, Cisco; Glenn Roberts, East Chambers; Kevin Shorter, Newton; Carson Skala, Rogers; Teidrick Smith, Hallettsville; Draylon Sterling, Corsicana Mildred.

KICKERS: Atticus Kilcrease, Whitesboro; Alex Lara, Schulenburg; Devin O’Sullivan, Corsicana Mildred.

———

HONORABLE MENTION DEFENSE

LINEMEN: Everett Baker, Pottsboro; Brett Boles, McGregor; Cole Campbell, Bushland; Cortez Crosby, Commerce; Thomas Finigmow, Corsicana Mildred; Todd Glass, Lexington; David Gonzales, Muleshoe; Garrett Hounsel, New Diana; Garrett Johnson, Jacksboro; Brody Jones, Crawford; Randle Lane, Cameron Yoe; Edgar Luna, Cameron Yoe; Vontrea Mathis, Littlefield; Troy Murphy, Hallettsville; Ryan Rogers, Littlefield; Dra Ross, Palestine Westwood; Colton Schwartz, Lago Vista; Chris Thomas, Slaton; Jonathan Waddy, Boling; Darius Whiting, Tatum; Conrad Willett, Bowie; Riley Woodruff, Ballinger.

LINEBACKERS: Drew Benge, Godley; Adrian Cooper, Red Oak Life School; Austin Dooley, Breckenridge; Colby Earley, Cooper; Garrett Gibson, Gladewater Union Grove; John Hawkins, Arp; Devon Hoelscher, Ballinger; Garrett Hounsel, New Diana; Tod Jackson, Bowie; David John Kallus, Edna; Trevor Long, East Bernard; Kiano Lucas, Tatum; Dru Lust, Abernathy; Tyler Meyer, Lexington; Tanner Norman, Elysian Fields; Godswill Nweke, Sunnyvale; Austin Rain, Clyde; Jose Regalado, Muleshoe; David Riley, Bushland; Brazos Sepert, Maypearl; Sam Shirley, Holliday; Abel Silvas, Alpine; Bryan Smith, Post; Gunner Tatum, Crane; Shelton Zarate, Coleman.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Grant Aschenbeck, East Bernard; Chance Campbell, Sonora; Brett Castillo, Sonora; Aaron Doddy, Hooks; Cort Harris, Centerville; Dalton Holley, Post; Devonte Mathis, Littlefield; Ray Martinez, Muleshoe; Logan Meuth, Lexington; Eriq Mitchell, Lexington; Zach Perez, Ballinger; Xavier Reyes, Muleshoe; Michael Roberson, Arp; Tyler Sapp, Cameron Yoe; Kelton Scales, Clarksville; Ty Slanina, East Bernard; Corey Smith, Daingerfield; Nathan Zapata, Jacksboro.

PUNTERS: Jason Kopriva, Cameron Yoe; Tyler Vornsand, Schulenburg.

DISTRICT 5-3A HONORS
District MVP – Brandon Urquizo, Sr., Vernon
Offensive MVP – Ben Davis, Jr., Graham
Defensive MVP – Jerrod Mahan, Sr., Graham
Special Teams MVP – AJ Naredo, Sr., Vernon
Newcomers of the Year – Landon Gonzales, So., Graham and Corrie Luster, So., Vernon
Coaching Staff of the Year – Vernon\
FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE
Quarterback – Terrance Cooper, Jr., Hirschi
Running back – Danny Valverde, Jr., Vernon; Dillon Gonzales, Jr., Graham
Receiver – Bryce Reeves, Jr., Graham; Dominique Bobo, Sr., Hirschi; Trace Cross, Sr. Iowa Park; Zack Perez, Jr., Vernon
Tight End – Janson Graham, Sr., Graham
Offensive Line – Ricky Clark, Sr., Burkburnett; Ben Hays, Sr., Graham; Devin Torres, Sr., Vernon; Daniel Navarro, Sr., Vernon; Seth Matheson, Sr., Vernon; Tyler Fore, Sr., Graham; Reggie Hickman, Jr., Hirschi
Utility Player – Jace Langen, Sr., Iowa Park
Kicker – Alfredo Gonzales, Sr., Vernon
FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE
Defensive Line – Jonathan Parker, Sr., Vernon; Husky Melendez, Jr., Graham
Defensive End – Dustin McWhorter, So., Graham; Levi Watts, Sr., Iowa Park
Inside Linebacker – Hunter Hughes, Jr., Graham; Collin Joyce, Sr., Hirschi; Brady Brunson, Jr., Burkburnett
Outside Linebacker – Jacobi White, Sr., Vernon; Mike Freeze, So., Graham
Cornerback – Hunter Jones, Sr., Graham; Ben Owen, Jr., Vernon
Safety – Tyrone McFarland, Sr., Vernon; Josh Stelzer, Sr., Graham
Punter –Westyn Swenson, So. Iowa Park
SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE
Quarterback – Derrick Ponder, Fr., Iowa Park
Running back – Bobby Ingram, Jr., Burkburnett; Robert Thomas, Sr., Vernon
Receiver – Ben Owen, Jr., Vernon; Larry Werner, Jr. Burkburnett; Jared Price, Jr., Iowa Park; Westyn Swenson, So., Iowa Park
Tight End – Jacobi White, Sr., Vernon 
Offensive Line – Austin Gestes, Jr., Iowa Park; Jacobi Sidlauskas, Jr., Iowa Park; Josh Guggisberg, Sr., Vernon; Zach McMahan, So., Vernon; AJ Freeman, Sr., Burkburnett; Kenneth Dixon, So., Graham; Sammy Serrano, Jr., Graham
Utility Player – Rico Shumpert, Jr. Hirschi
Kicker – Bailey Grimes, Jr., Burkburnett
SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE
Defensive Line – Ricky Clark, Sr., Burkburnett; Delonta Perry, Sr., Hirschi; Zack Stumbaugh, Jr., Iowa Park
Defensive End – Devin Daume, Sr., Graham; Melvin Phillips, Sr., Hirschi
Inside Linebacker – Spur Hearne, Jr., Graham; Luke Hartman, Sr., Iowa Park; Jonathan Booker, Sr., Hirschi
Outside Linebacker – Elijah Hull, So., Hirschi; Orlando Haymon, Jr., Vernon
Cornerback – Larry Werner, Jr., Burkburnett; Torrance Cooper, Jr., Hirschi
Safety – Queysean Sanders, Sr., Hirschi; Chandler Rosinbaum, Sr., Iowa Park
Punter – Zack Perez, Jr. Vernon

The 2012 Texas Associated Press Sports Editors Class 1A all-state high school football team, released Sunday. Voting based on regular-season performance. Players are listed in alphabetical order at each position.

FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE

Linemen:

— B.J. ARAUJO, Munday, Sr. — Graded 98 percent, 15 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed, team averaged 458 ypg

— CHRIS DE LA ROSA, Goldthwaite, Sr. — Graded 93 percent, 49 knockdowns, 24 downfield blocks

— CHRISTIAN HOWARD, New Deal, Jr. — Graded 96 percent, 47 pancakes, team avg. 304.6 rushing yards per game

— ROB MONTGOMERY, Albany, Sr. — Graded 94 percent, 52 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed in 2 seasons

— TYLER NEATHERLIN, Stamford, Jr. — Graded 91 percent, 0 sacks this year, 23 knockdowns, 0 bad snaps at C

Receivers/ends:

— DEARIUS POINDEXTER, Hale Center, Sr. — 52-936 receiving, 14 TDs

— JAMES WASHINGTON, Stamford, Jr. — 57-895 receiving, 17 TDs

Quarterback:

— HAGEN HUTCHINSON, Stamford, Sr. — 160-241 passing, 2,153 yds, 33 TDs; 103-994 rushing, 13 TDs

Running backs:

— DEVONYA BELL, Detroit, Sr. — 2,054 rushing yds, 23 TDs

— BLAKE HUTCHINS, Cross Plains, Sr. — 225-2,017 rushing, 26 TDs; 28 total TDs

— SETH SHANKLIN, Rocksprings, Sr. — 2,248 rushing yards, 26 TDs; 90 yards receiving, 1 TD

Kicker:

— RODNEY ORTIZ, San Saba, Jr. — 11 touchbacks, 28-28 PATs, 10-12 FGs, long 42

Offensive Player of the Year: Hagen Hutchinson, Stamford

———

FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE

Linemen:

— TRENT ANDREWS, Bosqueville, Jr. — 115 tackles, 27 solos, 21 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, 9 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries

— DANIEL FALCON, Brackettville, Sr. — 102 tackles, 15 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered, 4 blocked kicks

— ERIC GONZALEZ, Bruni, Sr. — 95 tackles , 17 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, 6 caused  fumbles, 1 fumble recovery

— COLE WALTERSCHEID, Muenster, Jr. — 52 tackles, 18 TFL, 7 sacks, 4 pass break-ups, 2 INTs, 4 blocked kicks

Linebackers:

— DOMINIQUE MESSER, Milano, Sr. — 132 tackles; 2 INTs 1 TD INT return, 1 blocked punt, 2 block PATs, 7 FR, 1 fumble for TD, 5 FF

— RAY PARMER, Tahoka, Jr. — 175 tackles, 8 TFL, PBU, forced fumble, sack

— RYHEEM WALKER, Italy, Sr. — 148 tackles, 7 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovered

Defensive backs:

— BUBBA GREER, McCamey, Sr. — 6 INTs; 53 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 9 PBU, 1 fumble recovery

— JUWAN MATHIS, Burton, Sr. — 109 tackles, 67 assists, 4 INTs, 1 TD

— DEE PAUL, Munday, Sr. — 7 INTs, 4 defensive TDs, 46 tackles, 3 FR, 1 FF

— EZ RIVAS, Brackettville, Jr. — 78 tackles, .5 sacks, 9 INTs, 210 INT return yards, 2 defensive TDs

Punter:

— RIO SCHMIDT, Mason, Sr. — 16 punts, 47.3 average, long 67

Defensive Player of the Year: Dee Paul, Munday

———

SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE

Linemen:

— Trent Andrews, Bosqueville, Jr.; Daniel Falcon, Brackettville, Sr.; Logan Groves, Munday, Sr.; Will Malek, Ganado, Jr.; Drigo Martinez, Mason, Jr.

Receivers/ends:

— Brandon Green, Burton, Sr.; Dylan Hightower, Chico, Sr.

Quarterback:

— Hunter Lile, Booker, Soph.

Running backs:

— Hunter Ammons, Mount Enterprise, Sr.; Terry Gilbreath, Wellington, Jr.; Rio Schmidt, Mason, Sr.

Kicker:

— Hunter Klement, Muenster, Sr.

———

SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE

Linemen:

— JJ Casarez, McCamey, Sr.; Shannon Cordell, Mart, Jr.; Jaggar Parrish, Goldthwaite, Jr.; Michael Serna, Sundown.

Linebackers:

— RJ Bell, Bosqueville, Sr.; Ivan Gonzalez, Ben Bolt, Sr.; Jacob Stafford, Shiner, Jr.

Defensive backs:

— Quentin Bryant, Mart, Sr.; Felix Cantu, Santa Maria, Soph.; Marvin Cox, Italy, Sr.; Jacolby Simpson, Grapeland, Jr.

Punter:

— Hunter French, Valley View, Sr.

———

HONORABLE MENTION OFFENSE

LINEMEN: Roy Alaniz, Stamford; Victor Avevedo, Stratford; Cagen Chaney, Iraan; Jeffery Collins, Wellington; Justin Curtis, Bovina; Aaron Foster, Honey Grove; Jeff King, Cross Plains; Luis Limon, Gorman; Derek Mankins, Windthorst; Johnathon Mortashed, Iola; Jacob Price, Honey Grove; Ryan Raney, Wolfe City; Javier Rocha, Albany; Emmitt Salinas, Ben Bolt; Edgar Tellez, Wellington; Ja’Braylin Thomas, Weimar; Kyle Zavala, Mason.

RECEIVERS/ENDS: River Hall, Hamlin; Brandon Heard, Quanah; Mitchell Lane, Christoval; Dominique Messer, Milano; Brady Montgomery, Wellington; Jared Reagan, Booker; Clint Rothe, D’Hanis.

QUARTERBACKS: Klark Ashmore, Wellington; Chance Barlow, D’Hanis; Hayden Martinez, Iola; Dee Paul, Munday; Clay Robertson, Quanah; DeNerian Thomas, Mart; Hunter York, Chico.

RUNNING BACKS: Landon Boaz, Valley View; DeBray Bonner, Woodsboro; D’Marcus Cosby, Mart; Demontrae Finney, Honey Grove; Brandon Garcia, San Angelo TLC Academy; KeShawn Hood, Tahoka; Tony Hubbard, San Augustine; A.J. Jiminian, Agua Dulce; Will Morath, Petrolia; David Ortega, Brackettville; Hayden Ray, Miles; Danial Steels, Frost; Roddrick Taylor, Munday; Marco Terrones, Bovina; Jonathan Van Gundy, Ralls.

KICKERS: Oscar Chavez, De Leon; Rio Schmidt, Mason.

———

HONORABLE MENTION DEFENSE

LINEMEN: Julian Aguilar, Agua Dulce; Braydan Andel, Ganado; Mason Goodwin, Seymour; D.J. Lipstraw, Honey Grove; Derek Mankins, Windthorst; Josh Molina, McCamey; Diego Montoya, San Saba; Jake Myers, Munday; Lance Norman, Anson; Cristan Pachicano, Stamford; Keontae Smith, Stamford; Seth Taplin, Albany; Edgar Tellez, Wellington; Austin Williams, Quanah; Kyle Zavala, Mason.

LINEBACKERS: Wheeler Allen, Iraan; Joel Baltazar, Agua Dulce; Gabriel Blankenau, Valley View; Zach Carlton, Gorman; Davis Carter, Seymour; Miguel Castillo, Mason; Dewayne Castorena, Munday; Steven Chalambaga, Van Horn; Tyrone Dockins, Munday; Devin Ervin, Detroit; Andy Flusche, Muenster; Jeremy Gover, Springlake-Earth; Brandon Heard, Quanah; Don Holly, Cayuga; Harrison Hull, Bremond; Bryan Jacquez, Sundown; Micheal Kline, Kerens; Kenny Kocian, Ganado; Chase Lutes, Stratford; Blaze Lynn, Electra; Trey Mann, Agua Dulce; Ty McLemore, Stamford; Mason Miller, Sabinal; Sam Millsap, Iola; Collin Nail, Mart; Jackson O’Harrow, Eldorado; Charlie Resindez, Brackettville; Robert Smith, De Leon; Brandon Stewart, Hico; Quinton Thompson, Goldthwaite; Eric Wiatrek, Falls City; Justin Wilkinson, Wolfe City.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: James Bradford, Shelbyville; Trevor Burchett, Forsan; Noe Castillo, La Villa; Lane Cobbs, Mart; Tanner Gillispie, Seymour; Brandon Green, Burton; Bubba Greer, McCamey; John Kay, Iola; Lane Livingston, Seymour; Dalton Mathis, Stamford; B.J. Ramirez, Gorman; Riley Richardson, Wink; Abraham Villarreal, New Deal.

PUNTERS: Hunter Mraz, Shiner; Lorenzo Ramirez, Roby; Dylan Woods, Kerens.

Downtown Christmas Crawl

Richard Carter

It’s been a while since they’ve thrown a downtown crawl in Wichita Falls, but last Thursday they had a Downtown Christmas Crawl in the downtown area from around 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. I managed to get there around 5:30 or so and was there until about 7:30 or so. The weather was great, and that was a good thing for an outdoor event in winter. The problem, I think, was the overall lack of light because of the season.

The first band I ran across was in front of Wichita Furniture, or technically cat-e-corner to Wichita Theatre and that was Black and White with Alan Black and Dr. White playing ‘60s through ‘80s horn music and so forth. They were loud, and you could hear them from about three blocks any which way. They were good, as they are always. It turns out that one of their horn players, Tom Hauptman, played with my neighbor back in the late 1960’s in a rock horn band. I would have never guessed, but it does remind you how small Wichita Falls really is.

Down Indiana some, Ben Atkins and Bill Steward were supposed to play guitar and fiddle tunes in front of Alley Cat, but that got put off for the following Saturday. A gathering of two acoustic players did play next door to Alley Cat. Around the corner of 8^th and Indiana, Dusty Potter and James Ogden played a collection of older tunes on acoustic guitars with Potter singing. Next door inside the 8^th St Coffee shop, the guys from James Cook and the Audacity played. And they were also fun. Down 9^th St some several blocks west, Cody Tucker and Shawn Gregory played acoustic and electric guitars with Gregory singing. As far away from the action as they were, they had a decent crowd posted to watch and to listen. Tucker said that he and Gregory had a blast doing it.

There was an acoustic player in front of Eastern Treasures and there was a mix of a little bit of everyone locally in front of the Iron Horse Pub. To me the best music of the night was the gospel a capella group singing in front of The Holt Apartments. I’m not sure what church they were from, but the five members could all sing and they were dynamic. It was a blast to hear them sing. The guys at the Pub said they thought the name of the church was Welch Street and the actual choir there was about 15 members. It was my favorite music of the night.

I missed having Dr. Philgood and the Let’s Get It On’s that night, and I am not sure whey they were not there. The band has played every one of the crawls to this point and were usually the most, or one of the most, popular act(s).

I did see several of their members at the Spot later that night, and they were doing duos and trios with Stephen Welch, Chris Roberson and their friend Cody Magana. Speaking of Magana, he celebrated his birthday at the Pub Wednesday night, and they had a special open mic with nothing but bands playing. And that included his band. I got to sit behind their drum set and play a little and it felt great to be on stage.

I am at the Pub right now and am waiting for Ashley Doby to play and then the Damn Quails. I got to interview both bands a while back and they were both pretty fabulous.

A week before the season began while covering the Hotter’N Hell Hundred cycling race, I was having a conversation with someone who is pretty familiar with the area sports scene.

They said they didn’t think this high school football season would be much of a special one.

While I took more of a “we’ll see” approach, I quietly disagreed with this person. I thought Munday was a state title contender, as was Throckmorton. And I thought Rider could be too.

There were some surprises of 2012, including Nocona’s 12-1 run (I thought they’d be good but couldn’t envision that) and Graham making the semifinals.

Just the fact we have three teams in the state semifinals this week – that may not be unprecedented, but I can’t remember it happening in the past 10 years. So regardless of how many teams we have playing next week at Cowboys Stadium, it has been a heck of a season.

Not onto the predictions:

* Rider vs. Lancaster – You just get the feeling this is Rider’s year. Think about this movie script:

Highly touted team loses first game of season for a small dose of reality. Then it answers with a couple exciting comeback victories. Then the stud QB goes down with knee injury. Next thing you know, more injuries are making it seem like the year might not end the way everyone thought. But wait, guys step up and game plans may be changed, but the execution is still the same. And then in its biggest game of the season, the team, playing at home, has a resounding breakthrough win.

I’m not going to act like I know a whole ton about Lancaster. They’ve got lots of athletic skill players, a couple D-I guys (ATH/DB Nick Harvey-Texas A&M and DE Daeshon Hall-Texas) and if it hasn’t changed in a decade when my little brother played against them, they’re school song is “O Christmas Tree,” which is a little weird because the Tigers’ school colors are orange and black.

Rider’s passing game will likely have to be more on point (it had big plays but not as consistent last week) and having three turnovers again won’t help. But I expect the Rider defense to bring it for the second straight week and am picking the Raiders to scratch out a low-scoring win. Maybe something like 24-21.

After all, while movies don’t always guarantee a win in the title game, they never let the team of destiny lose in the semifinals, right?

* Graham vs. Gilmer – It’s been impressive the resiliency Graham has shown in recent games against Midland Greenwood and Gatesville. A lot of teams in the Steers’ situation would be working on their jump shots right now.

Having said that, I think Graham’s margin of error is a lot less in this one. Ben Davis (who has been really good in these playoffs: 80 percent complete rate, 270 yards per game) can’t throw a pair of interceptions like he did the past two weeks. The Graham defense can’t give up more than one or two big plays against Gilmer.

I think Gilmer, which has more athleticism and tradition, will find a way to score 4-5 times. The battle I’m really interested in is strength on strength: Gilmer defense against a red-hot Graham offense.

Dillon Gonzales’ speed will cause some problems and I expect Graham to move the ball some. But I think the Buckeyes will make just a couple more plays when they need to. And with all the young talent on the field, I wouldn’t be surprised if these teams are in the same situation next year: Gilmer by 10-14. 

* Munday vs. Wellington – It’s a rematch of last year, when the Moguls scored 62 straight points for a 62-22 semifinal victory.

Now I know not to put too much emphasis on what happened a year ago. Last year, I thought Munday didn’t have a chance to get past Windthorst based on 2010 routs.

But then I watched Munday hold its own in the 2011 district loss. The biggest difference was the Moguls had the bodies up front to not get smashed by the Trojans’ line.

One important thing to mention about Wellington: The Skyrockets have an x-factor after inheriting a pretty dang good RB in Terry Gilbreath, who has scored 33 TDs. He adds another dimension to their offense. I think Wellington will be able to score more than the 8 points it had through three quarters a year ago.

But unless the Skyrockets inherited a relay team worth of speed that I don’t know about, I still expect the Moguls to break off some big plays and cause lots of problems with their defensive line. Dee Paul will get more than 10 carries in this game. That has happened three times this year — in two of those he has gone over 300 yards.

Munday has been preparing all season for a game of this magnitude and I just don’t see them laying an egg.

Maybe I’m neck-deep in all the Munday hype. Maybe I’ve seen them dominate too many times this year. Maybe I’m not giving Wellington enough credit (and for the record I think this game may be harder than next week). But I think Munday will win this game by more than three touchdowns. Give me the Moguls in the 25-30 range.

* Throckmorton vs. Abbott – I covered Throckmorton’s 78-52 semifinal win over Abbott last year and was impressed with the Panthers’ scrappiness, especially when their running back got hurt and couldn’t play much.

The Greyhounds were tied 30-30 at the half last year before pulling away, and I can see Abbott hanging around early and maybe for a while.

While Throckmorton’s run through the west was probably more mentally draining, I just can’t see a letdown by the defending state champs. Plus Mike Reed is one of the best six-man coaches around, especially when it comes to in-game adjustments.

I believe the Greyhounds will win their third state six-man title Saturday night. Let’s go with the same margin of victory from last year: 26 points.

There was a pretty impressive crowd on the home side Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. And Rider definitely gave the fans something to cheer about.

Since my main responsibility is covering the area teams, I don’t get to see the Raiders play very often. But I came away impressed.

And I came away wondering how the Raiders could actually give up 520 yards rushing the week before to EP Burges. That boggles my mind even more after watching their dominance a couple days ago.

Because the Rider defense against Frenship was superb. Real strong pass rush, too.

This may not be the most talented Rider team in the past few years (maybe so if J.T. Barrett was healthy), but I really feel like it’s the best. The Raiders have a lot of ways to beat you and can cause a lot of problems.

* I think Carlos Fleeks’ hurdling of a Frenship defender was pretty smooth. But I’d argue his 54-yard run late in the game in which he pulled off a spin move while someone tried dragging him to the ground and broke loose from a couple more tackles was the better run.

* Fleeks is in line for a huge senior year in 2013. Mark my words.

* Love House of Pain’s “Jump Around.” Have no problems with more teams taking a chapter from the University of Wisconsin and blaring it out loud during a football game.

But I sure hope the Rider players give Garfield a hard time about his vertical jump. Because I have phonebooks that wouldn’t have been able to fit under his shoes.

* Love growing out facial hair. Have no problems growing out a beard; In fact, I haven’t been clean shaven in years. And I know for a fact Munday players have been giving coach Patrick Corcoran a hard time about his beard.

* I’m sure there isn’t much Dee Paul could do that would cause his teammates to be amazed. They’ve seen just about everything.

But Corcoran told me he wowed the team Saturday morning when they were watching the film of Paul’s 96-yard touchdown run against Albany. The video shows Paul is pretty smooth, but it doesn’t encapsulate just how many Lion defenders were swarming him.

* Am I surprised Graham won Region I-3A Division II? Not really. Once the Steers got past Glen Rose, I kinda thought they’d be the favorite.

They’re riding a hot quarterback right now in Ben Davis and they’re forcing enough turnovers to make the difference in tight games.

* The 2009 Graham state finalist team was really senior-heavy. Only one sophomore (Brian Sides) started.

One of the neat things about this year’s bunch is that it’s pretty evenly spread. The Steers have lots of strong seniors, but the leading rusher, passer, receiver and tackler will all be back next year. How many teams still playing can say that?

* I know it doesn’t change the fact that Nocona lost, but I know there were a lot of people in the Aledo pressbox (and presumably in the visitors stands) who came away from Mildred’s 45-35 win very impressed with the Indians and their moxie.

* I got the impression after talking to Tate Fenoglio Friday night that he wants to play college football. And while his size won’t catch the eyes of most colleges, a guy like Fenoglio deserves to have a shot.

* Too many big offensive plays by Mildred, which I believe will take down Sonora this week. But I think the Indians gave teams a blueprint on how to beat them – run the ball down their throats over and over again.

* I really think Throckmorton coach Mike Reed is a great coach (his record speaks for itself). But one of the area’s I think he is best at is mid-game adjustments.

It seems like often the Greyhounds will be tied after one quarter and then reel off 30 straight points in every big game. Down 24-14 versus Valley on Saturday, they scored 40 in a row. That’s hard to do against a good football team.

* Speaking of Throckmorton, it really has only two main seniors playing this season. Yes, the Hounds will miss Gary Farquhar and Levi Taylor a lot next year, but remember last year’s team lost key guys C.J. Hantz and Tucker Brown.

So basically if Throckmorton wins Saturday night, don’t write off the three-peat in 2013.

* It happens so rarely, so please excuse me while I brag a little about my picks last week, which all had the correct team winning. I had Rider coming out on top by 8 (they won by 26); Graham winning by 10 (it was 5); Nocona losing by 10 (unfortunately that was dead on); Munday by at least 28 (it was 43) and Throckmorton beating Valley by 16 (it was 12).

So what does this mean? That I’m a genius? Nope, not really. That I’m due to be off on every game this week? Yep, that’s right.

Places to Play

Richard Carter

Walk around the city square in Denton sometime, and you will be surprised how many clubs there are, and places to see live music. It’s like it’s it own world or something of cool places to hang out and/or just walk around. You can barhop in Denton like you would on 6^th St in Austin or in Deep Ellum in Dallas, and barhopping by foot is a lot safer than driving to clubs all over a city, and it makes it easier to partake of different varieties of live music like a musical smorgasbord.

There was a short time in Wichita Falls several years ago, when a number of clubs downtown offered somethingmilar to the Denton scenario I mentioned above. The time was fleeting through, and until recently the clubs that offered live music was few and far between. And, they were very much spread out over the city.

The last couple of months have become worse for people who like live rock music. The number of all-ages shows have dwindled to practically nothing, because the American Legions don’t seem to be available for live bands to play, and the venues that took their place are no longer viable to local promoters. I’m still not sure if a show at the Hangar ever made money. Rumor had it that despite the great bands that played there, none of those shows did any better than break even.

Recently I was told that The Office was sold, and that the new owner was bringing in real country music and not live rock music. I understand that the newly reopened venue is doing well. Good for them, because that old Pioneer Restaurant building has some great musical vibes, courtesy of Frank Goff. Rock bands lost another place to play in November when Old Town renovated their front room and is no longer booking live bands, at least from what I understand. Old Town was a great place for regular rock bands, pop country bands and even metal bands like The Affiliation to perform live.

At this point, the Iron Horse Pub is the lone established venue for rock bands to play. The 8^th Street Coffee location just down the street is doing open mics and will have the occasional act play live. But that leaves no other venues dedicated to live rock music in Wichita Falls.

The good news, or at least there is some room for optimism, is that two venues are trying out live rock music. Fat Alberts, which is next door to the old Brickhouse, has had an aa band play and will have the same act play, I believe, for New Year’s Eve. The venue is certainly large enough for a rock show, but it remains to be seen if it could draw crowds regularly for live music shows.

I also heard, from a Facebook.com post, by an area Killdevil member that a venue near Sheppard Air Force Base has booked the band to play a show on December 15. It’s called My Place Saloon on 1103 Sheppard Access Rd. For more info check out the Killdevil Facebook page. I have not been to the club, but I don’t recall any venues from the past being on the north side of town with the exception of the Hangar and Lakeside Ballroom, the venue near Herb Easley’s, where so many of the all-ages shows were up until recently.

Bands need venues to play, and I cannot imagine rehearsing for years on end to never play a show, or at best play only three to four times a year. I suspect that there will always be benefit shows, somewhere, and bands should play those. But the notion of having to pick up and travel to play in Denton, Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston or Austin without any connections means playing to an empty room and not getting paid every much. We shall see what happens with local venues, but one full-time venue for rock music is not nearly enough.

Nothing is guaranteed this time of season.

Just ask Notre Dame, which a week ago was No. 1 in TAPPS and looked to have a pretty good chance of winning in the semifinals.

I was already figuring out how we were going to cover the Knights in the TAPPS state title game this weekend in Zephyr, which I’ve recently learned is near Brownwood.

But you know what happened? The Knights lost. The other team hung in there down 18 points at half. I heard a couple Notre Dame players started getting cramps in the unseasonably hot weather. It probably didn’t help that the Knights hadn’t played past halftime much this year.

So the Knights saw a really good season end, 54-52. We have five teams left, and while I am picking most of them to win, it wouldn’t be out of the question to have only Munday remaining next week (not worried about the Moguls so much).

Here are this week’s picks as we head into the state quarterfinals, where there are no mediocre teams remaining:

Rider vs. Frenship – It’s hard to pick against Rider for a few reasons: First, the Raiders are looking pretty impressive on offense, having scored 31 or more points since the Guyer game.

The Raiders are at home and beat Frenship 42-14 last year. This one will be much closer, I think. Rider is going to throw it a little more than Frenship, but expect a lot of running in what should be a power game like Nocona-Gunter was last week.

Tigers RB D’Maujeric Tucker has about 2,600 yards and will present some problems for the Raiders, who no doubt must play better on defense than they did in giving up 520 rushing yards last week.

But something tells me Rider, so often denied in this round the past few years, will find a way and come out on top, 28-20.

Graham vs. Gatesville – I know Gatesville is undefeated and certainly capable of winning this game. But the Hornets are also very lucky to still be playing after being down two touchdowns to Monahans last week.

The Steers trailed Greenwood 14-0 at one point too, but there’s a big difference between an early deficit and down 14 at the start of the fourth and not taking your first lead until overtime, which happened to Gatesville last week.

The biggest reason why I’m picking the Steers is their passing game. Gatesville’s playoff opponents (Alvarado, Vernon, Monahans) are all running teams, the last two being Wing-T. Against Vernon, Brandon Urquizo’s seven completions went for 160 yards.

The Steers will be able to hit big pass plays I think. Gatesville has given up a lot of points in some of its wins and as long Graham doesn’t turn it over five times again, the defense will keep Gatesville out of the end zone enough to win by 10.

Nocona vs. Corsicana Mildred – Nocona’s last few games have followed a trend. The Indians played one of their best games of the season against Jacksboro, then struggled some vs. Henrietta.

But they responded with one of their best games of season against Edgewood, only to make a lot of mistakes against Gunter and get a little lucky to advance.

Nocona will need that trend to continue because Corsicana Mildred is a very impressive bunch with a Div. I quarterback (Nik Shimonek) and a RB that Nocona coach Brad Keck thinks is even more important to stop in Draylon Sterling.

I think the Indians will be able to run the ball better than it did against Gunter, who was real physical up front. They’ll have to play some keepaway and finish off those extended drives with points.

I don’t think this game will be a blowout like some think. Nocona’s defense is too good for that. But I do think Mildred has too much firepower and wins by a score like 31-21.

Munday vs. Albany – I’m not sure which game will be tougher for Munday, this one or Wellington next week. Both teams will present challenges for the Moguls and probably make the offensive starters play into the fourth quarter.

But as I’ve said before, I just don’t see Munday losing, not this year. I hadn’t watched them play in a few weeks, but what I saw last Saturday – seven touchdowns on 17 plays from starters – didn’t change my approach.

Albany is one of those traditional powers which could keep this close if it won the turnover battle and ground out some 6-minute scoring drives. But I’m going to pick the Moguls by 28 (and it wouldn’t surprise me if I’m being conservative).

Throckmorton vs. Valley – It’s pretty amazing how efficient Throckmorton has been offensively. The Greyhounds haven’t committed a turnover since loss to Dallas Covenant in Week 2 (not including INT in 11-man portion versus Windthorst).

Throw in the fact that Throckmorton made all 11 PATs last week (I know a lot of area 11-man teams who can’t do that), and the opposition is pretty much working with zero room for error when it has the ball.

A lot of people believe this game will decide the Six-Man Division I state championship, and I’m not going to argue with that. Throckmorton has proven itself several times in high-stakes affairs and I can’t pick against them with how well the Hounds are playing right now. Throckmorton by 16.

I was able to cover three games in three places during three different days over the weekend, which is always nice to do.

The final results went pretty much played out how I thought they would. Quanah put up a fight, but Stamford was just too much.

Nocona held off a tough Gunter side in a contest that went down to the wire. And Munday had little problems with Hamlin.

But just because it played out how I thought doesn’t mean there was a lot to write about. I didn’t see Nocona and Graham’s sloppiness coming, nor did I see Rider getting in a shootout with a talented EP Burges squad.

Here are some thoughts on the weekend, including a couple notes on stat milestones:

* Munday scored seven times on 17 plays, which is ridiculous. And two of those were takeaways by the Hamlin defense. Just once I’d like the Moguls to play a full game against a decent team just to see what final score is.

* You’ve got to give Quanah some credit for hanging in there against Stamford. The Indians actually led 8-6 after the first quarter, but they gave the Bulldogs way too many short fields. 

And the Indians fought to the bitter end, which I know coach Jason Sims was proud of. Would have been easy to call it quits at 35-8, but Quanah strung together a nice drive at the end of the first half. The future is bright for the Indians.

* Hadn’t really seen Stamford QB Hagen Hutchinson play since against Archer City two years ago. And I know at the end of last year and start of this year, Hutchinson had shoulder problems.

But he looks healthy now. What a strong arm and he can run so well, too. A couple times Quanah had Stamford in third/fourth-and-long situations when the game was still close in the second quarter.

Most high school QBs wouldn’t be able to elude the rush and throw a bullet in the end zone. But Hutchinson did, and that’s why Stamford is a state title contender.

* Graham is a scary team to face right now. Sure, the Steers had five turnovers the other night, but their defense is going to get about three a game. And their offense with its hurry-up tempo can catch up quick.

* Nocona and Graham combined for eight turnovers and more than 200 yards of penalties last week. Those things will have to change this week or both won’t be playing much longer.

* I didn’t mention it in the game story, but after going back through the stats, I didn’t realize how many times Gunter threatened in the second half before getting stymied. 

The Tigers got to the Nocona 17-yard line right before Hayden Hill’s first INT. After the Tigers cut it to 15-13, Gunter drives ended on Nocona’s 29, 23, and 29-yard line. Nocona’s defense has been terrific all year and it came to play again the other night.

* For what it’s worth, Dee Paul spent a few minutes (presumably with his family) talking to a guy wearing a Texas Tech shirt after Saturday’s game.

Paul is choosing between the Red Raiders and Oklahoma State for college. With OSU having a key game against Baylor and Tech being off, I’m guessing that had something to do with one Big 12 team being represented in Abilene and the other not.

* Speaking of Paul, I had a mistake the other day regarding his rushing touchdowns. Paul did not get his 100th against Hamlin – it was in fact his 89th.

I was going off a Texas Sports Writers Association all-state ballot from last year that had his total stats, which gave him 78 rushing touchdowns. Probably somewhere along the line there was a typo since he really had 67.

I should have checked with Munday coach Patrick Corcoran before assuming the 78 was correct. That’s all on me. Corcoran did say Dee has 115 total touchdowns – counting receiving, defensive and special teams. And he can feasibly get 11 more rushing in the next three games.

* Another stat difference I’m taking an apathetic approach to because I’m not quite sure who’s correct.

According to stats Nocona turned in, Tate Fenoglio did pass 100 yards for a 19th straight game. They gave him credit for 18 carries and 112 yards (I had him 17-96).

I checked with Nocona newspaper’s Tracy Mesler and with Sherman’s sportswriter, and both had him at either 96 or 97 yards. And I went back through my play-by-play just to doublecheck.

Nocona doesn’t pad its stats like some teams have been known to do. And ours have been pretty dang close the other times I cover them (yes, I look at those things). I think the discrepancy came in the receiving stats, where Nocona had Fenoglio with one less catch for 13 less yards than I did. Maybe there was a flair pass that was interpreted differently by the coaches.

I’m not saying I’m 100 percent right. I’ve jacked up plenty of stat boxes, too. I’m just not going to mention Fenoglio’s 100-yard streak anymore because I’m not sure if it has ended or not.

* Don’t you know Frenship is really wishing it lost the coin flip last year when it was facing Rider in the first round.

The Tigers lost 42-14 a year ago on their home turf, so now they have to come to Memorial Stadium for a 2 p.m. Saturday game. That place should be rocking.

* You know Frenship, which had RB D’Maujeric Tucker go off for 386 rushing yards against Waco, is probably licking its chops after seeing Rider allow 520 rushing yards, a crazy amount.

But I have a feeling the Raiders are ready to respond with one of their best defensive games feeding off the home crowd. Anxious to see if Rider can end the state quarterfinal wall.

* What a heartbreaking way for Notre Dame’s season to end. Down by 2 and at the 10-yard line, the Knights spike the ball on fourth down because the down marker was screwed up (I’m assuming they thought it was third down). It’ll take a long time before that sting goes away.

* I drove 600 relatively drama-free miles covering football over the weekend before almost taking out a guy on a bike a few feet from my house pulling in Saturday night. Apparently the guy couldn’t be patient enough to let me turn into my driveway and swerved out of my way while passing.