Football Preview - Wise County Messenger

30 WISE COUNTY MESSENGER, Decatur, Texas, Thursday, August 28, 2008By TRAVIS MEASLEYNot much has changed forthe Alvord High School footballteam since the end of itscampaign last season. Lastyear the Bulldogs emphasizedspeed over size, and utilizedtheir undersized linemen intheir offensive scheme. Thisyear looks to be no different.“We are there again,” saidHead Coach Mike Chaney.“We are not really big, butour linemen and skill kids runpretty well. We will be pullingour linemen all the time, andrely on speed in the backfieldand at quarterback to keep usin games.”Chaney and the Bulldogswill look to bounce back froma disappointing 2007 season,in which the team went 4-6, 3-4 in district play, and missedthe playoffs. The team returns10 lettermen from last year’ssquad, and five starters oneach side of the ball.For success to become a reality,much will depend on theperformance of junior quarterbackTrevor Hartfield andrunning back Shane Watkins,who rushed for more than1,300 yards in 2007. Hartfieldwas involved in a fourwaybattle for the position lastyear, so he brings experienceunder center. Chaney said hehas looked good in practicethus far, and his arm has beenALVORD PREVIEWAlvord expects return home to produce good resultsWe Support Eachand Every One ofOur Wise CountyFootball Teams!ANDREWS HARTFIELD MALONEimpressive.“With his arm, we have beenable to do some things thisoffseason we haven’t beenable to do in the past,” Chaneysaid.Watkins, who is in his seniorseason, is a star to watch inDistrict 9-2A. At 6-feet, 210pounds, Watkins has both thesize and the speed to scorefrom anywhere, and will anchorthe Bulldogs’ backfield.Senior fullback Ross Houstonwill resume his duties of openingthe holes for Watkins asthe lead blocker.Justin Meador and RandallPerez are returning varsityplayers with experience at receiver,and Steven Talamentes,who played on the juniorvarsity line in 2007, has beenmoved to tight end.The front line, on both offenseand defense, returnssome starters, includingColton Archa and BernieMalone, and Jorge Vargasalso has experience on theline. Luke Haak and DylanBarclay, former backup fullbacks,will see time at guard,as well as Dustin Stachowiak,who played lineman on the JVsquad last year.Malone will also probablyanchor the defensive line, andis in position to have a solidyear at defensive end. Watkinsbrings power to the linebackerpostion, and T.J. Houston willbe the sophomore to watchon the defensive front, also atlinebacker.Travis Montgomery andHeath Andrews, who playedbackup roles in the secondaryin 2007, will bring experienceto those positions this year.As for the competition,Chaney said he is excited tobe back in a district with otherteams from the county.“We were in this districtsix years ago, and its goodto be back,” he said. “It cutsdown on our traveling, andall the coaches around hereare great people. The competitionis going to be tough.Boyd and Paradise should bepretty good, like they usuallyare, and since we have playedChico constantly over the pastfew years, the rivalry shouldbe intense.”Auto • Aircraft • Motorcycles • RVs • Boats“Proud Detailers of Air Force One”N. Texas’ “One Stop Shop”For all your detailing needsAccessories • Custom and Performance PartsNew & Used Tires: All brands, any sizeGift Certificates Available940-627-5343800 A Medical Ctr. Dr.in Decatur1717 S. US 287 • Decatur940-627-7198