Diboll freshman and JV teams post wins over Crockett squads

BY BRUCE BOLDEN

DISD coaching staff

Both Lumberjack subvarsity teams did there parts to keep the rivalry with Crockett alive and well, as both teams were able to pull out tough hard fought victories on Thursday Night here in Lumberjack Stadium. The freshman Jacks got things started with a 20-14 victory thanks in part to another strong performance by #10 Chris Bailey, who accounted for all three of the Lumberjacks' touchdowns. Other big performances came from Roy Villaneuva, who ran through, around and over the Bulldog defense the entire night; and Nick Scott who slashed and darted his way to another workman like night. But perhaps the biggest determining factors of the game wore the numbers 55,62,64,66,73, and 75.

The offensive line consisting of Carlos Medina, Tyler Warren, Daniel Smith, Brandon White, Cyrus Martin, and Jordan Hernandez controlled the line of scrimmage and opened up gapping holes for the backs on crucial drives all night. And no drive was more crucial than the last one. With 5:30 left in the game, the Jacks holding onto a 20-14 lead and at their on 30 yard line the offense line and Roy Villaneuva put on a show, moving the ball to inside the Bulldog 10 yard line and taking nearly 4:45 off of the clock in the process. While the Jacks wouldn't score, that drive would set the Bulldogs up deep in their own territory and in the tough position of driving the length of the field to score with under 1:30 left in the game. The Bulldogs final gasp effort would be ended when Cole Colwell stepped in an intercepted a Bulldog pass, securing the Lumberjack victory.

The JV Jacks would keep things going as they would win a tough one by the score of 34-20. Things would start with a bang as #23 Damion Baldwin would take the first play from scrimmage for a 65 yard scamper into the endzone. JJ Hubbard would get into the action with a short plunge across the goal line for the Lumberjacks' second rushing score of the night. With the score 20-12 Crockett in the 3rd quarter and the Bulldogs packing them in the box to stop the run, the aerial show staring Cole Hodge, Christian Lovelady, Jim Mettlen and featuring William Tudman, began. Hodge would open the show with a huge 3rd down conversion toss to Lovelady for a pick up of 40 yards. This would set up William Tudman's 1st touchdown catch of the night. Cole's second touchdown toss would go to Jim Mettlen on a 10 yard toss. Hodge and Tudman would hook up on a number of other crucial completions, the most spectacular of the them being a 45 yard touchdown heave into the endzone against double coverage. Hodge and Tudman would continue their spectacular play on the other side of the ball as well, as both players would intercept Bulldog passes. The Jacks defense which struggled early, settled down and shut down the Bulldog offense with pressure from all fronts for the remainder of the game.

Both teams travel to Carthage to finish up the season, with the freshman Jacks, playing for a piece of the district championship and the JV Jacks playing for a undefeated district championship season.