texasjeremy
10-27-2005, 10:40 AM
Westwood prepares for rivalry game
10-26-05
By MICHAEL S. ADAMS
H-P Sports Writer
Westwood coaches have an interesting task this week.
According to head coach Shane Jones, when Palestine comes into Panther Stadium Friday, it will be just another district game.
Jones, however, said he knows that it is more than that to his players.
“As coaches, we try not to make anymore out of it than just another game,” he said. “We are not doing anything different in the way of preparations.
“We are not trying to hype it up. We are going to prepare for it like any other game and hope we go out and do our best and execute our game plan.
“There shouldn't have to be any pep talks.”
After Friday's 56-7 thrashing of Huntington, coaches got ready to prepare for Friday's game against cross-town rival Palestine Saturday morning. Jones said during his athletic period Monday, he did not see any difference in the way his team was preparing.
“They didn't do anything different than they have done in past weeks,” Jones said.
This will be the second meeting between the two schools, but this year more is at stake for the Panthers.
The road to the playoffs for Westwood goes through the Wildcats. The Panthers are in a must-win situation in each of their final two district games if they want to make the playoffs. Westwood could place themselves in a tie with the Wildcats with a win.
“We don't mention playoffs,” Jones said. “If you take care of each week the playoffs will come to you. If we were 3-0 in district, you might talk about playoffs.”
For the players involved, Friday's game pits players from both teams that have grown up with each other. Most of the players Friday have played with and against each other in youth football and summer programs.
“If you win you get bragging rights for the whole year,” Jones said. “It will be a huge win to beat a cross-town rival.
“It is on the kids' mind, but as a coach you have to look at it as just another game.”
There has been a list of controversy surrounding the game. Palestine running back Paul Kennedy transferred to Palestine at the end of the 2004 school year. Westwood officials cried foul, but Kennedy was declared eligible before a district committee.
Another form of controversy surrounding the game was about where the game would be played. Unlike in Tyler or other metropolitan areas, Westwood and Palestine do not share a stadium. Jones points out none of the other schools are being asked to change district games.
“There are things at home you cannot get at a neutral site,” he said. “There are the rituals, being familiar with your surroundings and your fans. There aren't any other district games being moved.
“It is no different than Palestine playing in Crockett a week ago.”
Tickets went on sale Monday for Friday's game scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at Panther Stadium.
Kennedy set to play former team
10-26-05
By SCOTT TYLER
H-P Sports Editor
Paul Kennedy knows what it is like to play at Westwood's Panther Stadium, but come Friday night it will be completely different for the Palestine running back.
After transferring from Westwood to Palestine after the end of the 2004 football season, Kennedy will be back at Westwood Friday to play on the field and against a team which he called home for the last three years.
“I have been looking forward to this game,” the Palestine senior said. “I have not talked to too many (Westwood players), I do not want to say anything until after the game.”
Kennedy, who had gone to Westwood since kindergarten, had played on the Panther varsity team as a sophomore and junior. In his junior campaign, the bruising running back made a name for himself within the district as he rushed for 1,185 yards on 174 carries and 11 touchdowns.
After the end of the 2004 football season, Kennedy moved with his grandmother into Palestine's school district and Kennedy transferred to Palestine High School.
Westwood High School officials contested that Kennedy transferred for athletic purposes, which would have been a violation of University Interscholastic League rules.
In August, the ruling was set before the District 21-3A executive committee and the six superintendents voted unanimously in favor of Palestine.
In his first year as a Wildcat, Kennedy has become one of Palestine's many weapons on offense. The senior tailback has rushed for 491 yards on 87 carries, averaging 5.64 yards a carry. He also has scored eight touchdowns, which ties him for the team high.
“He has been a big surprise,” Palestine head coach Glen Tunstall said. “He is a great kid, who works hard and is fun to be around.”
Palestine running back coach Jamie Driskell remembers seeing Kennedy as a sophomore, when Driskell was coaching for Crockett.
“I remember he was a big strong kid who was hard to bring down,” Driskell said. “He has improved 100 percent since then and has become an all-around player.
“His stats do not show how valuable he has been to this team.”
The Palestine coaching staff also saw Kennedy before he was in a Wildcat jersey, as he played against Palestine last year. Even after seeing him, there were still some surprises in store for the coaches when Kennedy joined Palestine.
“We knew that he was a true power back but I was very surprised how good his feet are,” Tunstall said.
Kennedy showed Palestine his power ability in the Wildcats' first game when the running back scored three touchdown, all for 3 yards or less as he bull dozed his way into the end zone each time.
“He is the type of back that when you give him the ball, he is going to get 3 or 4 yards every time,” Palestine offensive coordinator Tommy Allison said.
Early in the non-district schedule, Kennedy suffered a thigh bruise, which limited his action.
“I think the injury really hampered him and he did not get back near full strength until the start of district,” Driskell said.
Even though he was slowed by the injury, Kennedy did get to see some quality teams during those first four games, including a pair of 4A teams, Henderson and Jacksonville - teams he never faced while playing at Westwood.
“It was different playing those teams but it made me work hard,” Kennedy said. “It was good experience.”
Once District 21-3A play started, Kennedy was back in his comfort zone and getting to full strength.
Against Rusk, Kennedy became the first Palestine running back to surpass the century mark with 101 yards and a touchdown. The following week, against Diboll, Kennedy touched the ball only five times but gained a season-high 123 yards and scored twice.
“I felt comfortable going against Rusk and Diboll because I faced them last year,” Kennedy said.
Driskell said one of the reasons for Kennedy's success at the start of district was that the running back was starting to get a better grasp of the Palestine offense.
“He finally figured out our zone scheme and is running down hill, making one cut and getting 4 or 5 yards,” Driskell said. “Early in the year he was trying to dance and score on every play but now he has figured out our system.”
After being the focal point in Westwood's run attack last year, Kennedy has had to take on a new role with Palestine as one of three running backs.
“It has been great, I really like it how it is,” Kennedy said. “We are each other's biggest fans and like to see each other succeed.”
Kennedy shares time in the backfield with senior Trevlyn Reed and junior Montrell Johnson.
“He has adjusted well and has become a total team player,” Driskell said. “I think all three have pushed each other to become better backs.”
Driskell said the biggest improvement for Kennedy has been in run and pass blocking.
“You judge a back with how good he is without the ball and Paul's pass blocking and run blocking has been great,” the Palestine running back coach said. “He has learned from his mistakes and you could not ask any more of him.”
Now the Palestine coaches hope Kennedy can help them against his old team.
“I know he is going to be excited,” Tunstall said. “He is going to be in the other dressing room and sideline for the first time.”
And then with a laugh he added, “I just need to make sure he dresses in maroon and white and not orange and white.”
10-26-05
By MICHAEL S. ADAMS
H-P Sports Writer
Westwood coaches have an interesting task this week.
According to head coach Shane Jones, when Palestine comes into Panther Stadium Friday, it will be just another district game.
Jones, however, said he knows that it is more than that to his players.
“As coaches, we try not to make anymore out of it than just another game,” he said. “We are not doing anything different in the way of preparations.
“We are not trying to hype it up. We are going to prepare for it like any other game and hope we go out and do our best and execute our game plan.
“There shouldn't have to be any pep talks.”
After Friday's 56-7 thrashing of Huntington, coaches got ready to prepare for Friday's game against cross-town rival Palestine Saturday morning. Jones said during his athletic period Monday, he did not see any difference in the way his team was preparing.
“They didn't do anything different than they have done in past weeks,” Jones said.
This will be the second meeting between the two schools, but this year more is at stake for the Panthers.
The road to the playoffs for Westwood goes through the Wildcats. The Panthers are in a must-win situation in each of their final two district games if they want to make the playoffs. Westwood could place themselves in a tie with the Wildcats with a win.
“We don't mention playoffs,” Jones said. “If you take care of each week the playoffs will come to you. If we were 3-0 in district, you might talk about playoffs.”
For the players involved, Friday's game pits players from both teams that have grown up with each other. Most of the players Friday have played with and against each other in youth football and summer programs.
“If you win you get bragging rights for the whole year,” Jones said. “It will be a huge win to beat a cross-town rival.
“It is on the kids' mind, but as a coach you have to look at it as just another game.”
There has been a list of controversy surrounding the game. Palestine running back Paul Kennedy transferred to Palestine at the end of the 2004 school year. Westwood officials cried foul, but Kennedy was declared eligible before a district committee.
Another form of controversy surrounding the game was about where the game would be played. Unlike in Tyler or other metropolitan areas, Westwood and Palestine do not share a stadium. Jones points out none of the other schools are being asked to change district games.
“There are things at home you cannot get at a neutral site,” he said. “There are the rituals, being familiar with your surroundings and your fans. There aren't any other district games being moved.
“It is no different than Palestine playing in Crockett a week ago.”
Tickets went on sale Monday for Friday's game scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at Panther Stadium.
Kennedy set to play former team
10-26-05
By SCOTT TYLER
H-P Sports Editor
Paul Kennedy knows what it is like to play at Westwood's Panther Stadium, but come Friday night it will be completely different for the Palestine running back.
After transferring from Westwood to Palestine after the end of the 2004 football season, Kennedy will be back at Westwood Friday to play on the field and against a team which he called home for the last three years.
“I have been looking forward to this game,” the Palestine senior said. “I have not talked to too many (Westwood players), I do not want to say anything until after the game.”
Kennedy, who had gone to Westwood since kindergarten, had played on the Panther varsity team as a sophomore and junior. In his junior campaign, the bruising running back made a name for himself within the district as he rushed for 1,185 yards on 174 carries and 11 touchdowns.
After the end of the 2004 football season, Kennedy moved with his grandmother into Palestine's school district and Kennedy transferred to Palestine High School.
Westwood High School officials contested that Kennedy transferred for athletic purposes, which would have been a violation of University Interscholastic League rules.
In August, the ruling was set before the District 21-3A executive committee and the six superintendents voted unanimously in favor of Palestine.
In his first year as a Wildcat, Kennedy has become one of Palestine's many weapons on offense. The senior tailback has rushed for 491 yards on 87 carries, averaging 5.64 yards a carry. He also has scored eight touchdowns, which ties him for the team high.
“He has been a big surprise,” Palestine head coach Glen Tunstall said. “He is a great kid, who works hard and is fun to be around.”
Palestine running back coach Jamie Driskell remembers seeing Kennedy as a sophomore, when Driskell was coaching for Crockett.
“I remember he was a big strong kid who was hard to bring down,” Driskell said. “He has improved 100 percent since then and has become an all-around player.
“His stats do not show how valuable he has been to this team.”
The Palestine coaching staff also saw Kennedy before he was in a Wildcat jersey, as he played against Palestine last year. Even after seeing him, there were still some surprises in store for the coaches when Kennedy joined Palestine.
“We knew that he was a true power back but I was very surprised how good his feet are,” Tunstall said.
Kennedy showed Palestine his power ability in the Wildcats' first game when the running back scored three touchdown, all for 3 yards or less as he bull dozed his way into the end zone each time.
“He is the type of back that when you give him the ball, he is going to get 3 or 4 yards every time,” Palestine offensive coordinator Tommy Allison said.
Early in the non-district schedule, Kennedy suffered a thigh bruise, which limited his action.
“I think the injury really hampered him and he did not get back near full strength until the start of district,” Driskell said.
Even though he was slowed by the injury, Kennedy did get to see some quality teams during those first four games, including a pair of 4A teams, Henderson and Jacksonville - teams he never faced while playing at Westwood.
“It was different playing those teams but it made me work hard,” Kennedy said. “It was good experience.”
Once District 21-3A play started, Kennedy was back in his comfort zone and getting to full strength.
Against Rusk, Kennedy became the first Palestine running back to surpass the century mark with 101 yards and a touchdown. The following week, against Diboll, Kennedy touched the ball only five times but gained a season-high 123 yards and scored twice.
“I felt comfortable going against Rusk and Diboll because I faced them last year,” Kennedy said.
Driskell said one of the reasons for Kennedy's success at the start of district was that the running back was starting to get a better grasp of the Palestine offense.
“He finally figured out our zone scheme and is running down hill, making one cut and getting 4 or 5 yards,” Driskell said. “Early in the year he was trying to dance and score on every play but now he has figured out our system.”
After being the focal point in Westwood's run attack last year, Kennedy has had to take on a new role with Palestine as one of three running backs.
“It has been great, I really like it how it is,” Kennedy said. “We are each other's biggest fans and like to see each other succeed.”
Kennedy shares time in the backfield with senior Trevlyn Reed and junior Montrell Johnson.
“He has adjusted well and has become a total team player,” Driskell said. “I think all three have pushed each other to become better backs.”
Driskell said the biggest improvement for Kennedy has been in run and pass blocking.
“You judge a back with how good he is without the ball and Paul's pass blocking and run blocking has been great,” the Palestine running back coach said. “He has learned from his mistakes and you could not ask any more of him.”
Now the Palestine coaches hope Kennedy can help them against his old team.
“I know he is going to be excited,” Tunstall said. “He is going to be in the other dressing room and sideline for the first time.”
And then with a laugh he added, “I just need to make sure he dresses in maroon and white and not orange and white.”