Jknight03

i really like these overly confident kilgore fans.

really because we beat them twice and lindale beat them once there

REMATCH at longviews lobos field friday

Next Up NEXT UP SCOREBOARD Pioneers to play Chapel Hill in Class 4A-D-I regional semifinal BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL: Pioneers to play Chapel Hill in Class 4A-D-I regional round By JAKE DOWLING [email protected] Nov 22, 2023 Updated Nov 22, 2023 0 Buy Now Iowa Colony head football coach Ray Garza gives instructions to his linebackers during a defensive session in practice Tuesday at Iowa Colony High School. JAKE DOWLING/The Facts Powered by Trinity Audio Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Copy article link Save IOWA COLONY Of the 16 years Iowa Colony head football coach Ray Garza has been coaching in some fashion, this will be the 11th he will be coaching practices on Thanksgiving week. It never gets old for the coach. He admitted feeling grumpy on previous Thanksgivings when he wasn’t practicing for the next game. However, this year is a special circumstance — it’s his team he’s spending time with on Thanksgiving. “I’ll tell ya, I love those Thanksgiving week practices. It’s one of my favorite weeks,” he said. “No group of kids are the same. These are kids we opened up school with last year, plus some new additions, and to see the kids — it’s their first time in school and program history to be practicing during Thanksgiving. It’s a privilege, and to let our kids have this experience and be playing this long, it’s an honor.” Practice precedes turkey dinner this week as the Pioneers (12-0) prepare Chapel Hill (10-2) in a Class 4A, Division I, Region 3 semifinal matchup at 7 p.m. Friday at Woodforest Bank Stadium in Shenandoah. “We have a talented team that we are playing on Friday,” Garza said. “They have kids who have big-play ability on offense, they have very athletic kids and their running back is spectacular, the quarterback is a great player, and they have a receiver who can stretch it.” The Pioneers are coming off a 45-22 area-round victory last week over Lindale. Iowa Colony trailed the Eagles 14-0 in the first quarter. However, as Iowa Colony has shown throughout the season, particularly of late, it has the ability to come back from any deficit. The Pioneers took a 21-14 lead at the half then outscored Lindale 24-8 in the second half It goes to our kids competing,” Garza said. “We don’t want to start like that, like we did last week, but I am proud of what our kids did to get themselves back on track. That’s a testament to our kids in terms of their character and also a testament to our coaches who guided them into that process to get themselves out of a hole. “That’s a good quality of a team — one that keeps competing, and we want to keep that with us through the playoffs.” The Bulldogs, third-place finishers in District 9, are coming off a 54-18 victory over District 12 fourth-place finisher El Campo. The Bulldogs offense averages 47 points per game and consists of a dual-threat quarterback, a stud running back and a receiver who can stretch the field — all aspects very similar to Needville. The Pioneers had their hands full with the Blue Jays offense in their regular-season finale showdown Nov. 3 but shut out the potent offense in the fourth quarter to prevail for a district championship. “You have to do the little things, and you have to be consistent,” Garza said. “They learned to keep competing because it was up and down in that game, but they kept fighting, and that’s good. They have to know their job and do their job, and they have to be consistent with it. “We are in the time of the year when the kids have to rely on the foundation they have been working on and play with their brain. They have to understand what needs to be done to get a victory on Friday.” Quarterback Demetrius Brisbon is much like Needville’s Keilan Sweeny. Brisbon is 110-of-171 passing, with a 64.3 percent completion rate for 1,664 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. The junior is the team’s second-leading rusher with 1,194 yards on 98 carries, 12.2 yards per carry and eight touchdowns. The Bulldogs’ cowbell is running back Rickey Stewart. The back leads the district with 2,229 yards on 176 rushes and 34 touchdowns. Stewart is also a dangerous receiver, with 15 catches for 251 yards and three scores. Both Stewart and Brisbon are committed to Southern Methodist University. Cameron Kelley is Chapel Hill’s leading receiver with 30 grabs for 638 yards and nine touchdowns — all team highs — followed by Jayvin Mayfield with 28 receptions for 455 yards and seven touchdowns. Both wideouts are Stephen F. Austin University commits. They do,” Garza said when asked if Chapel Hill resembles Needville. “They have the big-play ability on any snap. I’ve seen it plenty of times when a player takes the ball and makes something that looks like it is going to be a short gain, and next thing you know, it’s a touchdown. “They have good players over there.” Like District 12, two teams from District 9 remain in the postseason — Chapel Hill and Kilgore. Kilgore plays Needville in the other regional game. The winner of both contests will play each other Dec. 1 in a regional championship. Garza believes the rigorous District 12 schedule prepared his team for the tough postseason competition. Friday will mark the Pioneers’ second straight game against a District 9 opponent after beating Lindale last week. Lindale also defeated Chapel Hill on Oct. 13. “It is just going to make you better,” Garza said. “Our district is very tough, and I think that shows right now with our district still playing with Districts 9 and 10. That’s what you want to do for your program — to have that tough competition makes you better.” The schedule has also created strengths on the team, namely the Pioneers secondary. Manned by leading cornerback Jarvis Solomon’s district-leading 10 interceptions, the Pioneers have 31 picks on the season after adding four to that total in last week’s win. The team has racked up an impressive 228 return yards, 42 passes defensed, averages 2.6 interceptions a game and has accumulated seven pick-sixes on the season. They have definitely done a great job,” Garza said. “They compete for the ball, and the coaches do a great job. Coach (Will) Gully and coach (Kenneth) Fontenette do a great job with those guys. “They are having a great year, stat-wise, and we just have to keep it going.” The Pioneers’ offense will face a stout Chapel Hill defense, with four players leading District 9 in tackles. Middle linebacker Daveon Ross has 134 tackles and nine tackles for a loss, followed by Kendall Allen with 110 stops, Trevor Brooks with 94 tackles and a district-best 26 tackles for a loss and Jabo Cook with 85 tackles and 13 tackles for a loss. The Chapel Hill defense allows 27.3 points per game but has limited four of the last five opponents to 28 points or fewer, including an average of 12.5 points in the postseason. Conversely, the Pioneers might be getting a reinforcement in receiver Nolynn Haygood, who has been out since Week 4 recovering from an off-the-field incident. The receiver has been cleared to lift weights and has been on the practice field this week, but he believes he is another week away from game action. “Nolynn is a great player. He was a kid in a rotation for us early, and ultimately, he adds another weapon to the offense and depth to the receiving corps,” Garza said. “I am glad he is out here running around with pads on. I commend him for all the hard work he’s done this season to get back to where he is.” he is.” Jake Dowling is the sports editor for The Facts. Contact him at 979-237-0161 or by email at [email protected]. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Copy article link Save +3

GAME DAY ...LETS GO

Two weeks into the postseason has done nothing to dull the Iowa Colony Pioneers’ resolve to bounce back from a shaky start. While the Pioneers fell behind by a pair of touchdowns just six-and-a half minutes into last week’s area playoff match-up with Lindale in Bryan, Ray Garza’s squad once again reached back for its trademark resiliency, paving the way for a 45-22 triumph over Lindale at Merrill Green Stadium. A good tool to possess to be sure, but also one the second-year head coach would prefer for his 12-0 team to use a little earlier, starting with their Class 4A Division I Regional Semifinal Football contest with Tyler Chapel Hill, Nov. 24 at Woodforest Bank Stadium in Shenandoah at 7 p.m. The Bulldogs, who play in the same district (9-4A D-1) as Lindale, upended El Campo, 54-18 in their area playoff game last weekend. “We really talked to the kids (during the first day of practice on Monday) about not wanting to start slow and avoid putting ourselves in a hole,” Garza said. “We’re pointing towards week 16 and the key to that is starting strong and avoiding the mistakes that can cost you in the long run.” The Pioneers’ week 13 meeting comes against a Bulldogs’ squad, who mirrors Iowa Colony in explosiveness. Quarterback Demetrius Brisbon has passed for 1,664 yards and 23 touchdowns, while adding 1,194 yards on the ground and eight scores. Ricky Stewart has also delivered a big year on the ground for Chapel Hill with 2,234 yards and 34 TD’s. Cameron Kelly has hauled in 30 receptions for 638 yards and nine TD’s, while Jayvin Mayfield has 28 catches for 455 yards and seven TD’s. “They have a real dynamic offense with big play abilities at quarterback, running back and receiver,” Garza said. “Both their quarterback and running back are committed to SMU. They also have great speed on defense and their secondary is very good. There are definitely some similarities between them and us. “Their running back (Stewart) can especially break loose at any time.” Garza said his team had a productive first day of practice on Monday. “We told them they earned the right to play during Thanksgiving week and not take it for granted,” he added. “They did a good the first day of practice and we want them to keep getting better tomorrow.” After the Pioneers got into the early 14- first quarter hole against Lindale last week, quarterback Carson White immediately got Iowa Colony back on track with a 48-yard scoring run on the first play following the ensuing kickoff. The freshman signal caller then hit Jacody Miles with a 29-yard TD pass to tie it at 14-14 early in the second quarter, while a 58-yard fling to Jacody Miles set up Joseph Mosley’s three-yard run for a 21-14 Iowa Colony lead at intermission. White said the Pioneers’ first score provided a huge lift for both himself and the team following the near distastrous start. “We were like we have been situations like this before,” said White, whose early interception led to Lindale’s second TD. “We just needed to do our business. I think our first touchdown boosted our energy, because I felt down after the pick. “I bounced back, got myself right and took advantage of the opportunity.” Iowa Colony continued on the same course to open the second half with Miles’s 17-yard scoring run capping a five-play, 68-yard march to make it 28-14 with 9:43 remaining in the third. The Pioneers’ secondary then came to the rescue following an Iowa Colony muffed punt with Jarvis Solomon intercepting a Clint Thurman throw near the goaline to thwart a Lindale scoring threat. Chandler Love provided another IC pick a few minutes later to set up Cruz’s 23-yard field goal to increase the margin to 31-14 with 10:56 left in the contest. The Eagles immediately threatened to make it a game of it again on their next possession with Clint Thurman’s 83-yard TD pass to Ward and two-conversion toss to Aiden Warnell to cut the gap to 31-22. After forcing Iowa Colony to a quick three-and-out, Lindale then got a first down at the Pioneers’ 45-yard line on a defensive pass interference call. However, the Pioneers’ defense came up with a clutch sack on second down and following Thurman’s six-yard completion to Ward and fourth down incompletion, Iowa Colony took over on downs with 6:25 remaining and began putting the finishing touches on the second round victory with 32 and 27-yard TD dashes by Aaron Tenner. Tenner’s second score was set up by Bruce Robinson’s interception. The Pioneers intercepted Thurman four times during the evening, raising their total to an amazing 31 picks for the season.

Two weeks into the postseason has done nothing to dull the Iowa Colony Pioneers’ resolve to bounce back from a shaky start. While the Pioneers fell behind by a pair of touchdowns just six-and-a half minutes into last week’s area playoff match-up with Lindale in Bryan, Ray Garza’s squad once again reached back for its trademark resiliency, paving the way for a 45-22 triumph over Lindale at Merrill Green Stadium. A good tool to possess to be sure, but also one the second-year head coach would prefer for his 12-0 team to use a little earlier, starting with their Class 4A Division I Regional Semifinal Football contest with Tyler Chapel Hill, Nov. 24 at Woodforest Bank Stadium in Shenandoah at 7 p.m. The Bulldogs, who play in the same district (9-4A D-1) as Lindale, upended El Campo, 54-18 in their area playoff game last weekend. “We really talked to the kids (during the first day of practice on Monday) about not wanting to start slow and avoid putting ourselves in a hole,” Garza said. “We’re pointing towards week 16 and the key to that is starting strong and avoiding the mistakes that can cost you in the long run.” The Pioneers’ week 13 meeting comes against a Bulldogs’ squad, who mirrors Iowa Colony in explosiveness. Quarterback Demetrius Brisbon has passed for 1,664 yards and 23 touchdowns, while adding 1,194 yards on the ground and eight scores. Ricky Stewart has also delivered a big year on the ground for Chapel Hill with 2,234 yards and 34 TD’s. Cameron Kelly has hauled in 30 receptions for 638 yards and nine TD’s, while Jayvin Mayfield has 28 catches for 455 yards and seven TD’s. “They have a real dynamic offense with big play abilities at quarterback, running back and receiver,” Garza said. “Both their quarterback and running back are committed to SMU. They also have great speed on defense and their secondary is very good. There are definitely some similarities between them and us. “Their running back (Stewart) can especially break loose at any time.” Garza said his team had a productive first day of practice on Monday. “We told them they earned the right to play during Thanksgiving week and not take it for granted,” he added. “They did a good the first day of practice and we want them to keep getting better tomorrow.” After the Pioneers got into the early 14- first quarter hole against Lindale last week, quarterback Carson White immediately got Iowa Colony back on track with a 48-yard scoring run on the first play following the ensuing kickoff. The freshman signal caller then hit Jacody Miles with a 29-yard TD pass to tie it at 14-14 early in the second quarter, while a 58-yard fling to Jacody Miles set up Joseph Mosley’s three-yard run for a 21-14 Iowa Colony lead at intermission. White said the Pioneers’ first score provided a huge lift for both himself and the team following the near distastrous start. “We were like we have been situations like this before,” said White, whose early interception led to Lindale’s second TD. “We just needed to do our business. I think our first touchdown boosted our energy, because I felt down after the pick. “I bounced back, got myself right and took advantage of the opportunity.” Iowa Colony continued on the same course to open the second half with Miles’s 17-yard scoring run capping a five-play, 68-yard march to make it 28-14 with 9:43 remaining in the third. The Pioneers’ secondary then came to the rescue following an Iowa Colony muffed punt with Jarvis Solomon intercepting a Clint Thurman throw near the goaline to thwart a Lindale scoring threat. Chandler Love provided another IC pick a few minutes later to set up Cruz’s 23-yard field goal to increase the margin to 31-14 with 10:56 left in the contest. The Eagles immediately threatened to make it a game of it again on their next possession with Clint Thurman’s 83-yard TD pass to Ward and two-conversion toss to Aiden Warnell to cut the gap to 31-22. After forcing Iowa Colony to a quick three-and-out, Lindale then got a first down at the Pioneers’ 45-yard line on a defensive pass interference call. However, the Pioneers’ defense came up with a clutch sack on second down and following Thurman’s six-yard completion to Ward and fourth down incompletion, Iowa Colony took over on downs with 6:25 remaining and began putting the finishing touches on the second round victory with 32 and 27-yard TD dashes by Aaron Tenner. Tenner’s second score was set up by Bruce Robinson’s interception. The Pioneers intercepted Thurman four times during the evening, raising their total to an amazing 31 picks for the season.

pretty sure they will be a 5A next year

yea one kid has 10 or 11 by myself this year

1. Boerne Greyhounds LOST TO LA VERINA 10 - 2 Idle #1 2. Anna Coyotes 11 - 1 Frisco Panther Creek Panthers #2 3. Kilgore Bulldogs 11 - 1 Needville Blue Jays #3 4. Iowa Colony Pioneers 12 - 0 Tyler Chapel Hill Bulldogs #4 5. Stephenville Yellowjackets 10 - 2 Celina Bobcats #5 6. Brownwood Lions 11 - 1 Springtown Porcupines #6 7. China Spring Cougars LOST TO ANNA 8 - 4 Idle #7 8. Frisco Panther Creek Panthers 11 - 1 Anna Coyotes #8 9. Bay City Blackcats LOST TO KILGORE 8 - 4 Idle #9 10. Celina Bobcats 11 - 1 Stephenville Yellowjackets #10

IC has 31 interceptions this year

iowa colony has to drive up I45 south of houston to north of houston...friday is one of the most traveled days of the year....one thing happen in traffic that day and that 1hr trip turns into 3hrs easy....every day theres accidents/dumb drivers traffic jams, i worked there for the last 2 Ch seasons

iowa colonys Players to watch: RB/DB Jacody Miles (5-7, 165, 4.6), Antoine Martin (6-1, 175, 4.4), DL/TE Chris Johnson (6-3, 245, 4.8), OL Jayden Simmons (6-5, 315, 5.6), LB Haydon Caston (6-1, 180, 4.4), LB Treshaun O’Neal (6-0, 190, 4.6). Top juniors: QB/DB Kamal Henry (6-1, 185, 4.5), DL/LB Bruce Robinson (6-1, 210, 4.8). Top sophomore: RB Eric Mosley (5-11, 185, 4.5).

ICs offense is like CH and defense like kilgores .... they have a fast defense and i saw there d line use the push pull on yalls o line to use their own momentum to get by them ....any other tips on them will help