THE ZONE: District 11-3A Division II

Published 6:39 pm Monday, August 26, 2024

DISTRICT 11-3A DIVISION II

OUR PICKS: 1. WEST RUSK 2. NEW DIANA 3. TROUP 4. ARP 5. ELKHART 6. WINONA 7. BUFFALO

NEW DIANA EAGLES

COACH: Jason Pitts (3rd year at school, 10-11)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 428-358-8

STADIUM: Eagle Stadium 11826 Hwy 154 E, New Diana 75650

2023 RESULT: 8-3

RETURNING LETTERMAN/STATERS: 36/17

LETTERMEN LOST: 7

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Jaidyn Johnson, Sr., 5-11, 170 … QB DeJuan Johnson, Soph. 5-10, 165 … TE Ayden Hamilton, Sr., 6-5, 245 … OL Roberto Aguilar, Sr., 6-0, 280 … RB Dayvon Mapps, Sr., 5-10, 175 … OL Andy Orona, Jr., 6-3, 280 … OL Hunter Davis, Soph., 6-2, 250 … RB Tavarus Williams, Sr., 5-9, 185 … WR Landon Holly, Sr., 5-10, 170 … OL Canon Willeford, Sr., 6-3, 290 … WR Colt McDowell, Sr., 6-0, 175

DEFENSE: 3-4

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Jaidyn Johnson, Sr., 5-11, 170 … DL Ayden Hamilton, Sr., 6-5, 245 … LB Angel Ruiz, Sr., 5-10, 185 … LB Dayvon Mapps, Sr., 5-10, 175 … DB Rickey Evans, Jr., 5-9, 155 … LB Tavarus Williams, Sr., 5-9, 185 … LB Hadley Overby, Sr., 5-10, 180 … DL Jamarion Johnson, Jr., 6-0, 250 … DB Landon Holly, Sr., 5-10, 170 … DL Braylen Peoples, Sr., 5-11, 235 … DB Colt McDowell, Sr., 6-0, 175 … LB Brayan Olivares, Sr., 5-10, 175

2024 OUTLOOK: The Eagles made a huge turnaround in 2023. After winning three total games in the previous three seasons, New Diana won eight games and made the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Also, after scoring outputs of 50, 131 and 148 points in those three previous seasons, New Diana scored 371 points in 2023. A big reason for that was the Johnson and Johnson duo of DeJuan and Jaiydyn. As a freshman, DeJuan Johnson was 63 of 146 for 1,177 yards with 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also had 141 carries for 1,181 yards and 17 touchdowns. Jaiydyn Johnson had 33 catches for 704 yards and 18 touchdowns and 10 carries for 85 yards and two touchdowns. Mapps (125 carries, 887 yards, six touchdowns) and Hamilton (seven catches, 161 yards two touchdowns) are other offensive threats. Aguilar, Oronga, Davis and Willeford are solid up front. Davis, a sophomore, has a size 16.5 cleat and a four-extra large glove, leaving New Diana coaches gushing about his potential. Williams (71 tackles, 10 tackles for loss), Jaidyn Johnson (47 tackles, six interceptions), Hamilton (60 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, six sacks), Mapps (45 tackles, 13 tackles for loss), Ruiz (21 tackles, five sacks) and Overby (70 tackles, six tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries) are back on defense.

———

SCHEDULE

Aug. 30: at Mount Vernon, 7 p.m.

Sept. 6: Gladewater, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13: Sabine, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20: at Redwater, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27: at Winona*

Oct. 11: West Rusk*

Oct. 18: at Troup*

Oct. 25: Buffalo*

Nov. 1: at Arp*

Nov. 8: Elkhart*

*District 11-3A Division II game

All Games are at 7:30 p.m. unless noted

WEST RUSK RAIDERS

COACH: Rafe Mata (2nd year at school, 10-3)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 315-300-5

STADIUM: Bruce Bradshaw Stadium, 10705 Main Street, New London 75682

2023 RESULT: 10-3

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 18/11

LETTERMEN LOST: 13

OFFENSE: Power spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Cole Jackson, Sr., 5-10, 195 … WR Jud Dotson, Jr., 6-0, 185 … RB Hunter McCandless, Jr., 5-11, 180 … OL Christian Ludes, Jr., 6-2, 340 … WR Jase Reasoner, Jr., 5-6, 160 … WR Kemontrea McGregor, Soph., 5-10, 165

DEFENSE: Odd-multiple

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Cole Jackson, Sr., 5-10, 195 … DB Jud Dotson, Jr., 6-0, 185 … LB Hunter McCandless, Jr., 5-11, 180 … DL Cameron Robinson, Sr., 6-0, 225 … DB Jase Reasoner, Jr., 5-6, 160 … DB Kemontrea McGregor, Soph., 5-10, 165

2024 OUTLOOK: West Rusk has been consistently operating at a high level for nearly the past decade. The Raiders have made nine consecutive playoff appearances, have three straight double-digit win seasons and have made the third round of the playoffs in three straight seasons. Until something changes, it’s safe to assume West Rusk is going to win a lot of games, contend for a district championship and win in the playoffs. Jackson (191 carries, 1,274 yards, 15 touchdowns) is back at running back. Dotson, McCandless, Reasoner and McGregor are other offensive threats with big Christian Ludes leading the way up front Defensively, Jackson had 122 tackles. Robinson (71 tackles, three sacks), McCandless (72 tackles), Dotson (38 tackles, four interceptions) and McGregor (25 tackles) are other notable returners. Reasoner is dangerous on special teams with three return touchdowns last season.

———

SCHEDULE

Aug. 30: at Malakoff

Sept. 6: Diboll

Sept. 12: Gladewater

Sept. 20: at Tatum, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27: at Elkhart*

Oct. 4: Winona*

Oct. 11: at New Diana*

Oct. 25: Troup*

Nov. 1: at Buffalo*

Nov. 8: Arp*

*District 11-3A Division II game

All Games are at 7:30 p.m. unless note

TROUP TIGERS

COACH: Sam Wells (3rd year at school, 15-7; 66-61 overall)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 483-489-35

STADIUM: Tiger Stadium, 927 Arp Drive, Troup 75789

2023 RESULT: 9-2

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 15/6

LETTERMEN LOST: 14

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR/K Bryce Wallum, Sr., 5-9, 180 … RB Brett Wells, Soph., 5-8, 165 … RB/TE Shane Jasper, Sr., 6-0, 170 … OL Kaden Mayo, Sr., 5-10, 225 … OL Andre’a Dewberry, Soph., 6-2, 270 … WR Kameron Kendrick, Jr., 5-10, 150 … OL Sean Flood, Sr., 5-10, 225 … WR Hayden Huml, Jr., 6-1, 185 … WR Caden Claburn, Sr., 5-10, 195 … WR Louis Daniels, Sr., 5-9, 150 … RB Jayden Hart, Sr., 5-8, 150 … OL Cason Nichols, Sr., 6-3, 200

DEFENSE: 4-2-5

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Bryce Wallum, Sr., 5-9, 180 … LB Brett Wells, Soph., 5-8, 165 … LB/TE Shane Jasper, Sr., 6-0, 170 … DL Caden Starkey, Jr., 5-11, 225 … LB Kaden Mayo, Sr., 5-10, 225 … DL Andre’a Dewberry, Soph., 6-2, 270 … LB/DL Noble Kendrick, Jr., 6-1, 180 … DB Kameron Kendrick, Jr., 5-10, 150 … DL Sean Flood, Sr., 5-10, 225 … DB Hayden Huml, Jr., 6-1, 185 … DL/LB Caden Claburn, Sr., 5-10, 195 … DB Louis Daniels, Sr., 5-9, 150 … LB Jayden Hart, Sr., 5-8, 150 … DL Cason Nichols, Sr., 6-3, 200

2024 OUTLOOK: Graduation hit Troup hard after the Tigers’ sixth straight postseason appearance. Troup graduated veteran quarterback Grayson Hearon (more than 7,000 career passing yards), dynamic receiver Trae Davis (Kansas State), who set the Troup single-season records with 67 catches for 1,245 yards and 20 touchdowns and also holds the career marks in those categories, and Ty Lovelady, who had 29 catches for 432 yards and seven touchdowns. But there is still talent around for the Tigers. Wallum is an all-district performer at receiver, cornerback and kicker. He had 24 catches for 580 yards and eight touchdowns; 132 yards rushing and three touchdowns; 32 tackles, two interceptions, four passes broken up; and was 3 of 4 on field goal tries and 64 of 66 on extra points. Brett Wells made his mark on both sides of the ball as a freshman with 1,155 rushing yards, 158 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on offense and 93 tackles and eight tackles for loss on defense. Jasper had 149 tackles, six forced fumbles and eight tackles for loss, and he also scored four touchdowns on offense. Starkey (52 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, five sacks), Noble Kendrick (62 tackles, 10 tackles for loss), Kameron Kendrick (27 tackles) and Flood (36 tackles, four tackles for loss) are other defensive standouts. Mayo, Dewberry, Flood and Nichols are key players on the offensive line.

———

SCHEDULE

Aug. 30: Shelbyville

Sept. 6: at Edgewood

Sept. 13: Harleton

Sept. 20: at Rusk

Sept. 27: at Arp*

Oct. 4: Elkhart*

Oct. 11: at Winona

Oct. 18: New Diana*

Oct. 25: at West Rusk*

Nov. 8: Buffalo*

*District 11-3A Division II game

All Games are at 7:30 p.m.

ELKHART ELKS

COACH: Cody Day (2nd year at Elkhart, 4-6; 29-51 overall)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 437-473-27

STADIUM: Jerry Ives Memorial Stadium, Sheridan Street, Elkhart 75839

2023 RESULTS: 4-6

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 18/14

LETTERMEN LOST: 8

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: ATH Bryant Lipsey, Sr., 5-9, 185 … WR Jayden Chapman, Sr., 5-9, 160 … ATH Dalton Walker, Soph., 5-9, 165 … OL Cooper Harris, Sr., 5-11, 250 … QB Trystyn Tidrow, Sr., 6-3, 180 … RB Jackson Denney, Jr., 5-10, 190 … OL Hayden Pittman, Jr., 5-10, 240 … ATH Dalton Walker, Soph., 5-9, 165 … OL Eric Lira, Sr., 5-9, 215 … OL Slade Hall, Sr., 5-11, 250 … WR Brannigan Blackmon, Jr., 5-8, 145 … RB Cody Thomas, Sr., 5-9, 170 … TE Kaden Luce, Sr., 5-8, 150 … WR TJ Calhoun, Sr., 5-9, 145 … WR Johnny Franklin, Jr., 5-8, 145 … OL Braden Wiggins, Jr., 6-2, 190

DEFENSE: 3-4

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Jayden Chapman, Sr., 5-9, 160 … LB Cooper Harris, Sr., 5-11, 250 … LB Jackson Denney, Jr., 5-10, 190 … DL Hayden Pittman, Jr., 5-10, 240 … DL Eric Lira, Sr., 5-9, 215 … DL Slade Hall, Sr., 5-11, 250 … DB Brannigan Blackmon, Jr., 5-8, 145 … LB Cody Thomas, Sr., 5-9, 170 … LB Kaden Luce, Sr., 5-8, 150 … DB TJ Calhoun, Sr., 5-9, 145 … DB Johnny Franklin, Jr., 5-8, 145 … DL Braden Wiggins, Jr., 6-2, 190

2024 OUTLOOK: Elkhart hasn’t made the playoffs since 2014 and hasn’t had a winning season since 2013. Both of those years, the Elks were coached by Sam Wells, who is the head coach at Troup. After being in a district with Buffalo, Lexington, Florence, Clifton and Rogers for the past two years, Elkhart joins Troup’s district, and Buffalo is coming along, also. Tidrow (1,155 yards passing, 11 touchdowns), Denney (85 carries, 502 yards) and Chapman (36 catches, 556 yards, six touchdowns) are back to lead the offense around an offensive line of Harris, Pittman, Lira, Hall and Wiggins. A lot of the same guys are also standouts on defense. Lipsey and Walker are dynamic athletes.

———

SCHEDULE

Aug. 30: Lovelady

Sept. 6: Warren

Sept. 13: at Kerens

Sept. 20: Corrigan-Camden

Sept. 27: West Rusk*

Oct: 4: at Troup*

Oct. 11: Buffalo*

Oct. 18: at Arp*

Nov. 1: Winona*

Nov. 8: at New Diana*

*District 11-3A Division II game

All Games are at 7:30 p.m. 

ARP TIGERS

COACH: Wes Schminkey (3rd year at school, 11-11)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 500-422-14

STADIUM: Bill Herrington Tiger Stadium, 420 E. Front Street, Arp 75750

2023 RESULT: 8-4

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 18/16

LETTERMEN LOST: 9

OFFENSE: Multiple

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Zane Bourque, Jr., 5-10, 165 … WR Demarcus Wade, Sr., 6-1, 170 … RB Josh Smith, Jr., 5-10, 165 … TE Jaxon Schminkey, Jr., 6-1, 210 … RB Zeshaun Reed, Sr., 6-0, 165 … OL Bryce Everett, Sr., 6-2, 340 … RB Casen Burgins, Jr., 5-7, 150 … OL Zyon Washington, Jr., 5-10, 190 … WR Cornelius Pierce, Jr., 5-11, 145 … OL Eli Ladd, Jr., 5-11, 250 … WR Wyatt Johnson, Jr., 5-10, 160 … OL AB Martin, Sr., 6-0, 260

DEFENSE: 3-4

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Zane Bourque, Jr., 5-10, 165 … DB Demarcus Wade, Sr., 6-1, 170 … DB Josh Smith, Jr., 5-10, 165 … LB Jaxon Schminkey, Jr., 6-1, 210 … DB Zeshaun Reed, Sr., 6-0, 165 … DB Casen Burgins, Jr., 5-7, 150 … DL Zyon Washington, Jr., 5-10, 190 … LB Julian Barocio, Sr., 5-9, 185 … DB Cornelius Pierce, Jr., 5-11, 145 … DL Emmanuel Ponce, Sr., 5-10, 195 … DB Wyatt Johnson, Jr., 5-10, 160 … DL AB Martin, Sr., 6-0, 260

2024 OUTLOOK: Arp made a five-win improvement from 2022 to 2023 made the playoffs last year for the second time in three years after. The Tigers also picked up their 500th win in program history. The Tigers graduated some key players, including at quarterback, but there are still nine starters back on offense and seven starters returning on defense. Whoever is the starter at quarterback will have solid targets at receiver in Bourque (61 catches, 1,287 yards, 11 touchdowns) and Wade (31 catches, 583 yards, six touchdowns). Reed (74 carries, 498 yards, five touchdowns) and Burgins (59 carries, 377 yards) form a two-headed attack in the backfield behind an offensive line that features Everett, Washington and Martin. Smith (100 tackles), Barocio (95 tackles, two sacks), Schminkey (47 tackles), Ponce (67 tackles), Washington (37 tackles), Bourque (56 tackles, two interceptions) and Pierce (two interceptions) are back on defense.

———

SCHEDULE

Aug. 30: Harleton

Sept. 6: at Garrison

Sept. 13: Mineola

Sept. 20: Sabine

Sept. 27: Troup*

Oct. 4: at Buffalo*

Oct. 18: Elkhart*

Oct. 25: at Winona*

Nov. 1: New Diana*

Nov. 8: at West Rusk

*District 11-3A Division II game

All Games are at 7:30 p.m.

BUFFALO BISON

COACH: Jamin Savell (3rd year at school, 8-14)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 401-449-26

STADIUM: Brewer Field, 242 Stadium St., Buffalo 75831

2023 RESULT: 3-8

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 22/16

LETTERMEN LOST: 8

OFFENSE: Wing T

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Cole Davis, Jr., 6-1, 180 … RB Donte Lott, Soph., 6-1, 165 … RB/WR Hayden Shaw, Jr., 6-0, 176 … OL Bryan Gonzalez, Soph., 6-0, 285

DEFENSE: 50

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Donte Lott, Soph., 6-1, 165 … DL Joe Caceres, Sr., 5-8, 290

2024 OUTLOOK: Despite winning just three games, Buffalo advanced to the playoffs for the second straight year and for the eighth time in the last nine years. The Bison come to a new district and have nine starters back on offense and seven starters back on defense. Davis returns at quarterback with Lott and Shaw at running back. Gonzalez is a young offensive lineman with a lot of potential. Lott and Cacares are key players on the defense.

———

SCHEDULE

Aug. 30: at Centerville

Sept. 6: at Eustace

Sept. 13: Shepherd

Sept. 20: Fairfield

Oct. 4: Arp*

Oct. 11: at Elkhart*

Oct. 18: Winona*

Oct. 25: at New Diana*

Nov. 1: West Rusk*

Nov. 8: at Troup*

*District 11-3A Division II game

All Games are at 7:30 p.m.

WINONA WILDCATS

COACH: Kenneth Cook (1st year at school, 0-0)

ALL-TIME RECORD: 273-391-13

STADIUM: Wildcat Stadium, 605 Wildcat Drive, Winona, Texas, 75792

2023 RESULT: 1-8

RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 14/14

LETTERMEN LOST: 5

OFFENSE: Spread

OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB LurBryson Ross, Sr., 5-7, 165 … QB Josh Rice, Sr., 6-0, 190 … WR Jakai Timmons, Sr., 5-10, 160 … WR Jordan Pullum, Sr., 5-10, 165 … WR Adon Warren, Sr., 5-11, 175 … OL Dkaylon Decker, Sr., 5-9, 220 … WR Datavian Williams, Jr., 5-7, 145 … FB Jesse Barton, Jr., 5-7, 150 … FB Jared Hernandez, Jr., 5-7, 160 … QB Easton Smotherman, Jr., 5-9, 150 … OL Dalton McClung Jr., 5-10, 220 … WR Juan Ordorica, Sr., 5-6, 140

DEFENSE: Multiple

DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB LurBryson Ross, Sr., 5-7, 165 … LB Josh Rice, Sr., 6-0, 190 … DB Jakai Timmons, Sr., 5-10, 160 … DB Jordan Pullum, Sr., 5-10, 165 … LB Adon Warren, Sr., 5-11, 175 … DL Dkaylon Decker, Sr., 5-9, 220 … DB Datavian Williams, Jr., 5-7, 145 … LB Jesse Barton, Jr., 5-7, 150 … LB Jared Hernandez, Jr., 5-7, 160 … DB Easton Smotherman, Jr., 5-9, 150 … DL Dalton McClung Jr., 5-10, 220 … DB Juan Ordorica, Sr., 5-6, 140

2024 OUTLOOK: The last four seasons have been tough for Winona with six total wins after having previously reached the playoffs in five consecutive seasons. The Wildcats took a step forward on offense last season, averaging 19.1 points per game after averaging 14.8 points per game in 2022 and just 9.6 points per game in 2021. The defense, however, took a big step back, allowing 55.1 points per game after giving up 39.1 points per game in 2022 and 38.0 points per game allowed in 2021. Winona will have a coaching change as Keylon Kincade is out after 10 seasons. Cook, who has been at Winona the past seven seasons, will take over as the head coach. The Wildcats return seven starters on each side of the ball. Rice threw for 718 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions before suffering a season-ending injury in the sixth game of the season. Ross (174 carries, 887 yards, 12 touchdowns; 23 catches, 337 yards, three touchdowns) is a dynamic weapon. Timmons, Pullum, Warren and Williams are also expected to be big offensive contributors with an offensive line that includes Decker and McClung. Ordorica (56 tackles, two interceptions), Warren (53 tackles) and Barton (56 tackles) are key returners on defense.

———

SCHEDULE

Aug. 31: Big Sandy, 6 p.m.

Sept. 6: at Lone Oak

Sept. 13: Hawkins, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20: Alto

Sept. 27: New Diana*

Oct. 4: at West Rusk*

Oct. 11: Troup*

Oct. 18: at Buffalo*

Oct. 25: Arp*

Nov. 1: at Elkhart*

*District 11-3A Division II game

All Games are at 7:30 p.m. unless noted