Tyler's Outtakes

Taking Our Talents to South Beach, Returning as Champions

2011-06-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

It was a long journey for Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, the Mavs could taste an NBA Championship to only collapse in Game 3 in the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. That could have ruined Dirk, but he stayed the course.

It's been a tough road since then for Dallas, early round exits from the playoffs and getting embarrassed by the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs a season after their meltdown in the Finals. It's been brutal for Mavericks fans to watch. Dirk believed.

The odds were stacked against the Mavericks to get a ring. Experts doubted them, Vegas doubted them and even the public doubted them (I fell into this category). Dirk disagreed.

A team filled with old veterans and unproven role players, paired up with a 7 foot German was not championship worthy, according to the masses. Heck, the Portland Trailblazers were the media darlings and everyone's favorite pick to oust the Mavs in the first round of the playoffs this playoff season. Dirk focused.

Through the playoffs Dallas still wasn't getting it props. After taking down the Trailblazers, the Mavericks took on the NBA Champs in the Los Angeles Lakers. Dallas won game one, two and three of the series, and viewers still weren't convinced that the Mavericks had what it took. NBA Analyst Jeff Van Gundy still believes the Lakers have a shot at winning that series. Dirk smirked.

In the Western Conference Finals, the Mavericks were paired up with the up and coming Oklahoma City Thunder who had young superstars in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Dallas rolled into this series with the momentum they gained from sweeping the Lakers, and went on to dismantle the Thunder in 5. Dirk dreamed.

One more step.

The Big 3, Miami Heat.

Here we go again, Mavericks back in the Finals facing the same team that disposed of them like a soiled baby diaper 5 years ago. Would it be different? Can Dirk get that monkey off his back? Do the Mavericks have enough to compete against the almighty Heat? These questions were answered emphatically, YES!

Lebron disappeared, Wade was Wade, Bosh cried and the rest of the Heat were scrubs. Mavericks put an exclamation point on a magical playoff run by celebrating on the same court of a team that embarrassed them seasons ago. Sweet redemption that was.

In retrospect: A soft European player that couldn't play defense, couldn't win an NBA Championship, no way! And there was no reason to believe this team could get it done this season, but they did. For real.

Dirk didn't give up. He stayed the course. In today's world where everyone looks up to superstars as role-models, you don't have to look to far to find one in Big D. I see you Dirk.

Get that ring and whatever else Mark Cuban has up his sleeve. (*cough* championship belt *cough*)

Eula Pirates on top of the World

2011-03-13T18:08:00.001-07:00

Pictures above are a few moments capturing Eula's run in the state tournament down in Austin. Below are a random thoughts on how it happened.

Pictures say a thousand words. More like a million when it comes to Eula capturing their first state championship in school history.

The senior laden team had a magical spark and intensity when they stepped on the court, and it was awesome to watch. A team of destiny it seemed, and no one was going to get in their way.

From Jacob Archa hitting a game winning shot propelling the Pirates to the state championship game to Kainon Irons putting up consecutive 30 point games in Austin, Eula was on a mission to make history.

Speaking of Kainon Irons, how in the world does this guy not have any colleges looking at him to play at the next level? He is big athletic, can score and play defense. Someone needs to get this guy on a college court, seriously. He can flat out play.

The first game of the season the Pirates took on a tough Class 3A team in Wylie, and hung tough with the Bulldogs. From then on, any hoops fan knew that the Pirates had a legitimate shot at winning a title.

Eula Head Coach Josh Fostel logged his 200th win at Eula when the Pirates won the championship against Tenaha. You think it was his biggest?

A few words to describe this Eula team: intense, defense, athletic, fierce, clutch, fundamental, destiny.

The Pirates ended the season on a 18 game winning streak.

Congrats to the seniors who will be departing, they will go down as some of the best basketball players to ever wear a Pirate uniform.

Spradlin's Mark on the Cooper Program Will Last

2011-02-03T19:04:00.000-08:00

In the grand scheme of things it was just five years, but Mike Spradlin left a mark on the Cooper football program that will last for a long time.

Five seasons ago, Spradlin inherited a team that was... well to be honest not very good, and turned it into something all the Southsiders could be very proud of.

Here's just a quick list of what Spradlin was able to accomplish: four straight playoff appearances, three straight regional appearances, back to back district titles and a 38-23 overall record.

Accomplishing all of this while most of the region and state paid their attention to Abilene High. But anybody who was actually paying attention knew the Cougars were a force to be reckoned with once the Friday night lights turned on and Spradlin was roaming the sidelines.

With all that being said, I'm going to really miss the guy. He was a media guy like I's dream interview. Always available to be interviewed and a sincere guy that truly enjoyed having a conversation with a nerdy and dorky 20-something year old guy (at least I think he did).

But most of all, Spradlin will and should be known for how much he truly cared about his players. Calling them "his kids," I witnessed time and time again his genuine emotion when talking about his players. I really respect him as a coach, but honestly I respect him just as much as a person.

He will be missed no doubt, but Spradlin left the Cooper program in good shape, much better than when he got there. And whoever takes over will be handed the keys to a Cadillac, and they better keep it cruising in the left hand lane going 75 mph.

My Jason Garrett Experience

2011-01-06T14:38:00.000-08:00

I was just an 11 year-old kid sitting at Curtis Elementary in Weatherford Texas starry eyed and speechless. The backup quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys walked in to our school to give us a speech on "reaching for the stars."

The red headed backup was very engaging for fifth graders and spoke eloquently. He told us to never give up on your goals and always believe in yourself, even though others may not. He went on to say he was going to be a coach one day, and there was never a doubt he was going to do that. Who would have thought the Cowboys though? Sheesh.

After the speech was over, I rushed to get his autograph and he signed my Cowboys cap. From then on, I always rooted for Troy Aikman's backup to get in the game. And he actually did on Thanksgiving, leading an epic comeback for Dallas - throwing for over 300 yards and 2 touchdowns ,I believe. I was a fan.

So from a small speaking engagement in Weatherford, Texas, to the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, I would say Garrett reached his goals and beyond. I was impressed with him as an 11 year-old kid, and I am equally impressed with the man who he is now. Go get'em coach!

Now if I can find that cap...

The Day Abilene Was Set on Fire

2010-11-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

We have already seen what the Crosstown Showdown is all about over the years. When the Abilene High Eagles and the Cooper Cougars meet, the whole town stops for a moment and watches. Whether you even went to either school (I didn't) you can't help but pay attention.

This years match up between Abilene High and Cooper was the biggest since 2002 when both teams were undefeated and ranked in the top 5 in the state. Abilene High coming off a state championship, and the Cooper Cougars undefeated and looking for some respect. We definitely got what we wanted, a knock out, drag out fight that left everyone wanting more...

So that brings me to this thought - What if Abilene High and Cooper collide in the playoffs? It has never happened before. Neither team has played each other in the postseason - Heck neither team has played in the third round of the 5A playoffs at the same time. Both teams have some work to do, but it is realistically possible for the Eagles and Coog's to meet in the fourth round for another showdown.

Can you imagine the buzz around town? How long would the week go by? Would people actually try to scalp tickets to the game (lol)? Serious question though. I can't imagine how the town would function through that week. Cars turned over, buildings on fire, mass chaos. All joking aside, it would be a fun and crazy week - one that I don't know if I could imagine til I lived through it.

Best of luck to both the Cougars and Eagles throughout the rest of the playoffs.

ESPN Makes the Trip to Abilene

2010-09-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

Wow. After the dust cleared and ESPN is long gone - it's still a cool feeling they ACTUALLY came.

When the announcement was made back in the Spring that Abilene High would play Plant High Schools out of Florida, I was stoked. And I didn't realize how excited I would be until I was down on the sideline watching these two teams go at it.

It's kinda weird looking back that ESPN made a trip to Abilene to cover the AHS game against Plant High School out of Florida last week. An awesome match-up - no doubt, and it ended up being what everyone and all the critics expected - an all around good game. Both teams didn't disappoint.

With that said, who would have thought 5 years ago ESPN would be out at Shotwell Stadium covering one of our Abilene schools? Honestly, it's hard to imagine. The World Wide Leader in Sports making a trip to our neck of the woods - awesome! We all care and love our teams around here, and it is really cool to see others appreciate the brand of football that is being played in these parts.

ESPN came here for a combination of things:

1.)High School football across the nation has become more and more popular the past couple of years.

2.)Abilene High and schools all across the Big Country have raised their level of play and the nation noticed.

I've haven't lived here my entire life, but I have always followed the high school's in this area. This is my third season covering Big Country football up close and personal, and it's crazy just how much it has evolved since I arrived back in the Fall of 2008.

I can't wait for ESPN and whoever else wants to come and get a taste of what Big Country football is all about.

Manny's Awesome Wedding Experience

2010-08-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

When Manny first asked me to be in his wedding, I was shocked and excited at the same time. Of course I wanted to be in the wedding! We have worked together for over 2 years now and have become really good friends. Many late nights and long hours spent with the guy forced us to be that way, lol.

Manny married Candace (the woman of his dreams) down in San Antonio this past weekend. It was at San Fernando Cathedral in downtown, which is actually where the heroes of the Alamo were buried. A beautiful place to say the least, and the perfect spot to get married.

It was a traditional Catholic wedding, which was totally new to me but fun. There were many traditions and rituals Manny and Candace had to go through before they could get married. Part of the wedding we had to kneel, and I almost passed out. Luckily I realized what was about to happen and sat down on the pew for a bit. They both looked so happy during the whole entire ceremony, which almost... yes I said ALMOST brought a tear to to my eye... a man tear of course, or sports tear.

I am truly blessed to work with Manny and I wish him and Candace the best in their long loving marriage!

Vuvuzela for the Win!

2010-06-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

Vuvuzela Madness!

It has been the subject of controversy, and many wanted it banned from the 2010 FIFA World Cup all together. In the end, FIFA decided the vuvuzela was legal... thank goodness.

If you've been buried under a rock for the past couple weeks, the vuvuzela is a horn from the South African culture. Modeled after a kudu horn, the vuvuzela has a very distinct sound, which has been heard on television sets around the world.

I am probably in the minority, and I totally cool with that, but I love the vuvuzela. I embrace not only the sound, but what it means to the nation of South Africa. I think it is great, and find it funny how many people are irritated by the vuvuzela.

Some may say, "I would rather listen to the chants and singing in the crowd!" Meh, I never enjoyed listening to inebriated people ramble and slur for 2 minutes, much less for an entire match (90 minutes, plus stoppage time).

Overall, I am trying to figure out my affinity for this horn. Maybe it's just the fact that I like things that bother people. Weird I know. Maybe it is my upbringing as a big brother and terrorizing my little sister. Who knows, but I find it fun. I might need to mature alittle, at least that is what my mom has been telling me for years. I should consult my shrink about this.

Sure, it may sound like a swarm of bees have congregated around the microphone during the match. Bees have a right to be soccer fans as well! Anyways, after awhile I don't even notice the sound anyways. No matter what, the vuvuzela is here to stay for a couple more weeks. Deal with it.

Plus, you could always watch the matches on mute. :)

A New Year's Resolution Fulfilled

2010-05-09T18:51:00.000-07:00

Well, most of the time when I make New Year's resolutions, they fall through within the first few weeks. Somehow that is not the case this year, and I'm pretty stoked I have kept it.

I looked up resolution on dictionary.com and this is what I got:

definition: a resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something.

Hmmm, I guess I finally made up my mind, became determined that I was going to lose some weight before mid-July hits.

I was up to 210 lbs in December of 2009. By far the largest I have ever been, and I don't know if it was just stress from work, working crazy hours or not making time to hit the gym. However you slice it, I was overweight!

So my New Years resolution was to lose about 25-30 pounds before my dad and I go on a vacation this summer. I am down to 187 pounds, 23 pounds lost for you people that aren't so great at math ;)

My plan was to work out almost everyday at Golds Gym, lifting weight and doing cardio. Counting calories, having about 1500-1800 calories per day. And it has really worked.

All in all, I have pretty much met my goal, but I am not going to stop. This has almost become and entire lifestyle change I hope to have the rest of my life.

I feel so much better and have energy throughout the entire day. I can think better, and I'm more creative at work.

I can't wait to hit the beach with my dad.

2010 NFL Mock Draft

2010-04-21T15:25:00.001-07:00

My first attempt at a mock draft. We will see how it goes.

1st Round

1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

6. Seattle Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

8. Oakland Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

11. Denver Broncos: Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida

12. Miami Dolphins: Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee

13. San Francisco 49ers: Joe Haden, CB, Florida

14. Seattle Seahawks: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

15. New York Giants: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

16. Tennessee Titans: Everson Griffen, DE, USC

17. San Francisco 49ers: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

19. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

20. Houston Texans: Earl Thomas, FS, Texas

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Taylor Mays, S, USC

22. New England Patriots: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

23. Green Bay Packers: Charles Brown, OT, USC

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Wilson, CB/PR, Boise State

25. Baltimore Ravens: Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Penn State

26. Arizona Cardinals: Sean Weatherspoon, ILB, Missouri

27. Dallas Cowboys: Mike Iupati, G, Idaho

28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State

29. New York Jets: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers

30. Minnesota Vikings: Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama

31. Indianapolis Colts: Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana

32. New Orleans Saints: Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas

Key Draft Picks:

38. Cleveland Browns: Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

72. Buffalo Bills: Tony Washington, OT, Abilene Christian

74. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

Ruff Riders Keep it Cool

2010-04-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

Ya, the Ruff Riders are 0-3.

Not an ideal way to start the second season in Abilene. And from just looking at the record alone, you would think the Riders were behind the eight-ball. Not true.

The man behind it all, Head Coach Gerald Dockery is about as cool as you can get. Coach Dock has pretty much seen everything possible in professional football ranks, and he will keep his guys focused and staying positive. He just will. Trust me, he's a winner.

Moving to the quarterback situation. Going through 5 quarterbacks in the last 18 games is not going to win you ball games. Bart Gloyd got his first start under center this past weekend against the Arkansas Diamonds and showed some flashes of greatness. Gloyd threw 3 td's in the losing effort, but mainly didn't make bad decisions that resulted in turnovers.

The Riders have GOT to have some stability at quarterback, once they do... they will start winning ball games... you see that at every level of competitive football.

I really don't want to hit on the defensive side of the ball because they are much more solid from last season. They have had extra pressure put on them season with all the struggles on offense, but once the offense comes around... the defense will play even better than they have been playing.

Again, 0-3 is not ideal, but the panic button is not even close to being pushed. 11 more games left in the season... and a fully expect the Ruff Riders to be in postseason play at the end of it. They just need that first elusive victory.

Tiger Woods' "I'm Sorry, I'm Sorry" Speech

2010-02-19T12:19:00.000-08:00

Now that the top golfer and top professional athlete in the world finally came out of his silence, people are reacting to his speech. Slicing and dicing every single word that came out of his mouth... putting a microscope on every vowel and syllable said.

Tiger Woods cheated, everyone will have an opinion. I understand that.

After watching and listening to the speech numerous times, it took me awhile to collect my thoughts on the entire situation.

The speech was filled with what religion he prefers, not using steroids and attacking the media... and the "I'm sorry" trickled throughout... it came off odd, Tiger.

Woods had help writing it. We all know that is true. He stumbled throughout and seemed very mechanical. But remember this... he is a golfer. He is trained to be like a robot... that is what makes him the best in the world, repetition. So I can understand why he would have a hard time coming off emotional and sensitive. With that said, even if he had true emotion... we would NOT have seen it anyways.

Overall, Tiger is sorry he is sorry. He REALLY is sorry though, BUT for all the wrong reasons. He is sorry he was caught and lost millions of dollars in endorsement deals. He is sorry his wife knows about his infidelity and will have trust issues. He is sorry he won't be looked at the same by the youth around the country and world.

Tiger is in a league of his own. Possibly becoming the first billionaire athlete in the world. He will be looked at differently, and rightfully so... A classic situation of someone getting so much bigger than the world around him... right before getting knocked down back to reality. Pride before the fall.

But hey, you see this time after time... A big time athlete being told day in and day out how great they are. After awhile they believe it and think they are untouchable. But in all actuality, that just isn't the case.

Get back on the golf course, Tiger. Whether the golf world will admit it or not, we need you. No, not as a person that cheats on his wife, but as the athlete that is the best in the world at what he does, Please.

I'm pleading this for selfish reasons so we can ALL move along from this sex saga.

Ruff Riders Owners Keep it Real

2010-02-18T12:13:00.000-08:00

In this day in age of "look-at-me" type owners, such as Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks and Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, it has become a mainstream deal to put themselves in the spot light at the drop of a hat.

Standing on the sidelines... always in front of the camera, promoting everything from hot dogs to hand grenades. They want to be the focal point of the team, which is there prerogative... but far from the norm of the old-school owners. It is a very divisive issue.

With that said, the new Abilene Ruff Riders owners are staying out of the spot light. They want to remain anonymous. An ownership group consisting of multiple businessmen around the Abilene area looking to make professional football stick in the Big Country. Not wanting to put there name out there and be the center of attention. Simply wanting whats best for Abilene.

Now THAT is keeping it real, G.

The exact approach to a situation that will make this organization stay for a long time to come.

Good luck to the new owners, and keep it REAL. I hope Abilene embraces what is in store for this organization and the community.

District Realignment and Such

2010-02-01T18:52:00.001-08:00

February 1st 2010, a crazy day for high school coaches. District realignment, a word often associated with "dentist office" in the high school world.

A day in which every Big Country Coach either cringes at, or embraces the thought of. I mean they do find out there fate in 2 minutes on who they will be playing for 2 years.

As the coaches file into the room, things get more and more tense as the seconds move closer and closer.

Calm before storm.

Watching all this take place, was like witnessing cattle run to the only drinking hole in a 10 mile radius. Pure mayhem. At exactly 9 AM in the morning, that is when it all went down. A huge box, carrying all the vital information in packets, ripped open... only to be handed out to the unknowing coach.

Good or bad for each coach, this is the time of reckoning. And looking at each coach, you knew what was going on in their head, it was written all over their face.

After finding out where there team wound up, this is when the "fun" begins. The coaches attempt to fill out their non-district schedule. Each one pulling out a cell phone like they were calling 911. Emergency mode.

Once everything is sorted out, a since of normalcy kicks back in. And every coach walks out trying to figure out how they are going to win all their games for the next two seasons.

Good Luck.

My Take on Mike Leach's Suspension for the Alamobowl

2009-12-29T14:42:00.000-08:00

The relationship between Mike Leach and Texas Tech University took another turn for the worst. Leach is being suspended by the University for his treatment towards a player, Adam James, son of ESPN analyst Craig James. First it was a contract dispute last winter, now it is this situation.

At first glance, I couldn't believe what Leach did... and even was kinda sickened by the whole situation. But as more information is revealed the more and more I am siding with Mike Leach.

First off, why would this whole situation have been swept under a rug if Leach would have simply apologized for his actions towards Adam James? If the situation was THAT bad, I don't think an apology would be simply enough.

Also, according to many reports, a TEAM doctor released James to practice after he was checked out for a concussion during practice. That alone shows me... how could Leach be at fault whatsoever if a doctor said James was A OK to get back to the practice field. Leach is smarter than the average person.

Next, why are all of Leach's former players sending messages and letters to the Chancellor stating they back Leach and his treatment of his players. The likes of Graham Harrell, Rylan Reed, Eric Morris, etc are more than credible sources that support Leach, I do too.

Thirdly, the timing of this whole thing is very interesting. Things that make you go "hmmmm." Adam's dad, Craig is running for a Senate position here within the next year, hmmmmm. Mike Leach is owed $800,000 December 31st for completion of contract... he will not get that because he is technically NOT the coach, hmmmmm. Chew on that for a bit.

Another thing, reports all season long have stated Adam James had an attitude problem, did not work hard in practice and wanted more playing time in games. With all this unfolding, it doesn't seem like a far fetched anamolly that Adam simply has a personal vendetta against Leach. A modern day witch hunt. Just a thought.

All in all, once again a situation that Texas Tech University could have handled much better. But dropped the ball just like in the contract negotiations just a year ago with Leach. And here we go again. I thought they would have learned from the last time. I guess not, and once again my alma mater is not shedding a great light on itself. A shame to say the least.

Dallas Cowboys Paper Towels

2009-11-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

Here’s the deal:

I decided to buy Dallas Cowboys paper towels about two weeks ago at Wal-Mart. The Cowboys were on a 4 game winning streak and averaging 30.25 points a game.

And now the Cowboys offense has gone into a funk, here’s some statistics over the past two games for Dallas:

14 total points

Averaging 291.5 total yards on offense with 4 total turnovers, Romo sacked 6 times total.

Total dominated on time of possession as well.

And narrowly avoiding their first shutout loss since 2003 against Washington in both games scoring a touchdown late in the 4th quarter in each game.

Cowboys are 7-3 on the season and sitting atop the NFC East.

So no need to panic quite yet, what should I do with the paper towels?

1. Burn them?
2. Use them up before tomorrow’s game against Oakland?
3. Keep them in hopes the offense will turn around?

Thanks for the advice!

Friday Night Live, Shout Outs...

2009-11-21T21:22:00.000-08:00

Well Friday Night Live is over for the rest of the football season. No, that doesn't mean we won't stop following all of the local high schools. Of course we will still follow your school, but not with a full show.

With that being said, I want to thank everyone behind the scenes that made this well-oiled machine tick. Yeah, I said it... Thank you.

I am going to try and give me shout-out in less than 1000 characters. Don't hold me to that...

Andrew Carlson, our Chief Photographer basically went everywhere we told him. Shot two games a night and ran live-shots for us at night with the winning coach out at Shotwell Stadium. Good stuff Andrew

Tim "Magic" Johnston, who would help with the news during the day... shoot a football game at night and the do a live interview with a coach at Shotwell Stadium. Good stuff Tim, "Magic" it was.

Goose, another photographer of ours. Came straight in the middle of the season and didn't miss a beat. Helped edit highlights to get those suckers on air. Thanks Goose, /S/ Maverick!

Rob Mooring, my partner in crime. Updated scores, shoot games, edit highlights and co-anchor FNL-DOS with me. Thanks Rob, you were a breathe of fresh air.

Ruth, our director. Basically without Ruth... the show wouldn't run smoothly. Ruth is the master behind everything. We all love Ruth... thanks for your hard work.

Mark, over-looked our shows and made sure everything ran smoothly.

Mark and Ruth were the dynamic duo... Kind of like Batman and Robin, no scratch that... that didn't make sense. More like Wonder Woman and Wonder Man?, no... nevermind.

Anyways, Ruth... Mark thanks guys.

To the rest of everyone that edited, shot, produced, wrote, and anything else. You guys were awesome. Thanks.

No tapes where hurt in the making on the shows during the season. The FCC will be happy.

Oh ya, thanks for those random nights were pizza was served to the whole staff... pepperoni, sausage, ham, the works... pizza lovers be jealous.

I'm out.

New Desk Equals Change

2009-10-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

It has been an interesting month for me, to say the least. I changed desks, but I am not a HUGE fan of change (sorry Obama, P.S this is not a political blog). The new desk idea wasn't mine, but I obliged.

Saying goodbye to my old desk was not the easiest thing to do, I spent many hours for the past 15-16 plus months on my butt pounding away at a keyboard. And to just up and leave that lovely "man-cave" wasn't the easiest thing to do in my 25 years of life. Besides giving up this cat I adopted for 2 years, I miss you Diego, it wasn't my choice I promise! Anyways...

One lone bright spot, I was able to move all my belongings to the new one; but it just won't be the same. *Tear Shed* One man tear that is...

I use to sit by my Weekend counterpart Maria Oliver. Not so close these day. I normally catch myself yelling to catch her attention. Which for the most part goes ignored. I think she is sad I left, and coming to the realization the coolest person in the building is no longer a reach away. And I will give her time to come back around.

Now I want to talk about the location of this new desk. It is located in an interesting spot, very close to the Assignment Editors desk where all the news meetings happen during the day. And it can be very entertaining at times. Fire, Crime, Swine Flu stories, School Board Meetings and

I am normally the loud person around the newsroom, but I know when its time to have a meetin', its all serious business. And have acquired a "Library Voice" around that time of the day. A trait I did not have prior to the move. Go figure.

The new desk is also located in a heavy foot traffic area. It seems like everyone that works in this buildings passes my area to get to theirs. No big deal, just not use it. Hopefully I don't come off like I am complaining about peanuts. Oh well.

All in all. It was a tough move, but I am holding up. I am sure I will have these same thoughts in 15-16 months when it is time to move desks once again.

Eagles, Cougars and Bulldogs Impress

2009-10-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hey All!

High School football is in full swing, and it has been a pretty interesting season so far. Some schools fairing better than I though, other's not so much.

I will give my impressions thus far of Abilene High, Cooper and Wylie football teams. Also citing some things I have seen in practices and games I have attended.

Cooper High is 2-3 on the season, which is probably the most deceiving record in high schools sports that I have seen in quite sometime. Head Coach of Cooper, Mike Spradlin has told me on numerous occasions that he will not back down from competition, and it shows.

The Cooper Cougars are, in my humble opinion, the most prepared team going into district in all of 4A. Take that to the bank. Coach Spradlin continues to tell me how good the district is and they have got to play their best every Friday, but I will be highly disappointed if the Cougars don't run the table. From everything I have seen on film, practice and game nights, the Coug's are the class of 4-4A. Hands down.

The Abilene High Eagles have blown through their competition so far this season. 4-0 and it doesn't look like they will have a blemish on their record anytime soon. It has been pretty interesting to see how this team would respond after the loss of some key players from a playoff appearance a season ago. But the cream always rises to the top.

Herschel Sims, the junior standout running back who turned some heads as a sophomore. Everyone knew what Herschel was capable of, but not so much from his cousin, junior quarterback Ronnell Sims. Who has grown each and every time he has strapped up his chinstrap on Friday nights. Probably my Play of the Year to this point in the season.

I did a story on Abilene High and their running back situation. What a situation to be in. Three standout guys in the same backfield, impressive to say the least. A stable of running backs just waiting for the guy in front of them to take a breather. It was pretty amazing to see the chemistry between Herschel Sims, Tony Curtis and Zach Mosley. Each one, you can honestly tell, cares about the other person and wants them to do the best they can. And were quick to say the key to their success was the offensive line. No matter how you slice it, the guys are special... keep you eye on them. If they continue to pound out the type of yardage throughout the rest of the season. They will make a deep run in the playoffs.

The last of the big three schools I can give a season outlook to this point is Wylie. I think most people who have been in the Big Country for any amount of time know what they will see out of a Hugh Sandifer coached football team. Consistent and fundamental. It is amazing how these guys can reload year after year. Coach Sandifer is running a program that many not only the region should be looking at, but the State. Take note.

Bulldogs are for real. And no matter what the situation in a game, the Bulldogs are in the game. 10 points up, 10 points down. 4th down and long, Never count them out. I guess I am writing these things before the Bulldogs actually have somewhat of a competitive game. We will find out alittle more from the Dogs in a closer game. But to this point, the Bulldogs are just as good... if not better than last year's squad.

All in all, good stuff so far.