Young Bulldogs fun to watch; future bright

LUCAS The roller coaster ride that is District 14- 4A football continues to swing, and we went down a little bit and around some steep curves with it Friday night, as the Kilgore Bulldogs dropped a 28-10 decision at home to Jacksonville.

Already, this season has seen highs — the exciting wins over Lindale and Whitehouse, and the development of some young guys like Ladarius Anthony — and lows, like falling at home to Henderson and a non-district loss to Gilmer.

But you get that with a young team. I’m not trying to make excuses, but the Ragin’ Red is awfully young this year, and as frustrating as it is to see the very good one week and the bad the next, there are good things happening out there, even in defeat. Pointing out Anthony is easy, but there are others. Christian Sibley is a heck of a defensive back, and he’s just a junior. Ditto for Shaun Edwards and Deontre Williams, and they’re only sophomores, two of a host of talent in the 10th grade this year that have two more seasons for the Bulldogs.

THE FUTURE IS NOW — Kilgore’s Shaun Williams (20) is one of several young players getting lots of playing time for coach Mike Vallery’s team. Sports editor Mitch Lucas believes in the long run, that’s a good thing. The younger KHS players who are learning their lessons now are going to be the instructors in the seasons to come.

Of that much, I’m certain.

Nacogdoches provides interesting opposition for Kilgore this next week. I know there are all sorts of playoff scenarios out there, and we’ll figure it out. But you can’t do any damage if you don’t get in. That’s the first goal.

• By the way: Just wanted to address the letter to the editor in today’s paper. I spoke with the lady who wrote the letter Friday night, and we had a good conversation. I know she isn’t happy, and I would love to fix that.

I’d love to be everywhere every single time we have an athletic contest, JV and everyone included.

But Jenna and I have to make a living, and I can’t be at every single game that involves a Kilgore team. We have children, and I have a life, as well. The people who make your dinner at McDonald’s don’t stay there 24-7, you know.

I don’t mind running any sports that we get, and on occasion, I have allowed high school kids to submit things to the paper. It’s a little more difficult now than it was because we currently have only two print editions each week.

I plan on, following the season, doing a re-cap of the JV and freshmen football seasons, with a photo or two, and maybe even the Maude Laird teams, too.

By the way, anyone who would ever like to talk to me about anything can call me here at the paper at (903) 984-2593, come by the office, or e-mail me. I’m not a bad guy (at least I don’t think I am).

• Volleyball: The Kilgore High School volleyball team finished its season earlier in the week, and while we ran a photo and the result of the game on page 8A today, I just thought I’d say a few things.

I know the years haven’t been kind to the volleyball program, but they did end that infamous playoff drought of 16 years last year. They missed out on the postseason again this year, but they got a heck of an effort from every single player on Tuesday night in their loss to Lindale, and I mean everyone. It made me proud of them that they gave the co-district leaders all they could handle over that three-game loss.

The varsity volleyball squad this year was LaQuasha Sheffield, Dana Boyd, Blair Ware, Kandace Shackelford, Nikieyia Shackelford, and seniors Lesta Eaton, Kelsey Jackson, Becca Howard and Brianna Westbrook.

By the way, we’re actually hosting a couple of playoff games this week. Henderson will face Pine Tree on Monday night at 7, then another game Tuesday at 7, and I’m not certain who’s in that one, sorry.

• Tennis: We didn’t get any results from the tennis team’s trip to regionals before press time on Friday — they’re playing in Grapevine — but I just wanted to remind you that they are indeed playing in the regional tournament after winning their fall district championship, and that we’ll have that story online on Monday, if it all possible.

There will be a photo or two and a story in Wednesday’s News Herald, as well.

Members of the tennis team going to regionals are Josh Way, Eric Applegate, Jeremy Berryhill, Josh Bailey, Kade Bittick, Trent Raby, Jody Madding, Jose Tapia, Chelsey Cox, Meredith Gregg, Naomi Worden, Shawna Bass, Caitlind Trowbridge, Zonera Javed, Shivani Patel, and Monte Broussard. They’re coached by Jason Maroney and Trey Miller. Here’s hoping they do great.

Speaking of great, have a great week, and God bless.