Sammy Baugh Classic In Sweetwater

[Bubba-Joe]

Roscoe meets Hamlin as three-day, four-game event begins at the Bowl
By RON HOWELL/Reporter Sports Editor

Since 2002, Roscoe has played at least one game in Sweetwater's Mustang Bowl annually while compiling a 3-1 record. The last three games were all playoff contests, and while today's 7:30 p.m. game against Hamlin doesn't fit that description, it will still be special as the first game of the first-ever Sammy Baugh Classic.

Roscoe and Hamlin also met in a Classic in 2004, but it was played in Brownwood as part of the city's Gordon Wood Classic. Roscoe overcame an early 14-0 Hamlin lead to win the game, 41-14.

Roscoe enters today's game with a 2-0 record and has easily won its first two games against Stanton (48-22) and Miles (34-7). Hamlin is off to an 0-2 start, but was much more competitive in last Fri-day's 14-8 loss to Roby than it was in its opener, a 61-0 defeat to Anson.

Roscoe had 463 yards of offense against Miles even though the Bulldogs had a huge advantage in time of possession, having the ball for nearly 31 of the game's 48 minutes. The Plowboys got a great game from their freshman quarterback, Ja-cob Villanueva, who gained 144 yards rushing on just six carries, including a 67-yard touchdown run, and also completed 7 of 14 pas-ses for 133 yards.

Hamlin is the first of two District 9-A teams -- Rotan is the other -- playing in the Classic this weekend. The Pied Pipers, who were 4-6 last year and last made the playoffs in 2001, are playing for their third new head coach -- Robert Wood -- in three seasons.

[Phil C]

Sammy Baugh was a great football player for Sweetwater in the early thirties. He played college football at TCU and was on several great teams. He was knowned for being a great passer, punter, and good defensive back plus a good runner. In 1935 TCU lost to SMU in a close classic 20 to 14 with the winner getting to go to the Rose Bowl that year. TCI went to the Sugar Bowl that year and TCU beat LSU 3 to 0 in a game that had heavy rain which ruined the passing game yet he contributed a 45 yard run, intercepted two passes and punted 14 times for an average of 48 yards a kick. His senior year in 1936 was a great year and TCU lost only one game when he was injured and couldn't play. TCU won the conference that year and beat Marquette 16 to 6 in the Cotton Bowl. In the pros he had a great career with the Washington Redskins from 1937 to 1952 and his teams were in several of the championship games winning them twice in 1937 and 1942. In 1943 he led the leage in passing, punting, and interceptions - the only NFL player to ever do so being the only player to lead the league in an offensive, defensive and special team category all in the same year! He was also known for being an intelligent quarterback in his play calling plus he was also a good runner. He was voted all pro several times and at the time of his retirement he had nearly all the passing records. He also made several Grade B westerns and series during the offseasons. He Coached the New York Titans of the AFl in the 60s. His punting average of 51.4 yards a kick in 1940 and his passing completion mark of 70.3 percent in 1945 were records for a long time (and may still be standing). A great all round player indeed. He is still alive being 91 years of age.