Friday, January 19, 2001
Six area players earn spots on 3A all-state football lists
Cates leads 2 second-team, 4 honorable-mention picks
By Lee Goddard
Caller-Times
A day after placing five players on the Texas Sports Writers Association Class 2A all-state team, South Texas was shut out on first-teamers for the 3A squad.
The area placed a total of six players on the second team and honorable mention list with Falfurrias leading the way. Jerseys running back Mark Cates, selected as the Caller-Times All-South Texas Offensive Player of the Year, earned second-team accolades. Teammate Adam Benavides collected honors as a second-team defensive lineman, while Albert Martinez wrapped up an honorable mention spot as a defensive lineman.
"It's a great honor for our kids and a great step for our program," Falfurrias coach David Salinas said. "It's also a great honor for our district (31-3A) because we ultimately represent our district."
District 30-3A was represented by the area's other three players, who were all honorable mention picks. Sinton defensive lineman Curt Jones, Mathis receiver Tito Villarreal and George West linebacker J.R. Wood were all honored with spots on the team.
Villarreal hauled in 31 passes for 545 yards and 10 touchdowns. As a defensive back, he added 36 tackles and three interceptions. Wood registered 143 tackles, eight forced fumbles, five recoveries and grabbed three interceptions, and also handled the punting and placekicking chores and played some at quarterback. The area's only non-senior selected to the team, the sophomore Jones recorded 129 tackles with seven sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Benavides had 102 tackles, with 33 for loss, four forced fumbles, two recovered and two defensive touchdowns. Martinez added 80 tackles, 39 for loss, forced six fumbles, recovered seven and had an eye-popping five defensive scores.
Somewhat surprising to Salinas was the first-team omission of Cates, who rushed for 2,530 yards and 38 touchdowns and was a first-team selection in the Associated Press all-state team.
"Maybe Mark should've gotten first team," Salinas said. "He didn't play in a lot of fourth quarters. Maybe I am being biased about it; I don't know who got first-team running back.Maybe if we had gone a little deeper in the playoffs, we would've gotten more recognition up north. Still, it's an honor for our kids."
Salinas is probably correct in his assessment as Forney's DaBryan Blanton, Tatum's Alton Stoker and Gatesville's Taurean Henderson, who rushed for 2,953 yards and was named Offensive Player of the Year by the TSWA, all were first-team picks. While Falfurrias was eliminated in the 3A Division II area playoffs, Forney lost in the Division II title game and Gatesville won the state title in Division I. Tatum, however, advanced as far as Falfurrias.
Blanton rushed for 1,759 yards but missed the final five games of the season with an injury. Stoker rushed for 2,341 yards for Tatum.
Marlin linebacker Jimmie Quinn earned the Defensive Player of the Year honor.
Gatesville placed a total of four players on the first team and seven overall, with coach Kiff Hardin earning Coach of the Year honors. Division II state champion La Grange added six players to the squad, three of whom were on the first team.
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
Tight end - Maurice Bouldwin, La Grange, 6-4, 248, jr.
Linemen - Josh Chovanec, La Grange, 6-1, 255, jr.; Kyle Jackson, Liberty-Eylau, 6-4, 310, sr.; Tommy Barrera, Muleshoe, 6-1, 225, sr.; Darion Roberts, Gatesville, 6-4, 285, jr.
Center - John Burrows, Aledo, 6-4, 265, sr.
Wide receivers - Andy Blount, Bandera, 6-4, 215, sr. and (tie) Andre Williams, Sabine, 6-0, 185, sr.; Colt Carmichael, Dublin, 6-1, 180, sr.
Quarterback - Rob Shipley, Lindale, 6-0, 160, sr.
Running backs - Taurean Henderson, Gatesville, 5-10, 170, sr.; DaBryan Blanton, Forney, 5-11, 160, jr.; Alton Stoker, Tatum, 5-7, 160, sr.
Placekicker - David Brelsford, Longview Spring Hill, 5-11, 175, sr.
DEFENSE
Linemen - Jonathan Fantroy, Everman, 5-10, 185, sr.; Terrance Brooks, Cameron Yoe,6-2, 235, sr.; David Ross, Formey, 6-3, 250, sr.; Jason Cordell, Gatesville, 6-0, 190, sr.
Linebackers - Justin Haire, Lorena, 6-2, 215, sr.; Jimmie Quinn, Marlin, 5-10, 170, sr.; Jason Fields, Sweeny, 6-0, 190, sr.; Pedron Quintero, Gatesville, 6-0, 185, sr.
Secondary - Jock Johnson, Marlin, 6-1, 175, sr.; Jake Locke, Cameron Yoe, 5-9, 160, sr.; Seth Anderle, LaGrange, 6-1, 178, jr.; Andy Bailey, Hardin-Jefferson, 5-10, 170, sr.
Punter - Gary Lopez, Troy, 6-1, 205, sr.
Kick-returner - Desmond Watson, Marlin, 6-3, 189, sr.
Offensive Player of the Year - Taurean Henderson, Gatesville, 5-10, 170, sr.
Defensive Player of the Year - Jimmie Quinn, Marlin, 5-10, 170, sr.
Coach of the Year - Kiff Hardin, Gatesville.
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
Tight end - A.J. Sommer, Troy, 6-2, 210, sr.
Linemen - John McGilvray, Mexia, 6-5, 245, sr.; Phillip Recio, White Oak, 6-3, 290, sr.; Michael Moore, Center, 6-4, 315, sr.; and (tie) Jake Stumbaugh, Cuero, 5-9, 205, sr.; Sedarrin Freeman, Tatum, 6-3, 300, sr.
Center - Jarod Hickle, La Grange, 6-1, 225, sr.
Wide receivers - Matt Ellis, Gladewater, 5-11, 175, sr.; Jesse Kimbrough, Mexia, 6-2, 180, sr.
Quarterback - Tye Gunn, La Grange, 6-4, 205, sr.
Running backs - Danny Ramirez, Muleshoe, 5-9, 165, sr.; Mark Cates, Falfurrias, 5-10, 165, sr.; DeMarcus Smith, Marlin.
Placekicker - Daniel Wilfert, Cameron Yoe, 5-9, 150, sr.
DEFENSE
Linemen - Graham Dawson,Tatum, 6-1, 205, sr.; Corey Busey, Diboll, 6-1, 215, sr.; Desmond Watson, Marlin, 6-3, 18, sr.; (tie) Adrian Green, Marlin, 6-3, 238, sr.; Adam Benavides, Falfurrias, 5-10, 230, sr.
Linebackers - Jahmal Hall, Everman, 6-1, 205, sr.; Kris Kifer, Yoakum, 5-11, 195, sr.; Darrell Lewis, Muleshoe, 6-0, 200, sr.; Josh Melnar, La Grange, 6-0 195, jr.
Secondary - Tom Garrett, Tatum, 6-2, 195, sr.; Jesse Kimbrough, Mexia, 6-2, 180, sr.; Jared Natho, Yoakum, 6-3, 180, sr.; Courtenay Sanders, Sweeny, 6-1, 185, sr.
Punter - Jared Natho, Yoakum, 6-3, 180, sr.
Kick-returner - Koby Page, Lamesa, 5-9, 145, jr.
THIRD TEAM OFFENSE
Tight end - Brian Oates, Gatesville, 6-0, 185, sr.
Linemen - Seth Clay, Wylie, 5-10, 230, sr.; Sam Skidmore, Midland Greenwood, 6-5, 250, sr.; Ed Wells, Cameron Yoe, 6-2, 270, sr.; Matt Yezak, Marlin, 6-2, 215, sr.
Center - Marty McGee, Lamesa, 6-0, 195, sr.
Wide receivers - Devin Freeman, Lindale, 5-8, 155, sr.; (tie) Justin MacGibbon, China Spring and Brandon Jones, Liberty-Eylau, 6-3, 215, sr.
Quarterback - (tie) Jim Alford,Longview Spring Hill, 6-0, 180, sr.; Todd Knutson, Bandera, 6-4, 215, sr.
Running backs - M.D. Childs, Mexia, 5-10, 165, sr.; Amos Harmon, Brownsboro, 5-11, 185, sr.; (tie) DeWayne Wallace, Daingerfield, 6-0, 180, jr. and Conrad Diggs, Rice Consolidated, 5-10, 204, sr.
Placekicker - Bobby Poehl, Sweeny, 6-0, 190, sr.
DEFENSE
Linemen - Juston Gage, Gladewater, 6-1, 170, jr.; Jeff Shelburne, Muleshoe, 6-3, 230, sr.; Ryan Skinner, Hardin-Jefferson, 6-2, 265, sr.; Rashaud Garner, Cuero, 6-2, 245, sr.
Linebackers - Brent Mata, Alpine, 6-1, 185, jr.; Doyle Lee Harkins, Elgin, 6-2, 220, sr.; DeMarcus Harris, Pittsburg, 5-11, 185, sr.; (tie) Kevin Ulrich, LaGrange, 6-1, 180, jr., Ryan Wessels, Cuero, 5-10, 200, sr.
Secondary - Tim Miller, Gatesville, 5-10, 165, sr.; Trey Coleman, Wharton, 5-9, 190, sr.; DaMarcus Jenkins, Diboll, 6-4, 180, jr.; Jim Arnold, Fairfield, 5-10, 180, sr.
Punter - Charlie Speckels, Clyde, 6-1, 170, jr.
Kick-returner - Blake Christenson, Aledo, 6-0, 175, sr.
HONORABLE MENTION OFFENSE
Tight end - Patrick Lindsey, Crane, 6-4, 210, sr.; Mike West, Everman, 6-4, 210, sr.
Linemen - Ryan Eardley, Gonzales, 6-4, 250, sr.; J.T. Alford, Splendora, 6-1, 288, sr.; Hector Carreon, Hebbronville, 240, sr.; Sammy DeHoyos, Lake Worth, 6-1, 265, sr.; Justin Hamel, Cameron, 6-3, 240, jr.; Bryan Lanting, Dublin, 6-4, 275, sr.; Jason May, Graham, 6-5, 275, sr.; Chris Melton, Bridge City, 6-4, 270, sr.; Aaron Mitchell, Bridge City, 6-4, 270, jr.; Norris Powell, Rice Consolidated, 6-3, 310, jr.; Layne Schramm, La Grange, 6-4, 245, jr.; Alex Villaret, Wimberley, 6-3, 265, jr.; Walker Williamson, Bandera, 6-1, 225, sr.; Stephen Woodward, Muleshoe,6-1, 185, jr.
Centers - Dustin Black, Wylie, 6-2,190, sr.; Bradley Thomason, Muleshoe, 6-1, 185, jr.
Wide receivers - Justin Eleby, Gonzales, 5-9, 165, jr.; Hollywood Mitchell, Alvarado, 5-8, 160, sr.; Noel Morales, Lamesa,6-2, 195, sr.; Tito Villarreal, Mathis, 6-0, 155, sr.; George Willis, Quitman, 6-2, 195, sr.; Eric Waddy, Wharton, 5-10, 160, sr.; Desmond Watson, Marlin, 6-3, 189, sr.
Quarterbacks - Kevin Ford, Madisonville, 6-0, 195, sr.; Aaron Polanco, Wimberley, 6-3, 190, sr.; Caleb Ensor, Wylie, 6-3, 190, jr.; Stan Finch, Lubbock Cooper, 6-3, 185, sr.; Ryan Jeffrey, Lorena, 6-3, 185, sr.; Jeremy Modkins, Marlin; Jeremy Slimp, Decatur,5-11, 175, sr.
Running backs - Brent Abby, Pleasant Grove, 6-2, 220, sr.; Michael Brisco, Childress, 6-3, 190, jr.; Marcus Collins, Elgin, 5-9, 165, sr.; John Handy, Center, 5-9, 195, soph.; Derrick Haese, Lavernia, 5-7, 165, sr.; Caesar Martinez, Ballinger, 5-8, 175, sr.; Mark Patino, Lake Worth, 5-10, 185, soph.; Quentin Riley, Hardin-Jefferson, 5-11, 180, sr.; Brent Slaughter, WImberley, 6-1, 200, jr.; David Underwood, Madisonville, 6-1, 225, sr; Matthew Wade, Lamesa, 5-10, 172, sr.
Placekickers - Alex Bradford, Elgin Sr, 6-1, 160, sr.; Peter Cava, Forney, 6-0, 180, jr.; Mason Grimes, Breckenridge, 6-0, 195, sr.; Brett
Rogers, Bishop, 5-8, 140, sr.
DEFENSE
Linemen - Kevin Beasley, Bridge City, 6-0, 200, sr.; Dustin Black, Wylie, 6-2, 185, sr.; Kyle Burns, Fairfield, 6-2, 245, sr.; Justin Carter, Longview Spring Hill, 6-3, 285, sr.; Tim Dents, Cuero, 6-0, 290, sr.; Brian Garner, Rusk, 6-6, 210, jr.; Bobby Goethe, Port Isabel, 5-11 188, sr.; Andre Harrison, Queen City, 6-2, 220, sr.; Daniel Johnson, Muleshoe, 6-2, 270, jr.; Curt Jones, Sinton, 6-1, 250, soph.; Albert Martinez, Falfurrias, 6-5, 230, jr.; Kyle McClellan, Gatesville, 6-4, 185, sr.; Joseph McDaniel, Commerce, 5-10, 185, sr.; Ty Morton, Alvarado, 5-10, 186, sr.; Lee Swanson, Wylie, 6-2, 200, sr.; Quentin Whitfield, Rice Consolidated,6-4, 218, jr.; Michael Williams, Lindale, 6-4, 215, jr.; Walker Williamson, Bandera, 6-1, 255, sr.
Linebackers - Jerry Cleveland, Rice Consolidated, 5-10, 185, jr.; Cornelius Cooper, Lindale, 5-10, 180, sr.; Luke Franks, Kennedale, 5-11, 210, sr.; Will Godwin, Coldspring, 6-1, 235, sr.; Tristan Hammond, Hearne, 5-11, 190, sr.; Rocky Hogue, Gladewater, 5-11, 180, sr.; Chris Lightsey, Fairfield, 6-1, 190, soph.; Cody Lowe, Aledo, 5-8, 205, sr,; Datrick Mitchell, Diboll, 5-11, 200, sr.; Nick Pace, Queen City, 6-1, 210, sr.; Brent Slaughter, Wimberley, 6-1, 200, jr.; J.R. Wood, George West, 6-2, 243, sr.; David Zamora, Progreso, 5-9, 165, sr.
Secondary - Rhett Behrens, Brady, 5-10, 185, sr.; Michael Brisco, Childress, 6-3, 190, jr.; Lionel Dents, Cuero, 6-1, 185, sr.; Boedy Franklin, Poteet, 6-1, 175, sr.; Jermichael Griffin, Lindale, 6-2, 165, jr.; Will Gulley, Newton, 6-4, 180, jr.; Blake Hajovsky, Cuero, 6-0, 175, sr.; John Lampert, Wylie, 6-2, 195, jr.; Sam Porter, Pittsburg, 6-1, 170, sr.; Jesse Seigler, Quinlan Ford, 5-9, 165, sr.; Chris Waldrum, Pearsall, 6-1, 175; Andre Williams, Sabine, 6-0, 185, sr.; Gerald Williams, Rice Consolidated, 5-11, 175, jr.
Punter - Robert Cantu, Hebbronville, 5-8, 150, sr.; Pete Cava, Forney, 6-0, 190, jr.; Jason Jisha, Sabine, 5-10, 175; Bobby Poehl, Sweeny, 6-1, 180, sr.; Lincoln Riley, Muleshoe, 6-3, 190, jr.; Tyler Terry, White Oak, 5-11, 180, jr.
