The LSC Scoop would like to extend a big Thank you to all of our readers. September was our busiest month ever, topping February 2009 (recruiting news and football signing day). Compared to last year, the total visits for the month of September are up 65%.
We appreciate you coming here for your LSC news and encourage you to tell your friends and family.
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Tarleton State defense ready for its toughest opponent
Whether thwarting initial attacks or counter-attacks, Tarleton State coach Sam McElroy is confident his defense can turn back talented Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday.
But he knows winning at the Javelinas’ place at 7 p.m. won’t happen by just talking about it. And he also knows that his defense, no matter how well it plays, will need help in the Lone Star Conference South Division matchup between nationally ranked teams.
Tarleton State is No. 11 in both the American Football Coaches Association and D2football.com rankings. Kingsville is No. 9 in AFCA and 7 in the other.
"You’re always pleased if you can win your first five," said McElroy, whose Texans have started 5-0 for the third consecutive season. "We haven’t faced anybody that is nearly as talented as Kingsville. We’re going to have to have our best performance of the season."
Injuries force backups to step up for Javs
KINGSVILLE — Football coaches are notorious for preaching — ad nauseum, in some instances — the axiom of the team concept. Whether it is “the whole is greater than the sum of its part” or “there’s no ‘I’ in team” spiel or some other derivative, field bosses spend years trying to drum the message into their players. The bitter reality for those forced to listen to the rhetoric is that it cannot be disputed. Those followers of Texas A&M-Kingsville’s football team got a crash course on that idea last weekend in Canyon.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team play a whole game with 11 guys on offense and 11 guys on defense and nobody ever comes out, have you?” third-year Javelinas coach Bo Atterberry queried. “So that’s just the way it goes, at least with a championship team, for sure, a team that’s productive throughout the course of an entire season.”
The ninth-ranked Javelinas were forced to call upon non-starters when injuries bagged a few starters during the course of the 23-17 overtime victory over West Texas A&M, a win that snapped a four-game losing streak against the Buffaloes. To be sure, it wasn’t as if those players called upon never had stepped on the field before. Yet it underscored Atterberry’s words since Day 1.
Humility goeth before the rise of Javelina QB Billy Garza
KINGSVILLE — There is a special buzz of Javelina spirit in the air around the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville these days. With a football team that is 5-0 on the season it’s not surprising. A strong start to the season, all the traditions that go with college football — tailgating, pep rallies, and games — have given a boost to school spirit.
The Javelinas, who are at home this weekend as they take on 5-0 Tarleton State, have revived a sense of school pride in a Javelina football tradition that dates back more than 80 years.
At the helm of this year’s team is quarterback Billy Garza — a name not unfamiliar to South Texas sports aficionados. Garza is a unique blend of athleticism and humility and is fast becoming a crowd favorite at Javelina Stadium, where he is on pace to set several university season and career records.
Javelinas Prepare For Game Against Tarleton State (with video)
KINGSVILLE - The 7th ranked Javelinas football team will welcome in rival Tarleton State for a battle of the unbeatens on Saturday night. The Texans have rolled through their first four games winning by an average margin of 31 points a ball game.
The Hogs, however, have faced a bit stiffer competition as this will be their third outing against a ranked opponent. The last time these two squared the Javs upset Tarleton 27 to 16 in Stephenville, rallying to score 13 unanswered points. It was a gritty win for the Javelinas and one they believe the Texans are still angry about.
"They are coming and I hope they are coming because football, it's a gift, and not everybody gets this," defensive lineman Mike Talamentez said.
Javelinas sports notes: 10.02.09
KINGSVILLE — Last Saturday’s 23-17 overtime victory by Texas A&M-Kingsville at West Texas A&M put the ninth-ranked Javelinas in some elite company. Of more import, though, may be the means to that end and how the 5-0 and ninth-ranked Javelinas can use that to continue their trek toward a Lone Star Conference championship.
On the 50th anniversary of the dedication of Kimbrough Memorial Stadium in Canyon, the Buffaloes lost for only the seventh time in 30 games at their home field since coach Don Carthel took over in 2005. The Javelinas’ victory was only the fifth by a Lone Star Conference opponent in 22 games and fourth in 15 games against an LSC South Division foe. In addition, the loss dropped WT’s home record to 8-5 against ranked opponents.
“I know that Kingsville did a very difficult thing traveling to Canyon and beating West Texas out there. That hadn’t happened very often. Nobody’s had very much success out there,” said Tarleton State coach Sam McElroy, whose 11th-ranked Texans travel to Javelina Saturday for Saturday’s LSC South game. “They got what I think is a key road win. So I know their confidence level is extremely high. I know they’re looking forward to getting back home.”
NSU looks to improve standing in LSC North
After winning their first Lone Star Conference contest in over a year last Saturday against East Central, the Northeastern State football team comes into this week’s game at Texas A&M-Commerce with a little more confidence.
“This is probably the toughest game left on our schedule,” said Riverhawks coach Kenny Evans. “Commerce is a well-coached team.”
The game is also significant because the RiverHawks currently sit in a tie for first in the LSC-North Division at 1-0 and with a road victory, they would put themselves in good position going forward.
“The guys are excited about the opportunity and where we’re at,” said Evans.
One thing that could work against Northeastern State is injuries as there are several players on the offense that will miss Saturday’s game. The biggest name is at quarterback where junior Woody Wilson will miss with a shoulder injury.
UIW learns life on the road
Diego McClain doesn't anticipate much preventing him from getting some quality sleep on Incarnate Word's 11-hour bus ride to Oklahoma this morning. With a luxury bus and a pair of seats all to himself, the defensive end will assume the position he always does on these lengthy road trips. He'll spread across the seats with his legs dangling into the aisle, and let his mind drift away.
“The trips are actually comfortable,” McClain said with a smile.
But he might be in the minority in that regard as UIW (1-3) travels to take on Oklahoma Panhandle State (1-3) at 2 p.m. Saturday in Goodwell, Okla. It will be the Cardinals' third road trip this season — and their third long one. Previous trips to Arkansas Tech and Langston State, both losses, were about 91/2 and nine hours, respectively.
LSC Football Rankings
from the Abilene Reporter News (for the complete rankings click the link)
1. ACU (5-0) — What can (Reggie) Brown do for you? How about save your season with three fourth-quarter touchdown runs. The defense does a fine job in slowing down Eastern New Mexico in a big come-from-behind victory for the defending LSC champs. Bye week, er, East Central looms this week.
2. Texas A&M-Kingsville (5-0) — The Porkers survive an overtime scare in Canyon. Now the Little Piggies face Tarleton State in a big LSC South showdown in Kingsville.
3. Tarleton State (5-0) — Texans rev up for big game with Hoggies by thrashing Southwestern Oklahoma 66-3 in LSC crossover game in Stephenville. Playoff berth could be on the line in Kingsville.
Lone Star Conference Cross Country weekly release and top times (10/01/09)
LSC Runners of the Week
MALE
Kiya Dandena, Texas A&M-Kingsville, So., Houston, Texas/Bellaire HS
Dandena had an outstanding race at the Islander Splash Cross Country Meet hosted by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi last Friday. In a meet loaded with D-I teams, Dandena was the top D-II runner crossing the tape in 26:16.1 in the 5-mile race to finish sixth overall.
FEMALE
Erica Alvarado, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Sr., Falfurrias, Texas/Falfurrias HS
Alvarado led the Javelinas with another outstanding performance at the Islander Splash Cross Country Meet hosted by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi last Friday. She set a new personal record with a time of 18:10.5 in the 5K race to finish 25th overall. She was the top D-II runner in a race that featured a number of D-I teams including University of Texas and Rice.
LSC Cross Country Other Top Runners
Nate Gonzales, Angelo State, paced the Rams with a 15th-place finish at the Islander Splash Friday. Gonzales made his season debut for ASU and finished the five-mile race in a time of 27:02 to help spark Angelo State to a fourth-place finish as a team. The Rams were the top-placing D-II team in a field heavy with D-I programs.
Brittney Heath, Angelo State, was the Rambelles’ top runner as Angelo State placed eighth in the Islander Splash hosted by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Friday. Heath placed 51st in the five-kilometer race in a time of 19:18. ASU was the top-placing D-II team at the meeting, finishing eighth.
LSC Cross Country Notes (Submitted by LSC SID’s)
Angelo State The ASU men’s and women’s cross country teams returned to action Friday as both squads competed in the Islander Splash hosted by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Friday. The Rams placed third while the Rambelles finished in eighth place...Both ASU teams will return to the course Friday, Oct. 2, as they travel to Denton for a meet hosted by North Texas.
Cameron The Cameron Aggie cross country team was off once again this week. So far this season, Cameron has participated in two races: the team opened up the season by finishing third at the Mustang Stampede in Wichita Falls, Texas in their first race, and in their second race (the Inaugural Aggie Showdown) the Aggies finished on top and recorded their first meet victory of the season. The Black and Gold are currently ranked #7 in the USTFCCCA South Central Regional rankings. The Cameron cross country team will be in action again this weekend (October 3) when they travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma to participate in the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree. With momentum at a high from their success in previous races, Cameron could cause serious damage at the Cowboy Jamboree. Top runners for the Aggies this season so far are Julius Korir, Josh Stewart and Mohamed Khelalfa.
Eastern New Mexico The Greyhounds and Zias will return to action on October 3rd at the Oklahoma State University Jamboree.
Midwestern State Midwestern State remained fifth in the USTFCCCA South Central Region rankings this week... The Mustangs were idle last after the Oklahoma Baptist Bison Invitational was canceled... MSU will compete in the Small College 5K Saturday at the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater...
Tarleton State The Texans and TexAnns had the weekend off and are in preparation for the North Texas Cross Country Invitational, taking place this Friday, Oct. 2 in Denton. The UNT meet marks the first event for the women’s team this season.
Texas A&M-Kingsville Kiya Dandena had an outstanding race at the Islander Splash Cross Country Meet hosted by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi last Friday. In a meet loaded with D-I teams, Dandena was the top D-II runner crossing the tape in 26:16.1 in the 5-mile race to finish sixth overall. For the Javelinas it was their first 5-mile race of the season. On Saturday, the team will compete at the Texas Lutheran Invitational in a race featuring D-II and D-III teams. Daniel Castro also raced well this past week clocking a 26:56.2 to finish ninth. The Javelinas did not have a full team at the Islander Splash Cross Country Meet hosted by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Friday. In a meet featuring a number of D-I teams, including University of Texas and Rice, Erica Alvarado came in 25th in a personal record time of 18:10.5 in the 5K race. She was the top D-II finisher. Sophomore Jessica Martinez also set a PR with a time of 19:46.1. The team travels to Seguin for the Texas Lutheran Invitational on Saturday.
West Texas A&M The West Texas A&M cross country teams did not compete this past week. Their next competition will be Saturday, Oct. 3, when they travel to Stillwater, Okla., to compete in the OSU Cowboy Jamboree.
Lone Star Conference Soccer weekly release (09/30/09)
Four women's teams started off their Lone Star Conference slate undefeated, with Central Oklahoma earning a pair of conference wins. Last week, 13 women's players notched multiple-point performances as seven found the net two or more times and a trio recorded three helpers. On the men's side, three players had two or more goals and one had two assists. There's a full slate of women's conference games on tap for week five with ten games on the schedule, while the men only have one conference match-up this week.
Players of the Week
MEN'S OFFENSIVE
Ben Everson, West Texas A&M, Jr., F, Middlesbrough, England/Middlesbrough College
Everson led the Buffs in scoring as WT swept their San Antonio road trip, defeating ranked Incarnate Word and St. Mary's to improve their overall record to 7-1-1. Everson scored both goals late against #16 Incarnate Word to give the #22 Buffs the victory 2-0. Everson followed that up with four goals against St. Mary's on Sept. 27 with all four coming in the second half. Everson became the fourth Buff ever to score four goals in a match, raising his season total to 11. The Buffs return home on Sept. 30 as they host rival Eastern New Mexico.
MEN'S DEFENSIVE
Raul Herrera, Midwestern State, Jr., GK, Dallas, Texas/Berkner HS
Herrera made three highlight-reel, one-on-one saves to preserve a scoreless draw with Texas A&M International Friday night at the MSU Soccer Field. The junior transfer from Richland College has not allowed a goal in 560:13 of clock time. The Mustangs have posted six-straight shutouts and lead the nation with a 0.21 goals against average.
WOMEN'S OFFENSIVE
Brittni Walker, Central Oklahoma, Fr., F, Midwest City, Oklahoma/Carl Albert HS
Walker helped UCO to three wins last week, scoring eight points with three goals and two assists as the Bronchos ran their winning streak to eight straight. The freshman forward had three goals and an assist in UCO's 4-1 road rout of LSC rival Northeastern State and then assisted on the lone goal in a 1-0 league win over Southwestern Oklahoma.
WOMEN'S DEFENSIVE
Michelle Sumner, Eastern New Mexico, Sr., D, Los Lunas, New Mexico/Los Lunas HS
Michelle Sumner anchored a Zia defense that shut out sixth-ranked West Texas A&M and New Mexico Highlands last week. Sumner's presence has allowed the Zias to shutout the opposition for the last 433:57 of play, dating back to September 12th.
WOMEN'S GOALKEEPER
Sierra Cardenas, Eastern New Mexico, So., GK, Wheat Ridge, Colorado/Wheat Ridge HS
Sierra Cardenas turned in a strong week for the Zias, posting shutouts against sixth-ranked West Texas A&M and New Mexico Highlands. She registered two saves against the Lady Buffs, propelling the Zias to their second-ever win in the series. Cardenas has not allowed a goal in her last 376:32 of play.
ACU seeks to keep doubles domination at ITA men's tourney
A men’s doubles team from Abilene Christian University has won the Wilson/Intercollegiate Tennis Association South Central Regional Championships the past two years. ACU’s top men’s doubles team of Bryan Joiner and Luke Hawk wouldn’t mind keeping that streak intact this weekend.
“I think we have a good shot,” said Joiner, a junior from Lubbock. “There’s going to be a lot of good teams out there. But if we just play our game, we should have a pretty good chance at going to nationals.”
Testing region's waters
Lady Buffs part of loaded Kansas tourney field
The West Texas A&M volleyball team has been impressive - so much so players are even drawing praise from their biggest critic, coach Jason Skoch.
Skoch, usually wary of overconfidence, thinks the No. 6 Lady Buffs have a chance at beating two ranked teams today at the Holiday Inn Lady Blues Fall Classic at Topeka, Kan. WT (15-2, 4-0 Lone Star Conference) faces Emporia State (14-1), which shares the No. 6 ranking with the Lady Buffs, and No. 9 host Washburn (15-2) in matchups with Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association powers that, like WT, reside in the South Central Region. WT faces two more MIAA teams - No. 20 Truman State (12-6) and Northwest Missouri State (8-9) - on Saturday.
"I think we can do great there," WT coach Jason Skoch said. "The focus this week is intensity from start to finish. If we can do good this weekend, we put ourselves in the driver's seat for hosting regionals. We'll have to play lights-out to win all four, but I think we can do it."
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