Sulphur Springs Police Arrest Pittsburg Man On Warrant Following Crash
A 36-year-old Pittsburg man was arrested on a felony warrant following a crash Saturday night.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Tyler Francis responded in the 1600 block of Posey Lane Oct. 26. Upon arrival, Francis contacted Christian Emmanueil Bruffy Holmes with a Saturn Vue at the location, according to arrest reports.
A records check by dispatchers revealed an outstanding Wood County warrant for Bruffy-Holmes’ arrest. The 36-year-old Pittsburg man was taken into custody at 7:40 p.m. Oct. 26 on the Wood County possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance warrant, according to jail reports. Bond on the charge was set at $5,000, according to arrest reports.
Hay Show 2019 Won by Hopkins and Rains County Forage Producers
Held in the Autumn of the year following hay season, the Hopkins County Hay Show is a long-standing tradition. The tradition continued this year with a new title, the Hopkins/Rains County Hay Show sponsored by Natural Resources Conservation Services and organized by the Hopkins/ Rains Soil and Water Conservation District. This year, 38 producers entered samples for the contest. The samples were collected at Texas Agri-life Extension offices and chemical analysis on each sample was provided by the Northeast Texas Farmer’s Co-op. Speaker for the event was Andy Wright, a NRCS board member and President of Hopkins/Rains County Farm Bureau. The contest and a producer’s lunch was held at the Hopkins County Civic Center on Saturday October 26, 2019.
After opening remarks by Wright, prayer was lifted by Cody Koon followed by fellowship and a BBQ lunch prepared by Wright’s Catering. As the program got underway, the SWCD “Producer’s Package” was explained by Darron Smith, Wright introduced the top ten producers, winners were announced based on chemical scores, and Wade Bartley led an auction of the winning samples. Auction proceeds were earmarked for student Scholarships in place by the Hopkins/Rains Soil and Water Conservation District. A group photo was made of the top ten producers present.
2019 SSHS Hall Of Honor Inductees Honored
Four record-shattering athletes were honored Friday, October 25th, by the Sulphur Springs High School Hall of Honor Committee. Doug Evans emceed the event as family and friends looked on. Past coaches and family members introduced each athlete and described the athletes achievements and records, which some may not ever be bested. Each recipient, truly humbled by the experience, thanked their family and friends, giving credit to that support that helped them achieve such successes. The one exception was the posthumous presentation to Paul Buchanan, as his family was unable to attend. Buchanan’s athletic abilites will now never be forgotten, as past Hall of Honor recipient, John Pearce, not only accepted the award, but captivated the crowd with stories of Buchanan’s unbelievable achievments during his high school career and beyond. Even in a room with such unbelievable talent, tales of Paul Buchanan, SSHS’ First All-American, impressed and humbled the audience.
After the four inductees were honored with a reception and ceremony Friday in the SSHS Multi-Purpose Building, they were then introduced before the Wildcat game at Gerald Prim Stadium.
The following bios were provided from Butch Burney and John Pearce
Tyrik Rollison (Class of 2009)
Tyrik Rollison, the son of Brenda Rollison and Michael Kelly, was the pilot of the Wildcat’s aerial show during the late 2000s. A three-year starter, he accumulated more than 9,000 yards passing and holds virtually all school passing records.
He was a Parade All-American, EA Sports All-American, a two-time All-State player, District Most Valuable Player, and was ranked as the second dual threat quarterback in the nation by Scout.com. He was selected to play in the prestigious US Army All-American Bowl.
His senior year alone, he threw for 4,728 yards, completing 73 percent of his passes (315 of 428 attempts) and threw 51 touchdowns with just 15 interceptions. All of those are school records. Additionally, he rushed for 1,094 yards. In his career, Rollison threw for more than 9,000 yards and 88 touchdowns, completing more than 70 percent of his passes. He additionally ran for almost 2,000 yards. More importantly, he led the Wildcats to a 14-2 record in 2008, including a win over Dayton in the Class 4A state championship game in which the Wildcats rolled up more than 800 yards of total offense.
He was recruited to Auburn University, where he was redshirted for one season before transferring to Sam Houston State. A preseason injury ended that season, and he transferred to Tyler Junior College, where he was a two-year starter and was named Third Team All-American. He then finished his college career at Texas A&M-Commerce, where he was a First Team Lone
Star Conference selection and led the Lions to the conference championship. In his A&M-Commerce career, he threw for more than 5,000 yards and 43 touchdowns in 17 games. He owns 10 A&M- Commerce passing records.
Rollison has five siblings, Antione Rollison, Lacresha Hubbard, T’keyah Alex, Dominique Bass and Somaiya Lewis; and five children, Ty’Annah Rollison, Serenity Rollison, Alayah Rollison, Kaytrielle Tarpley and Cash Rollison.
He now resides in Sulphur Springs and runs a nonprofit summer workout camp called TKP722, whose motto is TTP (trust the process) for youth that are willing to be active and want to learn.
Presenting his honor will be his uncle, Torio Kelly.
Jace Jackson (Class of 2009)
Jace Jackson was Rollison’s favorite target in high school, and holds virtually all of the school’s receiving records. Jackson was known for running precise routes and catching any ball he could get his hands on.
During his SSHS career, Jackson caught 150 passes for 2,270 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also holds the school marks for single season receptions (105), yards (1,550) and touchdowns (19) his senior year.
Jackson was named in 2008 All State First Team by the Texas Sportswriters Association, and All State Honorable Mention by the Associated Press. He was named Academic All State Honorable Mention, 2008 All Smoaky First Team for East Texas, 2008 All District First Team (unanimous) and 2007 All District Honorable Mention.
He was also a two-year letterman in baseball, earning 2008 All District First Team and 2009 All District Second Team honors. Jackson played football at Sam Houston State for two seasons, then transferred to West Texas A&M, where he graduated. In his college career, he had 84 receptions for 811 yards and 12 touchdowns. In his senior season, he was named All Lone Star Conference Honorable Mention tight end. He was also an Academic All Conference selection from 2011-2013.
Jackson has been married to his wife, Laura, for four years. He is the son of Dr. Phil and Jill Jackson, and his siblings are Jenner and Jordan Jackson. He resides in Fort Worth and is currently working for Crestline Investors Inc. for the Summit Equity Alpha Strategy as a senior analyst.
He will be receiving his induction plaque from Colby Peek, his high school position coach.
Cody Payne (Class of 1997)
Cody Payne, Class of 1997, was a four-year letterman in basketball who set the school’s all-time scoring mark his final season at SSHS. The 6’7” scoring sensation was nominated for the McDonald’s All-American game as a senior and was named First Team All-State and All-Region. He was also named District MVP after averaging 24 points per game.
Payne set the school record for most career points, rebounds, 3-pointers and field goal percentage. The team also set a record with 25 wins his senior year. As a junior, he was named District MVP after averaging 21 points per game. He averaged 16 points per game as a sophomore and 10 as a freshman. In addition to basketball, Payne was also a 2-year letterman in golf for the Wildcats.
After high school, Payne attended Cheshire Academy Preparatory School in Cheshire, Connecticut, then played for Bossier Parish Community College as a freshman. He transferred to Collin County Community College, where as a sophomore he was an all-league selection and Conference Co- Player of the Year when he averaged almost 14 points and 11 rebounds per game and also led the NTJCAC in conference scoring. He also set a school record for rebounds in a season and in a game.
In 2001, he transferred to the University of New Mexico for his junior year, playing in 21 games with a season high 11 points and eight rebounds against Brigham Young. However, his college career ended due to chronic knee problems that resulted in two surgeries. Payne resides in Sulphur Springs and is currently part of the family business, Payne Electric Company, where he is a thermographer, project coordinator and Chief Purchasing Agent.
His parents are Rick and Kathy Payne, and he has one brother, Matt and his wife, Karla Payne.
His presenter will be high school coach Craig Philo.
Paul Buchanan (Class of 1953)
Paul Buchanan was best known for his prowess on the football field, where his skills as quarterback, punter, kicker and defensive back led the Wildcats to a district championship in 1952, but he was a true all-around athlete.
He was the only Wildcat to receive All-American honors in the first 50 years of SSHS football and was only the second Wildcat to receive a First or Second Team All-State selection (Jim Sid Wright was the first).
Buchanan was a two-year letterman and was named First team All-District quarterback in 1952 when he led the team and district in scoring with 71 points. He was best known for his ball handling deception and his run-pass option. He also held the SSHS record for extra points kicked in a season (23)
for many years.
For his prowess, he received a football scholarship to Baylor University, where he led the freshman team to the Southwest Conference championship. He didn’t play football after that season, but returned to Baylor as a student and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees there.
In basketball, he was the only sophomore to letter on the 1950-51 SSHS District championship team and was named Honorable Mention All-District. As a junior he was Second Team and as a senior First Team All-District and led the team in scoring.
In baseball, he lettered as a pitcher and later played on the Sulphur Springs Eagles of the Northeast Texas Amateur League in 1953.
Buchanan became a coach near Waco, then later moved to El Paso where he bought and operated two businesses before moving to Colorado in 1992 with his wife, Holly. He was an avid golfer who was shooting his age when he turned 70. Buchanan passed away in 2012 at the age of 77.
His award will be accepted posthumously by Wildcat historian and Hall of Honor member Johnny Pearce.
Littlefield, Sears Named Grand Champion Hopkins County Stew Winners
Top honors at this year’s Hopkins County Stew Contest, awarded Saturday, Oct. 26, for the first and only time in honor of the festival’s 50th anniversary, went to Steve Littlefield and Dwayne Sears.
Grand Championship
This contest featured only previous first place super stew champions, competing for the title of Grand Champion.
Grand Champions Littlefield and Sears’ stew was purchased by Grocery Supply Company and Fidelity Express. Their $700 prize money was provided by City National Bank. They were sponsored by Ben E. Keith
Only nine cook teams entered this competition. All were recognized for being among the best of the best in beef and chicken, competing together for the Grand Championship. Four received Honorable Mention.
Honorable Mention in the Grand Champion category went to the following teams:
- #29, Nancy Fite and Larry Fite, sponsored by Berry Appraisal Services
- #48 Garrett Glass and Brandon Williams, sponsored by Guaranty Bank and Trust
- #117, John Mark McAfee and Bambi McAfee, sponsored by McAfee Farms
- #9, Don Sapaugh and James VanWinkle, sponsored by City National Bank
Other Grand Champion contest contenders included:
- Site #30 Steve Littlefield and James McMahan
- Site #92 Richard Brantley and Ashley Brantley
- Site # 125 LaWana Hohenberger and Broc Hohenberger
- Site #M-L David Joslin and Robert Edwards
Super Stew Chicken
The first place Super Stew Chicken winner was team # 86, Elaine Merrell and Doris Humphrey, sponsored by CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs. Their prize money of $500 was provided by Circle E Western Wear. Their winning quart of Super Stew Chicken was purchased for $900 by Interstate Body Shop.
Second place Super Stew Chicken award was won by # 21 Wayne Caldwell and Lyndsay Palmer, sponsored by Mattison Insurance. Their prize money of $250.00 was sponsored by Jay Hodge Chevrolet. The second-place Super Stew Chicken was purchased for $ 500 by Sister Babyz.
The third place Super Stew Chicken award was won by site # 43, Carmen Crouse and Craig Clifton, sponsored by SomeThing 4 Every Season. Their prize money of $100 was sponsored by Advantage Copy Systems.
Their third-place Super Stew Chicken was purchased for $300 by Peoples.
Honorable Mention in Super Stew Chicken went to site M-W, I.L. Balkom IV and Cathy Carr, sponsored by The Lazy B Ranch.
Super Stew Beef
The first place Super Stew Beef winner was the team of #62 Tonya and James Ross, sponsored by Alliance Bank. Their cook on the team was Brent McClendon. James began competing in the contest with his dad in 1984. Their prize money of $500 was provided by Janet Martin Realty. Their winning quart of Super Stew Beef was purchased for $900 by Clayton Homes.
The second place Super Stew Beef award was won by cook site # 111, Wade Juarez and Anida Reed, sponsored by Diamond Bar J. Their prize money of $250 was sponsored by Atmos Energy. The second place Super Stew Beef was purchased for $500 by ONCOR.
The third place Super Stew Beef award was won by site # 15, John Wilburn and Rudy Ellis, sponsored by CD Ballard Trucking. Their prize money of $100.00 was sponsored by Jiffy Signs. Their third-place Super Stew Beef was purchased for $300 by Corner Grub House.
Honorable Mention in the Super Stew Beef category went to cook site #77, Katie Patterson and Linda Henton, Sponsored by Alliance Bank.
Chicken Stew
First place chicken stew winner was the team of #25 Kimberly Kirkland and D’Anne Chaney, sponsored by Net Data. Their prize money of $300.00 was provided by Hollis Mechanical. Their first-place chicken stew was purchased for $600 by GDC Industrial.
Second place chicken stew winner was the team of #16 Kathy Lennon and Chris Black, sponsored by JKL Farm. Their prize money of $150 was provided by East Texas Physical Therapy. Their second-place chicken stew was purchased for $450 by Farm Country.
Third place chicken winner was the team of #13 Debbie White and Ann Tanton, sponsored by Hopkins Rains Farm Bureau. Their prize money of $100 was provided by 4-J’s Body Shop. Their third-place stew was purchased for $250 by Legacy Ag Credit.
Honorable Mention in the Chicken Stew category went to site # 20, Nikole Lamb and Sharon Sink, sponsored by Sulphur Springs ISD.
Beef Stew
First place beef stew winner was the team of # 37 Joe Wallace and Breanna Yager, sponsored by Saputo Dairy Foods. Their $300 prize money was provided by Hampton Inn. Their first-place stew was purchased for $600 by Texas Heritage National Bank.
Second place beef stew winner was the team of #8 Bruce Millard and Trevor Reger, sponsored by Sulphur Springs Professional Firefighters. Their $150 prize money was provided by East Texas Physical Therapy. Their second-place stew was purchased for $ 450.00 by Farm Country.
Third place beef stew winner was the team of # 91 Debbie Jones and Mariah Edwards, sponsored b: Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab. Their $100 prize money was provided by VF Outlet. Their third-place stew was purchased for $250 by Legacy Ag Credit.
Honorable Mentio in the Beef Ste competition went to campsite # 87B, Greg Cravens and Stacy Cravens, sponsored by Ocean Spray Cranberries.
Super Campsite/Costume
The John Chester Award for Super Campsite winner was site #7 Chris Gibbins and Scarlett Gibbins, sponsored by, Texas Heritage National Bank
Their $250 prize was provided by Sulphur Springs Centre for Dance.
Honorable Mention in the Super Campsite/Costume category went to campsite 18B, Amanda McKinney and Darel Roach, sponsored by Roach Construction.
Campsite/Costume
Campsite and costume winner this year was site # 111, Wade Juarez and Anida Reed, sponsored by Diamond Bar J. Their $200 prize was provided by Best Western.
Honorable Mention in the Campsite/Costume contest went to site # 84, Phillip Gabbert and Kathy, sponsored by VFW Post 8560.
New Events
Because so many enjoy the atmosphere and meeting and interacting with fellow stew chefs, and consider it a tradition to be set up the night before a couple of special events were added this year: a stew pot race and an appetizer contest.
For the race, people dressed as a chicken, cow and stew pot raced the sidelines. For the appetizer contest, cook teams were encouraged to submit whatever items they prepared Friday night for a cash prize; those who chose also contributed funds for a side bet or drawing.
Recognized for their appetizer was Lewis Tatum’s team. They went home with nearly $500, according to Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Lezley Brown.
Also new this year was the Stew Market, a place for local vendors to set up tents and offer their products, services and information during the stew festivities.
50 Years Strong
One family received a special award, one of the Chamber’s special commemorative 50th anniversary Christmas ornament. Jo Marie Neal family’s dedication to the annual event has spanned five decades.
Neal told Brown her family has been at the annual stew contest every year its been held. Members of her family have been at their camp site rain or shine, sunny or overcast, despite injuries and health challenges.
Community Support
The stew is an event that brings people representing all facets of business, organizations and backgrounds together to enjoy fellowship, outdoor cooking and friendly competition as a community.
It’s a big undertaking that would not be possible without community support, from donations of funds, foods and equipment to the innumerable hours put in by not only Chamber staff, board and ambassadors to numerous youth and others who pitch in with a willingness to serve when a need arises.
Volunteering their time staffing the stew contest were:
- Alliance Bank and Galyean Insurance
- CNC Pro Audio Video
- Latson’s.com
- Chili’s
- CBJ
- State Representative Dan Flynn
- Carriage House Manor
- Central Baptist Church
- Pizza Inn
- Rock Creek Health & Rehab
- Super Handy
- Sunny Springs Nursing Home
- Joe Bob’s Convenience Stores
- The Sweet Grind
- Dr. Liao Ortho Center
- Sign Gypsies
- Hope Family Fellowship
- Fix ‘n Feed
- 95.9 Star Country
- KSST
- Cheyenne Smithers with Preuss & Flecker
- Bright Star Baking Company
Recognized for providing products for the event were
- Brookshire’s—Title Sponsor
- Down to Earth Services – Down to Earth Friday Night
- Clarion Pointe – Hotel Sponsor
- Saputo – Cheese Sponsor
- Southwest Dairy Museum – Cheese Sponsor
Service tents were provided by
- Hopkins/Rains County Farm Bureau
- ETC- Environmental Tank and Container
- CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs
Additional sponsors included:
- Alliance Bank and Galyean Insurance
- CNC Pro Audio Video
- Latson’s.com
- Chili’s
- CBJ
- State Representative Dan Flynn
- Carriage House Manor
- Central Baptist Church
- Pizza Inn
- Rock Creek Health & Rehab
- Super Handy
- Sunny Springs Nursing Home
- Joe Bob’s Convenience Stores
- The Sweet Grind
- Dr. Liao Ortho Center
- Sign Gypsies
- Hope Family Fellowship
- Fix ‘n Feed
- 95.9 Star Country
- KSST
- Cheyenne Smithers with Preuss & Flecker
- Bright Star Baking Company
Brazzies Awarded In Health Care Foundation’s Mardi Bras For A Cause Contest
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Saturday announced the following Brazzie Awards winners from this year’s Mardi Bras Contest at Saturday’s Hopkins County Stew Contest.
Community members were encouraged to decorate a bra, promote breast cancer awareness and raise funds for the cause.
Judge’s Pick Award winners in the business category went to Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, awareness category to Alliance Bank, and Mardi Bras to The Republican Club.
Recognized for most money raised in the business category was CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs Lab, Awareness to Sulphur Springs Health & Rehab, and Mardi Gras to College St Burgers & Fries.
Money from the bra decorating fundraiser will help provide free mammograms for uninsured women over 40.
College Street Traffic Stop Results In Controlled Substance Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies Nick Marney and Tanner Steward arrested a 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man early Saturday morning after finding him in possession of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
Deputies reported stopping a Honda Accord at 2:18 a.m. Oct. 26, on College Street at Oak Avenue, after seeing a car with an obscured license plate/registration accelerate while turning from Jefferson Street onto a side street. The car reportedly was stopped on College Street near First Baptist Church.
The deputies alleged Kerry Renaldore Duffy Jr. “appeared extremely nervous” during their contact with him. He reportedly agreed to let officers search the car. Marney allegedly located a baggy containing what turned out to be 0.32 grams of a crystal-like substance that later field-tested positive for methamphetamine between the driver’s seat and door of the car, resulting in Duffey’s arrest. The car was released to the passenger.
Duffey remained in the county jail late Saturday morning, Oct. 26, in lieu of $5,000 bond on the possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Jail records also show Duffey to have a least one prior conviction for a controlled substance charge.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Cooper Man Arrested In Sulphur Springs On Felony DWI Charge
A 60-year-old Cooper man was arrested Friday night at a gas station on what reports show is at least his fourth DWI charge.
Terry Wynn Grant reportedly caught Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper William Gillentine’s attention with his less than stellar parking job and behavior in the E-Z Mart parking lot in the 1500 block of East Shannon Road around 9 p.m. Friday.
Gillentine reported he was at the gas station recording his fuel purchase when he heard a horn and turned. He observed two vehicles that hadn’t been int he parking lot when he started pumping gas into his vehicle. He note a sedan in the eastern-most parking space with a Dodge Dakota facing the sedan, but it was perpendicular to the parking spaces and the sedan.
The Dodge Dakota backed up, rapidly accelerated, causing the back tires to lose traction, producing steam and smoke, on the extremely wet ground. The pickup was driven around the sedan and parked, straddling the parking line, according to reports.
Gillentine alleged he saw the pickup driver, identified in arrest reports as Grant, toss his head around and throw his hand in the air “as if he were upset.” Grant appeared to the trooper to have difficulty standing and maintaining his balance as he exited the store, then stumbled toward the store, Gillentine alleged in arrest reports.
Gillentine, in reports, stated he called the man toward him out of concern that he was intoxicated and would gain access to more alcohol in the store, and given his prior display of aggressive behavior toward the people in the sedan, to prevent him access to more potential “victims” in the store. Grant complied.
When asked where he was coming from, Gillentine reported Grant “slurred he was coming from Cooper, where he lived. It was confusing.”
When asked how much he’d had to drink, Grant allegedly admitted to drinking nothing that night but that he’d drank earlier in the day. He also claimed to have eaten last earlier in the day, but had slept well the night before and was not sick or injured, Gillentine alleged in arrest reports.
The trooper as he had the man walk to the covered area by the store, Gillentine reported noticing a disabled license plate and asked him why he had it. Grant allegedly claimed he’d been hurt in 2018 at work and had a back and hip injury. Suspecting such an injury might be a source of the man’s balance issues, Gillentine also, in reports, noted the alcohol the man had consumed also appeared to have an impact.
When Gillentine asked Grant to submit to standard field sobriety tests, Grant refused and was advised he was being arrested for DWI. When the trooper began attempting to put the man into handcuffs, Grant allegedly attempted to pull away and argued with Gillentine. He warned him not pull away and eventually the man complied, according to reports. When read his warnings, Grant allegedly advised the trooper he would not provide either a breath or blood sample for analysis, then repeatedly called the trooper names on the way to jail and demanded to see his sergeant.
Grant was jailed shortly after midnight and remained in the county jail in Saturday, Oct. 26, for driving while intoxicated, third or more offense; his bond was set at $10,000, according to jail reports.
Jail records also show Terry Wynn Grant was arrested locally in 1991 for DWI and on a warrant for violating probation which he was on for third or more DWI offense in July of 2008.
Friday Night Scores
Friday Night Scores
- Ennis Bye
- Corsicana 7, Forney 0
- Royse City 47, Kaufman 7
- Greenville 25, Sulphur Springs 13
- North Forney 50, Terrell 28
District 8-5A Standings
Team, District, Season
- Ennis 6-0 7-1
- Corsicana 6-1 7-2
- Royse City 5-1 7-1
- Greenville 4-2 5-3
- North Forney 3-3 5-3
- Sulphur Springs 1-5 1-7
- Kaufman 1-5 1-7
- Forney 1-5 2-6
- Terrell 1-6 1-8
Next Friday
- Sulphur Springs at Kaufman
- Ennis at Corsicana
- Royse City at North Forney
- Forney at Greenville
- Terrell bye
Greenville Is Outgained But Uses Defense and Kickoff Returns To Top The Wildcats Friday Night
wildcat logo ssisd 
Greenville Lions
The Wildcats Football Team’s defense deserved a better fate on a rainy Friday night, Oct. 25, at Gerald Prim Stadium. Despite only one offensive touchdown, the Greenville Lions outscored the Wildcats, 25-13 using a defensive touchdown and two kickoff returns for scores.
The Lions, who have not made the playoffs since 2003, moved one step closer Friday night. The Lions improved to 4-2 in district play and they remain in the fourth and final playoff slot. The Lions’ season record is 5-3.
The Wildcats were eliminated from the playoff race with the loss. They are now 1-5 in district play and 1-7 for the season.
The Wildcats and the Lions opened the first quarter with both team’s defenses holding the offenses in check. Greenville broke through on defense. Lions’ cornerback Tyrecus Davis intercepted a Wildcats’ pass and ran it into the end zone for a pick six. The Lions were up 7-0 with 2:59 left in the first period.
The Wildcats answered with a score of their own. Using senior Noe Ponce at quarterback, the Wildcats covered 63 yards to the end zone. Senior back Da’Korian Choc Sims had a long run inside the ten and junior back Caden Davis ran 6 yards for the touchdown. The score was tied at 7-7 with just :47 left in quarter number one.
Greenville broke the tie with their only scoring drive of the night. Flanker Miles Denson took a hand-off on a reverse and went 11 yards for the TD. Greenville’s extra point kick was no good, but the Lions led, 13-7 with 9:55 left in the second quarter.
The Wildcats took the ball down close to the goal line before bogging down. Senior kicker Brandon Zavala kicked a 24 yard field goal to cut the Lions lead to 13-10 with 5:25 left in the second quarter. The game remained Greenville 13, Sulphur Springs 10, at the half. Unofficial stats showed Greenville with only about 78 first half yards.
The second half has been cruel to the Wildcats several times this season and that was the case again Friday night. The Wildcats kicked off to a Lions’ up man who muffed the ball. Speedy Denson picked up the ball, found a seam and went about 70 yards for a touchdown. Greenville missed another extra point kick, but led 19-10 with just 11 seconds gone in the third quarter.
The Wildcats cranked up another drive but, again, bogged down near the goal line. Zavala kicked another 24 yard field goal to reduce the Lions lead to 19-13, with 7:03 left in the third quarter. The Wildcats attempt at an onside kick blew up on them. Davis, who had the pick six, secured the ball, bounced off tacklers and went about 55 yards for a kickoff return touchdown. Greenville failed on yet another extra point kick, but their lead was now 25-13, with 6:55 left in the third quarter.
The Lions defense put the clamps on the Wildcats offense and also got their second interception of the night. The Greenville offense did a masterful job of hogging the ball and kept the ball on the ground to drain the clock. Greenville won, 25-13.
Prior to the game, four former Wildcats were inducted into the Wildcat Hall of Honor: Paul Buchanan, football, Class of 1953; Cody Payne, basketball, Class of 1997; Tyrik Rollison, football, Class of 2009; and Jace Jackson, football, Class of 2009.
While the Lions seek to wrap up a playoff spot at home against Forney next Friday, the Wildcats will have a pride game on the road at Kaufman next week. Both teams have only one victory this season.
Lady Cats Volleyball Moves Into Third Place Tie After Win At Mount Pleasant Friday
The Lady Cats Volleyball Team got by a scrappy Mount Pleasant team on the road Friday, Oct. 25, 3-1.
The score was 25-22, 19-25, 25-18 and 25-13. The Lady Cats took charge in sets three and four, after each team had won a set.
The Lady Cats moved into a tie for third place with Royse City with the win. Both teams are 4-5 in district play. The Lady Bulldogs lost to Greenville Friday, 3-0.
The Lady Cats wrap up district play next Tuesday at home against Texas High on Senior Night.
