Make the most
of your chance!
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Don't
look now,
the District 18AAA title
chase waters run muddy after
only two weeks of loop war-
fare. Four teams are curren-
tly tied in second place with 1-1 marks
behind league leading Crockett, 2-0.
Only the pre-season favorite, Fairfield,
is winless.
Check the results of the district's six
games thus far and you'll find a river of
surprises. In week one the Rusk Eagles,
who are in a four-way tie along with
Malakoff, Teague and Westwood, stun-
ned the Tigers, 26-6, Teague did like-
wise to Westwood, 13-8, and Crockett
blanked Fairfield, 21-0. Week two found
Westwood shelling Fairfield, 43-0, in
Fairfield, Crockett downed Rusk, 32-21,
in Rusk, and the Tigers fighting for a 13-
0 win over stubborn Teague.
Those results create more questions
other than who's going to win the
district crown. For instance: What's
the story in Fairfield? How can Rusk
hold Malakoff to six points one week
and surrender 32 to Crockett one week
later? Is Crockett going to run off and
hide from everyone or will they too
make a slip along the way? Are West-
wood and Teague for real or will they
fade from the picture and live up to
their anticipated roles as cellar-
dwellers?
The biggest question, at least in this
neck of the 18AAA woods, is: "Where do
the Tigers stand?" Unfortunately,
without the answers to the above
questions, that one may be unan-
swerable. But, let's explore it and try to
draw some light on the subject.
If the Tigers were offensively
clicking it would be easy to decide
where they stand. But with the offense
currently struggling somewhat, and
upcoming opponent Westwood suddenly
catching fire, the Tigers are as big a
question as the remainder of the loop.
Defensively, the Tigers are groomed
for the rest of the race. And that's a big
a-plus with Westwood, Fairfield and
Crockett lefL on the schedule.
Before pushing the panic button for
the offense you've got to take into con-
sideration that Teague had an excep-
tional defensive front line and were
geared to stop the Tigers' running
game. But the fact remains that the
Tigers have struggled in their past
three tilts. But not to worry, Coach Dale
Norris and Company, are working
hard, very hard, this week to work the
kinks out of the Wishbone. Expect im-
provement in this area.
At least, with Crockett's win over
Rusk, the Tigers have a little more con-
trol over their own destiny than they did
this time last week. Win the final three
and they are guaranteed a share of the
crown and a possible playoff ticket. The
possibility of an outright title exists
should they win the remaining 18AAA
encounters, but for that to happen help
is needed from other teams.
The lSAAA waters should clear a bit
this week as Crockett entertains
Teague, Rusk hosts Fairfield and the
Tigers visit Westwood. A lot of
questions should be answered in the
three contests. This time next week we
should have a good indication of which
way the hall's going to bounce. By then
we'll know the true status of Teague,
Westwood and Fairfield and we should
also know if the Tigers and Rusk are
merely battling for second place honors
behind the possibly unstoppable
Crockett, Bulldogs.
Stay tuned...
By BENNY ROGERS
~ ~en~ grade falls The Tigers travel to Palestine Friday
to 0-4-2 and the seventh night to tangle with Westwood's Pan-
grade goes to 1-3-1. thers in a District 18AAA clash that in
MY GUESSESARE... all likelihood will see the loser
DistrlctlRJUUiStzndinlP With the 18AAA race becoming'in- eliminated from the league's title
Tom W L t PS PA creasingly important and interesting chase. Kickoffissetfor7:30p.m.
Cmckett(4-Z) .... Z 0 0 55 21 ['11 attempt to pick the winners of each Both teams currently are lodged in a
Ma~ {$1).... 1 1 0 1$ 26 of the loop's games the rest of the way. tie with Rusk and Teague at second
Rusk {tll ....... 1 ! 0 47 311 Let's see what week three has to offer, place with 1-1 ledgers. And both bring
Wotwod (2-5}... 11 0 $1 13
Tulus(2-$}.. l I 0 13 21 In the Tigers' battle with Westwood, shut-out victories into Friday night's
• .. tilt. The Tigers blanked Teague 13-0,
(S~ rocmds in Imnmthot@ the defense will face a big test in the while the Panthers whipped pre-season
fleet-footed Westwood offensive back- favorite Fairfield43-0.
JUNIOR CIRCUIT WRAP.UP field. Look for the defense to accept and Westwood, 2-5 on the year, is doing
The Tiger jayvees posted the only win live up to the challenge and for the of-
on the junior circuit last week, whip-
ping Jacksonville ,36-20. In other action tense to finally get back into gear. Ac- everything it can to defy pre-season
predictions. Predicted to finish near or
the eighth graders were beaten 22-0, cordingly, Malakoff20-Westwood7. at the bottom of 18AAA, the Panthers
and the seventh graders fought to a 6-6 In the other two 18AAA match-ups have suddenly emerged from the pack
tie with Fairfield. look for Crockett to put Teague into as a title contender. After being upset
With the win the jayvees even their proper perspective, 27-7, and for Rusk by Teague in the opening week of loop
season record at 3-3, while the eighth to add to Fairfield's troubles, 16-7. action, the Panthers regrouped with the
By STEVE BRIGANCE
PAIJ ER -- When the final whistle blew here Friday night the Trinidad
Trojans were minus quarterback Charles Colman, and had only gained 71
yards against the Palmer Bulldog defense. The home team came out vic-
torious with a score of 40-0.
Late in the first quarter, Bulldog Robert Allen dashed along the sideline for
22 of his 105 yards to give the Palmer a first down as they began their first
scoring drive.
Darrell Lassetter later took the hall from quarterback Mark Waiters and
marched in from five yards out to put six points on the scoreboard for the
Bulldogs. The PAT failed and the score was 6-0 with 3:50 left in the first
quarter.
With 10:34 left in the second quarter, Colman dropped back into the shotgun
formation. After releasing the ball, the Trojan quarterback was struck by a
Bulldog pass rusher. The ensuing collision resulted in a broken hand for
Colman.
Colman is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Jimmy Carter then took the helm for Trinidad and finished the drive with an
incomplete pass.
A 21 yard pass from Waiters to Allen gave Palmer a first down on the Trojan
13 yard line. Robert McElhaney's drive up the middle was good for nine yards
and with Waiter's sneak gave the Bulldogs another first down. Walter then
skipped into the for six points. The the kick after failed and with 9:00 left in
the half the Bulldogs were ahead 12-0.
A fumble in the hand-off to Derek Jackson put the Bulldogs on Trinidad's 23
yard line. From there Robert Allen stepped into the endzone with 7:32 on the
second quarter clock. A pass from McElhaney to Donnle Dixon made the
score 20-0.
Under the field direction of Carter and with runs by Jackson, the Trojans
went to the Palmer 48 and a first down. The Trojans were later forced to give
up the ball on the Bulldog 27.
From there Bulldog Dennis Robinson scurried down the field 71 yards for a
touchdown with 2:58 left in the half. The kick by Scooter Jones put Palmer up
27-0.
A punt in the third quarter went uncontested and the Bulldogs took
possession on the Trojan 38. A pass from Waiters to Travls Gerich with 7:21
left in the third quarter resulted in another score for Palmer. The kick by
Jones left the score 34-4).
The final touchdown of the game was made on the first drive of the last
quarter. Three runs'by Lassetter were good for seven yards and the first
down. Then from 12, Mark Thompson darted in making the score 44)4) with
the failed point after attempt.
The Trojans will host the Cayuga Wildcats Friday in a 7:30 game.
shocker over Fairfield. Wishbone offense back in
The Panthers took advantage of nine sluggish efforts in the
Fairfield turnovers and a rushing at- outings. Against a
tack that rambled for 369 yards to post geared to stop the run,
the incredible win. Fleet-footed running managed only 42 short
back Delbert Reeves paced the West- option taken away, Tarver
wood ground game with 213 yards, skies, completing eight of
Junior quarterback Kevin Taylor yards and two touchdownS.
passed for an additional 73 yards to give Injuries will keep the
the Panthers 442 total yards. Defen- tering the Westwood
sively, the Panthers limited Fairfield to strength. A midnight,
167yards. cident near Star
The Tigers, who had to rely on the fullback Billy
passingof RussellTarver in the victory Carey Jackson q~
over Teague, will face a Panther defen- game at press time.
se that swiped five of Fairfield quarter- back Todd Shelton
back Jeff Meiske's passes. The Eagles jaw and is lost for the
were forced to try the airways 27 times, season. In a football
completing only seven. Linebacker Tarver is nursing
Chris Axum led the Westwood intercep- back James Jackson,
tion parade. Teague game with an
The Tigers will be out to get their pected to be ready for
TROJAN DEREK JACKSON was upended by a Palmer defender in an around-end play Friday night.
tured are Paul Airheart (60), Jerry Stanfleld (88), and Dew|t( Loven (50). (Staff photo by Ann Rounsavali)
t rs:
Leone Lewis was the winner of a $50 Barbara McKinnerney and Michael
Savings Bond this week as a result of Riddle missed 20 each while Velma
competition in The Maiakoff News Nokes, Jan Carole Phillips. C.O.
footbalicontest. Phillips, Phyliss Ramsey, Martha ,BRAD ELSOM--Senior lineman for
Mrs. Lewis won with 15 misses m her Lewis, J.L. Lewis, Greg Gawlik, Jerry the Trojans, continued his consistent ef-
predictions of games played over the Rainwater and Russell Rogers missed fort on both the offensive and defensive
weekend. 21each. units. Elsom was credited with
Coming in a close second was Jenn) Teams needed blocking an extra point kick and
Ramsey and Tim Edwards with 16 causing a fumble, in addition to
misses each. Dana Wilsoa, Sam Ram- Cross Roads head basketball coach multiple single tackles and assists.
sey and Letha Moore each recorded 17 Tom Driskill is seeking entries in the ,ELMER REED--The Tiger defen-
misses each. Cross Reads Invitational Basketball sive lineman was a instramental factor
On down the line was Gaylon Johnson Tournament set for Dec. 10-12. in the Tigers holding the Teague ground
and Becky Gawlik with 18 misses, while Driskill said there are slots open for game to just two yards.
Mandy Rogers, Keith Justin Phillips, one varsity boys team and one varsity , RON SPEED--Malakoff's defensive
Pauline Ferguson and Gedyce Roberds girls squad, end was in on several tackles Friday
missed l9 each. For more information, contact night in the Tigers 13-0 win over
Dr|skill or Colin Curtis at 489-1275. Teague.
v"
,TIM MATTINGLY--The lineman,
both offensively and defensively,
provided good pass protection and
made several stops versus Teague
Friday night.
*DEREK JACKSON--135 lb.
sophomore for Trinidad. For his play on
both the offensive and defensive units
for the Trojans against Palmer Friday
night.
.STEVlE COWAN--Linebacker on
defense and tackle on offense for the
Cross Roads Bobcats. Cowan made
good blocks off the line in the effort
against loin.
if:/
.JOE CAMPANA--The
for Malakoff helped in
Tigers' best pass
season Friday nigh
This
Week's Gamt~
I'S
MalakO,
