SMC BLOG 54

By
August 7, 2006

Practice has begun. Players have had the opportunity over the summer to get themselves in shape. They have had the opportunity to lift weights. Now, you belong to the coach. Every one likes a break but every athlete knows that there is no off season.

Teams are gearing up to go the long haul. Scrimmages, pre district contest, district games, playoff games and ultimately the State Championship. Coach Tom Landry said you play the game to determine the difference between pretenders and contenders. Time will tell who is who. Right now I hope that there are players on every team in the state that have set their eyes on the goal to be the best they can be. I hope they challenge themselves to be better tomorrow than they were today.

Seniors, this season will pass quicker than any season you have seen so far. That is true if you win all your games or lose all your games. Play every game with the thought it may be your last game. Good football to each of you and your teams.

Speaking of contenders, here are five teams that I believe are true contenders for the State Championship.

Six-Man Central Division I TOP 5 Teams

1. Richland Springs Coyotes
2. Rule Bobcats
3. Garden City Bearkats
4. Throckmorton Greyhounds
5. Trinidad Trojans

NUMBER 5:
The Trinidad Trojans are coached by Kevin Ray. Coach Ray has been coaching for 22 years and has won a State Championship while at Trinidad back in 1998. Last season, the Trojans were 11-1 losing in the quarterfinals to the eventual State Champions Throckmorton Greyhounds by the score of 78-32. Coach Ray’s team returns 5 Offensive starters and 5 Defensive starters. When I spoke with Coach Ray at the coaching clinic in Lubbock, he was very excited about the upcoming season. This team has the makings os a Champion.

NUMBER 4:
The Throckmorton Greyhounds are the defending State Champions in Six-Man Football. Even being ranked at number 4, these guys will wear that title until they are knocked out of the playoffs. The Greyhounds graduated some great talent from last season and they have a new coach as well. Don’t feel sorry for the Greyhounds because they will be a force again this season. They have a seasoned coach in Clyde Parham. They do have 3 returning starters from last yeas defensive squad. They have only one player returning on Offense. Don’t get out the crying towel yet because he just happens to be Bryce Hogue.
Other players will have to step up for Throckmorton to return to the State Championship.

NUMBER 3:
The Garden City Bearkats are poised to be Champions. Last season the Bearkats went 10-2 and won Bi-district. They return 4 starters on both sides of the ball. Their coach from last season, Coach Ken Hoskins, made a decision to move from coaching into administration. I was totally shocked, however the last I heard was that was a very good move for both Mr. Hoskins and the school.

Not just any coach would do to fill the huge hole left by Hoskins and not just any coach was chosen as his replacement either. Enter Coach Vance Jones. Make that legendary Coach Vance Jones. With the experience he brings to the table and the returning starters the Bearkats have, look for them to make a deep run into the playoffs.

NUMBER 2:
The Rule Bobcats are coached by Mike Reed. Coach Reed has established himself as one of the most respected coaches in Six-Man. He returns 4 starters on Offense and 3 starters on Defense. Rule went 11-1 last season losing to Richland Springs 66-38.

The Bobcats came up limping at he end of the last season due to a key injury. Healthy now, they will again be among the elite in Six-Man. Just managing to advance to the playoffs from this district will make them a team to be reckoned with as they will battle with Throckmorton and upstart Knox City (more Greyhounds) along with Aspermont and Spur. District 7 is a tough race.

NUMBER 1 :
The Richland Springs Coyotes coached by Jerry Burkhart. Many people say he is the best coach in Six-Man. I for one believe he has one of the best coaching jobs in Texas at any level. The community support is phenomenal and that doesn’t just happen. A winning program takes a good coach and staff and great players and parents that will back up the authorities and tireless workers who keep the wheels well oiled on the booster club. Richland Springs simply has it all.

Have I mentioned Tyler Ethridge? Mr. Excitement who is more than capable to “git er done”. He has passed for over 5000 yards and thrown over 100 td passes in his Freshman and Sophomore years. Needless to say he his on a record setting pace as he begins his Junior year.

Overall, the Coyotes return 5 Offensive players and 5 Defensive players that started on last years squad that went 13-1. That one loss was to you know who, The Throckmorton Greyhounds in the semifinals by the score of 72-58. Most likely that was the State Championship game for last season although it was titled as the East Semifinals.

Richland Springs has a rich TRADITION that has made it one of the top programs in Six-Man football. They lost in the Regional round in 2001. They lost in the Quarterfinals in 2002. They lost in the Semifinals in 2003. They won State in 2004. 2005 they went 13-1. Look for them to collect many additional trophies this season including the Six-Man Division I State Championship.

Boys and girls, this is my last blog until next week. I have some personal business to attend to. My baby daughter is getting married on Friday August 11th. The next blog will begin a count down on the season for Division II Six-Man schools.

Any questions or comments about SIX MAN CENTRAL are always welcomed. If you prefer to email me directly you may do so at txsixii@yahoo.com and you are encouraged to visit http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/sixmancentral/

I truly appreciate the support I have received from you folks and I believe the best is yet to come.

Don Hardin



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