Leader-News Sports Coverage

www.leader-news.com Copyright ® 2012 VOLUME 128 NUMBER 78 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012 54 PAGES, 5 INSERTS 75¢

Children Share Christmas WishesSpecial Section Today

Ricebirds Play For StateTitle Friday Vs. Stephenville

Section C Today

RICEBIRDSGOING TO STATE!

L-N Photo by Keith TrochtaPlayoff Passion

From left: Phillip Hundl, Tanner Oldag, Mason Fuechec, Clay Jung and Connor Williams display their rabid Ricebird spirit during El Campo’s 29-25 playoff win over Carthage on Friday. The group of young fans were among a throng of Ricebird supporters who made their way to Beaumont to help cheer El Campo onto a berth in the Class 3A Division I state championship game.

By NATALIE [email protected]

The public is invited to show their support for the El Campo Ricebirds as they head to Cowboys Stadium in Arlington for the Class 3A Division I State Championship football game Friday.

A send-off pep rally will begin at 7:45 a.m. at Ricebird Sta-dium.

“Meet at 7:30 a.m. to help cheer on the Ricebirds to victory!” El Campo High School cheerleading sponsor Pam Hunt said.

During last Friday’s campus-wide pep rally, Ricky the Rice-bird and Santa made a surprise landing in a helicopter in the practice fi eld beside the stadium.

All elementary campuses worked on care packages and wrote good luck letters to football players.

That same night, the Ricebirds won the state semi-fi nal game against Carthage.

“We need to have the public and as many fans as possible at

the fi eld to cheer on our football players,” ECHS Principal Rich DuBroc said. “The more the better.”

The gathering will be more of a send-off ceremony than a pep rally, he added.

“We are still planning, but we want it to be more like a ‘march’ for the football players,” he said. “I believe we are going to try and make a ‘victory line’ for them to walk through.”

All the high school organizations will be there for support, he added.

“The idea is that it will be before school starts, so we are asking the public to try to get there around 7:30 a.m.,” DuBroc said.

The other campuses will not be attending the send-off, but all students are encouraged to wear Ricebird t-shirts through-out the week to keep showing support.

ECISD will have an early release day Friday at 10 a.m. so all students and parents can get an early start as they travel to Arlington.

“All buses will run beginning at 10 a.m.,” Superintendent Mark Pool said. “We want people to have the chance to go to the game.”

That will be almost a fi ve and a half hour drive, but there are plenty of fans in the community who will come out to support the Ricebirds, he added.

The early release day is for all students, Pool said.

L-N Photo by Shannon CrabtreeHot Off The Press

Mike Johnson adds another layer of color to a t-shirt celebrating the Ricebirds’ fi rst trip to the state championship since 1967. His store, the Screen Stop, and several others around the city are offering Ricebird apparel.

By SHANNON [email protected]

The sea of red seen in El Campo these last few weeks in support of the high school football team has local merchants seeing green.

“It’s defi nitely having an impact on anybody that carries sports ap-parel,” El Campo Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rebecca Muños said Monday.

And it’s been good for the community as a whole.“The energy it’s creating is awesome,” she added. “It’s exciting to see

it.”The chamber encourages all businesses to show their support for

what’s being dubbed this year as Ricebird Nation – the fan base for the undefeated high school team about to face Stephenville for the 3A Division I state title after defeating Carthage 29-25 last week.

The game will be played 7:30 p.m. Friday in the stadium the Dallas Cow-boys call home.

The short window between the semi-fi nal game and the title match has local merchants scrambling to supply the soon-to-be north bound Ricebird fans with the latest garb.

The Screen Stop, 109 W. Jackson, started taking orders for state t-shirts just minutes after the Ricebirds claimed the semi-fi nal victory.

“We’re up to about 700 now,” Leigh Ann Johnson said Monday night while Mike Johnson pressed yet another image onto a battle-red shirt.

The fi rst ones would be available today, Mike Johnson said.“The Ricebird fan base is coming alive,” Leigh Ann Johnson said,

adding its not just teenagers and their parents placing orders.“We’re hearing from Ricebirds who live in other cities. It’s meet me

at the stadium (to receive the shirt),” she said. “It’s amazing. And every-body is smiling and sharing stories.”

The team’s playoff run has provided a big boost to normal late De-

(See RICEBIRDS’ PLAYOFF RUN, Page 8-A)

(See ECISD CLOSING, Page 8-A)

Page 8-A

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The Ricebird football team has made history in 2012 with its remarkable run through the playoffs.

Call our offices today to reserve your advertising spot as we say congratulations to the team in our ricebird football 2012

commemorative section. The section will contain recaps of each game, eye-catching photography and exceptional feature

stories on this year's team.

This section will give you an opportunity to congratulate your favorite Ricebird.

“Because we won’t release students until 10 a.m., we are not required to make that day up on a later date,” he said.

For those who need a ride to the game, the El Campo Rice-bird Booster Club will have buses transporting fans to the state championship game for $45 per seat.

Seating is limited. For in-formation, call Suzanne 541-9816.

Other information about the state game from the Uni-versity Interscholastic League is available on the ECISD’s website www.ecisd.org under the district news tab.

cember orders.“Normally, it’d be a few Ricebird Christmas gifts and some

boutique items,” she said.More than 150 t-shirt orders had already been placed with

DMJ Designs at 2413 W. Loop early Monday morning, employ-ee Leslie Wallace said, adding they expected a good many more orders to come in this week.

“The phone has not stopped ringing,” she said.The DMJ shirt will also be available starting Wednesday giv-

ing fans plenty of time to gear up for the game.T-shirt sales at that store has also boosted normal December

purchases.Normally it’s the Rhinestone items right now, Wallace said.But now its Ricebirds and virtually anything red.Executive Stitches, 106 N. Washington, isn’t selling a state

title shirt, but still has plenty to offer the soon-to-be cheering fan, owner Shannon Courville said Monday.

There the fare is classic Ricebird apparel.“It’s the regular red Friday shirts, jackets, hoodies and caps,”

she said, adding business is way over normal.“It’s good for business. It’s craziness, but I’m happy with the

orders,” Courville said.Once the “Ricebird Nation” dons its battle red, there’s just

one thing left.“Win state,” Muños said.

L-N Photo by Natalie BednorzRicebirds No. 1!

Myatt Elementary students, supporters and future Ricebird football players (l-r) Leo Trevino, Drake Resendez, Colten Stary and Jerrell Barron, cheer for their team during the campus-wide pep rally Friday morning. The students had practiced cheers all week to show support as the Ricebirds headed to state semi-fi nals.

(Continued from Page 1-A)

Contributed Photo by Jan CunninghamSigns Of Support

El Campo High School students (l-r) A.J. Martinez, Cheyenne Du-Broc and Jacob Harton add their thoughts and well wishes to a poster on the campus grounds this weeks. Support for the team’s effort to take on Stephenville in the Class 3A Division I state fi nal continues to grow.

The El Campo High School Marching Band performed last Fri-day along with the high-kicking Derby Dolls squad as the Ricebird football team claimed victory over Carthage in Beaumont. They

will be back this Friday to rally the team on the fi eld and on the big screen at Cowboys Stadium as the Ricebirds play for the Class 3A Division on state championship.

L-N Photo by Keith TrochtaHalf-Time High Kicks

(Continued from Page 1-A)

Page 1-B

Class 3A Divison 1 Playoffs

Playoff Scores

Player Comp. Yards TDs

PASSING

Player Carries Yards TDs

RUSHING

Player Ints. Yards

DEFENSE

Player Rec. Yards TDs

RECEIVING

Player TDs Points

SCORING LEADERS

Team Rush Pass Total

TEAM TOTAL OFFENSIVE YARDS

Becca KorenekVolleyball

Korenek led the Ladybirds in kills, digs and aces this season and helped her All-Star squad to a three set victory last week. The loaded Maroon

team pulled out a 25-18, 25-18, 20-25, 25-21 win over the White. Korenek played club volleyball for a Weimar-based team along with Yoakum’s Lesley Seidenberger and Victoria West’s Rachel Hamon, both of whom were on the Maroon team.

Football

Swimming

Basketball

Basketball

The Leader-News encourages every reader to participate in its weekly foot-ball contest. First place wins $25 cash and the prizes are given up to third place. Who knows? You might be the next big winner?

By CHRIS [email protected]

The Ladybirds finished 2-2 in the Goliad tournament over the weekend and scored at least 40 points in three of the four contests.

In its first game, El Campo barely lost to Schulenberg in double over-time 54-51. The Ladybirds trailed 21-17 at halftime and outscored Schulenberg 24-20 in the second half to force overtime.

However, El Campo couldn’t fight off the Lady Shorthorns in the extra period and ended up with a loss. Se-nior Lala Miranda led the Ladybirds with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in the defeat.

Sophomore Amy Pflughaupt dropped a double-double with 14 points, 11 boards, 1 assist and 1 steal.

Other Ladybirds to contribute

were: Bee Bradshaw 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 6 steals, Janerica Cunningham 6 points and 1 rebound, Roysha Robinson 3 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal, Ebonee Rob-inson and Callie Carruth 1 rebound and Aubree Navarro 1 steal.

El Campo shot 38 percent from the floor and 59 percent from the free-throw line in the contest.

In game two, the Ladybirds crushed Faith Academy 61-45 and were led again by Pflughaupt’s dou-ble-double performance.

She finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists while Brad-shaw added 14 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal in the victory.

Other El Campo players to pitch in were: Cunningham 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, E. Robinson 9 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist, R. Robinson 7 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal, Miranda 2 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist, Navarro 4 rebounds and 1 steal, Carruth and Veronica John-son 1 rebound.

On Friday, the Ladybirds beat Co-lumbus 36-30 with efficient defensive play.

“We had good defense by our guards to create steals,” El Campo coach Noma Kremling said. “We just failed to score off the steals.”

Pflughaupt led with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 1 steal while E. Robin-son added 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals in the win.

Other Ladybirds to contribute were: Bradshaw 6 points, 1 assist and 6 steals, Miranda 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 7 steals, Car-ruth 2 points, 1 rebound and 1 steal, Cunningham 1 point and 6 steals, R. Robinson 1 rebound, 1 assist and 2 steals and Navarro 2 assists.

Despite the result, the Ladybirds struggled sinking baskets through-out the game. El Campo shot 39 per-cent from the floor and a mere 20 per-cent from the charity stripe.

The Lady Cardinals sank 60 per-cent from the free-throw line and had a percentage of 56 for field goals in the loss.

In their final game, the Ladybirds fell to Falls City 48-45 for first place in the silver bracket.

Overall, Schulenberg beat Goliad for first in the gold bracket and Yoa-kum defeated Cuero for first in the bronze bracket.

The Ladybirds were led by Pflughaupt, who ended up with her third double-double in four games. She scored 14 points, grabbed 12

Amy Pflughaupt

(See DISTRICT PLAY OPENS, Page 2-B)

L-N Photo by Chris FiloteoSenior Smiles

El Campo volleyball seniors (l-r) Karleigh Krpec, Nikki Grant and Becca Korenek pose for a picture in the girls field house Mon-day afternoon. The Ladybirds finished 17-16 overall and 7-5 in District 25-3A competition this season.


It’s been more than a month since the Ladybirds volleyball squad nar-rowly fell to Sealy in a play-in match for the third and final spot in district competition. But for three of those Ladybirds, it was the last match donning the Red & White.

Seniors Becca Korenek, Nikki Grant and Karleigh Krpec will now direct their attention towards the classroom and prepare to graduate in May.

El Campo finished 17-16 over-

all and 7-5 in District 25-3A this season.

With only three teams advancing to the playoffs in Class 3A (for the last time, as there will be four play-off teams beginning next year), the Ladybirds squared off against the Sealy Lady Tigers for the third and final post-season spot in the district.

However, El Campo lost in the play-in match, which ended the Ladybirds’ first season in Class 3A in more than 40 years.

Popp and each senior sat down with the Leader-News to discuss their time on the team and their future after graduation.

Korenek earned three var-sity letters and played outside hitter: “Being able to play in an all-

star game last week was my most memorable moment as a Ladybird. My plan after graduation is to play volleyball in college. I am not sure what I want to study, but I am lean-ing toward animal science. Moving down to Class 3A was harder than we expected.”

Popp on Korenek: “Becca is a very energetic player. She is so strong and such a powerhouse. I will miss her determination and dedica-tion to the volleyball team. Becca in-fluenced the team with her passion for the game.”

Grant earned two varsity let-ters and played middle blocker: “I was excited to be selected to the first team All-District this year. I am

(See LADYBIRDS LOOK, Page 3-B)

L-N Photo by Chris FiloteoSprinting Ricebird

El Campo senior Tamall Terrell looks downfield in the first quarter during last week’s 29-25 semi-final victory over the Carthage Bulldogs. The Ricebirds face Stephenville Friday night for the Class 3A state championship.


The El Campo swim teams hosted an Invitational meet over the week-end at the El Campo Aquatic Center.

“The meet was a major success,” El Campo coach Richard Nava said. “It was one of our largest on record. The weather was exceptionally nice for a Dec. swim meet.”

The Ladybirds placed fourth over-all in the meet with 212 total points behind third place Fort Bend Dulles (311), second place St. John’s School

(445.5) and winner Clute Brazos-wood (459).

“We were the smallest girls team at our invite, yet the Ladybirds scored 375 points to finish fourth in the team standings,” Nava said.

The Ricebird team finished fifth with 163 points. Brazoswood won first (395), Fort Bend Dulles took second (336) and St. John’s School placed third.

“The boys were even smaller in numbers and they found the strength to take a sixth place team finish,” Nava said. “The Ricebirds

broke all three of the EC boys relay school records on Saturday.”

The following results are as fol-lows:

Girls 200-Yard Medley RelayEl Campo A- Malia Willis, Kari

Wilkins, Michelle Cantu and Stacey Cordero, 3rd (2:06.87); El Campo B- Kaly Vallejo, Amber Smith, Jill Nava and Alannah Shimek, 12th (2:23.44).Boys 200-Yard Medley Relay

El Campo A- Ben Haas, Mat-

(See HOME SWIM MEET Page 3-B)

Page 2-B

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boards and added 3 assists and 5 steals in the loss.

Other El Campo players to pitch in were: Miranda 9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals, E. Robinson 6 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal, Carruth 6 points and 1 re-bound, Cunningham 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal, R. Robinson 4 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal, Brad-shaw 1 point, 4 rebounds and 6 steals and Navarro 1 point, 1 rebound and 2 assists.

The Lady Beavers shot lights out from behind the arc in the first half.

“Falls City hit five 3-point-ers in the first half,” Kremling said. “But none in the second half. We played strong man defense in the second half also.”

Miranda was selected to the All-Tournament team for her performance on the court during the weekend.

El Campo moved to 6-8 overall on the season after the tournament.

The Ladybirds open Dis-trict 25-3A competition Friday against Bellville at Ricebird Gym. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

(Continued from Page 1-B)

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SUBVARSITY ROUNDUP

The 8th grade Red Lady-bird basketball squad fell to George 32-19 on the road Nov. 19. El Campo trailed by four, 13-9, at halftime to keep the game close.

However, George outscored the Ladybirds 19-10 in the second half to finish with the win.

Erykah Lindsey led the Ladybirds with 8 points, 15 rebounds and 2 steals while Paige Halamicek added 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals in the loss.

Other El Campo players to contribute were: Kaydra Sparks 3 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, Kaitlyn Urban 2 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist, Lyric Robinson 2 points, 1 rebound and 2 as-sists, Deandra Gallegos 6 rebounds and 2 steals, Sara DeLeon 4 rebounds, Malerie Sosa 1 rebound, 1 assist and 3 steals and Mariyah Flores 3 rebounds.

Ladybird 8th White 33, George 13

The 8th grade White Lady-bird team opened their bas-ketball season in grand fash-ion as they crushed George by 20, 33-13, in Rosenberg Nov. 29. El Campo led 18-7 at half-

time, but turned up its scoring power in the second half.

The Ladybirds outscored George 15-6 in the second half to prevail with the win.

Randie Hlavaty led El Campo while nearly recording a double-double. The Lady-birds scored 8 points, grabbed 2 boards, added an assist and finished with 10 steals.

Other Ladybirds to pitch in were: Jasmin Lockridge 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals, Jada Horn 6 points, 1 assist and 2 steals, Giessel Alcala 5 points, 9 re-bounds, 2 assists and 3 steals, Charlesha Shorter 4 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal, Ali Lara 2 points, 2 rebounds and 4 steals, Alison Gomez 7 rebounds, Keasia Greely 4 re-bounds and Shelby Sabrsula 2 rebounds.

George 35, Ricebird 8th Red 34

The 8th grade Red squad dropped its basketball season opener 35-34 to George Middle School at home Nov. 29.

Both teams struggled in the first period as the visiting team led by one, 4-3. But, the Ricebirds picked up the pace in the second and scored 15 points to lead 18-13 at half-time.

El Campo’s lead remained the same going into the final quarter, yet George outscored the Ricebirds 11-5 to pull out the one-point victory.

B.J. Baylor led El Campo with 12 points and 1 board while Lothario Pratt added 11 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal in the loss.

Other Ricebirds to con-tribute were: Brock Brandl 4 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals, Jerric Chapman 3 points and 1 rebound, Wes-ley Arrambide 2 points, 7 re-bounds and 3 steals, Demond Grant 2 points, Deaderick Holloway 2 steals, Weston Lu-tringer 2 rebounds and 1 steal, Austyn Gonzalez 1 rebound, JaMarcus Pegues 1 rebound and 1 steal, Kyler Valenta 5 rebounds and Micah McComb 1 rebound and 1 steal.

Compiled By Staff Reports

Page 3-B

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still deciding what college I want to attend, yet I know I want to study to become a pediatrician. What I will miss the most about El Campo is our team was like a second family. I will miss my team.”

Popp on Grant: “Nikki is an athletic player. She is quick on the court and I will

miss her aggressive play at the net. She influenced the team to always give their best was and encouraging.”

Krpec earned two var-sity letters and was a de-fensive specialist: “I am go-ing to attend Wharton County Junior College for a few years before I transfer to a four-year university. I want to become a speech therapist. I will miss

playing the other teams from Class 4A since we are used to playing them all of the time. This year was definitely tougher than we thought.”

Popp on Krpec: “Karleigh has a spunky personality. She is very vocal at games and during practices. I will miss her desire for the game. She influenced the team with her energy by getting the team

thew Wilkins, Colton Martin and Tayton Priesmeyer, 2nd (1:49.56).Girls 200-Yard Freestyle

Kari Wilkins, 1st (2:06.81); Kaly Vallejo, 10th (2:33.80).Boys 200-Yard Freestyle

Matthew Wilkins, 3rd (2:02.04).Girls 50-Yard Freestyle

Stacey Cordero, 3rd (27.84); Malia Willis, 5th (28.63); Mi-chelle Cantu, 26th (31.20); Sam Beard, 28th (31.60).Boys 50-Yard Freestyle

Colton Martin, 3rd (24.22); Jonathan Casillas, 26th (28.39).Girls 100-Yard Butterfly

Michelle Cantu, 10th (1:17.46).Boys 100-Yard Butterfly

Tayton Priesmeyer, 14th (1:18.01).Girls 100-Yard Freestyle

Jill Nava, 14th (1:07.75); Sam Beard, 18th (1:10.83); Amber Smith, 19th (1:10.91).Boys 100-Yard Freestyle

Ben Haas, 1st (53.06); Jon-athan Casillas, 19th (1:05.50).Girls 200-Yard Freestyle Relay

El Campo A- Kari Wilkins, Malia Willis, Jill Nava and Stacey Cordero, 2nd (1:50.31); El Campo B- Michelle Cantu, Sam Beard, Amber Smith and Alannah Shimek, 10th (2:03.91).Boys 200-Yard Freestyle Relay

El Campo A- Ben Haas, Matthew Wilkins, Colton Mar-tin and Tayton Priesmeyer, 1st (1:35.60).Girls 100-Yard Backstroke

Kaly Vallejo, 13th (1:19.78).Girls 100-Yard Breaststroke

Kari Wilkins, 1st (1:10.96).Girls 400-Yard Freestyle Relay

El Campo A- Malia Willis, Jill Nava, Kaly Vallejo and Stacey Cordero, 4th (4:41.55).Boys 400-Yard Freestyle Relay

El Campo A- Ben Haas, Matthew Wilkins, Colton Mar-tin and Tayton Priesmeyer, 2nd (3:40.90).

L-N Photo by Chris FiloteoSmashing Hit

Ricebird linebacker Jeremy Supak hits Carthage’s quarterback for a fumble during last week’s 29-25 Class 3A semi-final game in Beaumont.


Advertise in the El Campo Leader-News979-543-3363


SPORTS SHORTS

Little League RegistrationThe El Campo Little

League will open early-bird registration Nov. 1 through Dec. 15.

Cost is $80 per child and $65 for Tee Ball.

Regular registrations be-gins Dec. 16 and runs through Jan. 15. Cost is $85 per child and $70 for Tee Ball.

Late Registration is Jan. 16 through Jan. 31 and cost is $100 per child and $85 for Tee Ball.

To register, visit www.el-campolittleleague.com.

Holiday Baseball CampThe 2013 Holiday Baseball

Camp for youngsters ages eight through 15 will be held

Jan. 2-3 at Brenham High School, 525 Ehrig Dr. in Bren-ham.

The camp is directed by Earl Hathaway, former head baseball coach at Brenham High School and winner of two state championships.

The camp, a comprehen-sive program on hitting, pitch-ing and throwing mechanics, will offer quality instruction in the fundamentals of base-ball and an opportunity for practice and drills. The camp is designed to ensure a 12 to 1 camper to coach ratio. Camp attendance will be limited.

The camp cost is $80 per camper, which includes nine hours of instruction in three sessions: 9 a.m. to noon, Jan.

2; 1-4 p.m., Jan. 2; and 9 a.m. - noon, Jan. 3. The emphasis will be on hitting, pitching and defensive positions.

Each camper will be filmed and evaluated by the coaching staff during the camp.

For registration informa-tion call Hathaway at 979-836-3437 after 6 p.m.

Page 4-B

FOOTBALL CONTEST ENTRY BLANK: Week 15PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY!

NAME: ______________________________________ TELEPHONE: DAY ______________________

ADDRESS: ____________________________________ NIGHT _____________________

____________________________________________

GAME #1: _________________________________

GAME #2: _________________________________

GAME #3: _________________________________

GAME #4: _________________________________

GAME #5: _________________________________

GAME #6: _________________________________

GAME #7: _________________________________

GAME #8: _________________________________

GAME #9: _________________________________

GAME #10: _______________________________

GAME #11: _______________________________

GAME #12: _______________________________

GAME #13: _______________________________

GAME #14: _______________________________

GAME #15: _______________________________

GAME #16: _______________________________

GAME #17: _______________________________

GAME #18: _______________________________

TIEBREAKER 1

Total points (both teams) Alabama vs Notre Dame

TIEBREAKER 2 Total offensive yards (both teams) Alabama vs Notre Dame

CONTEST RULES:1) Entries: Only one entry per person. Contestants must have

reached the age of eight (8) years by the Friday entry deadline each week. Filling out extra forms and putting friends’ or fictitious names on them is not allowed and will result in disqualification if caught. Leader-News employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter.

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3) Tie-breakers: Be sure to mark both of the two tie-breakers. 4) Prizes: The contestants who pick the most games correctly

will win one of three prizes: $25 for first, $15 for second and $10 for third. Should two people tie for first, they will each get $20, or an equal share of the cash for first and second place. If, for example, four people tie for first, the $50 total prize will be split four ways. Should there be a tie for third, the $10 will be divided among those individuals, etc. Prize money will be mailed to winners the following week.Mail all entries to: EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS FOOTBALL CONTEST,

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In the last week of NFL games before this week’s final Leader-News Football Contest full of collegiate bowl games, the majority of con-testants struggled amongst the many upsets.

Demontray Taylor won the contest after missing four games. Taylor won the $25 cash prize, along with $25 dine-in value at Pizza Hut and two free games of bowling at the El Campo Bowling Center. He missed: the Cow-boys’ win over the Bengals, the Bucs’ defeat by the Eagles, the Jets’ victory over the Jaguars and the Steelers’ loss to the Chargers.

Gary Preuss took second after missing six games and beat out five other contestants in the first tiebreaker by one point. Preuss won the $15 cash prize. He missed: the Bengals’ de-feat by the Cowboys, the Vikings’ victory over the Bears, the Bucs’ loss to the Eagles, the Red-skins’ win over the Ravens, the Falcons’ defeat by the Falcons and the Chargers’ victory over the Steelers.

Jan Preuss missed six games and barely missed the first tiebreaker to Gary to win third place and the $10 cash prize. Jan missed: the

Kilgore defeat by Stephenville, the Colts’ win over the Titans, the Steelers’ loss to the Char-gers and the Patriots’ victory over the Texans.

Nine contestants missed six games, 16 missed seven and 16 missed eight overall.

The upsets were: East Bernard’s win over Refugio, the Bills’ loss to the Rams, the Cow-boys’ victory over the Bengals, the Bears’ defeat by the Vikings, the Eagles’ win over the Bucs, the Falcons’ loss to the Panthers, the Jets’ vic-tory over the Jaguars and the Steelers’ defeat by the Chargers.

As for the Pigskin Picks and its panel, the fearsome fivesome fared just about the same as the readers. Chris Barbee missed six games, Jay T. Strasner missed seven and Chad Ste-vens, Bob Nason and Chris Filoteo all missed eight games.

Overall, Filoteo remains in first by a two-game edge with a 182-88 mark, Nason is right behind with a 180-90 record, Strasner and Bar-bee are tied with a 173-97 mark and Stevens is 161-109.

The Leader-News wants readers to continue to participate in the free weekly Football Con-test. You might be the next big winner and take home the cash prize.

Practicing BasicsEl Campo assistant coach James Harp goes over strategy for a kick-off team during practice at Ricebird Stadium yester-day. The Ricebirds will face Stephenville Friday night for the Class 3A Division I state championship at Cowboys Stadium.

L-N Photo by Chris Filoteo


It’s the last game of the season.And for many, the last game as a Ricebird.Friday’s game culminates not only the great

memories shared through a history-making season, but the chance to stamp each player’s name in the record books.

El Campo (14-0) prepares to face Stephenville (12-1) in Cowboys Stadium for the Division I-3A state championship and the meeting is the first be-tween the two storied schools.

The Ricebirds have played many teams for the first time this season, but the Yellow Jackets are ar-guably the toughest team in the playoffs this year.

Stephenville, like El Campo, dropped down from the Class 4A level this season and won four state titles from 1993-1994 and 1998-1999.

The Yellow Jackets have advanced to their first championship game since 1999 and they are 4-0 in championship games with three of those wins against La Marque.

They are led by coach Joseph Gillespie, who has been with Stephenville since 1995 and was an as-sistant on the 1998-1999 title teams.

The Yellow Jackets run a spread offensive forma-tion with a one-back set and throw more than they run, according to El Campo coach Bob Gillis.

After their nail-biting come-from-behind victory over Carthage last week, the Ricebirds remained poised the following day.

“The kids are really excited,” Gillis said. “This week will be a challenge to maintain the regular routine because this is a different deal.”

Indeed it is.For the first time in 45 years, the Ricebirds will

play for the state championship. And this El Campo squad has three 1,000 yard

rushers – Bryce Brandl, Jack Davis and Montray Johnson.

How will the Yellow Jackets simulate the three-headed Ricebird running attack?

“You can’t in practice,” Gillespie said. “We don’t have that on our team. We have seen good teams up to now and we know what to expect.”

Senior Cole Hunt, a Rice pledge, believes this team has a solid chance of taking home the title.

“If we didn’t have the chemistry we have today, we wouldn’t be playing for the state title this week,” he said. “It’s surreal to know that this team will live on forever and it still hasn’t sunk in yet.”

With both teams streaking at the right time (Ste-phenville and El Campo each have won 13 games in a row), what will it take to prevail as Class 3A Divi-sion I state champions?

“We will have to play the best we can on both sides of the ball,” Gillis said. “This is a big game and this is what dreams are made of. We must put in great preparation this week.”

The Yellow Jackets average 44 points per game, along with 469.5 yards per game with 280 coming through the air. Stephenville quarterback Tyler Jones has passed for 3,570 yards with 38 touch-

downs and only 6 interceptions.“He is an excellent quarterback,” Gillis said. “He

is really talented and all of their wide receivers can catch the ball.”

Senior wide out Brice Gunter leads Stephenville in receiving with 1,195 yards on 79 catches with 15 touchdowns.

The Yellow Jackets’ leading rusher, senior Witt Westbrook, has 178 carries for 1,111 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“He is a tough kid,” Gillis said about Westbrook. “He plays linebacker too, so you know he is tough.”

Stephenivlle understands what El Campo foot-ball represents.

“They have a great bunch of kids,” Gillespie said. “I have the upmost respect for coach Gillis and the mentor he is. He exemplifies what all coaches aspire to be.”

This senior-laden El Campo team has stood out with its defense all season long. During district play, the Ricebird defense only allowed opposing teams 12.7 points per game. With a state title on the line, the Ricebirds look to stand up.

“Our secondary will have to play great this week and we have to get pressure on the quarterback,” Hunt said. “We need to gang tackle them, The of-fensive line just needs to keep doing what we have been doing all season long and create holes for our running backs.”

Nevertheless, Friday’s stage will be nothing short of remarkable as two schools prepare to battle for state supremacy.

“We are in a big setting,” Gillis said. “When you get this far you don’t see teams a whole lot. This is special.”

Gillespie agrees.“This is what everyone wants to win,” he said.

Page 1-C

El Campo boasts 630 victories, which makes it one of the most storied and successful programs in Texas high school football history.

But let there be no doubt about it – ev-ery single member of every single team that helped rack up those wins would trade them all for just one more victory Friday night in Arlington against Stephen-ville.

The Ricebirds stand on the cusp of a state title and the town has been turned on its collective ear with a fervor and a yearning for the first state champion-ship in school history.

They stamped their ticket to Cowboys Stadium with an improbable come-from-behind 29-25 semifinal victory over Carthage last week. The win saw EC score twice in the final four min-utes to send the raucous Ricebird fans spill-ing out of the stands and send the team to the championship game in Dallas.

EC head coach Bob Gillis, who helped direct the exciting outcome, has won 154 games in his successful and rewarding career.

He admitted that Friday’s victory over Car-thage is likely unparalleled not only because of the significance but also because of the cir-cumstances.

“If it’s not the top win I’ve been a part of, then it’s right at the top,” Gillis said. “Obvious-ly if we can win again Friday night that would be the biggest one. You look at that Carthage game. We have three turnovers in the third quarter. We look up and there’s about six min-utes left and we’re down 11 points.

“Then all the things that we were able to do and come back and take the lead in the last three minutes or so. It was ... I don’t know, surreal. But that shows the heart of our kids. It shows the pride of El Campo. That’s what our program does, we never quit fighting.”

It’s been a dream season thus far for the Ricebirds as they’ve reeled off 14 consecutive wins. Gillis said he had an inkling that the team was on the brink of something special back during its typical grueling summer work-outs.

“I thought we’d be good, but didn’t know how good,” he said. “I knew we had a good bunch of seniors and a good junior class. We lost some good players though. Everybody talked about us moving down to 3A and sure, that helped. But in no way does it make it easy. We opened up beating Waller pretty good. And

we took down Bay City which is always a mea-suring stick. Then when we beat Bellville like we did, people kind of took notice.”

The tradition of El Campo, especially under Gillis, has been to win the district title, see if you can go undefeated and aim for a state title. This year was no different.

“I think it really sunk in after we won our first playoff game that hey, we might can go on a little run here,” Gillis said. “That first playoff game always seems to be the toughest hurdle. We got on a roll and are playing some really good football right now. Ricebird football.”

Always one to pass the praise to others, Gil-lis correctly points to the unmatched spirit of the Ricebird fans as the X-factor in the team’s success this season.

“Coach (Wayne) Condra went out with our specialty teams at about 6:30 before the Car-thage game and our side was packed and al-ready roaring for us,” Gillis said. “He came back in the locker room and told me he got goosebumps out there from all our support. When I went out there, I got them too. Our fans are just incredible. They were a lot louder than Carthage’s folks. That’s the way it always is for Ricebird fans. We count on them for that.”

The regional and state media have finally figured out the talent that this EC team pos-sesses. Gillis said his phone has rarely stopped ringing since Friday’s win.

“Oh it’s crazy right now,” he said. “There’s so many things to deal with. We’re at the UIL’s mercy right now, having to send them stuff and handle all the press and TV requests.

“But here’s the bottom line – when we get inside that big, beautiful stadium, that field is 100 yards long and 53.5 yards wide, just like the field we’ve practiced on since the summer. And we’re still gonna run sprints at the end of every practice this week just like we’ve been doing. We’ve got a football game to prepare for. And when it comes to a football game, our kids know what to do.”

Having such a long tenure at El Campo, Gillis understands what a state title would mean for this community of rabid Ricebirds. He knows his team will fight until the final whistle to give this town something it’s never had.

“Man, what would it mean?” Gillis said. “I don’t really have words for that. It would be a dream come true for so many people. Winning a state title is so special. It doesn’t happen to many folks. It would really be an incredible thing and we want so bad to bring it home to El Campo.”

Jay T. Strasner is publisher of the Leader-News.

Spliting The UprightsEl Campo junior Alex Mon-tes attempts a long-range field goal during practice yesterday at Ricebird Sta-dium. The Ricebirds travel to Arlington to face Stephen-ville in the Class 3A Division I state championship game.

L-N Photo by Chris Filoteo

JACOB HARTON:“It means a lot to the town

and community of El Campo because this is a huge football town and they have all been waiting to return to state for some time now.

“This whole team is like a family. We all get along and push each other to make one another get better.”

MATT EDWARDS:“This season has meant a

lot to El Campo because we haven’t made it to state in a long time and now we have a chance. Everyone comes out to support us on Friday nights and now we can share his with the town.

“The seniors have stepped up this year for the team.”

BRYCE BRANDL:

“The town fully backs us

and will follow us anywhere we

play. We have great fans and

they turn out in big numbers to

come support the ‘Birds.

“We have a lot of heart. We

play as a town and are working

on all cylinders on both sides of

the football.”(See ‘BIRDS READY FOR STATE FINAL, Page 6-C)

Page 2-C

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L-N Photo by Chris FiloteoFamily Matters

El Campo head coach Bob Gillis is greeted by a flock of Ricebird fans alongside his mother after last week’s 29-25 Class 3A state semi-final game in Beaumont. The Ricebirds face Stephenville Friday night in Cowboys Stadium for the state championship.

By JAY T. [email protected]

While the football Ricebirds have poured their blood, sweat and tears into their 14-0 run towards the state title on the field, another team has done their share of celebrating and pacing nervously in the back-ground.

That group is the Ricebird parents, a devoted group of men and women who have du-tifully and faithfully followed their boys in red to gridirons across the state of Texas the past several years.

Pam Hunt, the mother of Cole Hunt, has a dual purpose in supporting the team this year. Not only does she have a son on the squad, but she also serves as the Ricebird cheer-leading sponsor. She said it’s been an exciting and undu-lating ride following the Rice-birds in 2012.

“Every week of the playoffs, you’re optimistic, but you’re never completely certain if this will be the last week of the season,” she said. “Cole is my third son to play high school football, so now this week, regardless of the outcome, we know this is our last week to ever have a son play in a high school game. So it’s sad in that sense, but also exciting be-cause it’s the state champion-ship.”

Cookie Baylor is the moth-er of Ricebird standout line-man Trey Martin. She said this season has provided her with the thrill of a lifetime.

“This team has a lot of seniors and they’ve been through a lot of wins here at El Campo,” Baylor said. “They’ve stuck with it and fought hard. There are some really strong leaders on this team. They’re good kids and it’s been fun watching them grow up. We’re proud and excited about this run for a championship.”

Mike Wall, who’s son Mi-chael is a defensive standout on the squad, agreed that it’s been enjoyable watching this group evolve into a champi-onship-caliber squad over the years. He recalls some of the lumps the players took as they began the first Pee-Wee units in El Campo years ago.

“We got our butts kicked a lot,” Mike laughed. “But you saw over the years a real good bond forming with these kids. They may not have the most talented kids individu-ally in the state, but as a team they’ve been pretty hard to beat. It’s been a really reward-ing year to watch them keep advancing.”

Hunt’s son Joey, who plays as a true freshman at TCU, and Cole began to attend classes at El Campo when they were in the ninth and

eighth grades, respectively. Pam said it’s truly been spe-cial to absorb the outpouring of acceptance from the Rice-bird Nation since their arrival.

“I get emotional just think-ing about it,” Pam Hunt said. “We thought we might be viewed as outsiders but that was never the case. So many families in El Campo have had our kids in their homes after practices or for events. We love our boys in red and we love this town.”

Wall said the acumen of the players along with their cama-raderie has been a big part of their success.

“Looking all the way back to when they were in daycare, these kids have not put each other down, they’ve pushed

and encouraged each other,” he said. “They are competi-tive, but they get along really well. They have great chem-istry. I think this season the stars have kind of aligned for them. There’s a convergence of conditions where the sum is greater than the individual parts.”

Baylor has lived in El Campo her entire life and said she understands the impact a state championship would have on the community.

“It would be unbelievable,” she said. “It’s been what, 45 years since the last time we went to state. These boys deserve it and this town de-serves it.”

Hunt, who is a teacher at El Campo, agreed that a state championship would such a great landmark for the school and town.

“From 100 years old to tod-dlers, this town is on fire for this team,” she said. “It would be amazing. We’re ready to go up there and make it happen.”

Wall said a state title would be “validation” for a town that has such a deep love for sports.

“El Campo has a reputation for being very competitive in a lot of sports,” Wall said. “This would be something that we’d talk about forever. They could never take it away from us.”

Michael Wall

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Playing for a state champi-onship can produce a lifetime of memories.

And for many Ricebirds this year, that is the case. More than a handful of El Campo players this season have been on the same team since Pee-Wee football, so this year is particularly different.

However, it’s business as usual for these Ricebirds.

“The emotions are higher,” Bryce Brandl said. “We will give them a run for their money.”

Out of the final four teams in Class 3A Division I, only Carthage played at the 3A level last season. Stephenville was known as a powerhouse in 4A (won four state titles in the 1990s) and is picked as the favorite against the Rice-birds, according to several websites.

But that doesn’t bother the

“boys in red.”“It will still be tough, but

football is football, “ Chris Nielsen said.

“There isn’t a difference,” Montray Johnson said. “Only the level is different. It’s still just a game.”

“Class 3A is more about the sport, not how fast you are,” Travis Woods said.

“It’s not about class ... a team is a team,” Spencer Singleton said. “We want to bring it home to El Campo and do it for them.”

“We will do what we do and play hard,” A.J. Martinez said.

“This is our final game out of the last four years,” Chance Nohavitza said.

The Ricebirds have three 1,000 yards rushers this season – Brandl, Johnson and Jack Davis.

But, none of that would be possible with the effort put forth by the offensive line every single down. Both the

offensive and defensive line has been the heartbeat of this Ricebird squad.

This week is crucial for both schools, yet for El Campo it’s business as usual during practice.

“I am more focused this week because this was the last Monday practice as a Ricebird,” Trey Martin said. “We will play as a team be-

cause we worked hard to get here.”

“Class 3A is the same we are just playing different teams,” DeShawn King said. “This game is very important because it’s our last game. We will do what we do and they can be beat.”

“They are just another team,” Jacob Harton said. “We always play up to the other teams’ level and give it our all.”

“I’m excited for state, but I’m going to keep the same mindset,” Matt Edwards said. “Our seniors jell well here.”

“We are still going to play four hard quarters,” Davis said.

There is one thing El Campo is known for.

Playing four hard quarters.For every senior Ricebird,

Friday’s championship game should be memorable for the rest of their lives.

Bob Gillis

COLE HUNT:“I think it has meant a lot even

to the people that aren’t big foot-ball fans.

“We don’t have one big-time star player. We work as one team and we have great team chemis-try.”

TREY MARTIN:“I think this season means a lot

to the city of El Campo. It’s really through the Ricebird spirit.

“We have really good senior leadership and really play as a team.”

JEREMY SUPAK:

“I think this season has been

very special for the people of El

Campo. It has been special for us

too. I’m sure they appreciate every-

thing we have done this season.

“We work hard and we never

give up. There are many leaders

on our team who step up when

needed.”

L-N Photo by Chris FiloteoSenior Ricebirds

The Ricebird senior class poses for a photo during media day in August at Ricebird Stadium. El Campo will square off against Stephenville for the first time in school history Friday night in the Class 3A Division I state championship in Arlington.

Page 6-C

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Ricebird seniors (l-r) Cole Hunt, Trey Martin, Bryce Brandl and Montray Johnson listen to the referee during the pre-game coin toss before El Campo and Carthage squared off Friday night in

Beaumont. The Ricebirds prepare to face Stephenville in Cow-boys Stadium in Arlington for the Class 3A Division I state cham-pionship.

L-N Photo by Chris FiloteoPre-game Coin Toss

“This is the first as a head coach and will definitely be a memorable one for me.”

El Campo is the visiting team Friday night against Stephenville in the Class 3A Division I state championship game in Cowboys Stadium.

Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

(Continued from Page 1-C)

DESHAWN KING:“I know we have made

the people of El Campo very proud. Everyone has been waiting for the Ricebirds to go and win a state championship. The students and faculty are proud of us.

“We play with pride and never give up no matter what the score is. We do what has to be done and play four quar-ters of Ricebird football!”

The City of El Campo is-sued a proclamation Mon-day night honoring the Ricebird football team and wishes it victory Friday night over Stephenville.

Mayor Richard Young urged El Campo residents to show their support for the Ricebird football team.

The mayor noted the 2012 team is only the sec-ond El Campo high school squad to reach the state championship game.

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