Week 10 predictions
November 6, 2009There's only a handful of games that mean something this weekend -- call it an early playoffs for some.
So let's look solely at those matchups (didn't think I needed to tell you I think Holliday will beat CIty View, etc.).
Here they are:
Continue reading "Week 10 predictions "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Latest playoff scenarios
November 3, 2009Here we go -- one more week of high school football action.
There's a few playoff spots up fro grabs. Nothing too crazy (except for a possible coin-toss tiebreaker in 9-A) but there should be some drama going on.
Here's the breakdown:
Continue reading "Latest playoff scenarios "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Some weekend thoughts, albeit a little late
I never like to wait this long to give my thoughts on what happened over a weekend, but an out-of-town trip coupled with all the work I had to get caught up on has left me a little short on time.
Still, last weekend had plenty of high-stakes action and surprising results.
We'll start with Henrietta's big 41-30 win over Holliday, which probably would have been its own blog if not for my mini-vacation.
Continue reading "Some weekend thoughts, albeit a little late "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Lyndon wins "Sack Zach" this week
November 2, 2009Lyndon won the weekly "Sack Zach" contest by nailing 12 of 14 picks correct -- he was the only one to do so. He missed the Quanah and City View games, but nailed the Graham and Little Elm upsets.
I got 11 right, and it would have been two more if I hadn't changed a couple picks on the last day -- I've been making the same choices in both places all year, and I finally decide to switch it up a bit and it comes back to haunt me.
So Lyndon, email me at duncanz@timesrecordnews.com so we can hook you up with a black "Football Freak" T-shirt.
This next week is the last week of the regular season, but we'll still do "Sack Zach" in the playoffs. So there's not a lot of time left to see who'll win the yearly contest.
Here's the latest standings:
1) Me -- 100 (and no, I'm not allowed to collect the prize)
2) Rcc -- 98
2) Jacksooner -- 98
4) Football12 -- 95
5) OldWIldcat -- 93
Posted by Zach Duncan at 2:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sorry Henrietta fans, but it's not our fault
October 31, 2009Note: I wrote this Saturday afternoon, but I guess I didn't post it correctly then. Here it is now.
I haven't checked my email -- after working till 2 a.m., I drove the family to Waco, took a small nap, went to the Nebraska-Baylor game and then am hanging out with my in-laws while writing a column for the Sunday paper.
But I'm a little scared to. That's because I figure there will be some angry/annoyed Bearcat fans, and for good reason.
Moments after Henrietta whipped Holliday, a couple Bearcat coaches said they expected some big headlines in the Saturday paper. And deservedly so.
I expected to come back to the paper and see a huge Henrietta headline and picture. But it wasn't so.
Last year, this would have been our fault (although it wouldn't have happened). But readers may have known we switched fonts and styles over the summer. What you may not know is we also don't lay out our pages anymore.
Abilene, San Angelo and Wichita Falls are all sister papers with Corpus Christi, and it is there at a regional copy desk where our pages are designed (they are still printed in WF).
We had told them we wanted Holliday-Henrietta as the big story, but I ave a feeling since WFHS and RIder's games ended earlier (they are 7 p.m. starts), those stories and art came in first, and that's what they made big.
Also, making matters worse was the Tyler Cole picture on 1C, not one of Henrietta. I obviously wasn't very happy, and I was able to have them change the pic to one of a Henrietta defensive guy making a tackle for the final edition.
But anyone in Henrietta didn't get the final edition. Those are only around the WF city limits.
There was a big pic of Crumpton on the jump, and I felt like I wrote the story like it was, but I was disappointed how our paper showcased the game. So I can only imagine how the Henrietta people feel.
I'm not naive enough to know that people think we have a Holliday bias at the paper. Honestly, I've never thought that to be the case since I've been around -- if you're good, you're going to get more writeups, and Holliday has been one of our best teams around.
But like I said, I can see where Henrietta people would be upset. I just wanted to blog this because I know there are some Henrietta blog readers on this site, and I wanted to explain it wasn't our fault. And if Holliday would have won, it still would have been played up just as small.
I expect Henrietta to make a deep playoff run, and if that's the case, then they will definitely get their due (plus some good-sized play on 1C). I'm sorry it didn't happen this time.
Anyway, if you know any peaved Henrietta people, please refer them to this blog. Because like I said, I want people to know this wasn't done by us.
I'll be out of town til Sunday night (gotta celebrate that monotonous 20-10 win over Baylor), so I'll blog about everything that happened over the weekend then.
Posted by Zach Duncan at 6:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Week 9 predictions
October 30, 2009We've got a big slate of games going on this week. Lots of playoff spots in the air, some good rivalries and some district titles on the line.
I already broke down the Holliday-Henrietta showdown in a previous blog post, so let's look at the other meaningful games this weekend.
Continue reading "Week 9 predictions "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Henrietta-Holliday is HUGE!!!
October 28, 2009Let's be perfectly honest here. For weeks, folks from the towns of Holliday and Henrietta have waited for this matchup.
People might have said the whole "one game at a time routine" and the coaches most likely had their players buying in.
But eveyone else has been circling this one on the calendar ever since it was evident these two teams were two of the best 2A has to offer.
Before I give you my pick, I want to break down the game and offer some thoughts and comments.
Continue reading "Henrietta-Holliday is HUGE!!!"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 2:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Playoff scenarios
October 26, 2009I've talked to coaches, punched numbers into calculators and gone over different possibilities and scenarios for several of our districts.
There's a couple that are pretty clear-cut. And there's also some districts with infinite possibilities.
Like did you know that besides the coin flip scenario in 9-A I blogged about the other day, there's also the possibility of five teams (everyone but Electra) ending up at 3-2.
So in this blog, I'll tell you who is in, who is out, who can get in with a win this week, and how I see it playing out. This does not look at DIvision I or DIvision II routes or possible down-the-line playoff matchups.
And full disclosure -- there's still a chance I missed some scenario that has a team making it after this week or something along the lines of that. I did talk to several coaches about this stuff, but there's still lots that can happen. So if you still think your team has a chance, etc., feel free to comment.
Continue reading "Playoff scenarios "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
redmen_71 wins this week's "Sack Zach"
Seven different people tied for the most correct picks last weekend with 11, and several have already won "Football Freak" T-shirts.
So I decided to go with the person nearest the tiebreaker who hadn't already won as this week's winner, and it was redmen_71. He missed the Graham and Newcastle games.
Redmen_71, please e-mail me at duncanz@timesrecordnews.com for your shirt.
I didn't have a good week, missing four of the 13 picks. There's a lot of good, close games that are toss-ups this week, so things could be interesting.
Here's the season-long "Sack Zach" leaders:
1) Me -- 89
2) Rcc -- 88
2) Jacksooner -- 88
4) Football 12 -- 86
5) OldWildcat -- 84
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Two reasons for excitement and other weekend thoughts
October 25, 2009There are two things that are making me giddy like a school girl in the final two weeks of the high school football season.
One is Henrietta-Holliday. I think this one has the possibility of being phenomenal. I've been looking forward to this game for weeks, and the game deserves its own blog, which will come in a couple days.
The other is the coin flip that is becoming more and more likely every week in 9-A. As a matter of fact, if the favorites win out the rest of the way, we'll be flipping.
By maxing out on points against Petrolia, Archer City has guaranteed that a three-way tie between them, Petrolia and Windthorst won't be decided by points. All will be at zero.
So what needs to happen to get to this point, you ask?
Petrolia has to lose to Seymour and Munday, which isn't that much of a stretch since I heard their QB Mitchell Heaton might be done for the year (he didn't play against the Wildcats).
Archer City has to lose to district leader Munday, then beat last-place Electra, Also not stretches.
And Windthorst needs to beat Electra, then lose to Seymour. The Seymour game may be the one that keeps the coin toss from happening. The Panthers could have already locked up a playoff spot by then, and as Windthorst showed against Munday, it still has lots of fight left.
So there you have it. There's the potential for an upset in every 9-A game, but by this time next week, we'll have a better idea if this will happen.
Now onto some other thoughts of mine from the weekend:
Continue reading "Two reasons for excitement and other weekend thoughts "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Week 8 predictions
October 22, 2009This is the week where playoff pictures become more clear. Very few teams will have clinched after Friday night, but lots of teams will be one game away from doing so.
So next week will feature the first of two weekly blog breakdowns on who's in, who can get in and who is out. For now, I'll make my predictions for this week:
Continue reading "Week 8 predictions "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 3:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
9-A has tiebreaker written all over it
October 19, 2009Last year, 9-A was pretty uneventful. No "Holy Crap" upsets, Archer City was hardly tested at 5-0, and the rest of the teams were slotted 4-1, 3-2, 2-3, 1-4 and 0-5.
It was a far cry from the last couple years for the district.
In 2006, Archer City beat Petrolia in the season finale to win the third-place tiebreaker over Munday (who had lots of juniors that would win the 2007 Class A title) and the Pirates. Besides the games state finalist Windthorst played in, every game was pretty much a toss-up.
In 2007, Munday and Seymour were the elite, but Windthorst won a third-place tiebreaker against Archer City and Petrolia. The Wildcats upset the Trojans in the penultimate week, then lost to the already-eliminated Pirates in an equal shocker the last week of the season.
I have a feeling another tiebreaker is headed 9-A's way. Unlike in 2007, Windthorst might not be able to overcome this one.
Continue reading "9-A has tiebreaker written all over it "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
A string of blowouts and other weekend thoughts
I have covered the most riveting ending to a game this year -- Seymour's goal-line tackle that beat Olney in the second week of the season.
Awesome game that was competitive the whole way through.
And the other five games I have covered -- well, not so much. As I was driving back to the office Friday night, I realized I haven't witnessed another close game all year.
It's not like I picked blowouts on paper. Granted, I have thought one team would win by 10-14 in a couple games, but nothing like this.
Holliday-Windthorst, Graham-Burkburnett and Burkburnett-Vernon were all 35-7 at the half. The closest halftime score was Graham 25, Iowa Park 0. And then there was Henrietta beating Jacksboro 42-3 a few weeks ago.
I'm hoping my luck will change this week. I expect Holliday-Bowie to be very competitive, and next week's Holliday-Henrietta should be a great one.
At least I hope so.
Now onto some of my other thoughts from the weekend:
Continue reading "A string of blowouts and other weekend thoughts "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 2:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
RedRaider83 wins Sack Zach
October 17, 2009RedRaider83 got 13 of 14 picks right this week to win "Sack Zach" for the second week this season. He only missed Windthorst-Petrolia (everyone did) and was the only one to get Millsap over Jacksboro.
Four others, including me, got 12 of 14 right.
The important year-to-date standings (remember there is a prize) are:
1. Me -- 80
2. Rcc -- 78
2. Jacksooner -- 78
4. Football -- 77
5. Oldwildcat -- 76
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Don't think I've ever seen this before
October 16, 2009It's halftime of the Burkburnett-Vernon game (though I'm not sure it's much of a game).
The Bulldogs are winning 35-7. The amazing thing is they have 340 rushing yards in one half. They are averaging 11.7 yards per attempt.
I don't think I have ever seen this before. And 500 yards should be a shoo-in, even with backups playing the second half.
What I want to know is how did Vernon shut out Hirschi? Because the Lions look like they've never seen the option before.
Posted by Zach Duncan at 9:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Week 7 predictions
I'm running a little behind this week. And while every district game is important, this week's slate is lacking the sexy matchups that filled last week.
So we'll do a quick one-sentence look at every game;
* The Colony at WFHS -- Both lost close games to Little Elm in successive weeks. The Coyotes must win and I think they barely get it done at home.
*Rider at Denton -- I had Rider playing Denton last week too (my bad) but this time they are really playing the Broncos. And they'll also win easily.
* Iowa Park at Bridgeport -- For the Hawks to win, they'll need to play like they did in the second half against Graham. I think they hang close, but fall short, setting up the Bulls for the 5-3A title.
* Vernon at Burkburnett -- This is where I'll be at. There's not such a huge gap in talent between these two teams that a Lion win is impossible. But I like the Bulldogs to get back on track.
* Bowie at City View -- The biggest 5-2A game of the week. I'd give the Mustangs more of a chance if they weren't so banged up. I have no idea if their QB is starting or not. They have the skill guys to hang with the Jackrabbits, but I like Bowie to pull this one out.
* Nocona at Holliday -- If you can't beat City View at home, there's no way you'e going to beat Holliday on the road. Another big road win for the Eagles.
* Henrietta at Olney -- Expect a lot of points from the Bearcats this week. They win big.
* Windthorst at Petrolia -- This game could be close, but I expect the Trojans to take care of business coming off their biggest win of the season.
* Archer CIty ay Seymour -- A must-win for both teams. Wildcats are getting more guys back, but it won't be enough against the Panthers.
* Electra at Munday -- Moguls win big. Expect another huge day from Munday QB (and area leading rusher) Kenyin Thompson.
* Quanah at Clarendon -- Broncos easily handle Indians, dropping them to 0-2 in 4-A.
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Must-win games for several teams
October 15, 2009No one wants to start district out at 0-2. It pretty much means there is no margin of error the rest of the season.
It's not impossible to come back from an 0-2 start. But it doesn't happen very often at all.
I remember Archer City began 0-2 with losses to Munday and Seymour in 2007, but it rebounded with wins the next two weeks, beating Windthorst along the way. But the Wildcats then lost to Petrolia that last week and missed out on the playoffs.
So there are a few teams facing must-win games this weekend. Who are they and what's at stake? Let's take a look.
Continue reading "Must-win games for several teams"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 6:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Some surprises, some I saw coming
October 12, 2009You gotta love district football season. It's hard to gauge teams against another in non-district, and even some scores amongst common opponents don't tell the full story.
But once district starts, it's a lot easier to seperate the contenders from the pretenders. I thought last week provided some telling info.
Some "upsets" to use the term loosely, I saw coming. Others I did not.
Continue reading "Some surprises, some I saw coming "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 6 predictions
October 9, 2009As the rain kept coming down in droves Thursday night, I kept thinking how the weather will make a big impact in some outcomes.
Obviously, both teams have to play in it. But the best way to slow down speed is to have to play on a sloppy, mucky, torn-up field.
So who will this help: Seymour (vs. Munday); Vernon (vs. Hirschi); Olney (vs. Holliday) and Nocona (vs. City View).
In the last two cases, I do not think the weather will swing the outcome of the game. I just feel Holliday and Nocona will win regardless.
But it could very well in the other two. And if I'm Coach Hall, I practiced on my field all week, turning it into mush. And I am hoping for more rain tonight.
Now onto the predictions:
Continue reading "Week 6 predictions "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Reviewing preseason district predictions
October 7, 2009Although the baby boy now puts a major dent in my golf-playing, when I do get out to the course, I'm a believer in mulligans.
Now I don't take one every hole or on every bad shot. But I might have 2-3 a round (usually when I top a drive 10 yards on a long par-5 or chili dip a 5-iron 20 yards down the fairway).
If I was a better golfer, I probably wouldn't take them. But my score is going to be around 95-100 regardless.
And if I was a better high school football prognosticator, I wouldn't need them either. But I do.
Tune in tomorrow when I make Week 6 predictions. For now, here's a look at what I thought then and what I think now:
Continue reading "Reviewing preseason district predictions "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 2:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Looking back at an old blog and other tidbits
October 5, 2009In a couple days, I plan on rehashing my preseason district picks and making new ones. For now, we'll look back at another blog prediction.
During one of my many August preseason blogs, I looked at which teams had the best chances of being undefeated once district starts.
And I was somewhat right. I missed the only team I had under "Liking their chances" -- Holliday lost its last district game to Jacksboro.
I had two others under "Pretty Decent Chance." Those two happen to be Henrietta and Seymour, who just so happen to both be 5-0.
The other perfect team is Graham, who I happen to have accidentally omitted. But I think I would have had the Steers in the "decent" category.
Continue reading "Looking back at an old blog and other tidbits "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 8:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thoughts from the Henrietta-Jacksboro game
October 3, 2009I saw two impressive things last night at this game. One was Tiger Stadium, which has got to be one of the nicest 2A stadiums in the state.
The other was Henrietta, which looked very impressive in a 49-10 beatdown of Jacksboro.
Some more thoughts from the game:
Continue reading "Thoughts from the Henrietta-Jacksboro game "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 4:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Keystoner wins this week's "Sack Zach"
This week's picks included a lot of 6-Man games, and seven people got 12 of 13 right. The winner of the tiebreaker (it's still screwed up on the site, but I was able to figure it out) was Keystoner, who was 5 points off the total of 54 combined points in the WFHS-Lake Dallas game.
I missed two games -- Benjamin-Bryson (the most missed) and Northside-Woodson.
So Keystoner, please e-mail me at duncanz@timesrecordnews.com so we can get you a "Football Freak" T-shirt.
For the season, here are the leaders:
1t) rcc -- 59
1t) me -- 59 (I finally caught up; I've been trailing this whole time)
3) Football 12 -- 58
4) Jacksooner -- 57
5) OldWildcat -- 56
Posted by Zach Duncan at 4:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Live from Jacksboro-Henrietta game
October 2, 2009We're going to try a live blog from Jacksboro's awesome new stadium. I haven't seen either Henrietta or Jacksboro play this season, so I'm excited about that.
I'm also excited to be in this really cool stadium. It's got to be the nicest 2A facility in the state. More about it later this weekend, plus our photographer is shooting video that will be on our website soon.
Now onto the game:
Continue reading "Live from Jacksboro-Henrietta game "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 7:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Wtx, Gordo win last weekend's "Sack Zach"
September 29, 2009Well, I had a chance not to get beaten by anybody last week, but I missed the IP-Robinson pick and finished with 10 of 14 correct.
Wtx and Gordo both got 11 right, and we'll go ahead and get them both shirts because I think our computer program that determines who got the tiebreaker right is messed up. So guys, e-mail me at duncanz@timesrecordnews.com so we can get you a "Football Freak" shirt.
Lots of teams are on byes this week, so we've got a bunch of 6-Man games on the docket. That should make things a little harder.
And here's the season running total:
1) Rcc -- 49
1t) Football 12 -- 49
3) Me -- 48
4) Jacksooner -- 46
5) Oldwildcat -- 44
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Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thoughts on Week 4
September 28, 2009Well, we had the first "No Way" upset of the season on our hands over the weekend.
A team that I've said repeatedly would go 10-0, Holliday lost to Jacksboro in a 28-27 thriller.
I still think Holliday is the team to beat in 5-2A, but obviously it has some flaws. It gave up some big plays to Jacksboro, and the passing game is a concern right now for Coach Wolf. And Henrietta or Bowie could very well beat the Eagles in district.
Losing Tyler Cole on defense early in the game probably had something to do with a couple big pass plays, but that's no excuse for the loss.
And what a great win for Jacksboro. Before this, I thought the Tigers were a playoff team in a mediocre 9-2A. Now -- I think the Tigers are the favorites.
Some more thoughts over the weekend:
Continue reading "Thoughts on Week 4 "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thoughts on the Munday-Olney game
Before I give some insight into the weekend games, I thought I would share my thoughts on Munday's 43-28 win over Olney.
So here we go:
Continue reading "Thoughts on the Munday-Olney game "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Things I noticed while looking over stats
September 23, 2009I type in the area's stats that run in Thursday's paper every week, and sometimes I come across stuff that I find interesting.
Here's what I found this week:
* There isn't a team averaging 300 yards rushing per game. It seems like every year one or two run-based teams are in this range. Last year, Burkburnett, Archer City and Quanah ended the regular season with more than 300 per game.
Quanah was over 300 last week, but its average went down a few yards after a loss to Munday.
* City View is leading the area in rushing with 286.3 yards per game. Pretty crazy the Mustangs are the best running team right now. The schedule gets a lot tougher in a few weeks, so I guess we'll wait and see if they can hold onto the lead.
Rider is averaging 130 yards a game, about 70 less than the next closest team. Graham, Henrietta and Holliday are averaging more yards per game than Rider's year total of 392.
* Olney's Reed Mankins is on pace to average a 1,000-yard receiving season. He has 20 catches for 420 yards and 6 TDs already. He might not get there, but Olney showed last week that it will throw the ball even if Callen Pittman isn't the QB anymore.
* Quanah is giving up 8.3 yards per carry. That seems like an awful lot (not all teams give team defensive stats, so I can't be sure this is the highest in the area or not). It's tough to play defense when the other team always has second-and-two.
* Not a stats note, but a note that includes a stat. I found out tonight from Coach Corcoran that Munday's Jonathan Birkenfeld tore his ACL against Quanah over the weekend. Birkenfeld had 306 yards and three touchdowns on the season -- and he was having a big game against Quanah before he went down.
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Football12 wins this week's "Sack Zach"
September 19, 2009Again this week, no tiebreaker was needed as Football12 won 13 of the 14 games. The one he missed was Rider-Tyler John Tyler.
Five other people got 12 of 14 correct, which beat me. I was 11-for-14, missing the Olney-Jacksboro, Vernon-Breckenridge and Crowell-Valley games.
Also, Week 5 games to pick are not up yet because our IT guy was out of town this week, but hopefully he gets to it Monday. Then you can make next Friday's selections.
So Football12, e-mail me at duncanz@timesrecordnews.com so we can get you a "Football Freak" T-shirt. Also, RedRaider83 (last week's winner) still needs to get in touch with me for the same reason.
Here are your top overall "Sack Zach" standings.
1) Football12 -- 41
2) Rcc -- 40
3) Me -- 38
4) Jacksooner -- 36
5) Oldwildcat -- 35
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
The reason behind Graham's late 2-point conversion
So Graham scores on a short run with 42 seconds left to go up 38-6 against Iowa Park last night.
Then the Steers go for two, with the pass falling incomplete.
I don't think IP coach Chris Ellis was thrilled with that, and I'm sure some Hawks fans thought Graham might be trying to pile on the points.
I asked Graham coach Brad McCoy what the reason was for the conversion.
He said that the Graham-IP JV game had been canceled earlier in the week because the Hawks had so many kids sick or hurt. So McCoy suited up all his players (which explained why there were so many players on the Graham sideline) on homecoming weekend.
He wanted to give some of his JV guys a chance to step on the field this week, so he sent out the JV offense for the conversion.
Should McCoy have done that? I'm fine with it, but I don't know how well it went over on the IP sideline.
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 3 predictions
September 18, 2009Well, I am leading our high school periscope picks heading into this week. I might be consistent there, but I have not been consistent in making my predictions every week on here.
A couple reasons for this. One week I had tons of personal stuff going on, yesterday I went on a last-minute trip out of town for the entire day. But no more slacking or excuses.
I plan on having this up by every Thursday afternoon from now on. Now onto the picks:
Continue reading "Week 3 predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
It's official: Pittman is done for the year
September 16, 2009Found out Tuesday afternoon that Callen Pittman did indeed tear his ACL and will have surgery next week.
I wrote about it in Wednesday's paper, but I thought I'd share my thoughts on the devastating injury to Olney's QB.
Continue reading "It's official: Pittman is done for the year "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Pittman's status, other weekend happenings
September 14, 2009Here's a quick look back at the action of last weekend, starting with Olney QB Callen Pittman.
I talked to Coach Rodriguez on Saturday and he said Pittman would undergo an MRI on Monday. He hurt his right knee this time (he tore his left ACL last year) and Rodriguexz wouldn't tip his hand as to what he thought Pittman's injury was.
I really hope he is OK, but from what I've heard, it didn't sound good. We should know something soon.
Continue reading "Pittman's status, other weekend happenings "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
RedRaider83 wins Week 3 "Sack Zach"
We didn't need a tiebreaker this week, as RedRaider83 was the only person who got 12 of the 13 games right. The only one he missed was Anson beating Quanah.
Four other people beat me by getting 11 of 13 right. I was correct on 10 picks, missing Munday, Quanah and City View.
So RedRaider83, please e-mail me at duncanz@timesrecordnews.com so we can get you you're "Football Freak" T-shirt.
Here are the top results for the year-long competition. Whoever wins the most will get some kind of prize. If you haven't started playing yet, it's probably too late to be in the running for this, but you can still be in the mix for the weekly shirt.
1t. Football12 28
1t. Rcc 28
3. Me 27
4. Jacksooner 26
5. Oldwildcat 25
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 1 recap
September 10, 2009So I'm a little late recapping last week's action. I'll blame it on a busy weekend (no Labor Day holiday for this sports writer, but I hope you enjoyed yours) that also required me spending a few hours in the ER.
If you didn't read my Monday column, I basically got seven stitches for jumping a chainlink fence at the Olney-Seymour game. As my wife has said multiple times, I can be an idiot.
Here's some thoughts from that weekend (non-hospital related):
Continue reading "Week 1 recap "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 1 predictions
September 4, 2009I slacked of flast week in predicting the games, and I'm just getting around to it Friday morning this week.
Since we've got the "Sack Zach" contest going on, I thought for a day or two about not giving up my thoughts on who'd win and why. But then I realized everyone could see my picks anyway, so what was the point?
So here we go -- my Week 1 predictions, starting with the two games that are the most split among the "Sack Zach" participants. Remember, it's still not too late to log in and sign up.
Continue reading "Week 1 predictions "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
More Windthorst-Holliday tidbits
September 1, 2009I was thinking today that I still had some funny/interesting things to say about last Friday's Holliday-Windthorst matchup.
Continue reading "More Windthorst-Holliday tidbits "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thoughts on opening night and there's still time to "Sack Zach" this week
August 28, 2009So far it looks like there's about a dozen people signed up to "Sack Zach" in the high school football picks this week.
A couple people got Saiginaw right (I had WFHS) and lots of people didn't make picks until after the game had started. So it's anybody's game right now.
There's still a few more hours left to sign up before kickof tonight. And even if you miss this week, sign up and play the rest of the weeks.
Now thoughts on last night's games:
Continue reading "Thoughts on opening night and there's still time to "Sack Zach" this week"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Coaching carousel
May 5, 2009Now all the area 11-man head coaching positions are spoken for -- at least for now -- but there still has been some shakeup in the area.
Continue reading "Coaching carousel "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 9:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Seymour makes hire; Petrolia next to go
April 24, 2009I have been meaning to blog about many different topics -- the poor crowds at the Wildcats playoff games, the top-notch 5-4A track meet at Little Elm, the cold/windy weather that has plagued track meets all season.
But honestly, with a month-old kiddo around the house, I have not been able to break away. Now I have some spare time, so let's talk some football. Mainly about the two football hirings going on in the area.
Continue reading "Seymour makes hire; Petrolia next to go "
Posted by Zach Duncan at 5:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
It happens again
March 24, 2009Last year, there were only two 11-man head football coaching positions that became available in this area -- Seymour and Petrolia.
Continue reading "It happens again"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 5:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Seymour goes on the hunt again
March 16, 2009Josh Castles is headed to Bowie, leaving Seymour on the lookout for another head football coach. Two quick thoughts about this move:
Continue reading "Seymour goes on the hunt again"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Why the WFHS job is a tough gig
February 20, 2009Travis Pride is leaving WFHS after three years to become the head coach at Mansfield Summitt.
I've only seen Pride's Coyotes play on occasion, because I'm usually out covering the area's football teams.
But he seems to get the most out of his players. And more importantly, he coaches kids the right way, holding them to high values off the field as well as on the field.
Continue reading "Why the WFHS job is a tough gig"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 3:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thoughts on the Bowie coaching job
February 3, 2009Brad Keck isn't coming back to Bowie next year, or at least as the head coach (I would be astonished if he stays around after getting reassigned).
Continue reading "Thoughts on the Bowie coaching job"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 6:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Some good football jobs open
January 15, 2009Usually after the Christmas Break, the high school football coaching carousel begins. Already, a number of pretty attractive jobs are open.
One of them is Sweetwater. Ex-Olney coach Kent Jackson has left to coach at Frisco Heritage, which will play as a JV team next year and a 3A school in in 2010-11.
I wasn't around when Jackson turned the Cubs program around, but I have talked to him many times while in Sweetwater and when he was coaching in the THSCA all-star game. He's a great guy, and it sounds like he is ready for a new challenge.
* Childress -- Mark Manley and the Bobcats have parted ways, and after reading the story in the Amarillo paper, it sounds like Manley may have been run out. Obviously, Childress is a strong program that has thrived since going down to 2A. It will be interesting to see who applies for this one.
* Brownwood, which became open in December, has had 88 applicants. This is a pretty prestigious job, so we'll have to wait and see how it plays out.
We'll have to wait and see if any more come open, especially in this area. Right now, we've had no head coaching switches, but I am sure that will change soon.
Posted by Zach Duncan at 4:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Area's high school football season comes to an end
December 8, 2008There is no more high school football for area teams.
When Archer City lost to Albany 14-7 on Friday, it ended the season. And a bit prematurely I may add.
Since I started covering football at the paper five years ago, I have seen at least one team advance to the semifinals.
Continue reading "Area's high school football season comes to an end"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Archer City-Albany showdown
December 4, 2008When I cover football games, I usually only ask for two things:
1) A close game; no fun writing my story at halftime because one team is up 35-0.
2) A quick game. The quicker, the easier it is to make deadline. I absolutely hate when one team gets behind by 30, then throws 50 times trying to get back in the game.
Continue reading "Archer City-Albany showdown"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 4:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
And then there was one
December 3, 2008Congrats to Archer City being the last area high school football team standing.
It's actually kinda weird -- not that the Wildcats are still playing, but that there is only one team remaining.
At this time last year, we had six teams still alive. Rider, Vernon, Seymour, Munday, Windthorst and Grandfield were all playing ball.
Continue reading "And then there was one"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 3 playoff predictions
November 28, 2008Two schools are thankful to still be playing high school football -- Archer City and Seymour.
Both emerged from the always-tough District 9-A. And both play tonight in win-or-go-home matchups.
Let's wipe the turkey off our faces and take a look:
Continue reading "Week 3 playoff predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 4:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Nothing really surprised me this weekend
November 24, 2008There were a couple of audible gasps coming from the Roscoe-Archer City crowd when Windthorst's score was announced throughout the game Friday night.
There are probably some people who were surprised the Trojans almost pulled off the upset; or that the Wildcats downed the Plowboys; or that Rider is not moving on.
With the exception off one 6-Man score (I thought Throckmorton would have beaten Garden City), nothing really surprised me this weekend.
Continue reading "Nothing really surprised me this weekend"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 2 playoff predictions
November 21, 2008I have already laid out my thoughts on the Archer City-Roscoe matchup.
Here are some quick hits on the area's other playoff games:
Continue reading "Week 2 playoff predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Why I picked Archer City
November 20, 2008I am planning on blogging about the rest of the playoff games sometime later today or tomorrow. First, I want to examine the Archer City-Roscoe game.
There are plenty of reasons why the No. 3 Plowboys should win. Playoff experience is one of them. And Roscoe, which has an abundance of skill players, is favored nearly everywhere you look.
I'm going to tell you why I picked Archer City to pull off a mini-upset. It may not happen, but here are my thoughts on why it could:
Continue reading "Why I picked Archer City"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 2:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
It's now up to the 3A and A schools
November 18, 2008Last week wasn't a very good one for our area's high school football.
Sure, Rider expectedly won. But the other four schools in action (all 2A programs) bowed out in different circumstances.
It was not surprising Bowie and Henrietta lost to Clyde and Cisco, respectively. Both of those schools played pretty competitive games, too. And Jacksboro was a double-digit underdog to Pottsboro.
Continue reading "It's now up to the 3A and A schools"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Bi-District playoff predictions
November 13, 2008Four area games are on the docket this weekend.
Jacksboro takes on Pottsboro tonight, and the three District 5-2A playoff representatives square off against 6-2A tomorrow.
Here is what I think about all four of those matchups, starting with the game that I am covering:
Continue reading "Bi-District playoff predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 4:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
It just doesn't feel like the playoffs yet
For hundreds of teams across the state, a new season starts tonight. Or Friday and Saturday, when elimination is at stake.
But for some reason, I am not feeling the playoffs yet. I think there is a reason for this.
Continue reading "It just doesn't feel like the playoffs yet"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 10 predictions
November 6, 2008The beauty of high school football, or pretty much any level of football, is that nothing is planned.
There are endless possibilities on every Friday night. You begin to expect the unexpected.
Continue reading "Week 10 predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 4:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Playoff scenarios with one week left
November 4, 2008There is only one week left in the high school football regular season. Where did the time go?
Before I break down some district scenarios, it is worth noting the possibility on several unanimous district championships.
Continue reading "Playoff scenarios with one week left"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 3:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Holliday-Henrietta and other thoughts
November 3, 2008For the second straight week, I was blessed with a very competitive game. Probably the best I have seen this season.
And there were many reasons why Holliday-Henrietta was greatness. For starters, the intensity of both defenses was incredible. There were tons of hitters on the field. You knew yards were not going to come easy. You knew big plays were going to be at a premium.
Continue reading "Holliday-Henrietta and other thoughts"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 9 predictions
October 30, 2008We will start with the most meaningful game of the weekend: Holliday at Henrietta.
This will decide the 5-2A title, and if Bowie makes the playoffs, then the winner will also avoid Cisco too.
Continue reading "Week 9 predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 6:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Playoff scenarios
October 28, 2008A few teams from this area have made the playoffs. A few more will be up for grabs this Friday. And the rest will be decided in Week 10.
Here is a look at several different scenarios and possibilities for each district, and what I think will happen:
Continue reading "Playoff scenarios"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 2:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
One crazy weekend
October 26, 2008There is always at least one of the five district weekends that gets a little wild.
Sometimes, a couple of huge upsets happen in the district openers.
Or like last year -- when Petrolia surprised AC to help Windthorst get into the playoffs (or three years ago, when all three District 5-3A playoff spots were up for grabs in the same night) -- it happens the final weekend of the season.
The first two district weeks, we barely heard a peep. Not one outcome really surprised me. And then Friday night came.
Continue reading "One crazy weekend"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Don't look now but...
October 24, 2008Iowa Park has a shot at the playoffs. It is a long shot, no doubt.
And I know putting up 448 rushing yards against Hirschi is not the same things as beating a strong team. But it is still not out of the question the 1-7 Hawks can get in.
Continue reading "Don't look now but..."
Posted by Zach Duncan at 3:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
I hate mistakes
October 22, 2008I hate mistakes. Just hate them.
Hate them worse than watching a stupid movie on TV because my wife wants to see it. Hate it worse than getting stuck in traffic or having mono - which I did get over the summer.
Continue reading "I hate mistakes"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 5:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Fewer playoff teams
October 20, 2008Last year, 15 Texas teams made the playoffs from this area.
There were 12 11-man squads and three 6-Man teams who made the cut. If I was a betting man, I think that number might be a couple fewer in 2008.
Here is a list of who made it in 2007, who I think will make it in 2008, and why:
Continue reading "Fewer playoff teams"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Henrietta can breathe a sigh of relief
October 19, 2008I talked to Henrietta coach Byron West on Saturday night and it sounds like QB Seth Crumpton's shoulder injury is not that bad.
Continue reading "Henrietta can breathe a sigh of relief"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 5:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Must-win games
October 16, 2008It is only the second week of the district season (for most schools, anyway). Some teams are in pretty good shape after the first week. And some are not.
Here are a few teams who absolutely HAVE to win Friday to have a chance at the playoffs. If not, I would consider them done.
Continue reading "Must-win games"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
The upsets never came
October 13, 2008In previewing the games for last Friday, I guaranteed upsets. I thought there were some outcomes that could surprise people.
Oh, how wrong I was.
My biggest mistake was thinking Archer City could lose to Windthorst. Since I gave five reasons in that blog why the Trojans could win, I feel like it is only fitting to give five reasons why that ended up being an awful pick.
So here they are:
Continue reading "The upsets never came"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Upsets brewing in Week 6 predictions
October 9, 2008Maybe I am getting a little crazy. Or maybe I am secretly hoping that these district races get really muddled right off the bat.
Or maybe I just don't want to pick who everybody else is picking.
But looking at the intriguing district matchups this weekend, I can foresee some upsets. Let's look at them:
Continue reading "Upsets brewing in Week 6 predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Midseason Thoughts
October 7, 2008In a few days, almost every area team (with the exception of 5-4A, which has already started) will begin district action.
Which means it is time for some midseason thoughts:
Continue reading "Midseason Thoughts"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 5 predictions
October 2, 2008There will be a lot of area stadiums with the lights turned off this Friday night. For several schools, this week is a bye, a transition from what didn't matter to what does now.
But I can tell you one place that should have quite a crowd. The Jacksboro-Henrietta matchup should draw followers from both towns, plus coaches, players and fans from Bowie, Nocona, Holliday and Paradise.
Continue reading "Week 5 predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 4 observations
October 1, 2008Well, there is not much a lot of teams from this area will want to remember from last weekend.
Continue reading "Week 4 observations"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 4 predictions
September 25, 2008We will make this quick since I just went 12 rounds with the lawn and am wiped out.
Here is what I am thinking for this week's games:
Continue reading "Week 4 predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 5:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Chance at perfection either way
September 24, 2008Right now four weeks into the season, there are six area teams with spotless records and seven that are still looking for its first win.
So I thought we could look at which games would stand in the way of perfection, and for the winless teams, which chance represents the best chance at a victory:
Continue reading "Chance at perfection either way"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 3:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 3 observations
September 23, 2008By now you know Rider is 0-3. But it is still hard to believe.
I have little doubt they will win district, especially if they beat Denton Ryan this Friday. But do these three losses foreshadow another close playoff defeat?
I guess we will have to wait and see. Other thoughts from the weekend:
Continue reading "Week 3 observations"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 3 predictions
September 18, 2008I have been thinking it for weeks. Texasfootballratings.com backed me up yesterday.
Usually after a couple of weeks, the Texas high school football website, which has ratings for every team, predicts how a team will finish if the season ended now (based on those rankings).
Then they simulate the playoffs, and the results from this area were not pretty.
Continue reading "Week 3 predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Too much time on my hands
September 15, 2008So I was sitting around the house, and after blogging about covering Bowie and Jacksboro for the first time, I decided to go back and see how many times I have covered each team.
I have been covering games since 2002 (as a full-time writer since 2004), a little bit more than a 100 or so (told you I had too much time on my hands).
Here's a list of the teams I have covered, with their won-loss record and a note with some of them. Windthorst easily leads the list with 26. Here they are:
Continue reading "Too much time on my hands"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 2 observations
In my four-plus years of being the area high school football writer for this paper, I have covered lots and lots of teams.
Windthorst, with its deep playoff runs, probably tops the list. Holliday, Iowa Park, Vernon, Henrietta and Graham are all up there too.
There were still three 11-Man area teams I had not covered in person, and two of them were crossed off the list Friday as I went to watch Bowie and Jacksboro square off (Nocona is the other, FYI).
Continue reading "Week 2 observations"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 5:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 2 predictions
September 11, 2008It is about four hours until Rider hits prime time, so it is the perfect time to make my predictions for this week's action.
Two weeks of football are in the books, so some certainties have become transparent. But at about this time last year, Seymour was 1-2. No one dared think the Panthers had a state title run in them.
So a lot can happen over these next weeks. Here are my predictions based on how things are going so far.
Continue reading "Week 2 predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 1 observations
September 10, 2008Here are some of my thoughts after the Sept. 5 weekend:
Continue reading "Week 1 observations"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 4:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Thoughts on Kickoff Classic
August 29, 2008Here are some of my impressions of Burkburnett's 10-6 victory over Sweetwater in the TRN Kickoff Classic on Thursday night:
Continue reading "Thoughts on Kickoff Classic"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Winners and losers of realignment
February 1, 2008If you have not heard, realignment was today. Lots of reshuffling happened (for more info on that, check in sports) -- some predictable, some not.
Here are, in my opinion, are Friday's biggest winners and losers:
Continue reading "Winners and losers of realignment"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 4:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Wrong yet again
January 21, 2008If I had blogged after the Cowboys' loss to New York last week, you would have heard me rant about what a dud this football weekend was supposed to be.
After the Colts bowed out, the thought of New England-San Diego excited me about as much as taking the dog outside at 5 a.m. in sub-freezing conditions.
And then Dallas -- who had been the cream of the NFC crop until December -- decided to stink it up at Texas Stadium against the Giants.
Continue reading "Wrong yet again"
Posted by at 12:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
I'm back
January 13, 2008Just arrived back in Wichita Falls a couple of days ago after a nice, long vacation with the family in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Beautiful place, for those who have never been. The Teton Mountains are only a stone's throw away and the snow is wonderful. One night, 10 inches fell.
And yes, it's cold. But 5 degrees isn't that bad because there's not a whole lot of wind and it's a dry cold.
Among the highlights were a trip to the National Elk Refuge, snow tubing and about five days of skiing the slopes.
Posted by Zach Duncan at 4:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Year-end high school football thoughts
December 31, 2007I'm a total slacker. Here I am, blogging 2-3 times a week, and then when state championships are up for grabs, I disappear from the face of the Earth.
And I really don't have any great excuse other than I was writing more for the paper those weeks, Christmas shopping and the holiday season had me tied up, plus I had a couple of vacation days thrown in.
As a matter of fact, as I write this, I'm about 15 minutes from leaving work here on Sunday night and I'll be gone until Jan. 11. My family and I are headed up to Jackson, Wyoming for lots of skiing and some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
But I wanted to write a blog before I left with a couple of ending-the-year football memories.
Continue reading "Year-end high school football thoughts"
Posted by Admin at 1:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Some people are offended way too easily
December 11, 2007Wasn't planning on blogging today, but after what happened while I was at work, I had to feel like getting something off my chest.
When a team makes it to a state title game, we run stories on them almost every day of the week. Usually, the first one I write is a profile on the opponent that our area team is playing.
So if you read our paper today, you would have noticed a story on Alto, Seymour's opponent this Saturday.
Continue reading "Some people are offended way too easily"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 4:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
I have created a new word
We will get to the football action in a moment. For now, I want to tell you about my new word.
It's called mog. Half mist, half fog. (fist, obviously, was already taken). The last three weeks, I have covered two games in some cold mog: Graham-Argyle and Seymour-Sunray.
What's worse is that I have had to make a couple of long drives back to the casa here in Wichita Falls in that stuff.
Continue reading "I have created a new word"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 4 playoff predictions
December 6, 2007My life the past four weeks can best be summarized by that Johnny Cash song "I've Been Everywhere."
While driving back from Abilene at 2:30 a.m. last Saturday, I was figuring out that I've driven about 1,500 miles the past three weeks covering high school football.
In a span of 17 days, I saw nine different games involving six different teams in six different locales.
There are four games on the docket this weekend, and I'll be at two of them. Let's break them down:
Continue reading "Week 4 playoff predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 3:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
What a game
December 3, 2007I have already written a bunch about the Roscoe-Munday game, so we won't be going into details in this blog.
But what I will say (or type) is that I usually see these kind of games only once or twice a year in the playoffs.
Continue reading "What a game"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 3 playoff predictions
November 29, 2007So I was talking to Munday coach Patrick Corcoran the other day about his showdown with another unbeaten team in Roscoe.
He said he wanted to avoid a shootout, but then added that doing that might not be a possibility.
Munday-Roscoe headlines a huge week in the high school football playoffs, as teams still alive have started dwindling in our area.
Continue reading "Week 3 playoff predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 7:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
I have a new girlfriend
November 28, 2007Don't tell my wife, but I have a new girlfriend.
Her name is the high school football playoffs. I'm with her constantly.
Continue reading "I have a new girlfriend"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Second-round playoff predictions
November 22, 2007I am totally stuffed. I am sitting on the couch watching my third NFL game of the day (plus Arizona State-Southern Cal) and I do not feel like moving.
I feel like sleeping all the way until Friday afternoon, when I have to get out-and-about to cover the Burkburnett-Abilene Wylie game.
I have basically worthless all day. Gotta love Thanksgiving.
But enough about the holidays. Let's look at this week's playoff games:
Continue reading "Second-round playoff predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 10:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Who has the best chance of winning?
November 20, 2007I thought about blogging about more random Amarillo stories -- like how I fell while climbing over a fence trying to get to the Bivins Stadium sidelines and how I am glad only a couple of concerned Canyon fans (and nobody who actually knew me) saw me -- but that was last week.
It is the second round of the playoffs, and while I will make my predictions in the next couple of days, I wanted to list in order which teams, in my humble opinion, have the best chance of winning to which ones have the least chance.
Continue reading "Who has the best chance of winning?"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 6:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Randomness in Amarillo
November 18, 2007Before I head back with Jason Palmer (a TRN photographer) to Wichita Falls tomorrow, I thought I would share some things football and non-football related I witnessed here in Amarillo the past two days.
Continue reading "Randomness in Amarillo"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Bi-District Playoff Predictions
November 15, 2007Just because the playoffs have started, don't be surprised if you see a few blowouts this week.
But for the most part, I expect there to be some pretty tight, competitive matchups on Friday and Saturday.
Here are my thoughts on the playoff games involving area teams:
Continue reading "Bi-District Playoff Predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Amarillo by Friday morning
November 13, 2007After I cover Holliday-Boyd Thursday night in Graham, I will be headed to Amarillo Friday for Burkburnett, Vernon and Graham's games against Panhandle teams.
This is the fourth year I have covered high school football full-time at the paper, and the third time I have made the trip to Amarillo.
It is one I usually like making because I get to see 2-3 games in a 24-hour span. And I will never forget the first time I made the trip back in 2004.
Continue reading "Amarillo by Friday morning"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Discussing my Red River 22 team
November 12, 2007Now is about the time I sit down and start penciling a rough draft of the Red River Small School 22 team.
To those who've been living in a cave (or just not in the area) the past few years, that's our all-star team that comes out on Christmas Day.
The reason why it comes out so late is because the playoffs are factored into the equation. I may know of some shoe-ins now, but some more guys will emerge once the postseason starts.
I don't want to throw out any names who I think will be on the team right now (just in case I change my mind. Wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings), but I will tell you a story that happened a couple of years ago.
Continue reading "Discussing my Red River 22 team"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 9:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Five things we learned as the season comes to a close
November 11, 2007*That there is Rider, and that there is everybody else.
Imagine this: You are playing your bitter rival, who is also good enough to be a playoff team. And you are up by 50 points late in the third quarter. Simple incredible. Stephenville and Everman, the two toughest teams in the region, better watch out.
Continue reading "Five things we learned as the season comes to a close"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 10 predictions
November 8, 2007OK - this one is going to be short and sweet.
And I have a good reason for this. I just spent 40 minutes writing a long version for you from my home computer (which I was finally able to get on with my password).
When I went to post it, it said I had to relog onto the system, and when I did that, all my work was gone. So to say I'm ticked off right now would be an understatement.
Anyway, I have to do some stuff around the house, or my wife will be very angry. Anyone who is married knows what I mean. I will be blogging more once the playoffs start and I get my power cord back (for an explanation, read the blog before this one).
Onto the picks:
Continue reading "Week 10 predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 3:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Some quick thoughts and my screw-up
November 7, 2007I want to rehash some things I saw/noticed over the weekend in high school football, but I have to be brief about it.
That is because I left my laptop power cord in the Graham coaching office on Friday night, and my laptop juice is almost non-existent. And the problem is, my blog password is only remembered at my laptop.
Not my work computer. Not my home computer. Luckily, I will be covering the Burk-Graham game this weekend, so I will get it back Friday in time to write the game story.
The laptop battery was not my only mistake from that night.
Continue reading "Some quick thoughts and my screw-up"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 3:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Week 9 Predictions
November 1, 2007There are two weeks left in the regular season, and this is the week lots of teams should lock up playoff berths and three of the area's ranked teams square off against tough opponents for district titles.
Let's look at the three big games on Friday's docket: Denton Ryan at Rider; Vernon at Graham; and Munday at Seymour.
Continue reading "Week 9 Predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Crunching the numbers
October 30, 2007I did some numbers-crunching on Monday, talking with area coaches on how their teams can make the playoffs.
The crazy thing is out of the area's four main districts (5-4A, 6-3A, 9-2A and 9-A), there is a somewhat decent chance 11 of the 12 spots up for grabs are filled heading into the last week.
Compare that to last year when five teams -- Graham, Vernon, Alvord, Henrietta and Archer City -- all qualified for the postseason on the last week.
Here's what we know (calculators sold separately):
Continue reading "Crunching the numbers"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 1:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Holy cow! Some craziness in 9-2A
October 27, 2007We're at the time of the season when you can finally see how things will play out. Teams are headed in different directions, and it gets easier to pick the games.
Or so I thought.
Continue reading "Holy cow! Some craziness in 9-2A"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 9:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Commenting on no comments and my Week 8 predictions
October 25, 2007Before I look at Week 8's matchups, I have to inform my diehard readers (all two of you) about this.
So I've been doing this blog since football season started, and I have received no comments. I figured I must have made someone mad by picking against their team, right? But then someone brought to my attention that there was no link for anyone to make comments (Why -- I have no idea).
After telling the Internet guys at work about it, it is finally fixed. So anyone is free to make comments. Now onto the weekend:
Continue reading "Commenting on no comments and my Week 8 predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Here's what we learned this weekend
October 23, 2007We learned a few things form this past weekend of high school football. And while I was out of town (in Dallas for one of my best friend's wedding), I kept up with the Friday night happenings enough to know how things played out.
Here is what we found out:
Continue reading "Here's what we learned this weekend"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 9:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 7 projections
October 18, 2007Before I take a trip down memory lane to help make some key projections this week, I must tell you why I am going to be absentia from Friday night's action.
Normally, I would be covering the Henrietta-Holliday showdown for first place in 9-2A, but instead I will be here in Dallas (the wife and I are currently at my parents' house as we speak. And I must say, there's a ton of good food hanging around in the kitchen.) for one of my best friend's wedding. I have known the guy since we were 8 (or however old third grade is).
So it will be a little weird not being in a packed stadium watching a football game on Friday night. But you can bet I will call the office around midnight and get the lowdown of the night's events. I do not suggest you do the same - we get pretty annoyed by the time the 20th person calls wanting to know a score, especially when we are trying to put out a paper.
Anyway, back to looking back at the past to help with my predictions:
Continue reading "Week 7 projections"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Things are clearing up (for the most part)
October 15, 2007Maybe I'm going out on a limb with this statement, but after the first week of district play (or three weeks, for some ones), I think I have a pretty good idea on who is going to make the playoffs.
And for three of the four main districts in the area, I'm ready to go out on a limb and tell you which teams have a date with the postseason.
Continue reading "Things are clearing up (for the most part)"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 6 predictions
October 11, 2007If you ever watch college football on ESPN on Saturdays, you will notice that they always have a slogan to describe that weekend's slate of games.
"Showdown Saturday." "Rebound Saturday." "Shake-up Saturday." They give an angle to how the key games are viewed.
Well, I am not going to be as corny as ESPN, but I will say this much. This weekend, with many districts opening, will tell us a lot about some area teams who have some uncertainty surrounding them.
Before I get into all my district picks, here are a few of the games I am talking about:
Continue reading "Week 6 predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 3:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Breaking down the district races
October 8, 2007I felt a cool breeze when I took the dog out tonight. Not a crisp wave of frigid air, but a nice feeling.
Usually when this happens, that means district football is upon us. And when this happens, I feel compelled to make some fearless high school football predictions.
I wrote some thoughts in my column in Monday's paper, but here is a more-detailed breakdown:
Continue reading "Breaking down the district races"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 10:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 5 HS predictions
October 4, 2007Before I break down this week's games, let me correct a mistake I made earlier this week. I had written the other day that Windthorst remained ranked since early 2004, when they had started 1-2 after Brad Green had suffered a collarbone injury.
Well, as it turned out, they fell to No. 10 (where they are ranked now) after being shut out to Electra. So 2003 was the last time the Trojans were not ranked.
Now onto Week 5 games:
Continue reading "Week 5 HS predictions"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Shockers and Surprises
October 1, 2007It was an absolutely crazy weekend for college football, but the area's Friday night action had some scores and happenings that raised my eyebrows.
Here are some of my thoughts after Week 4:
Continue reading "Shockers and Surprises"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 4 high school picks
September 27, 2007I wasn't able to make my predictions last week because of a death in the family, but I'm back and ready to break down this week's action.
It is District time for 5-4A and 9-2A, which means now the games finally matter. And that is what makes these next few weeks even greater.
Continue reading "Week 4 high school picks"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Six area teams ranked
September 26, 2007The other day, I wrote a column about how the area is thriving with six football teams ranked. But who has the best chance of finishing the regular season still ranked between Graham, Holliday, Rider, Vernon, Munday and Windthorst?
Here are some of my thoughts on the matter:
Continue reading "Six area teams ranked"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Week 1 thoughts and my love for 8-team districts
September 12, 2007A lot happened during Week 1 (aka the second week of the season). Here are my quick thoughts from last Friday night:
Continue reading "Week 1 thoughts and my love for 8-team districts"
Posted by Zach Duncan at 3:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Looking back at Week 0 and looking ahead
September 5, 2007Just finished up with my all my weekend-early week work for HS football. So it’s time to provide thoughts on the first weekend.
Continue reading "Looking back at Week 0 and looking ahead"
Posted by Admin at 2:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Five thoughts from the TRN Kickoff Classic
The regular season for high school football is finally here. After watching Holliday roll over Windthorst in Thursday’s TRN Kickoff Classic, here is what caught my attention the most:
Continue reading "Five thoughts from the TRN Kickoff Classic"
Posted by Admin at 2:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
