'Meet the 'Jacks' Friday - meet the Hawks Saturday

PUSH 'EM BACK - Offensive and defensive players were put through their drills during practice sessions that began August 6 in Diboll. Despite the extreme temperatures, the Lumberjacks take to the field every afternoon to prepare for the upcoming season.

Diboll squads to be ready for action in first scrimmage

Hitting the field in full gear was the order of practice for the Diboll Lumberjacks this week, and, with temperatures hovering at the century mark, they still work hard to face the intensity of the heat.

The long afternoons in the sun do not, however, seem to take a toll on the 'Jacks spirit as they face it with very little complaining. Head coach Gary Martel, along with his offensive and defensive coaching staff, hits the field from 3:30 - 5 every afternoon to put the freshmen through their paces. "We've got a lot of good kids on the freshman squad and I'm proud of what they can do." Martel said. "I want them to work with the varsity coaches who can bring them a long way. When they leave the field at 5 o'clock, I feel they have gained a lot of experience each and every day they work with them.

The day doesn't end for the coaches at 5 p.m. however. The junior varsity and varsity squads hit the field and go until 8:30 in order to shake the lazy days of summer and get back into shape. "We had an intra-mural scrimmage last Saturday. The freshman took on the sophomores and did a great job - I'm proud of them. The sophomore squad looks really good and I look for big things from them." Martel said.

The battle between the juniors and seniors ended in a 2-2 tie and Martel, with 14 seniors returning to this year's squad to lead the way, looks for a great season ahead.

Diboll is blessed with many talented athletes on all the squads and especially in the varsity division. "We've got potential college players with all-district selections on both sides of the ball."

As far as selecting a starting quarterback, that will have to come later with two capable athletes that could step into the position at any time. Kyle Prescott, a 5'10", 180-pound senior, is, according to Martel, an extremely tough player who can move the chains. He started five games last year at quarterback and has a 35-yard plus punting average. Jacoby Spencer, a 5'10" junior is another possibility. "Jacoby started four varsity games as a freshman but was sidelined last year with a broken arm suffered during the first game of the season. He's a great athlete at quarterback and can run and also on the defensive side of the ball." Martel said.

Diboll fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet all the Lumberjacks at the annual 'Meet the 'Jacks' night set for Friday, August 17 beginning at 6:30. Fans will also be introduced to the supporting cast members of Diboll High School - the coaches, the cheerleaders, band members and auxiliary teams. Also, the cross- country girls and boys and girls volleyball teams will be introduced. Prior to the introductions, don't forget the 'Jackbackers hamburger cookout that begins at 6 p.m. (See Sport Shorts for details).

On Saturday, August 18, fans are invited to travel to Hawk Stadium as they take on the Hardin-Jefferson squad for the first scrimmage of the year. Coach David Martel, (yep, Gary's baby brother) will welcome the Lumberjacks to the Sour Lake arena in what should be an exciting day beginning with the 9th grade team at 11 a.m. At 12 noon, the JV take the field and the varsity make their appearance at 1 p.m. Following the scrimmage, the coaches must take to the sidelines for two-12 minutes quarters of play. This will be an abbreviated version of play with no kickoff or kickoff return. The ball will be put into play on the 30-yard line for a live game. There is no rush on punts or field goals but fumbles and interceptions are fair game.

So, put on your traveling shoes and take part in these two kickoff event and show everyone we're all 'Jackbackers'.