Palestine vs. West Orange-Stark in Lufkin

[texasjeremy]

This should be the top 3A game in the state this week.

[texasjeremy]

Wildcats whip Silsbee

P.K. scores six TDs in Palestine win

By SCOTT TYLER, H-P Sports Editor
The Palestine Herald

LUFKIN — Paul Kennedy, welcome to the playoffs.

The Palestine senior running back scored six touchdowns and Leon Mickens added three more as the Wildcats outlasted Silsbee 63-42 Thursday night at Abe Martin Stadium in the Class 3A-Region III, Division I, bi-district playoff game.

“This was a big team win for us,” Palestine head coach Glen Tunstall said. “Both teams battled for the whole game and it was like a prize fight.”

Kennedy, who was making his first playoff appearance, threw the biggest punches in the game, rushing 21 times for 138 yards and five touchdowns. He also added a receiving touchdown.

“We were sort of joking with Paul before the game to get ready for the big show,” Palestine offensive coordinator Tommy Allison said. “He really stepped up and played a great game.”

Palestine (8-2) trailed Silsbee (4-5) 21-20 at halftime, but in three plays, the Wildcats took the lead when Devin Stephens found Mickens for a 44-yard touchdown pass as Mickens got loose behind his defender and made the catch in the end zone to give Palestine a 27-21 lead.

“Leon is so tough to cover one-on-one and he made some great catches tonight,” Allison said.

But the Palestine lead quickly vanished as Silsbee returned the kickoff to the Palestine 34-yard line and quarterback William Harper, on the keeper, went 34 yards for the touchdown, giving the Tigers a one-point lead.

But the Wildcat offense would not be outdone. Palestine put together eight plays, including a 25-yard run by Stephens, to get to the Tigers’ 7-yard line.

On third-down-and-2, Stephens faked the handoff to Trevlyn Reed and then ran the option, pitching to Kennedy at the last second, who looked to be stopped at the 5-yard line, which would have been close to a first down, but Kennedy would not be stopped, muscling his way into the end zone for the 7-yard score, giving Palestine the lead 34-28.

“PK is the kind of guy if you give him any hole, he will blow it up,” Palestine offensive lineman Mark Harcrow said. “We came out in the second half and did what we knew we had to do to win this game.”

The Palestine defense, which had its struggles against Silsbee, made a play when needed as James Stubblefield recovered a fumble on the Tigers’ next possession on Silsbee’s 42-yard line.

The combination of Reed, Stephens, Kennedy and Jacobi Jackson running the football got Palestine down to the 1-yard line and Kennedy put the final touches on the drive with a touchdown giving Palestine a 41-28 lead.

“Our offensive line had a tremendous game,” Allison said. “They were loading the box and we were still able to run the football which is a credit to the big guys up front.”

However, Silsbee would not go away. The Tigers moved the ball down the field on a 37-yard pass from Harper to Terrance McCarter. Then Rocky Calhoun did the rest picking up 19 yards and then scoring on a 13-yard run to start the fourth quarter and cut the Palestine lead to 41-35.

The Wildcats, who scored on every possession of the second half, moved the ball back down the field, thanks to a 35-yard reception by Kevin Swanson on third-and-7.

Then on third-and-13, Stephens looked to pass and then pitched the ball forward to Kennedy, who broke free for a 25-yard touchdown off the shuttle pass. Palestine then made it a two-touchdown game when Reed took the option into the end zone for the two-point conversion.

“We never quit in the second half,” Harcrow said. “Our coaches kept us up at halftime and we knew we could get the job done.”

However, Silsbee did not quit either as the Tigers marched down the field on a 14-play drive, finished with a 1-yard touchdown plunge by Harper on fourth down.

But the drive took over six minutes, forcing Silsbee, who trailed 49-42, to attempt an onside kick with 2:19 left to play and that is when the fun started.

The onside kick did not go the required 10 yards when a Silsbee player touched the ball, but it did not matter as Mickens knocked it out of his hands, picked up the loose ball and returned it down the sideline for a 48-yard touchdown to give Palestine a 56-42 lead.

“When he caught it I just punched it out of his hands and saw it rolling on the ground,” Mickens said. “I picked it up, looked up and saw the end zone.”

After Palestine stopped Silsbee three-and-out on the next possession, Kennedy put the finishing touches on the win when he broke through the middle of the field for a 35-yard touchdown run.

“PK ran tough tonight and you could tell he wanted to be in the playoffs and he wanted to win,” Mickens said.

Kennedy gave Palestine a 13-7 lead in the first quarter when he scored on a 23-yard run and a 1-yard run.

The first touchdown run came on third down when he took the handoff on a sweep, his blockers sealed the edge and Kennedy got down the sideline for the score.

On the next possession, Mickens caught a 43-yard pass from Stephens, on third down, to set up first-and-goal at the 1 and Kennedy leaped over the pile for the score.

Silsbee regained the lead when Calhoun, who had three touchdowns, scored on a 4-yard run in the second quarter.

After the teams traded possessions, Palestine converted on three first downs, including a 15-yard shuttle pass to Reed and a 24-yard pass to Mickens, to get the ball inside the 10-yard line.

Two plays later, Stephens threw the lob pass to Mickens, who went over the defender to make the 10-yard touchdown catch, giving Palestine a 20-14 lead.

Mickens had five catches for 130 yards while Stephens was 11-of-15 passing for 223 yards.

However, Silsbee responded near the end of the first half when on third-and-20 Harper found Whinton Morrisey, who battled two Palestine defenders for the ball, for a 33-yard touchdown reception down the middle of the field as Silsbee went into the locker room with a 21-20 lead.

Notes: Palestine will be back in Lufkin at 7:30 p.m. Friday for the Class 3A-Region III, Division I, area playoff game. The Wildcats will play the winner of West-Orange Stark and Huffman-Hargrave, who play at 2 p.m. Saturday in Conroe. ... Mickens’ kickoff return is the third for a touchdown this season by Palestine. Montrell Johnson and Jacobi Jackson have the other two. ...Palestine scored on nine of its 12 offensive series.

[shankbear]

txj, this should be the most entertaining game around. Both teams run a high octane offense. Might even be one of those where the team with the ball on the last possession wins. Tighten em up boys.

[texasjeremy]

Originally posted by shankbear
txj, this should be the most entertaining game around. Both teams run a high octane offense. Might even be one of those where the team with the ball on the last possession wins. Tighten em up boys.

Watch this will end up being a 3-0 game.

[shankbear]

WO-S kicker had his best game of the season against Huffman. Everything on the line and an ex-soccer player determines your destiny. It just ain't fair.

[setex]

This will no doubt be WOS strongest opponent this year, no disrepect to Bridge City. Surfing the net, this Palestine team has some talent.

[shankbear]

setex you are right. This is an offense at Palestine that is potent. They may be a mirror of WO-S. They are both scoring machines. It could end up like a six man game or it could be a washout....low score. I don't think it will be a blowout either way.

[wos fan1]

Going to be a good one.

WOS and BC could beat BH
BH 20 Splendora 14....:D

[GS#17]

This will no doubt be WOS strongest opponent this year, no disrepect to Bridge City. Surfing the net, this Palestine team has some talent.

No doubt they have talent. If not, they certainly wouldn't be 8-2 and in the second round of the playoffs. As Palestine may be the strongest offense WOS has faced so far, WOS is most likely their strongest opponent they've seen, as well. Should be an interesting match-up.

[Supertilley]

Lets hope it lives up to all this hype.

[wos-84]

wos defense has improved over the last two weeks as the teams get tougher so does wos d. i predict wos d allows only two touchdowns on friday night. hope im right.

[eagles_victory]

Found it intresting that Paul Kennedy was listed as players to watch in Texas Football for Palestine Westwood not Palestine. This district let him play football but not Gilbert Moye. I may not know the whole story but seems more likely that he moved for athletic purposes then Moye.

[mwynn05]

Originally posted by eagles_victory
Found it intresting that Paul Kennedy was listed as players to watch in Texas Football for Palestine Westwood not Palestine. This district let him play football but not Gilbert Moye. I may not know the whole story but seems more likely that he moved for athletic purposes then Moye. Samething happened with Peterson....seems like a pattern

[PHS Wildcats]

Just to clarify Kennedy's situation. His grandmother had a home built IN PISD last year and was completed in late Sept.of '04, they stayed in the old house until the season was over and moved to he new house. No athletic move here. Did you want him to live in the other house by himself.

Adrian Peterson was living with his dad and when he went to jail to move with his mom who live in PISD

So please tell me where is the pattern?

[eagles_victory]

They start in Westwood then go to Palestine and become stars.

[texasjeremy]

Originally posted by eagles_victory
They start in Westwood then go to Palestine and become stars.

He was THE star at Westwood, now hes one of 3 backs that get carries, just added one more offensive weapon for Palestine.

[texasjeremy]

Palestine O-line becomes backbone of offense

By SCOTT TYLER, sports editor
The Palestine Herald
Palestine —
When the Palestine Wildcats entered two-a-day practices on the first of August, the biggest question for the season was the Wildcat offensive line.

Palestine had no returning starters from the 2004 squad which reached the Class 3A, Division I state semifinal game. And after spring practice, Palestine offensive line coach David Wilbanks was confident in three of his starters, but was unsure if he would have anyone else to step up in the other two positions.

But nine games later as Palestine is heading into the playoffs, the Wildcat offensive line has become the backbone to an offense which is averaging 39.2 points a game and racking up 429.9 yards of offense per game.

“This offensive line has come through and has had a very good season,” Wilbanks said. “They have had a quick learning curve and the experience I have had with these kids has been very pleasant.”

Palestine head coach Glen Tunstall calls the play of the Wildcats’ offensive line as one of the biggest surprises of the season.

“Whenever you come into the season with no returning starting linemen, it is going to be a challenge,” Tunstall said. “I give all the credit to coach Wilbanks, he has brought these young men along.”

The Palestine offensive line consists of left tackle Phillip George, a senior, left guard Allen Williams, a senior, right guard Mark Harcrow, a senior, right tackle D.J. Hall, a junior, and the combination of juniors Ricky Miller and Austin Atwood at center.

“These young men are the most important part of the football team,” Tunstall said. “They have improved each week and their confidence grows after every game.”

The lack of returning starters has been a trend for the Palestine offensive line through the last few years, but each year the Wildcats put together a unit which helps Palestine set new offensive records.

“It seems every year our offensive line consists of seniors, so each year we are looking for new players,” Palestine offensive coordinator Tommy Allison said. “At the beginning of the season we are just hoping to find guys who can do the job.”

This year, Palestine not only found players who can do the job, but do it at a high level.

“I feel we have the best offensive line in the district,” Allison said. “They have done an outstanding job and have more than exceeded our expectations.”

The three senior linemen were backups last year, watching for the most part from the sideline as Palestine made it deep in the playoffs.

“We have been waiting for this since we were freshman,” Harcrow said. “And we had some big shoes to fill from last year.”

The Palestine coaching staff knew those three seniors were going to have to step up as starters this year.

“Sometimes with offensive lineman, you just have to wait your turn,” Tunstall said.

George moved into the starting left tackle slot, the same position his older brother, Joseph, played the year before.

“Phillip is a very physical lineman,” Wilbanks said. “And when he gets mad at someone, he takes it out on the field. He also is one of the smartest kids in the school.”

Wilbanks calls Williams one of the leaders on the line.

“Allen recognizes when things are not going well and he is not afraid to say something,” the offensive line coach said.

Wilbanks said the third senior, Harcrow, has worked hard in becoming a starting lineman.

“He has a lot of heart and desire,” Wilbanks said.

Hall played on the junior varsity team last year but has moved into his varsity role very smoothly.

“D.J. is one of the quietest kids I have been around but he is a silent killer,” Wilbanks said. “He is aggressive on the field and he does not make many mistakes.”

The center position came down to the final days of two-a-days practice and the job went to Miller.

“Ricky has a lot of quickness and even though he is 175 pounds, he plays like he is 200,” Wilbanks said.

But when Miller broke his ankle in the seventh week of the season against Diboll, Palestine had to turn to Atwood to do the job.

“Austin has really stepped up and has come around,” Wilbanks said.

Atwood’s first start was against Crockett and he did have his struggles but the next week against Westwood, he calmed down and had a strong game.

“I was nervous that first game,” Atwood said. “But I felt more comfortable against Westwood.”

The Palestine line has been a force in the running game as the Wildcats are averaging 238.6 yards on the ground. Palestine has had four games with more than 300 rushing yards.

The offensive line also has kept the Palestine quarterbacks well protected in the passing game as the Wildcats have allowed only three sacks this season.

The linemen agree that the biggest factor to having success is having trust in one another.

“In our zone blocking scheme, you have to trust that each person is going to do their job,” George said.

Harcrow said that the offensive line has learned how to function as a single unit, working as one.

“We have learned each other and are able to predict each others actions during the game,” Harcrow said.

Williams added, “It has to be all five of you and not just one player.”

The Palestine offensive line has been able to take over late in games. In Palestine’s win over Jacksonville, the Wildcat offensive line was able to push over the Indian defense in the fourth quarter, leading to a comeback victory.

“You can always tell when the defense is getting tired,” Williams said. “When we see that, we start playing even harder.”

The offensive linemen do not get any of the glory that comes with winning. They are not the ones who score the touchdowns or get their pictures in the paper for making the big plays.

While they do not get the headlines, the Palestine linemen know that when the offense does well, it all starts with them.

“It is self pride,” Hall said. “Also our teammates will tell us good job for what we do.”

[texasjeremy]

Palestine has success on third downs

The Palestine Herald

By SCOTT TYLER

H-P Sports Editor



Ask any football coach what the most critical down of a football game and the answer, for the most part, will be third down.

For the offense, converting third downs mean keeping drives going but for the defense, stopping a team on third down gets the offense back on the field.

In Palestine’s 63-42 Class 3A-Region III, Division I bi-district win over Silsbee Thursday night in Lukfin, the Wildcats had success both on offense and defense when it came to third downs.

“When you want to control the football and sustain drives, you have to be able to convert third downs,” Palestine offensive coordinator Tommy Allison.

And the Palestine offense did just that, converting 9-of-13 third-down tries for a 69 percent conversion rate. And each time Palestine converted a third down, the Wildcats eventually scored on that drive.

“The main thing is we executed the plays on third down,” Allison said. “We had a good idea of what the defense was going to be in and our offense did a good job executing.”

The key for the Palestine offense was putting themselves into manageable third-down situations. On its third-down attempts, Palestine was averaging 6 yards for a first down.



“On first and second down we were picking up yardage which put us into good third-down situations,” Allison said.



Only once Palestine was unable to convert on a third down and less than 4 yards. That came in the third quarter when Palestine had a 34-28 lead and just recovered a fumble.

Palestine did not convert on the third and 3, but on fourth and 1, Paul Kennedy got the first down on an 8-yard run.

When faced with third and short situations, Palestine looked to run the football and had success, including Kennedy scoring Palestine’s first touchdown in the first quarter when on third and 3, he got to the outside for a 23-yard touchdown.



When faced with longer third downs, Palestine went to the air, and converted five first downs with the passing game and gained an average of 28.4 yards on those five plays.



“When we had to pass on third down, we got good protection from our offensive line and Devin (Stephens) was able to find the open receiver,” Allison said.



In the first quarter, on third and 7, Stephens went deep to Leon Mickens for a 43-yard reception which put Palestine on the 1-yard line and the Wildcats would score one play later.

Palestine also pulled out a few tricks, going with the shuffle pass twice on third down.

“That is a play we have been working on for about four weeks but we have not needed to use it,” Allison said. “Defensively they were dropping back into pass coverage quickly so we thought we could use that play to take advantage of it.”

The first time came in the second quarter when Stephens got the ball to running back Trevlyn Reed on a third and 7 play and Reed picked up 15 yards.

Then in the fourth quarter, on third and 13, Stephens went to Kennedy, who went untouched for a 25-yard touchdown.

While Palestine had success on third downs, Silsbee struggled when it got into third-down situations. The Palestine defense held the Tigers to 4 of 11 on third downs, for a 36 percent conversion rate.

The Tigers also put themselves into tough third-down situations as Silsbee’s average third down was 10 yards.

[bulldogbark]

and these unbiased new reports are from where???? oh yeah the palasistine Herald:D :thinking: :thinking:

[shankbear]

link em.

[JasperDog94]

Originally posted by setex
This will no doubt be WOS strongest opponent this year, no disrepect to Bridge City. Surfing the net, this Palestine team has some talent. I would think the Jasper game was a tougher game for WOS than the BC game.

[wos fan1]

It was. Jasper is loaded with speed.

[LogieJoeBean001]

I hope you all enjoy the Abe Martin Stadium with the new astro turf and instant replay scoreboard. They were installing all of this when I was home visiting my folks this summer.

This just might be worth me making a trip home to visit my Mom and Dad and to take in a really good football game!

[Paratrooper]

If Palestine is a tougher opponent than Bridge City and Jasper then that means the Mustang's go home. Both were close games.

[wos fan1]

We'll win! Our DC wants this one bad. He'll have the D ready.

[JasperDog94]

Originally posted by Paratrooper
If Palestine is a tougher opponent than Bridge City and Jasper then that's means the Mustang's go home. Both were close games. But, it's hard to compare a team in the 2nd round of the playoffs vs. the team you played in week 0. Just be thankful that we have a playoff system that allows for a poor start.....cough...cough...BCS...cough...

[PHS Wildcats]

Originally posted by wos fan1
We'll win! Our DC wants this one bad. He'll have the D ready.

:confused: And Palestine doesn't?

[wos fan1]

Should be a good game.

[shankbear]

PHS, yup I bet your DC is letting the guys just eat Doritos and watch The World Poker Tour instead of getting ready for WO-S. Got the cheerleaders on their laps drinking RC colas too I imagine.

[PHS Wildcats]

Originally posted by shankbear
PHS, yup I bet your DC is letting the guys just eat Doritos and watch The World Poker Tour instead of getting ready for WO-S. Got the cheerleaders on their laps drinking RC colas too I imagine.

I know you are kidding, It's going to be a great game. The jumbo tron is awesome, the cameras were all in the satnds during the game and the replays of the hits are slowed down along with the great catches. We were on the visitors side last week, from my understanding we are the home team this week. Already bought my ticket.

[shankbear]

I saw yalls baseball team play Bridge City in the playoffs last year in Woodville. Any of those kids play football?

[PHS Wildcats]

I think only the punter.

[WOS1]

Originally posted by wos fan1
We'll win! Our DC wants this one bad. He'll have the D ready.

Don't start!!!:mad:

[chaingang]

Originally posted by WOS1
Don't start!!!:mad:


What your period?:clap: :clap: :clap: :kiss:

[wos fan1]

I guess so!! :thinking: :rolleyes:

[PHS Wildcats]

What type of offense does WO-S run?

[WOS92]

WO-S runs the spread.

[PHS Wildcats]

Wow! 2 spread offenses in one staium, the jumbo tron will be in overdrive.

[Hindsight2020]

Originally posted by PHS Wildcats
Wow! 2 spread offenses in one staium, the jumbo tron will be in overdrive.

has palestine played anyone yet that runs the spread??

[PHS Wildcats]

The team that ran the spread that we've played was Whitehouse, Rusk(they ran way more than they threw), Crockett and Westwood.

[Hindsight2020]

Originally posted by PHS Wildcats
The team that ran the spread that we've played was Whitehouse, Rusk(they ran way more than they threw), Crockett and Westwood.

can you post the scores from those games????

[WOS1]

8/26/05 Palestine vs. (4A) Whitehouse (4-6) W 40-22
9/2/05 Palestine vs. Carthage (7-4) W 47-21
9/9/05 Palestine vs. (4A) Henderson (2-8 ) L 14-24
9/16/05 Palestine vs. (4A) Jacksonville (6-4) W 27-24
10/7/05 Palestine vs. Rusk (7-4) ** W 41-28
10/14/05 Palestine vs. Diboll (3-6) ** W 45-14
10/21/05 Palestine vs. Crockett (8-2) ** L 19-35
10/28/05 Palestine vs. Palestine Westwood (4-6) ** W 67-20
11/4/05 Palestine vs. Huntington (2-7) ** W 52-6
11/10/05 Palestine vs Silsbee (4-5) W 63-42

[PHS Wildcats]

Originally posted by WOS1
8/26/05 Palestine vs. (4A) Whitehouse (4-6) W 40-22
9/2/05 Palestine vs. Carthage (7-4) W 47-21
9/9/05 Palestine vs. (4A) Henderson (2-8 ) L 14-24
9/16/05 Palestine vs. (4A) Jacksonville (6-4) W 27-24
10/7/05 Palestine vs. Rusk (7-4) ** W 41-28
10/14/05 Palestine vs. Diboll (3-6) ** W 45-14
10/21/05 Palestine vs. Crockett (8-2) ** L 19-35
10/28/05 Palestine vs. Palestine Westwood (4-6) ** W 67-20
11/4/05 Palestine vs. Huntington (2-7) ** W 52-6
11/10/05 Palestine vs Silsbee (4-5) W 63-42

Thanks for helping me out, I was just about to post that.
I'll admit, none of those teams have the talent that WO-S has.

It would be neat to meet some of the WO-S posters, before the game, no trash talking, just meet and greet

[wos fan1]

Sounds good. They have a good BBQ place in Lufkin!! :D

[WOS1]

Just tell me where...:D

[wos fan1]

We'll have to get folks together and decide..I'll let everyone know..

[PHS Wildcats]

I know where the BBQ place is. Palestine will be having a tailgating party at the stadium @5:30 also. We had one last week. Before the game Lufkin Booster will shoot T-shirts into the stadium. The T-shirts were great. Last week the shirts on the front said "Palestine Wildcats vs Silsbee Tigers, State Playoffs, 2005 Abe Martin Stadium, Nov. 10, 2005" Palestine in huge letters for the Palestine fans and Silsbee huge letters for the Silsbee fan. Since we were both Maroon and white, the shirts were White with maroon letters and a huge maroon state of texas in the middle. I think they will do the same thing again this week. They're truly some of the nicest people I've met. My hats off to them for making us feel welcome.:clap:

[Gobbla2001]

WO-S - Beat 'em by more than 10 or it isn't a win and stay injury free...

Palestine - Stay injury free...

WO-S fans - I hope Lufkin holds more fans than Pearland did this year, if not, bring chairs (I'm sure their stadium is bigger though)...

This should be a great game based on seeing Palestine last year and WO-S this year... this is after factoring in some improvement on Palestine's part...

[PHS Wildcats]

Lufin's Abe Martin's Stadium, is well equipt to hold large crowds. They hold over 10,000

[Gobbla2001]

Originally posted by PHS Wildcats
Lufin's Abe Martin's Stadium, is well equipt to hold large crowds. They hold over 10,000

That's around what Pearland holds... Home side is larger, WO-S had homeside and filled it, week 2, game 3 of the season with over a 150 mile drive...

[PHS Wildcats]

Palestine will be the home team, we were there last week and it looks like the Home and visitor side holds the same amount.

According to the weather report in Lufkin Friday will be clear skies, High 64 and the Low 34

[PHS Wildcats]

Has anyone thought of a meeting place?

[PHS Wildcats]

2 days away

[Sandman]

I would guess the home side of Abe Martin Stadium would hold 6,000 and the visitor side probably holds 4,000. That is just an estimate, but the home side was slightly bigger.

[wos fan1]

Lufkin BBQ would be a good place. Trying to figure out a time..

[PHS Wildcats]

Sounds good, just let me know

[wos fan1]

I will.

[WOS1]

5:30

[wos fan1]

Let's shoot for 5:30 Lufkin BBQ!! Sounds good, Gas..

[PHS Wildcats]

5:30 is good for me, I won't be able to stay long, Our tailgate party starts at 5:30:clap:

[PHS Wildcats]

I'll have to work a half day friday, because i live in Dallas.

[GS#17]

I look forward to meeting you all, but I can't make it by 5:30. If you all want to meet somewhere in the stadium before or after the game, that would be good by me. :)

[wos fan1]

GS, what time do you plan on getting there??

[bulldogbark]

yall having Margaritas....last week we had margaritas....if yall have margaritas i will come to lufkin,,, I love margaritas...man for someone who dosent drink,,, I sure did love those Margarita's

the moose horn sounded so much better after those margarita's

[wos fan1]

:smoker: We'll save you one..:D

[etbu]

Originally posted by GS#17
I look forward to meeting you all, but I can't make it by 5:30. If you all want to meet somewhere in the stadium before or after the game, that would be good by me. :)


My brothers from Wos after you get through beating Palenstine to a pulp by the half come over to Sfa and watch Marshall do the same to Ozen. :D Let me know if you are meeting after the game and I will catch up with you. Wos17 you got my cell number so lets get it going before or after the game. ::inlove: :cool: :o :D
Hey you Cats hope you make your way back to 4-a and get in the17-4a district.:D Call Coach Southern and schedule a scrimmage we need a little JV practice. :D

[wos fan1]

:D.. Marshall will be fine as well!

[PHS Wildcats]

Originally posted by etbu
My brothers from Wos after you get through beating Palenstine to a pulp by the half come over to Sfa and watch Marshall do the same to Ozen. :D Let me know if you are meeting after the game and I will catch up with you. Wos17 you got my cell number so lets get it going before or after the game. ::inlove: :cool: :o :D
Hey you Cats hope you make your way back to 4-a and get in the17-4a district.:D Call Coach Southern and schedule a scrimmage we need a little JV practice. :D

I'm sure we have no chance against you guys, please take it easy on us.

[etbu]

Originally posted by PHS Wildcats
I'm sure we have no chance against you guys, please take it easy on us.

Sorry Cat i was at the huffman game last year and watched you squad roll up the scoreboard at the last minute or so. Sorta PO about it still. I'll get over it though. :( Would like to see the Mavs work you guys over like yall do these little three-A teams. :D No pun intended. :D

[Hupernikomen]

Originally posted by Gobbla2001
That's around what Pearland holds... Home side is larger, WO-S had homeside and filled it, week 2, game 3 of the season with over a 150 mile drive...

WO-S didn't have a huge crowd last weekend. Probably because it was a day game on Sat. though.

[etbu]

Originally posted by Hupernikomen
WO-S didn't have a huge crowd last weekend. Probably because it was a day game on Sat. though.


Hey Rev: I thought they had a nice crowd. How abot that huge crowd that we brought form Huffman? :thinking:

[Hupernikomen]

Originally posted by etbu
Hey Rev: I thought they had a nice crowd. How abot that huge crowd that we brought form Huffman? :thinking:

Both sides had a decent size crowd..but the stadium wasn't close to being full. I doubt WO-S will come close filling up Abe Martin Stadium.

[GS#17]

WOSFan1, I'll get there about 6:30 is what I'm figuring.

ETBU and BulldogBark, I've got your cell phone numbers and will be calling at halftime with/for score updates, if that's alright.

[Jody]

I know it is hard to take, but with all my in-depth football knowledge, I have to go with Paletsine on this one...Don't say anything WOSfan1, I am right here... :D

[etbu]

Originally posted by GS#17
WOSFan1, I'll get there about 6:30 is what I'm figuring.

ETBU and BulldogBark, I've got your cell phone numbers and will be calling at halftime with/for score updates, if that's alright. :clap:

[Crimestick]

I'm sure we have no chance against you guys, please take it easy on us.

That post was from a huffman fan, PHS. He's a friend of ours. We know you have a good shot against us.

[wos fan1]

Originally posted by Jody
I know it is hard to take, but with all my in-depth football knowledge, I have to go with Paletsine on this one...Don't say anything WOSfan1, I am right here... :D :D tell the truth now!!

[etbu]

Originally posted by Crimestick
That post was from a huffman fan, PHS. He's a friend of ours. We know you have a good shot against us.

Crimestick my man: That was not made my me. I think that was made by a Palenstine fan. I owe up to mine believe me. :D

Go Wos: Love makes the world go around but Marshall and Wos grease the axles. :D

[wos fan1]

:smoker: :thumbsup:

[Jody]

Originally posted by wos fan1
Sounds good. They have a good BBQ place in Lufkin!! :D

Don't let WOS1 choke on a chicken leg, we might miss him....:D

[wos fan1]

:eek: :eek: ;)

[Crimestick]

Hey, etbu... I know, bro. I was just telling the PHS guy that the post HE was responding to was made by you. No hard feelings at all. It was very kind of you to have such faith in us. I just didn't want him to think WE were predicting a blowout. Somehow - without ever actually predicting a sweep of 3A - we've gained a reputation for cockiness. I think Friday could go either way. Thanks for your support, and you should be proud of the guys on your team. They were classy and fought the fight well.

[WOS1]

Originally posted by Jody
Don't let WOS1 choke on a chicken leg, we might miss him....:D

How about I save 2 of them and choke you both...:eek:

And to think I let you off on an assonine bet... :thinking:

[etbu]

Originally posted by Crimestick
Hey, etbu... I know, bro. I was just telling the PHS guy that the post HE was responding to was made by you. No hard feelings at all. It was very kind of you to have such faith in us. I just didn't want him to think WE were predicting a blowout. Somehow - without ever actually predicting a sweep of 3A - we've gained a reputation for cockiness. I think Friday could go either way. Thanks for your support, and you should be proud of the guys on your team. They were classy and fought the fight well.

I told Grad tonight that you always have a OUT. LOL

[WOS1]

Originally posted by wos fan1
:eek: :eek: ;)

Cancel my res at the BBQ hut...

[Crimestick]

An out? :thinking:

[wos fan1]

Originally posted by WOS1
Cancel my res at the BBQ hut... Sorry. I thought Jody was talking about me as a joke..My bad!!

[texasjeremy]

source: texasfootballratings.com

ranked in order of opponent strength
PALESTINE (8-2)
1. (4A) Jacksonville (162.57): 27-24 WIN
2. Carthage (152.17): 47-21 WIN
3. (4A) Whitehouse (149.99): 40-22 WIN
4. (4A) Henderson (149.41): 24-14 LOSS
5. Rusk (144.37): 41-28 WIN
6. Silsbee (143.31): 63-42 WIN
7. Crockett (142.35): 35-19 LOSS
8. Diboll (138.14): 45-14 WIN
9. Palestine Westwood (130.67): 67-20 WIN
10. Huntington (104.67): 52-6 WIN

Avg Points Per Game: 41.5
Points Allowed Per game: 23.6
Avg. Margin of Victory: +17.9
Avg. Rating of opponents: 141.77


WEST ORANGE-STARK (10-0)
1. (4A) Beaumont Central (166.06): 28-12 WIN
2. (4A) Nederland (165.89): 20-10 WIN
3. (4A) Bay City (163.50): 35-34 WIN
4. Bridge City (161.40): 41-34 WIN
5. Jasper (156.93): 28-22 WIN
6. Huffman-Hargrave (148.95): 41-21 WIN
7. Hardin-Jefferson (138.09): 68-13 WIN
8. Orangefield (137.08): 35-6 WIN
9. Hamshire-Fannett (132.49): 42-12 WIN
10. Anahuac (132.03): 40-3 WIN

Avg Points Per Game: 37.8
Points Allowed Per game: 16.7
Avg. Margin of Victory: +21.1
Avg. Rating of opponents: 150.24

[griff]

Jody,

This signature is for you, bud...

[wos fan1]

I couldn't have said it better!!!

[wos fan1]

Originally posted by WOS1
Cancel my res at the BBQ hut... Come on.

[wos fan1]

:clap:

[texasjeremy]

Palestine punter provides field position for Wildcats

The Palestine Herald

By SCOTT TYLER

H-P Sports Editor



The Palestine Wildcats lead Diboll 33-8 in the second quarter on a Friday night in October and Palestine punter John Gold continues to kick into the net on the sideline, keeping warm just in case needed.

Palestine head coach Glen Tunstall comes up to his punter and with a smile says, “I hope you do not get on the field tonight.”

The comment was not meant to hurt the punter’s pride, but instead it was an observation that with him on the sideline, it meant his team would be scoring instead of punting.

In fact, Gold had to wait until the final quarter when Palestine was ahead 45-14 for him to finally get on the field for his one and only punt of the game.

While Tunstall may not like to see Gold go onto the field, meaning the Palestine offense has stalled, the Wildcat coaching staff knows that Gold will help give Palestine field position which will lead to scoring opportunities later in the game.

“The offense has not let us punt very much which is a good thing,” Palestine special teams coordinator Joe Estes said. “But when John gets on the field, you know he is going to give you a good punt.”

Gold has punted 29 times this season, averaging 36 yards a punt. He has put two punts inside the 10-yard line and eight punts inside the 20-yard line.

The key to Gold’s punting has been his hang time, which is around four seconds. The hang time has prohibited opponents to getting a return against Palestine’s punt team. For the season, opponents are averaging 1.24 yards a return against Gold.

Along with the hang time, Gold credits his line for getting down and covering punts.

“We have some of the best athletes on the field on the punt team and they can get down the field in a hurry,” Gold said.

Only once has a Gold punt been returned for more than 5 yards, and that was a 26-yard return against Jacksonville.

“When John punts, you know you are going to get a high kick,” Estes said. “You do want distance, but you do not want to out kick your coverage. John does a great job getting distance but also allowing us to get down and make a play.”

Against Westwood, Gold was able to get Palestine out of bad field position. Twice punting from inside the Wildcats’ 10-yard line, Gold’s punts went inside Westwood territory.

“John can change the game because of field position,” Estes said.

Gold also has not had a blocked punt this season.

“John has enough experience where he knows to hurry up if there is a bad snap,” Estes said. “He actually seems to punt better when there are players in his face.”

Gold knows he is going to have a challenge this week with a couple of talented punt returners for West Orange-Stark.

“I am going to look for a little more hang time and also I might use directional punting depending on where we are on the field,” Gold said.

Gold’s first year punting was last year and he came out for the team with help from his older brother, Mark.

“It was probably one of the best choices I made,” Gold said of coming out for the team last year. “It has been a lot of fun and I have to give my brother some credit, I am glad he asked me. I have been blessed to be on a team this good.”

During the summer, Gold spent time in the weight room and on the football field, working on his punting. He also went to a camp at Texas A&M University.

“At the camp we learned about all the basics and then learned stuff like how to turn the ball over,” Gold said.

Estes said he sees more confidence in Gold this year.

“Last year he started to get really good in the playoffs,” Estes said. “He seems more relaxed this year.”

Gold also took on more responsibility this year as he started the season doing the place kicking duties as well.

“Coming into the season I did not know anyone who was going to do it so I worked on it during the summer,” Gold said.

But after suffering a back injury during the season, Gold stopped the place kicking, only concentrating on his punting duties.

Before Palestine’s game against Huntington, Gold was released by his doctor and has resumed the extra-point kicking.

Against Silsbee on Thursday, Gold was 7-of-8 with his extra points, missing the first one, but then making seven straight.

“We have a lot of confidence in John kicking the extra points,” Estes said. “He has a strong leg and he is accurate.”

Gold said he is unsure if he will continue to kick in college.

“Next year I do not thing I am going to walk on, I want to let my body heal,” Gold said. “But if I get an offer, I might consider.”

As for where he wants to go to college, Gold is thinking either University of Texas or Texas A&M, which is where Mark currently is.

“He is pushing me to go to A&M,” Gold said. “If I go to Texas, it could make for interesting Thanksgivings.”

[PHS Wildcats]

Hey, Here's Palestine's updated stats thru the Silsbee game. Thanks.

Team stats
Offense

1st Downs - 170
Rushes - Att. 379 - Yds. 2387 - Yds per carry 6.3
Passing Yds - 1504
Total Yds - 3891
Passing - Att 150 - Comp. 98 - Int. 5
Punts 29 Avg 37yds
Fumbles 20, Lost 5
Penalties 59 yds 461

Defense

1st Downs - 120
Rushing - Att. 339 - Yds 1723 - Yds per carry 5.08
Passing - Yds - 1240
Total Yds - 2963
Passing - Att 172 - Comp. 73 - Int 10
Punts 46 - Avg 33yds
Fumbles 34 - Lost 16
Penalties 45 yds 326

Individual Offense
Rushing
Player Carries Yds Yds per carry TD
Paul Kennedy 125 882 7.06 15
Devin Stephens 83 597 7.19 7
Trevelyn Reed 67 344 5.13 7
Montrell Johnson 47 296 6.30 5
Jacobi Jackson 47 229 4.87 3
Kevin Swanson 4 30 7.50 0
Bernard Tatum 1 2 2 0
Kevin Jackson 1 0 0 0

Passing
Player Comp. Att. Yds TD Int Yds/Att Yds/Game
Devin Stephens 75 148 1259 18 4 8.57 140
Jacobi Jackson 12 31 200 2 1 6.45 25
Leon Mickens 1 1 25 1 0 25 25

Receiving
Player Catches Yds TD Yds/Catch Yds/Game
Leon Mickens 42 843 12 20.07 94.0
Kevin Swanson 30 473 5 15.77 47.3
Justin Mosely 4 89 0 22.25 8.9
Hayden Richardson 3 20 0 6.67 2.0
Jacobi Jackson* 3 10 0 3.33 3.33
Larry Jackson** 2 23 0 11.5 11.5
Trevelyn Reed 2 14 0 7 1.4
Carlos Gutierrez 2 9 0 4.5 4.5
Paul Kennedy 1 25 1 25 2.5

[Paratrooper]

I don't see the Mustangs having a problem with Palestine

WOS 40
Palestine 07

I looked at who Palestine has played and beat and who they have lost to.

Palestine lost to a 2-8 Henderson team early in the season and they lost to Crockett who was beaten by Kirbyville. This team appears to be a little less than a Kirbyville team and I certainly don't think Kville is beating WOS, so I don't think Palestine will beat WOS either. I am sure they will give it their all, but I don't see Palestine even coming close. I think this is a mismatch, but crazier things have happened in the playoffs.:rolleyes:

[wos fan1]

I hope your right!!

[WOS92]

We ran a game-situation (4 quarter) scrimmage against Kirbyville and won 42-13. I don't see this game ending up like that. This team is much better than Kirbyville, I'm sure. You can't go by common opponents. It's all about matchups.
A Palestine poster on the WO-S board said their D has the most trouble with mobile QBs who can pass. I think this is what gives us an advantage in this game, with Beasley (1,000 rushing and more than 1,500 passing with 30+ total TDs). I'm hoping he'll be the X-factor.

[Supertilley]

X-FACTOR BABY!

[Paratrooper]

Originally posted by WOS92
We ran a game-situation (4 quarter) scrimmage against Kirbyville and won 42-13.

And I predict WOS 40-7 over Palestine. I think that's about right. Their just a little weaker than Kville

[PHS Wildcats]

Originally posted by Paratrooper
And I predict WOS 40-7 over Palestine. I think that's about right. Their just a little weaker than Kville

WOW!! Palestine is weaker than Kirbyville:confused:

[Paratrooper]

Yes

2-8 Henderson.......14-24 loss
8-2 Crockett...........19-35 loss

WOS

wins over Baycity, 8-1 Bridge City, 7-3 Jasper, 4A district champ Central, 4A Nederland (in 2nd round of playoffs)

Kirbyville beat Crockett.....Jasper and BC killed Kirbyville

Palestine hasn't really played anyone to the calibur of teams WOS has beat. The weaker teams you did play you lost to. Not trying to not say that Palestine won't show up or give it their all. I just think WOS will beat Palestine handily and I gave you my reasons.

IMO only though.

[PHS Wildcats]

Against Henderson, we laid an egg, overlooking them against our rival Jacksonville.

Crockett, we lost our Qb and 2 Linemen, But you are the expert.

Game time temp around 39 degrees

[Paratrooper]

Originally posted by PHS Wildcats
Against Henderson, we laid an egg, overlooking them against our rival Jacksonville.

Crockett, we lost our Qb and 2 Linemen, But you are the expert.

Game time temp around 39 degrees

No it's just my opinion and I gave you my reasons.

[lele8907]

What is it that everybody hopes we will just get blown out of the water? but you know since we are picked to lose... we play better because we have nothing to lose since we are the underdogs...:thinking:

[wos fan1]

Nobody said they hope you lose. Those are just people's predictions..

[GS#17]

we play better because we have nothing to lose

I don't agree with that statement. Underdog or favorite, there is plenty to lose, as the entire season is on the line. I'm sure neither team is going into the game feeling they're an underdog (if they do, they're in trouble), and they'll both be playing with a sense of urgency.

[lele8907]

underdog as meaing as not picked to win...I think if you are picked to win you have a little more pressure on you then if you arent picked to win... thats my opinion

[GS#17]

I see your point, but my belief is pressure is self-imposed and it has little to do with what a fan, sportswriter, or webmaster writes, says, or thinks. If a team determines how hard or loose they have to play against their opponents based on a point spread, then something's wrong. I think all players are going to give it their all at this point of the year simply because there is no tomorrow. From here on out, most, if not all, teams believe they can win a state championship title, and they are putting as much pressure on themselves as the next team.

[setex]

Originally posted by Paratrooper
I don't see the Mustangs having a problem with Palestine

WOS 40
Palestine 07

Para, I predict a closer game.

WOS schedule on paper is heads above the Wildkats. Beasley is the key, no doubt he has very good supporting cast, the Wildkats might just be in shock for awhile, just watching Beasley do his thing.

PHS can match up well with the speed. They will score some points.

WOS 49 Palestine 35

[Paratrooper]

You may be right and I understand your logic. I just don't think they have really played anyone and they have struggled playing the teams they have played.

[texasjeremy]

The two teams playoff results for the past 4 seasons:

PALESTINE (5-3)
2005
Silsbee: 63-42 WIN

2004
Silsbee: 34-9 WIN
Huffman-Hargrave: 52-14 WIN
Waco Connally: 38-14 WIN
Cuero: 27-17 LOSS

2003
Hallsville: 20-19 LOSS

2002
Kilgore: 13-6 WIN
Waco University: 33-20 LOSS

WEST ORANGE STARK (1-1)
2005
Huffman-Hargrave: 41-21 WIN

2004
Huffman-Hargrave: 30-28 LOSS

2003
NO PLAYOFFS

2002
NO PLAYOFFS

[shankbear]

Interesting txjeremy, but I believe that history means little in the playoffs. History BEGINS tonight. Palestine is a good ball club as is WO-S. They haven't faced each other and it is party time. The best team will come out on top and if anybody posts a bunch of "ifs, woulda, shoulda, coulda" garbage after this game, they would just be taking credit from the kids efforts. Good luck to both teams and all fans have a safe trip.

[texasjeremy]

Here are the regular season results for the two teams for the past 4 seasons, they have both been very successful:

PALESTINE (32-7)
2005
(4A) Whitehouse: 40-22 WIN
Carthage: 47-21 WIN
(4A) Henderson: 24-14 LOSS
(4A) Jacksonville: 27-24 WIN
Rusk: 41-28 WIN
Diboll: 45-14 WIN
Crockett: 35-19 LOSS
Palestine Westwood: 67-20 WIN
Huntington: 52-6 WIN

2004
(4A) Whitehouse: 27-6 WIN
Carthage: 42-31 WIN
(4A) Henderson: 49-28 WIN
(4A) Jacksonville: 23-7 LOSS
Tatum: 27-24 WIN
Rusk: 14-13 LOSS
Diboll: 21-12 WIN
Crockett: 61-14 WIN
Palestine Westwood: 51-18 WIN
Huntington: 47-0 WIN

2003
Cleveland: 33-0 WIN
(4A) Huntsville: 34-20 WIN
Madisonville: 31-14 WIN
Crockett: 28-27 WIN
White Oak: 26-7 WIN
(4A) Jacksonville: 24-20 LOSS
(4A) Henderson: 7-6 WIN
(4A) Whitehouse: 49-7 WIN
(4A) Athens: 65-28 WIN
(4A) Nacogdoches: 62-14 WIN

2002
Cleveland: 44-7 WIN
(4A) Huntsville: 40-12 WIN
Madisonville: 48-21 WIN
Crockett: 20-0 WIN
White Oak: 13-0 WIN
(4A) Jacksonville: 7-3 LOSS
(4A) Henderson: 14-7 LOSS
(4A) Whitehouse: 42-0 WIN
(4A) Athens: 21-7 WIN
(4A) Nacogdoches: 41-21 WIN

WEST ORANGE STARK (32-6)
2005
Jasper: 28-22 WIN
(4A) Nederland: 20-10 WIN
(4A) Bay City: 35-34 WIN
(4A) Beaumont Central: 28-12 WIN
Anahuac: 40-3 WIN
Hardin-Jefferson: 68-13 WIN
Hamshire-Fannett: 42-12 WIN
Orangefield: 35-6 WIN
Bridge City: 41-34 WIN

2004
Jasper: 25-23 LOSS
(4A) Nederland: 32-30 WIN
(4A) Bay City: 17-0 LOSS
(4A) Beaumont Central: 44-0 WIN
Hardin-Jefferson: 42-3 WIN
Anahuac: 55-12 WIN
Hamshire-Fannett: 42-13 WIN
Orangefield: 56-0 WIN
Bridge City: 27-21 WIN

2003
(4A) Columbia: 42-10 WIN
(4A) Bay City: 14-7 WIN
(4A) Vidor: 21-17 WIN
(4A) Nederland: 18-14 LOSS
(4A) Beaumont Ozen: 19-9 WIN
(4A) Lumberton: 13-7 WIN
(4A) Beaumont Central: 16-14 LOSS
(4A) Little Cypress Mauriceville: 30-10 WIN
(4A) Port Neches-Groves: 21-20 WIN
(4A) Silsbee: 41-6 WIN

2002
(4A) Columbia: 40-17 WIN
(4A) Bay City: 53-35 WIN
(4A) Vidor: 30-6 WIN
(4A) Nederland: 42-21 LOSS
(4A) Beaumont Ozen: 7-6 LOSS
(4A) Lumberton: 19-7 WIN
(4A) Beaumont Central: 17-7 WIN
(4A) Little Cypress Mauriceville: 21-7 WIN
(4A) Port Neches-Groves: 3-0 WIN
(4A) Silsbee: 23-9 WIN


POINTS SCORED PER GAME:
Palestine: 34.1
West Orange Stark: 29.5

POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME:
West Orange Stark: 13.8
Palestine: 15.4

AVG MARGIN OF VICTORY:
Palestine: +18.7
West Orange Stark: +15.7

[Paratrooper]

Originally posted by shankbear
Interesting txjeremy, but I believe that history means little in the playoffs. .

I don't agree with that. If one team lets say has had lots of experience the year before in the playoffs and one hasn't that all factors in.

[texasjeremy]

I was just pointing out how successful both schools have been recently. Playoff history shouldn't make a difference this year, because even though Palestine made a deep run last year, they only return like 2 starters from that team.

[shankbear]

Two good teams square off tonight...WO-S v. Palestine. Really, everywhere there is a game tonight and Saturday, it will be two good teams against each other. All that matters is what happens on any given field. It is a blast. The second season. Live it, breathe it, it's Texas football at its best.

[YBS]

I'd like to see WOS win this one. Go Stangs.

[Mustang Fan]

GO MUSTANGS

[etbu]

Originally posted by YBS
I'd like to see WOS win this one. Go Stangs. :D :D

[PHS Wildcats]

SCRATCH 'EM 'CATS :clap:

[j_dog]

Originally posted by shankbear
Two good teams square off tonight...WO-S v. Palestine. Really, everywhere there is a game tonight and Saturday, it will be two good teams against each other. All that matters is what happens on any given field. It is a blast. The second season. Live it, breathe it, it's Texas football at its best.
Yeah, and it is what brings out shankbear! :D All year long, you don't hear a thing from shankbear, then at playoff time, here he comes! :p

[shankbear]

j_dog, you hit the nail on the head. I am ALWAYS around, don't get that wrong. Just being kinda quiet. Who do you think will win the wo-s/palestine battle?

[j_dog]

Originally posted by shankbear
....... Who do you think will win the wo-s/palestine battle?
WOS of course! They will be hitting those cats with those cypress poles from deep in the swamps! :D Little chance for the cats. :cool:

I guess you are getting ready for BC to whip up on our slow little Dogs? :p

[lele8907]

Congrats WoS yall played an awesome game...:clap:

[Astrosdawg07]

Originally posted by j_dog
WOS of course! They will be hitting those cats with those cypress poles from deep in the swamps! :D Little chance for the cats. :cool:

I guess you are getting ready for BC to whip up on our slow little Dogs? :p

yeah...