City Manger’s Report September 4, 2018
City Manager Marc Maxwell reported the progress of various projects and activities in the city to the Sulphur Springs City Council during their regular meeting Tuesday night, September 4, 2018.
CROSSTOWN TRAIL – The railroad crossing is complete. The Capital Construction Division has constructed the path between the K.CS railroad tracks and Main Street. They have also constructed the path on the North face of Coleman Lake dam. We are now waiting for delivery of the flashing lights for the crossing. When finished, this grant-funded project will connect Buford Park to Coleman Park and the high school/civic center complex. It will also replace the sidewalk on the north side of Connally Street.
CANTEX FORCE MAIN – This project is about 75% completed. The Capital Construction division began on the East end of the project and they are now progressing West on Airport Road. This is the final capital improvement project in the 2013-2017 C. I.P. It replaces 2,400 linear feet of aging sewer force main and 2, 900 feet of gravity main. Currently the main passes through the middle of the hospital complex. The new route passes around the hospital complex. One-third of the city’s sewage passes through this line.
SUNSET STREET – We will open bids for materials for this project in September. Expect to approve the low bids at the October 2nd council meeting. The project will include new water mains, new sewer mains and a new concrete street from Connally to Houston. The $275,000 CDBG grant is matched with $132,000 of city funding. We have submitted construction drawings for approval. Work will begin in the fall.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT – Phase 2 continues with the demolition of the secondary clarifiers. This will make way for the new diffused air aeration units. This project is on time and under budget.
CLAIMS – We had one minor workers compensation claim in August. We did not have any liability claims.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES – Finance Director Lesa Smith will not give a year-to-date report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees: Made 21 street repairs following utility repairs. Repaired 166 potholes. Cleaned out drainage ditch from Ardis to MLK. Cleaned out drainage ditch from Church to Houston. Replaced 10 stop signs, 2 child crossing signs, 3 one way signs, 4 no parking signs, 3 school zone signs and 6 no cell phone use signs. Replaced driveway approach to Brookshire’s offKyIe Street. Conducted 40 building inspections, 34 electrical inspections, 31 plumbing inspections, 7 mechanical inspections and issued 29 building permits. Aerated all athletic fields. Repaired bare spots on soccer fields. Checked out 3,255 items from the Municipal Library plus 558 e-Books. Repaired the Celebration Plaza fountain. Programmed school zone lighting. Repaired/replaced various A/C units around the city. Achieved a daily average total suspended solids reading of 1. 87 mg/L at the wastewater treatment plant. Responded to 179 fire/rescue calls including 1 structure fire, 1 vehicle fire and 4 grass fires. Performed preventative maintenance on 80 fire hydrants. Conducted 44 fire safety inspections and reviewed 44 pre-fire plans. Responded to 261 animal control calls, achieving an adoption rate of 48%. Made 115 arrests, recorded 89 offenses, responded to 32 accidents, and wrote 707 citations in the patrol division. Repaired 28 water main ruptures. Replaced 15 water meters. Treated 188 million gallons ofpotable water. Unstopped 11 sewer mains and made 5 sewer repairs. Washed 70, 000 feet of sewer mains. Flushed 35 dead-end water mains. Sold, 1,915 gallons ofAvGas and 7,031 gallons ofJetA fuel.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report August 22-28, 2018
Wood County Sheriff’s Report for August 22, 2018 to August 28, 2018 includes: Disturbance: 4; Thefts: 4; Burglaries: 2; Terroristic Threats: 2; Criminal Mischiefs: 2; Inquests: 1; Suspicious Circumstances: 4; Suspicious Vehicles: 10; Suspicious Persons: 2; Alarms: 4; Harassments: 0; Criminal Trespasses: 6; Scams: 1; Frauds: 0; Abandoned Vehicles: 0; Cows Out: 26 ; Horses Out: 5; Welfare Checks: 5; Assaults: 6; Dog Bites: 0; Fires: 0; Noise Complaints: 1 ; Disputes: 2; Arrest/Warrant Services: 3; Reckless Drivers: 3; Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle: Shots Fired: 0; Other: Burn Ban Violations (12); Credit/Debit Card Abuse (1)
August 22nd
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 2:13 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3220 near Quitman, at approximately 3:11 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 564 near Mineola, at approximately 4:15 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 6:40 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
At 8:45 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3230 near Quitman.
At 9:13 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
At 11:06 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4560 near Winnsboro.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:30 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat on PR 7495 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 4:25 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 2088 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 5:11 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies arrived and nothing appeared to be burning at the residence.
At 6:24 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 2869 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4940 near Quitman, at approximately 7:21 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several firearms from the reporting party’s storage building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:46 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances on Indian Gap near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Alba, at approximately 8:07 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Live Oak St. in Winnsboro; at approximately 8:24 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Wanda St. in Winnsboro; at approximately 8:37 p.m. Jeffery Hawkins, 50, of Winnsboro, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
August 23rd
At 1:34 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3220 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2906 near Mineola; at approximately 1:35 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and cleared the incident.
At 6:33 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 182 near Quitman.
At 8:19 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2632 near Mineola, at approximately 8:32 a.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies arrived and nothing appeared to be burning at the residence.
At 8:48 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
At 9:23 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Quitman, at approximately 11:29 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2922 near Alba, at approximately 11:32 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:35 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3854 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:14 p.m., in reference to theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several firearms from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:14 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Winnsboro Fire Department, Ogburn Fire Department and Perryville Fire Department extinguished the fire. This case has been forwarded to other agency.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 6:38 p.m., in reference to scam that occurred on PR 5551 near Alba. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 7:08 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
At 7:26 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1730 near Yantis.
At 7:38 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3875 near Mineola, at approximately 9:26 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1681 near Alba; at approximately 10:31 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2935 near Alba, at approximately 11:19 p.m., in reference to an assault. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
August 24th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1900 near Yantis, at approximately 6:09 a.m., in reference to an alarm. An individual was checked by Emergency Medical Services and everything was OK.
At 8:02 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4864 near Winnsboro.
At 8:06 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 14 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7545 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:57 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, the actors left the scene.
At 2:42 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
At 5:40 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:41 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity or damage.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4596 near Winnsboro, at approximately 6:48 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. The individual was advised of the effective burn ban and Perryville Fire Department extinguished the fire.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:37 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat that occurred on CR 2166 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 7:42 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2668 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4858 near Quitman, at approximately 9:59 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 515 near Yantis; at approximately 11:57 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
August 25th
Deputies were dispatched to SPUR 514 near Yantis, at approximately 12:16 a.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any burn ban violations.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 1:08 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 7:59 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s tractor. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 8:06 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
At 8:16 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 778 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party at approximately 11:49 a.m., in reference to a burglary that occurred on CR 1668 near Alba. Deputies arrived and cleared the residence.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4586 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:18 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and the fire was extinguished.
At 6:09 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154 near Quitman.
At 6:42 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2260 near Mineola.
At 6:53 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2900 near Mineola.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:13 p.m., in reference to a dispute that occurred on HWY 80 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 3056 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:01 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Emergency Medical Services transported the individual to the hospital.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6645 near Mineola, at approximately 8:39 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies advised the individuals to lower the volume of the music and cleared the incident.
At 8:44 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4860 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2659 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:26 p.m., in reference to an assault. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
August 26th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 1416 near Quitman; at approximately 1:25 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5822 near Yantis, at approximately 1:29 a.m., in reference to an assault. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4860 near Winnsboro; at approximately 3:29 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 182 near Quitman; at approximately 3:37 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3450 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:01 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the day.
At 10:07 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1917 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 10:14 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 778 near Quitman, at approximately 12:03 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, the fire was extinguished. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2168 near Quitman, at approximately 1:25 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to Quitman Emergency Room, at approximately 1:56 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 65, passed away in the Emergency Room. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Alba, at approximately 2:51 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 5:41 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass that occurred on PR 5899 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
At 5:58 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 7:13 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat that occurred on CR 2166 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook, at approximately 7:26 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
At 7:51 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 1643 near Winnsboro.
At 7:50 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4860 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1522 near Alba, at approximately 8:10 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and the fire was extinguished.
August 27th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 182 near Quitman; at approximately 4:01 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2377 near Alba, at approximately 6:06 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1541 near Alba, at approximately 8:19 a.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and the fire was extinguished.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 8:33 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:00 a.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on CR 2298 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1885 near Yantis, at approximately 11:31 a.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole several items from the reporting party’s storage building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4385 near Winnsboro, at approximately 4:23 p.m., in reference to an assault. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 2210 near Mineola; at approximately 4:25 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Quitman, at approximately 4:25 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
At 6:02 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1758 near Yantis.
At 6:16 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4287 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:18 p.m., in reference to an assault. Fredrick Seiboldt, 48, of Winnsboro, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence Impeding Breath or Circulation.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2940 near Alba, at approximately 7:26 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2117 near Quitman, at approximately 7:51 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1418 near Quitman, at approximately 8:05 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any burn ban violations.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4290 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:38 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Prior to deputies’ arrival, the individuals left the area.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1975 near Yantis, at approximately 9:27 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any burn ban violations.
August 28th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4495 near Winnsboro; at approximately 2:21 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 69 near Alba; at approximately 3:11 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:37 a.m., in reference to credit/debit card abuse on CR 2372 near Alba. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1970 near Yantis, at approximately 10:45 a.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any burn ban violations.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3114 near Quitman, at approximately 2:10 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:17 p.m., in reference to theft that occurred on PR 8692 near Winnsboro. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3639 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:17 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. One of the individuals was transported to the hospital by Emergency Medical Services.
At 7:11 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 80 near Hawkins.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7631 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:00 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3540 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:05 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Between the dates of August 22 and August 28, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Montague County Sheriff’s Office, Police Departments, Child Protective Services and Department of Public Safety.
Total Jail Count – 118 inmates – 96 males and 22 females.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Remember Wood County is under a burn ban as of August 10, 2018.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
Murder Victim Identified
September 2018 – Sulphur Springs and Fort Worth Police along with the Hopkins County Sheriff’s office have released the name of the 34-year old woman whose body was found in of Highway 67W in Sulphur Springs. According to law enforcement, Rochelle Mims was murdered in Fort Worth and her body dumped on property inside the Sulphur Springs City Limits.
With a crime scene in two cities that are 100 miles apart, Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jay Sanders said his department is busy as they continue investigation into the murder. Fort Worth Police and Sulphur Spring Police are working together to sort out evidence from a crime scene in Fort Worth and the discovery of the body in Sulphur Springs.
Lucious Newhouse III, 54 of Fort Worth was arrested at the scene and is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Felony 1 Murder and is being held on a $1-million bond. The first call to SSPD came at 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning, according to Sanders. He said that someone reported an accident on Main Street. However, the vehicle was found in a ravine in the field near where Newhouse had dumped the body. Newhouse had become disoriented as he attempted to flee the scene in his vehicle and drove into the ravine. He was in his auto when officers arrived. Sanders said the auto has been sent to a crime lab. Sanders said his department and the Fort Worth Police are working with the Texas Ranger in the homicide investigation. Justice of the Peace B. J. Teer pronounced the woman dead at the scene Sunday as Sulphur Springs Police Detectives, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigators, DPS Troopers, and the Texas Ranger began their investigation locally that revealed evidence that led to the murder warrant for Newhouse. Through the investigation that involved Fort Worth law enforcement, the crime scene was discovered to be in Fort Worth.
Team Tennis District Opener Reset for Wednesday
The Wildcats’ team tennis district match with Lindale was rained out Tuesday (September 4). Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez said the two teams are hoping to make up the match Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Lindale, weather permitting. The match is the district opener for both teams.
Lindale is coached by former Wildcats Tennis Coach Randy Namanny. The Wildcats will enter the match with a 3-7 non-district record but the Wildcats have won their last two matches against former district foes Marshall and Pine Tree. Despite their record, the Wildcats have been much more competitive this season. Many of their losses have been by very narrow margins.
Lady Cats’ Volleyball Defeat Wills Point 3-0
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team won a battle of two state ranked teams Tuesday night (September 4) by defeating Wills Point, 3-0 at Wildcat Gym. The score was 25-18, 25-20 and 25-19. The Lady Cats came in ranked #13 in Class 5A while Wills Point is #12 ranked in Class 4A, both ranked by the Texas Girls Coaches Association. The key to the Lady Cats’ success Tuesday night was strong finishes in each set.
In set one, the Lady Cats scored the last seven points to win, 25-18. All seven points came after serves by Sydney Washburn. In set two, Taylor McElfresh had five straight serves that led to points and took the score was 19-19 to 24-19. The Lady Cats split the next two points to win set two. In set three, the Lady Cats scored the last five points of the set to go from up 20-19 to the 25-19 win.
In stats, Autumn Tanton had 10 kills. Sydney Washburn and Madi Vickery had 6 each. Abbi Baier had 5. Kate Womack had 3 and Lexi Whisenhunt had 2. Whisenhunt had 27 assists. Maddie Millsap had two service aces. Womack, McElfresh and Whisenhunt had 1 each. In digs, Sadie Stroud had 8, Millsap and Whisenhunt had 5 each. McElfresh had 4, Tanton had 3, Baier and Womack had 2 apiece, Sadie Washburn, Sydney Washburn and Vickery had 1 each. Sydney Washburn had a block solo. Tanton had 2 block assists, Sadie Washburn, Baier, Sydney Washburn and Vickery had 1 each.
With the win, the Lady Cats improve their record to 22-5. Friday they get a rematch of last year’s bi-district game as they travel to Wylie East for a 4:30 p.m. game. Last year the Lady Raiders, a number four district seed with a losing season record, surprised the number one district seed and district champion Lady Cats team, 3-0 in a bi-district match at Royse City. The game was played on Halloween.
North Hopkins Host the 22nd Annual Invitational Cross Country Tournament
The North Hopkins High School Athletic Department will host the 22nd annual Tim Meeke Invitational Cross Country Tournament this Thursday, September 6th from 4 pm to 8pm. The races that are scheduled include: Fun Run, Junior High Girls, Junior High Boys, JV girls, Varsity Girls, JV boys, and Varsity boys.
Student and the public are encouraged to attend and support the North Hopkins Panthers on 1994 W Farm Rd 71, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
North Hopkins FFA Gives Presentation at School Board Meeting
The North Hopkins School Board had their monthly meeting Thursday, August 30th. The Board carried out routine procedures and discussed topics concerning the growth of the North Hopkins community on the school district. A number of families are moving into the community.
The board also enjoyed a special presentation conducted by the North Hopkins FFA President Faith Wheeler and First Vice President Breeanna Hicks. The Presentation is an annual event where representatives from the North Hopkins FFA showcase the various activities the chapter participates in throughout the year. In the presentation Wheeler and Hicks reviewed the numerous leadership camps and service projects completed by North Hopkins FFA members throughout the summer. They also had the opportunity to highlight plans the North Hopkins FFA hopes to put in places to enhance student success.
Wildcat Football: Coordinators Discuss Wakeland Win and Lovejoy Defense
Wildcats Offensive Coordinator Matt Young Discusses Wakeland Win and Lovejoy Defense
Wildcats Offensive Coordinator Matt Young found a lot to like from the Wildcats’ offense last Friday (August 31) night in the win over Frisco Wakeland but he still spotted areas that need improvement. He said the Wildcats need to take better care of the ball. The Wildcats had three turnovers last Friday. Coach Young said if the Wildcats had eliminated those, they would have scored 50 points, everyone would have gotten to play and the game would not have ended as a nail biter.
Still he said the Wildcats offense was very productive and efficient, even if they still have a way to go. Coach Young said the Wildcats are back at work stressing details. He was very pleased with the play of the offensive line, which got contributions from a lot of players. Coach Young said they handled the Wolverines’ blitzes. He was quarterback D’Corian Young did a good job distributing the ball and making plays happen when things broke down. Coach Young said Young did miss on several slant passes last Friday and he said the Wildcats are working on that. The Wildcats did get two TD passes from Young to Austin Dodd and Landry Tyson. Coach Young said sophomore Caden Davis ran the ball well as did senior Colton Allen.
This Friday (September 7) the Wildcats face Lovejoy at Prim Stadium. The Leopards thrive on offense but Coach Young said that doesn’t mean that the Lovejoy defense is not strong. He noted last November during the bi-district match up between Wildcats and Leopards, the Lovejoy defense gave the Wildcats’ offense fits and made it tough for Sulphur Springs to win the third down battles. Coach Young said the faces may be different on the Lovejoy defense but he said they still play the same way: aggressive and despite being undersized, fast and violent. He said the Wildcats’ offense must be ready. Coach Young said Lovejoy tries to pressure offensive lines by using different defensive fronts and movement. He said the Leopards have some long defensive ends, a good middle linebacker, some players with speed on the outside and a wide receiver cornerback guy who is really fast.
Wildcats DC Alex Guerra Comments on Wildcats Wakeland Win and Lovejoy’s Potent Offense
Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Alex Guerra said he enjoyed the Wildcats win over Frisco Wakeland last Friday night (August 31). He said the Wildcats’ defense played fast. Coach Guerra said the Wildcats did have two break downs on defense that resulted in long TD passes. He said one was a gamble on an interception that was unsuccessful.
Coach Guerra said the Wildcats’ linebackers played well. He said the Wolverines worked to neutralize the Wildcats’ outside linebacker Kylan Wade so Coach Guerra said the Wildcats had to make some adjustments. The Wildcats leader for tackles and assists against Wakeland was inside linebacker Daniel Moreno. Coach Guerra said the Wildcats only allowed 37 yards rushing. He noted the Wildcats’ defense only had to face thirty-something plays since the Wildcats offense controlled the ball so much. Coach Guerra said outside linebacker D.Q. Pitts was impressive in breaking up a two point pass attempt after touchdown that would have tied the score in the fourth quarter.
The new defensive coordinator had a moment that is bound to raise his reputation among defensive players. He told the defense to watch for a long pass on Wakeland’s first play. That’s exactly what the Wolverines did and safety Austin Dodd was able to intercept the pass.
The Wildcats face Lovejoy Friday (September 7) at Prim Stadium and Coach Guerra said the Leopards are explosive. He said he attended the Wildcats and Lovejoy bi-district game at Prim Stadium last November and he said he was impressed with the Leopards’ quarterback, running back, receivers and center and he said they are all back. Coach Guerra called the Lovejoy offense well coached and disciplined. He said the Wildcats would have to gang tackle running back Jahi Rainey. Coach Guerra added that Lovejoy quarterback Carson Collins is a great quarterback.
Wildcat, Lady Cats Place at Wylie East Invitational
The Wildcats’ cross country team was fourth and the Lady Cats eighth at a Wylie East Raider Invitational last Saturday (September 1). Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks said it was a good meet with lots of quality competition. He said it was the first 5K race for the teams since their time trial run at Coleman Park back on August 18.
Coach Hicks said the Lady Cats were led by Sydney Washburn, who he said is getting better. Senior Bailey Arrington finished next for the Lady Cats followed by senior Kaitlyn Ferrill, then Landri McKinney and Ashley Noe. He said the Lady Cats’ times were close to where they were last year at this time.
For the Wildcats, Landon Thornton led the way with a seventh place finish. Coach Hicks said he ran a good race with a time of 16:50. The next Wildcats’ finishers were sophomore Christian Palomino and senior Eli Sellers. Junior Nabian Ramirez was next followed by freshman Jose Mejia.
Next the Wildcats and Lady Cats will run at a UT Tyler cross country meet on Saturday (September 8). Sulphur Springs has competed there for many years. Hicks ran the course when he was in high school. He said to expect more quality competition.
Game Day: Volleyball Hosts Wills Point, Team Tennis Opens District at Lindale
Volleyball and team tennis are on the menu for this Tuesday (September 4) game day. The Lady Cats play host to Wills Point in Wildcat Gym. The #13 state ranked Lady Cats are 21-5 for the season. This is the second time the two teams have played. The Lady Cats topped Wills Point, 2-0 during a Wills Point tournament in mid-August. There will be a freshman match at 4:30 p.m. followed by a JV contest and then a varsity match at around 6:30 p.m.
The Wildcats’ team tennis squad is also back in action on this Tuesday game day. It’s a big match in Lindale since it’s the district opener for both teams. Lindale is coached by former Wildcats’ tennis coach Randy Namanny. The match gets underway in Lindale at 3:30 p.m. The Wildcats seem much improved this season despite a season record of 3-7. Many of the Wildcats’ losses have been close ones. The Wildcats played last on August 23 and they got a big win at Pine Tree.
