Larry Tucker

High school football got off to a rousing start with scrimmages held throughout East Texas. The Mineola Yellow Jackets will entertain another tough foe this week as they host Caddo Mills Friday in their final tune-up before opening their season at home against Wills Point August 31.

The Jackets got good line play against Malakoff in last week’s scrimmage and the defense made several stops when needed. The Jackets will be able to move the football on the ground, especially with super sophomore Trevion Sneed running the ball and Shaw Franklin can run or throw from the quarterback slot. Sneed is also one of the top defenders in East Texas.

Quitman and Hawkins played it pretty even with both teams scoring three times each. Quitman’s defense settled down after getting punched early on a 70 yard score. After that, the Bulldog defense got better as the scrimmage progressed. Trey Berry and Josh Medlin each showed poise and promise at the quarterback slot as did Ty Holland in a limited appearance at the spot. Coach Bryan Oakes was pleased with Bryan Morris at linebacker. Overall, Oakes was pleased, but sees a lot of room for improvement. The Bulldogs travel to Como-Pickton to scrimmage the Eagles Thursday.

Over at Alba-Golden, Coach Derek Smith showed off a balanced attack in their scrimmage at All Saints. The Panthers expect big things from quarterback Zane Smith and the offensive line did a good job protecting the backs with solid blocking up front. The Panthers will get a lot of ground mileage this season starting with the tough running Boedy Baker and Chris Chabaud.

The Panthers host a rugged Kemp team who went deep in the playoffs last year for their final scrimmage Thursday as they prepare for the season opener Aug. 31 agaisnt Hawkins.

On the northern fringes of Wood County, and southern Hopkins County, the Como-Pickton Eagles under Head Football Coach Charles Swann gave notice they were to be reckoned with by playing even with Winnsboro. The Eagles host Quitman Thursday beginning at 5 p.m.

Volleyball teams continue their busy pre-seasons with Quitman and Alba-Golden participating in the Tyler Invitational this weekend. Mineola is open this weekend while Hawkins is at home against Sabine Friday.

Alba-Golden and Quitman each open district Sept. 7 with the Lady Panthers at Edgewood and the Lady Bulldogs at Lone Oak. Mineola opens district Sept. 11 at Alba-Golden.

Pro football pre-season continues as the Cowboys are standing at 0-2 so far in August. The Cowboy starters on both sides of the ball look ready for a good year. It’s so hard to figure out the Cowboys because you never know if injuries and/or suspensions might get in the way of a successful season.

I believe Philadelphia is still the team to beat, but the Cowpokes should be right up there with them. I believe the Cowboys can go 11-5, but a 10-6 is more likely. Hopefully, they can win a playoff game, but don’t hold your breath.

The Houston Texans should do quite well if they can keep DeShaun Watson healthy. They should also hit around the 10-6 or 9-7 mark.

In the college ranks, I still follow my alma mater, Texas A&M Commerce. The Lions are coming off a NCAA Division II National title. I hope the Lions can repeat. If you have never been to a DII game, you need to make the trip over to Commerce and watch the Lions. Any crowd of 9,000 or more is considered a big crowd and the atmosphere is big time. If you are a true football fan, you will love the hard hitting and fast pace game DII teams have to offer.