LSC Football Game Day

LSC Live Scoreboard (with Live Stats)

LSC Scoop Audio and Video Links for each team

Game Notes
Abilene Christian*
Angelo State
Eastern New Mexico
Midwestern State*
Tarleton State*
Texas A&M-Kingsville*
West Texas A&M*
Central Oklahoma
East Central (none)
Northeastern State (none yet)
Southeastern Oklahoma*
Southwestern Oklahoma (none yet)
Texas A&M-Commerce


Javelinas seek to end skid at West Texas A&M
Undefeated Texas A&M-Kingsville has lost four straight to Saturday's foe

KINGSVILLE — The grin on Jeff Edwards’ face told it all. Texas A&M-Kingsville had just beaten its fourth consecutive opponent last week, handling Northeastern (Okla.) State 31-14. The 10th-ranked Javelinas linebacker was reveling in the team’s first 4-0 start in five seasons and the momentum the team has accumulated.

“If we stick to our game plan everything will be just fine, just fine,” Edwards said. And that game plan is? “Win,” Edwards said, the grin widening.

Edwards’ summation perhaps is a case of being simplicity at its finest, but win has been the thread running through Bo Atterberry’s third season as coach. The key now, for A&M-Kingsville faithful, is sustaining and accelerating on what has been accomplished to this point. And it will have to come on the road Saturday night against a West Texas A&M team that has struggled to this stage but also has beaten the Javelinas the last four times the teams have taken the field. That includes last year’s 55-35 spanking at Javelina Stadium.

Building on a Win
Analysis, statistics, strategies and quotes for tonight's Lone Star Conference game between the West Texas A&M Buffaloes (1-3, 0-0 in the LSC South) and the No. 10 Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas (4-0, 0-0) ...

1st and goal: If common opponents mean anything, how much have the Buffs improved since losing to UCO, 24-17, on Sept. 5? TAMUK rolled past UCO, 46-17, on Sept. 12. WT had 81 yards rushing on 25 attempts against UCO. TAMUK starting tailback Connell Davis ran 11 times for 138 of the team's 239 yards against UCO. WT running back Kelvin Thompson racked up 132 yards on 17 carries and three TDs last week against Southwestern Oklahoma State. "Kingsville is a good opponent, but the offense showed (last week) that we can work together," said WT right guard Brad McCarty, currently battling a foot injury.

Coach Speak
West Texas A&M head coach Don Carthel
Since Carthel took over at WT in 2005, the Buffs have a four-game win streak against the Javelinas.

The Buffs had 601 yards of offense in last season's 55-35 win at Kingsville, 545 coming through the air.

TAMUK has not beaten WT at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium since a 38-13 win Oct. 25, 2003.

"Kingsville is comparable defensively to what Central Washington was (CW beat WT 34-10 on Sept. 12). They have been building for this year since Atterberry went in there. They are deep and talented and ready to emerge. It is another tough challenge for us."

ACU preview :'Cats take on passing 'Hounds
What’s riding on this game: No. 2 ACU, the defending Lone Star Conference champion, tries to remain unbeaten overall and in the LSC. A victory would vault ENMU into LSC title contention. The Greyhounds haven’t won the LSC since 1991. It’s the LSC South Division opener for both teams.

Last week: J.J. Harp threw for 602 yards and five TDs in ENMU’s 76-56 win over Texas A&M-Commerce in a LSC crossover game in Blackwater Draw, N.M. ACU scored 28 first-half points and eased past Southeastern Oklahoma 33-14 in a LSC crossover game at Shotwell Stadium. Last year, ACU beat ENMU 56-11 in Blackwater Draw. ACU is 20-11 all-time against ENMU and has won three straight. The Greyhounds’ last victory over ACU was a 33-30 win in 2005.

Lone Star Conference Rams' running duo
Angelo State University head football coach Dale Carr makes no secret that one running back isn’t enough for him.

He would rather have two. Or three. Not only to have a backup in case one gets injured but to have the right style to choose from in certain situations.

Carr went into this season with several running backs, but the two at the top of the depth chart were Dwight Pete and Michael Simpers.

Before the season, Carr said the running back situation was going to be interesting to see.

“They are different types of tailbacks,” Carr said. “Michael is the flashiest, quick-cutting type of guy. Dwight has the potential to be a thicker, bigger back. He is more of a power back but still with the speed and agility to make people miss.

First win guaranteed Saturday
Both East Central and Northeastern searching for victory No. 1 in 2009
ADA — Though mathematically alive, East Central University’s chances for its first winning football season since 2004 realistically died with last week’s 29-9 home loss to Angelo State. On the plus side, the 0-4 Tigers are one of four winless teams remaining in the Lone Star Conference, and the other three — plus 1-2 Incarnate Word (which joins the LSC South next season) — are still on ECU’s schedule.

The Tigers, who started the season with road losses to three ranked teams — Nebraska-Omaha, Texas A&M-Kingsville and Tarleton State — and will close the campaign with home games against LSC North favorites UCO and Southeastern, will play the league’s other have-nots over the next five weeks, beginning with Saturday’s visit to Tahlequah for a 2 p.m. “showdown” with 0-4 Northeastern to open LSC North play.

“You have to look at (the schedule) and ask ‘What games do we deserve to win?’,” ECU coach Tim McCarty said Thursday as he prepared his young squad for its fourth road game in five weeks. “The reality right now is you have to do things to DESERVE to win. We’re both 0-4, and somebody HAS to win,” he added. “I’m not concerned with the teams we’re playing; I’m concerned with the team we’re putting on the field and training them in the things they need to do to win games.”


SE plays second ranked opponent in two weeks
For the first time in more than two years, Justin Pitrucha will be the starter Saturday afternoon when Southeastern Oklahoma State University plays host to Northwestern Oklahoma State at 2 p.m. at Paul Laird Field. After the Storm got down early last week to Abilene Christian, and with sophomore quarterback Dallas McCutcheon struggling, Richards went to Pitrucha and he responded by leading SE on two scoring drives in the second half.

“He manufactured some points. We scored 14 points with him in the second half and he’s going to start this week,” Richards said.

For the second week in a row, the Savage Storm will face a nationally ranked opponent.Last week, the Storm travelled south to Abilene to face the NCAA Division II No. 2 Wildcats and came up on the short end of a 33-14 score to fall to 2-2 on the season. This week, the Rangers come into Durant with an NAIA national ranking of No. 12 in the country.

LSC Scoop Game Previews - Week 5

Finally, a perfect 7-0 week. Season to date, we are at 26-8. Maybe we can make it two in a row.

Last Week's Games
Tarleton 35, Central Oklahoma 17 - This was a 4 point game with under 13 minutes to play.
Angelo State 29, East Central 9 - Five Ram turnovers kept this from a blowout.
Eastern New Mexico 76, Texas A&M-Commerce 56 - Over 1,300 yards of offense AND 16 punts???
Abilene Christian 33, Southeastern Oklahoma 14 - ACU led 31-0 before cruising in.
Texas A&M-Kingsville 31, Northeastern State 14 - 9 of NSU's possessions were 4 or fewer plays.
Midwestern State 49, Incarnate Word 7 - Mustangs get TDs on 5 of last 7 possessions

This Week's Games
#13 Southwestern Oklahoma at #3 Tarleton State - Mismatch of the Week
The Texans come into the game ranked #14 by both the AFCA and D2football.com, while the Bulldogs have yet to win a ballgame. SWO dropped last week's game to West Texas 41-15, giving up 4 TDs in the second quarter, continuing a season long trend that has seen the Bulldogs outscored by an average of 31-5 in the first half of their ball games. Quarterback Steve Day eclipsed the 6,000 yard mark for his career, but this season has been a struggle for him, with 11 interceptions and just 2 TD passes. Johnathan Haggerty became SWO's all time leader in receptions (138) and receiving yards (2,230).

Tarleton State found themselves in a tight ballgame with UCO, holding a narrow 21-17 with 12:41 to play in the ballgame. The offense responded with a 14 play 76 yard drive for a TD, and the defense stopped UCO on the ensuing possession, giving the offense a short field for the final TD. TSU rested star running back Roderick Smith (sprained MCL), but Evan Robertson (86 yards rushing, 1 TD) and Scott Grantham (310 yards passing, 3 TDs) picked up the slack. Devin Guinn and Jahmeel Hobson combined for 15 receptions, 230 yards and all 3 TD catches. Marcus Phillips led the defense with 8 tackles and had an interception to seal the win.

Roderick Smith has indicated he is ready to go this weekend, but in all reality the Texans could sit him the whole game and have him ready to go for the LSC South games coming up. TSU in a romp 42-7

#12 East Central at #11 Northeastern State
Both teams come into the game 0-4, and both have played brutal schedules. ECU seems to have settled on Josh Phillips at QB, but could only gain 172 yards against Angelo State last weekend. Phillips is completing just 44% of his passes and has 2 TDs and 3 Ints. The running game has been almost non-existant, averaging just 39 yards per game, and with only one back averaging more than 2.1 yds per carry. The Tigers have struggled worse than SWO in the first half, outscored by a 113-2 margin.

In comparison, the Riverhawks have looked pretty good, suffering one blowout to Midwestern State, and losing three others by respectable scores. Woody Wilson had his best game passing at TAMK, completing 10-14 passes for 139 yards and 2 TDs. He also was the leading rusher with 56 yards. The defense was on the ropes, holding TAMK to just 31 points, but giving up 530 yards and 25 first downs.

Looks like the Riverhawks will get their first win, NSU 24-10.

NAIA Northwestern Oklahoma at #6 Southeastern Oklahoma
NWO is 2-1 this season, with wins over Colorado State-Pueblo and Southwestern Assemblies of God. They are rushing for 271 yards per game, and passing for 132. The player to watch on offense is running back Nate Guillory, who is averaging 151 yards per game. Guillory was an All American at Coffeyville CC and had signed with Iowa in 2008. The defense has given up just 258 yards per game, 38 rushing and 220 passing.

If its an odd numbered game, the Savage Storm should put some big points on the scoreboard. They are 2-0, averaging 51.5 points so far in two odd games. Justin Pitrucha relieved Dallas McCutcheon for the second time this season, going 24-32 for 225 yards and 2 TDs against ACU's tough defense. A week after shredding ENMU's defense for 184 yards rushing, Baylen Laury was held to just 22 yards on 11 carries. Daniel Nichols continues to have a fine senior season, with 23 receptions for 319 yards and 6 TDs. The defense continues to struggle - 11th in the LSC in yards allowed and 10th in scoring defense.

Consider this a final tuneup game for SOSU before starting LSC North play next weekend. SOSU 45-28

#9 Eastern New Mexico at #1 Abilene Christian
ENMU's high flying offense vs. ACU's stingy defense - if you enjoy a clash of opposites, this will be a game to watch. The Greyhounds lead the LSC with 48 points, 669 total yards and 593 passing yards per game. ACU is giving up just 13 points, 249 total yards and 217 passing yards per game. Somethings gotta give. Common opponents don't give much insight - ENMU did better against TAMC, but ACU handily defeated an SOSU team that beat ENMU the week before.

JJ Harp had his second straight 600 yard passing game against Texas A&M-Commerce last week. Better yet, he threw 5 TD passes and 0 Ints. Even better, the Greyhounds won, 76-56. Harp now has over 2,300 yards and 14 TD passes through 4 games. ENMU has also shown they can run the ball some - 10th in the LSC in rushing, and only Tarleton and TAMK have more rushing TDs. The defense still needs to improve - history has shown teams cannot expect to win big games with offense alone. ENMU is giving up 35 points and 427 yards per game. Rodney Mitchell is doing his part leading the nation with 5 interceptions.

While ACU has given up 217 yards a game through the air, it is mainly due to teams not being able to run the ball on them (32 yards per game, and just 1.2 per carry). Ashton Whiteside is tops in the conference with 5.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for losses. The offense continues to be efficient - the Wildcats are just 9th in yards gained, but are 5th in scoring. Daryl Richardson has emerged as the leading rusher for the LSC's third best ground attack.

Though this is not the game of the week, it sure should be a fun. What could be a deciding factor is experience - this will be the biggest college game ever for the Greyhounds, while ACU has playoff and top 10 game experience under their belts. ACU wins 42-24

#7 Central Oklahoma at #10 Texas A&M-Commerce
Big matchup between the preseason picks to compete for the LSC North. While the teams are a combined 1-7, they will still be in the mix for the North title. UCO stood toe to toe with nationally ranked Tarleton for 3+ quarters, before the Texans got a TD and a failed UCO 4th down convervsiona led to the final TSU touchdown. UCO is in the middle to lower half of the LSC statistically, but that is a direct result of playing four ranked teams (WT was ranked at the time they played). Brandon Noohi has yet to find his 2008 groove. He has one TD and one Int in each game so far this year. Jason Palmer is 3rd in the LSC with 89 rushing yards per game and Matt Jackson is 5th in receptions. The defense has given up 35 points and 448 yards per game, but look for those numbers to improve markedly in divisional play.

How much can playing ENMU skew your statistics? The Lions' defense went from 9th to 12th in yards allowed, and from 6th to 12th in scoring defense in one week, while the offense piled up 570 yards and 56 points (through the games they had totaled 566 and 28 respectively). It does look like they settled on a QB - Adam Farkes set a TAMC record with 447 yards passing. The running game, the strength of the Lions offense the past few years, is still 11th in the league, but as with UCO, should improve as the toughest streatch of TAMC's schedule is behind them.

The winner of this game gets a leg up in the LSC North race. Both teams have played well at times, but have been overmatched. This game could go either way, but UCO has played better against a tougher schedule. UCO 31-21

#2 Texas A&M-Kingsville at #8 West Texas A&M
This was a preseason game of the week and possible game of the year, but has lost its luster with WT's 0-3 start to the season. The Javelinas were methodical, if not explosive, last week defeating Northeastern State 31-14, outgaining them by a 530-241 margin. Billy Garza threw for 314 yards and 2 TDs, completing 75% of his passes. For the season, he is hittin on 65% of his passes for 1,030 yards and 8 TDs despite playing just one complete game. His 8 TD passes have gone to 7 different receivers. The running game added 216 yards, and is 2nd in the conference with 194 per game. The defense continues to shine early on - 4th in points allowed and 3rd in yards given up. The pass defense has shown great improvement, giving up just 136 yards per game, and allowing just 50% of passes to be completed.

The Buffaloes broke into the victory column last week with a 41-15 win over Southwestern Oklahoma. Running back Kelvin Thompson led the way with 132 yards rushing and 39 receiving. He is currently 4th in the LSC with 86 yards rushing per game and 8th in all-purpose yards with 117 per game. Despite the big game, WT is still 6th in total yards and 8th in scoring. The defense also had their best game, holding a team under 24 points for the first time this year. Bryan Braman had 4 tackles for losses, including 3 sacks resulting in 23 yards of losses. Overall WT is giving up 28 points and 381 yards per game.

At full strength, West Texas would have a big challenge at home this week, and they haven't been at full strength this year. TAMK wins in Canyon 31-17

#4 Midwestern State at #5 Angelo State - Game of the Week
On the flip side, this matchup moved up from a likely third best for week 5 to the game of the week. One factor has been Midwestern State's total dominance of their early opponents. Another is Angelo State's 3-0 record against D2 teams so far. Neither team has faced a contending D2 team, so this will be the first big test for both.

The Mustangs have dominated their opposition like no other LSC team this season. Their average margin of victory is 40 points and while they have outgained teams by a 2-1 margin. While the level of competition has been less than stellar, the Mustangs have still been impressive. Zack Eskridge is the top rated QB in the LSC (195.3) and has thrown for 1,011 yards and 14 TDs, while only throwing 2 Ints. Four receivers have 10+ catches and 100+ receiving yards, led by Andy Tanner (22-369 and 5 TDs). Marcus Mathis is the leading rusher with 73 yards per game and an impressive 7.1 per carry. The defense has been even better than the offense, giving up just 209 yards and 4 points per game. The pass defense has been especially impressive - teams are averaging under 100 yards per game passing, and the pass efficiency rating for opposing QBs is 50.8. MSU is second in the LSC with 13 sacks and are tops with 12 forced turnovers.

The 29-9 final score last week was much closer than it should have been for the Rams. They outgained ECU 419-172 and only allowed one drive of more than 31 yards. But they lost four fumbles and had a pass intercepted. If they do that this week, they will find themselves in a deep deficit. Josh Neiswander is having a great season, hitting 65% of his passes for 273 yards per game and has 12 TDs and just 2 Ints. V'Keon Lacey is among the LSC leaders with 30 catches for 428 yards and 3 TDs. Dwight Pete and Michael Simpers are combining for 109 yards rushing per game, and have 5 TDs. The defense is continuing last season's leap forward, giving up just 19 points and 265 yards per game, both 5th in the LSC. The Rams lead the LSC with 14 sacks, and are third with 8 Ints. Calvin Fance and D'Angelo Waites are second and third in the LSC in sacks, and Markeith Jones and Logan Bryan are second and fourth in interceptions.

The Rams are making a bid to be the surprise team of the year, and shoot up the LSC ala 2005, while the Mustangs are looking to convert some who downplay their fast start. Both teams have really good QBs, good running games and solid defenses. Angelo State has seen better competition than Midwestern State has, and if they can hold on to the ball this week, should pull out a close victory at home. ASU in a mild upset 24-17

LSC Roundup 9-22

Backups get opportunities in Buffs' rout

While West Texas A&M was glad to earn its first victory of the season Saturday, besting Southwestern Oklahoma State, 41-15, in Weatherford, Okla., the Buffs got other things accomplished.

Just about everybody who got on the bus saw action against the Bulldogs. Twenty-six Buffs recorded at least one tackle. Eleven Buffs caught passes. Three quarterbacks played.

"Everybody came through healthy. That's what I'm concerned about," said WT head coach Don Carthel, whose team has battled numerous injuries.

ACU stays at No. 2 in D-II poll
The Abilene Christian University Wildcats held on to the No. 2 spot in the American Football Coaches Association Division II national poll that was released.

The top 10 spots in the poll remained unchanged, with Grand Valley State (4-0) heading the list at No. 1 with 24 first-place votes and 624 points. ACU got 593 points, and North Alabama (4-0) is No. 3 with one first-place vote and 577 points.

Javelinas remain at No. 10 in country
KINGSVILLE — There was no change among the top 10 teams in the American Football Coaches Association NCAA Division II rankings on Monday. That means Texas A&M-Kingsville will take its No. 10 ranking into Saturday night’s Lone Star Conference South Division opener at three-time defending conference champion West Texas A&M. The Javelinas are 4-0 for the first time since 2004 when they last advanced to the Division II playoffs. They picked up win No. 4 last Saturday, defeating Northeastern (Okla.) State 31-14 and will be making their first road trip of the season this weekend to Canyon. The Buffaloes have struggled in their first three ballgames but posted their first win of the season last weekend by beating Southwestern (Okla.) State 41-15.

MSU surges up to No. 17 in the AFCA national poll
Midwestern State rose four spots in the most recent American Football Coaches’ Association Division II Poll released Monday. The Mustangs, now ranked No. 17, are coming off their fourth win of the season after defeating Incarnate Word 49-7 last Saturday in San Antonio. The victory is MSU’s third win by 40-points or more, the second time in school history the program has had as many in a season.

Lone Star Conference Football weekly release (09/21/09)
Lone Star Conference divisional play starts this week with three South and two North match-ups. The South Division won all six Lone Star Conference crossover games last week. The South has been victorious in 16 of 18 games against the North this season.

Four teams - Abilene Christian, Midwestern State, Tarleton State and Texas A&M-Kingsville - remain unbeaten in 2009.

Players of the Week
NORTH OFFENSIVE
Adam Farkes, Texas A&M-Commerce, Jr., QB, Boston, Mass./Univ. of Maine
Farkes broke one school record and nearly set two more in his first collegiate start at Texas A&M-Commerce. Farkes set a new single-game record for passing yards as Adam Farkes recorded 447 yards passing, eclipsing the previous marks of 442 held by Buster Faulkner against Northeastern State (2004). He nearly broke the school record with 32 completions (record: 33) on 61 attempts (record: 63). In addition to his passing efforts, he ran the ball in for two touchdowns.

NORTH DEFENSIVE
Steven Harris, Southeastern Oklahoma, So., S, Carrollton, Texas/Hebron HS
Harris led all defenders with 13 tackles in Southeastern’s 33-14 loss to No. 2 Abilene Christian. He tallied three solo and 10 assisted and with that total moved into the top 10 in the conference in tackles with 8.2 per game for a total of 33 on the year.

NORTH SPECIAL TEAMS
Joe Kok, Northeastern State, Sr., P, Broken Arrow, Okla./Broken Arrow HS
Kok continued to improve on his average as he booted six punts for a 46.8 yard average with a long of 54 yards. He pinned 10th-ranked Texas A&M-Kingsville inside its own 20 yard line on half of his punts on the night. The preseason All-America honoree leads the LSC in punting and among the nation’s leaders in this statistical category as well.

SOUTH OFFENSIVE
J.J. Harp, Eastern New Mexico, So., QB, Argyle, Texas/Argyle HS
Harp posted his second consecutive 600-yard passing day, connecting on 46 of his 65 attempts for 602 yards with no sacks or interceptions, to lead the Greyhounds to a 76-56 win over Texas A&M-Commerce. He tossed five touchdown passes as ENMU scored a school single-game record 76 points.

SOUTH DEFENSIVE
D’Angelo Waites, Angelo State, Sr., LB, Austin, Texas/Lanier HS
Waites led an Angelo State defense that limited East Central to just 172 yards of offense, including just 56 yards on the ground, and collected four sacks in a 29-9 win by the Rams. Waites had a game-high 12 tackles (seven solo), including two stops for a loss. He had 1.5 sacks against the Tigers and had a forced fumble. He is the Rams’ leading tackler on the season with nearly eight stops per game. ASU leads the conference with 14 sacks through four games.

SOUTH SPECIAL TEAMS
Kendrick Johnson, Abilene Christian, Jr., WR, Mexia, Texas/Mexia HS
Johnson returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown near the end of the first quarter, his second punt return for a touchdown this season (73-yard return vs. Fort Lewis on Sept. 5). ... Johnson joins former Wildcat great V.T. Smith as the only two Wildcats to have two punt returns for touchdowns of at least 70 yards in the same season. ... In 1948, Smith returned a punt 70 yards for a score against Southwestern and had a 71-yard return for a TD against Arkansas.

ACU in third after first day at Territory Classic
The ACU golf team shot a 7-over 295 Monday to finish the first round of the Territory Classic in third place behind St. Edwards (290) and Dallas Baptist (291). Playing at The Territory Golf Course in Duncan, Okla., Cyril Bouniol led ACU, shooting a 1-under 71. That Bouniol in a three-way tie for second, but just a stroke behind leader Santiago Quintero of St. Edward’s.

Mustangs in 6th after day 1 at The Territory Classic
DUNCAN, Okla. — Midwestern State fought through some adverse conditions Monday to place sixth at the first day of The Territory Classic. MSU shot a 301 13-over team score at the Par-72 course.

WT women's golf team tied for ninth
In Ponte Vedra, Fla., the West Texas A&M women's golf team is tied for ninth place after Monday's opening round of the Queens Invitational at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Fla.
The Lady Buffs shot 335 to trail first-round co-leaders Belmont Abbey and Ashland University by 24 shots.

Lady Buffs top New Mexico State, 2-0
In Las Cruces, N.M., midfielder Lindsay McHorse only took two shots during the 90 minutes she was on the pitch, but she made both count. McHorse's shots hit the back of the net in the West Texas A&M 2-0 win over New Mexico State on Monday.

The Lady Buffs (6-0-1) took eight shots against the Aggies (3-5-0) in front of 937 fans in Aggie Memorial Stadium, four in each half. The Aggies took 10 total shots. West Texas A&M keeper Kelly Skehan only needed four saves to secure the shutout win.

2009 Preview - Texas A&M Kingsville

2008 Recap
Coming off back to back 3-8 seasons, Texas A&M Kingsville returned to their winning ways last year, finishing with a 7-4 record and in 7th place in the final regional poll, just one spot out of the NCAA playoffs. In their 7 wins, the Javelinas were very good, winning by an average score of 37-14. However in their 4 losses, they were outscored by an average of 44-21.

Offensively, University of Illinois transfer Billy Garza took over the quarterback spot, and set single season passing marks for attempts, completions and passing yards. This helped the passing game improve from 8th in the LSC to 4th. Five receivers had 20 or more receptions, led by Jareko Taylor with 66 (another TAMK record) for 1,090 yds and 11 TDs. Taylor was a senior last year, but 3 of the top 5 receivers return, including LSC South 2nd team selections Ryan Lincoln and Damian Couthren. The running game improved from 12th in the LSC to 4th, but leading rusher Billy Martin was a senior. The offensive line showed improvement, with Markeith Wesley (1st LSC South) and Jorge Guerra (HM LSC South) receiving post-season honors. The team returns all 6 who started 5 or more games, and added a few players who could challenge for playing time. Overall, the offense improved from 9th in yards gained (308) and 11th in points scored (19.5) to 3rd in both categories (430 yds and 31.3 pts per game).

Defensively, the team showed a great deal of improvement as well. In 2007, TAMK was 11th in points allowed (31.5) and 10th in yardage (414), especially poor in run defense (173.5 per game, 4.4 per carry). Last year, those numbers improved to 5th in points allowed (24.6) and 6th in yards allowed (340.3). The run defense was tops in the LSC, giving up just 79.7 yards per game, and 2.6 per carry. The team will have to overcome the loss of All-American Jabir Perkins, 2nd team all LSC South Mike Martinez, and HM DEs Tyrell Herndon and Jimmy Lugo (academics).

2009 Outlook
Out with the old
WR Jareko Taylor - 1st LSC South, 2nd LSC South (2006) - 66-1,090 11 TDs
WR/RS Clavens Charles - 2 time HM LSC South - 20-240, 22-508 Kickoff return, 22-187 punt return
RB Billy Martin - HM LSC South - 141-730-5 TD rush, 17-210 4 TD receiving
DE Tyrell Herndon - HM LSC South - 9.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 1 Int
DE Jimmy Lugo - HM LSC South - 13 TFL, 5 sacks
LB Mike Martinez - 2nd LSC South - 87 tackles, 7 TFL, 1.5 sacks
DB Jabir Perkins - 1st LSC South, All-American - 61 tackles, 5 TFL, 5 Ints, kickoff return 36.6 avg, 2 TDs

Welcome Back
QB Billy Garza - HM LSC South - 209-380-2,787-23 TD, 12 Ints
WR Damian Couthren - 2nd LSC South - 38-606 5 TD
WR Ryan Lincoln - 2nd LSC South - 48-740 4 TD
OL Markeith Wesley - 1st LSC South, Daktronics All Region (3)
OL Jorge Guerra - HM LSC South
OL Tim Byerly
OL Michael Mosmeyer
OL Daniel Sharpe
OL Colby Lowrie
DT Jimmy Saddler-McQueen - 2nd LSC South, Co-Def Lineman of Year - 43 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 7 passes batted down
DT Jason Garcia - 22 tackles, 2 TFL
LB Arlen Childress - 45 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 2 sacks
LB Marcus Sanders - 46 tackles, 3 TFL
LB John Reeves - 2nd LSC South - 51 tackles, 1 Int, 4 passes broken up
DB Derrick Thomas - HM LSC South - 52 tackles, 1 Int, 5 passes broken up
DB Eric John - HM LSC South - 45 tackles, 4 Ints, 4 passes broken up
DB DeIra Glover - 50 tackles, 3 TFL
DB Stuart Moffitt - 43 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 Int
DB Corey Robertson - 51 tackles, 1.5 TFL in 2007
P Cody Smith - 2 time 1st LSC South, Daktronics All-Region (2) - 43.0 punt average

In with the new
RB Connell Davis - Univ. of Missouri
RB Fred Winborn - College of the Canyons
WR E. J. LeBlanc - Blinn JC/Texas State
TE LaRod Roberson - Blinn JC
TE Tyler McAfee - Nicholls State
OL Trent Perkins - Oklahoma State
OL Ray Quintanilla - Army
DE Clint Nix - Santa Barbara CC
LB Aaron Buckley - Texas A&M
LB Nathan Goldie - Santa Barbara CC
DB Marc Kinney - Cisco JC

All Conference Candidates
QB Billy Garza
WR Ryan Lincoln
WR Damian Couthren
OL Markeith Wesley
OL Jorge Guerra
OL Trent Perkins
DT Jimmy Saddler-McQueen
LB John Reeves
DB Derrick Thomas
DB Eric John
P Cody Smith

All American Candidates
DT Jimmy Saddler-McQueen
P Cody Smith

Big Games
Aug 29 Delta State
Sep 12 Central Oklahoma
Sep 26 @ West Texas A&M
Oct 3 Tarleton State
Oct 17 @ Midwestern State
Oct 31 @ Abilene Christian

Best Case Scenario
9-2 With the schedule they face (3 top 10 teams in the final AFCA poll), the Javelinas will need more consistent play to take the next step forward. Having the entire offensive line return helps a lot, but QB Billy Garza will need to be even better than last year. The team also needs playmakers to emerge at RB, WR and on special teams. The defense will have to get better against the pass, while keeping their edge against the run.

Worst Case Scenario
6-5 No one emerges at running back, forcing the team to become too dependent on the pass. Defensively, losing 3 of their front 7 results in a regression of the run defense, and less pressure on opposing QBs, allowing teams to rack up big passing stats.

LSC Roundup 7-20

Football: LSC to play in Kanza Bowl starting in 2009
The Lone Star Conference has agreed to annually send a representative to the Kanza Bowl, a newly formed postseason football game to be played at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka, Kan. The decision was announced Monday morning at a press conference in the Kansas capitol city.

The Kanza (pronounced CANS-uh) Bowl, one of only four NCAA Division II bowl games, will be played the first Saturday in December each year, always featuring a match-up of teams from the LSC and Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). Both the LSC and MIAA signed a one-year agreement with the bowl, with the option to renew the contract for up to two additional years.

"We're grateful for Rick Benke at Hummer Sports Park and the other folks in Topeka for identifying the Lone Star Conference as a worthy participant in this bowl game, and we look forward to some great competition against the MIAA teams," said Stan Wagnon, LSC commissioner. "Having the chance to participate in a postseason bowl game is something our coaches have desired for some time, and I think it's appropriate that we can do that in an agreement with the MIAA. Both conferences play football at the highest level in Division II, and both of us seem to always have a team or two that feels like they should have been included in the playoffs. This will give those teams an opportunity that wouldn't otherwise exist."

Texas High School Coach's Association Football All-Star Game
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - University of Texas, Austin, TX - 7:30 PM
Broadcast information - Wednesday 1:00 PM Fox Sports Southwest
LSC Signees Participating
North
Lance Ratliff - WR (WTAM)
Wes Wood - QB (ENMU)
Kaleb Horsford - CB (WTAM)
Danny Reyes - WR (WTAM)
Brandon Jeffrey - LB (MSU)
Jesse Jennings - LB (ACU)
Brandon Terry - DT (UIW)
Josh Emmons - DL (TSU)
Joseph Warren - DT (ACU)

South
Carl Moore - LB (TSU)
Cole Hicks - WR (WTAM)
Darrell Cantu-Harkless - K (ACU)
Andrew Brooks - OL (SWO)
Will McLane - C (TSU)
Bo Adams - DE (TAMK)
Klayton Smith - OL (UIW)
Brady Brown - OL (TAMK)

Abreu MVP of Eastern League All-Star Game
Courtesy: ECU Sports Information
Release: 07/16/2009

ADA – Former East Central University baseball standout Miguel Abreu is having an outstanding season at second base for the Bowie Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.

Abreu’s season is so solid that he was selected to play in the Eastern League All-Star Game on Wednesday night in Trenton, N.J., where he was named the Most Valuable Player. He went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and a pair of runs scored as the South All-Stars beat the North All-Stars, 5-3. Abreu was the only South player to have multiple hits as the South edged the North, 10-9, in that category. He also excelled defensively on a couple of plays, including a diving stop to prevent a run.

Heading into a weekend series at Akron, Abreu was batting an even .300 to lead the team with 22 doubles, 21 stolen bases and 29 runs batted in. He has also homered four times.

In the first half of the Eastern League season, he collected 31 multi-hit games and had one stretch of five consecutive multi-hit efforts from April 26-May 1. Included in that was a five-hit game against Erie on April 29.

Abreu has also proven to be deadly against left-handed pitching as he boasts a .348 batting average so far this season.

He moved up to Bowie for the 2009 season after playing the 2008 campaign at Class A Frederick where he led the team in doubles (24) and was second in stolen bases (24). Abreu also finished the 2008 season, hitting .302 against southpaws while striking out only five times in 116 at bats. He also hit .305 before the all-star break of that season.

Abreu, a native of Salinas, Puerto Rico, played one season (2005) for ECU as an outfielder and earned All-Lone Star Conference North First Team honors as he batted .447 (second in the LSC) with 89 hits (also second in the league) and 143 total bases (second in the LSC).

He led the team in homers (11), RBIs (42), doubles (15), runs scored (60) and stolen bases (20). He also topped the Tigers in on-base percentage (.479) and slugging percentage (.719).

Following the 2005 season, Abreu was drafted in the 28th round (843rd pick overall) by the Orioles.9

Reunion for Teaff's Rams
Former Angelo State football players that played for Grant Teaff are invited back to campus this fall to celebrate the success Rams teams under the legendary coach.

A reunion for members of the 1969, 1970 and 1971 ASU football teams will take place Aug. 28-29, 2009. The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. Friday at the LeGrand Center with a meet and greet of former players with dinner set for 7 p.m.

On Saturday, Aug. 29, a breakfast is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. in the VIP Lounge of the Junell Center followed by a campus tour for all attendees. Later in the day, there will be reception at the house of President Joseph C. Rallo which will be followed by Ram Jam and ASU's season-opening game against Texas A&M-Commerce at 6 p.m. at San Angelo Stadium.

For more information, a web site has been established. You can visit that site by clicking here.

From Josh Buchanan's Scouting.com
LSC Football Players mentioned
Potential Draft Pick
Tony Washington - OT (ACU) #7 Small School Prospect

Potential Free Agents
Ben Birmingham - RB (UCO)
Jonathan Haggerty - WR (SWO)
J'Marcus Webb - OT (WTAM)
Eugene Sims - DE (WTAM)
Jimmy Saddler-McQueen - DT (TAMK)
Anthony DeGrate - LB (TAMC)
Terrance Gaston - LB (NSU)
Rashaad Johnson - S (NSU)
Chad Washington - S (TAMC)

Afternoon Update

Oil Bowl Rosters announced
(LSC signees)
Oklahoma Roster
Aaron Applegate, 6-2 200 FB-DL Wagoner (Central Oklahoma)
David Lamb III 6-6 230 OT-DT Putnam City (Central Oklahoma)
Ozell Littleton III, 5-9 160 WR-LB, Carl Albert, (Central Oklahoma)
Matt Mitchell 5-9 173 TB-CB Sallisaw (Central Oklahoma)
Sam Moses 6-2 250 DL Broken Arrow (Central Oklahoma)
Creadell Pennon 5-10 185 WR-CB Altus (Central Oklahoma)
Dustin Reid 6-5 255 OT-DL Purcell (Central Oklahoma)
Tyler McGrew, 5-11 185 WR-SS, Bixby (East Central)
Blake Dirteater, 6-0 250 OT-DT, Caweta (Northeastern State)
Jack Gray II 6-2 215 QB-LB, Chandler (Northeastern State)
Jordan Lukens 6-3 180 WR-DB, Lindsay, (Northeastern State)
Mitchell Manning 6-0 185 RB-DB Broken Bow (Southeastern Okla.)

Texas Roster
Sam Smith, 6-0, 185, WR-FS, Archer City (Abilene Christian)
Dakarai Pecikonis, 5-11, 170 WR, Allen (Angelo State)
Dayarion Broadnax, 6-0, 300 T, Brenham (Midwestern State)
Jesse Harris, 6-2 180 QB-CB, Iowa Park, (Midwestern State)
Bryan Keith, 6-4, 260 OL, Wichita Falls High (Midwestern State)
Tyler Tackett 6-3 220 LB, WF Rider (Midwestern State)
Jordon Smith, 6-3, 265 G-C-DT, Aledo (Southeastern Okla.)
Dustin Stenta, 5-11, 195 QB, Keller (Southwestern Oklahoma)
Luke Halpin, 5-11 175 QB, Mesquite (West Texas A&M)
Lance Ratliff, 6-3, 175 WR-FS, Frenship (West Texas A&M)