Wildcat Football: Defense; Offensive Linemen
Defensive Coordinator Alex Guerra on Expectations for Wildcats Defense This Season
Earlier this week, new Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Alex Guerra discussed his expectations for the Wildcats defense this season. He said thy will need to play fast and play with a lot of heart and emotion. Coach Guerra said he wants a very chaotic defense but also one that plays under control. He said he wants guys who go at it with passion and emotion but then turn it off when the whistle blows to focus and get ready for the next play. Coach Guerra said the bottom line is that players are going to have to give second and third effort. He said other teams will probably be bigger than the Wildcats but he added the Wildcats must play faster and quicker. Coach Guerra said his players might be smaller but they must be strong. He said that’s where off season programs are so important. Coach Guerra said he knows he will be sharing lots of players with the offense. He said it is important for his defense to be two and three deep at positions. Coach Guerra said it is on coaches to make sure they don’t send a tired kid out on the field.
Jeremy Offutt on His Offensive Linemen
This is the last in a series on Wildcats coaches and their players. Today (August 23) we feature Offensive Line Coach Jeremy Offutt and his Wildcats varsity offensive linemen. Coach Offutt is in his seventh year coaching Wildcats varsity offensive linemen. Coach Offutt has lost over 40 pounds in recent months. He is a former North Lamar offensive linemen who played in college at Oklahoma State. Coach Offutt also was briefly with the Detroit Lions. He coached at Northwest Louisiana before coming to Sulphur Springs. Concerning this year’s offensive line, Coach Offutt said his current group has a lot of experience in some players but inexperience in others. He said he has got some size, four 300 pounders, and some good athletes. Coach Offutt said they are working hard to improve. Out of nine offensive linemen, six are seniors. They are Ethan Rodgers, Hayden Daniels, Jakeb Jonaitis, Charlie Maddox, Hunter Salverino and Phillip Rater. His juniors are Giovanni Pizano, Chandler Leo and Ryan Hammonds. Rodgers, at 6-3 and 300 pounds is in his third year on the varsity. He was all-district at guard last year. Rodgers has also played tackle. He’s the team’s starting center this year. Coach Offutt calls 6-foot-4 320 pound Daniels a Swiss army knife kind of guy since he can play all five positions along the line. Coach Offutt said 6-3 330 pound Jakeb Jonaitis is one of his most physical linemen. The second year varsity player had to overcome a very serious hand injury that threatened his playing career. 6-2 240 pound right tackle Maddox is also back after a serious injury right before the start of last seasont hat threatened his football career. Coach Offutt said watching film of Maddox this year, it appeared he was never out. 5-10 220 pound left guard Salverino is a converted center. Coach Offut said 6-3 230 pound Phillip Rater played on the JV last year and is improving all the time. Pizano is a 5-10 250 pound left guard. Leo at 6-foot and 240 pounds is athletic and can play several positions according to Coach Offutt. He said 6-3 310 pound Hammonds is physical and has played his way onto the varsity after being on the JV last season. Coach Offutt said offensive lines are almost always close knit. They thrive as a group since they don’t generate stats or get individual acclaim. Coach Offutt said they are a tighter brotherhood than any other position group on the team.
Game Day: Football Scrimmage; Volleyball; Team Tennis
Football, volleyball and team tennis are all happening on this Thursday (August 23) game day.
Those football fans who have been asking coaches and media how the Wildcats are doing can see for themselves. The varsity Wildcats will have their one and only scrimmage of the season Thursday at 7 p.m. at Gerald Prim Stadium. They will be asking for $2 for admission to benefit Our Day to Shine, a Texas High School Coaches Association fund for injured players and coaches. The JV and freshmen teams also scrimmage beginning at 5 p.m.
The red hot Lady Cats’ volleyball team opens pool play Thursday in the Tyler ISD Tournament. The #11 ranked Lady Cats, 14-3 for the season, play Hallsville at 1:30 p.m., then White Oak at 3:30 p.m. and Henderson at 5:30 p.m. The tournament will continue Saturday. The Lady Cats won a Wills Point tournament last Friday and Saturday.
The Wildcats’ team tennis squad has their only match of the week on this Thursday game day at Pine Tree at 3:30 p.m. This will be the team’s final non-district match as district play begins September 4 at Lindale. Although the Wildcats have struggled to win matches, they are playing teams much tougher this season. They have lost two matches by the score of 10-9.
Mental Health and Wellness Seminar on September 8 at Arbala Road Church of Christ
Pastoring Minister and congregation invites everyone to Arbala Road Church of Christ on the weekend of September 8 and 9, 2018 for special events benefiting individuals and families.
On the evening of Saturday September 8 at 6pm, a Health and Wellness Seminar will be presented by counselor Israel Lewis. Statistics show that 60 million Americans have mental illness issues within any given year, and no matter the cause, these issues can result in disturbance, unrest and breakdown in the family structure. The Arbala Road Church of Christ family is hosting this event in the hope that many will attend and find resources and possible solutions to problems that we individually face. The seminar is designed to help anyone to cement a closer relationship with God, to be resourceful in seeking help that you need and to recognize dependence on other persons whom we can trust for support and assistance. The seminar is open to the public and is free of charge.
The following day, Sunday September 9, the annual Fall Fellowship services will begin during the morning with guest minister Shane Mushonga of Faith Pointe Church of Christ. The theme of the day is “This World Needs a Revival”. Lunch will be served at noon followed by afternoon services. The public is invited to make a day of it and be blessed by the speaker and the hospitality of the congregation.
Arbala Road Church of Christ is located at 806 CR 1175 in southern Hopkins County. DIRECTIONS: take League Street south toward FM 2297. Continue south of 2297 for 5 miles. Turn right onto CR 1175 and look for the first church building on the left.
Arrest Team Serves Felony Warrant on Local Man
Special Crimes Unit activated an arrest team that included deputies, patrol officers, and Criminal Investigators from the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and the Sulphur Springs Police Department. The team successfully arrested David Carl Harvey, 41, of Sulphur Springs.
Harvey was arrested at his residence on Georgia Street. The arrest team was activated due to information about weapons at the residence and the possibility of Harvey fleeing. Harvey was aware of a felony warrant issued for his arrest.
Harvey did attempt to flee when officers arrived and some had entered the residence. However, he did lay down at the entry door of the house when it became apparent other officers were present outside the residence.
Harvey is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Violation of Probation Manufacture Deliver Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams and for Assault Causes Bodily Injury. He is being held with bond denied on the felony charge.
Dike Man Arrested for Burglary of a Habitation; Had Stolen Items in His Possession
August 23, 2018 – Sulphur Springs Police arrested Michael Shane McCormick, 27, of Dike, for burglary of a habitation on Martin Luther King Drive in Sulphur Springs. The burglary occurred sometime or August 13 or 14, 2018. The resident was not at home at the time of the burglary.
When McCormick gained entry into the residence, he took keys and money. He also left personal items behind that identified him as the suspect in the case, according to Sulphur Springs Criminal Investigator David Gilmore. Gilmore stated that at the time of the arrest, McCormick, who was at work in the 1300 block of Mockingbird Ln., had some of the stolen items in his pocket. Those items included a Dallas Cowboy lanyard with numerous keys and accessories.
McCormick is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Burglary of a Habitation, Felony 2, and is being held on a $50,000 bond.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Video Presentation: CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic-Sulphur Springs Opens New Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic
Dedication and Grand Opening of the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedic and Sports Medicine facility gave the public a look at the expansion of services enabling a broader scope of care for Dr. Richard Graves and his staff.
In welcoming guests Hospital Administrator Paul Harvey said the building was a part of the CHRISTUS goal of expanding the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Dr. Graves stated that he has awaited the new facility. He introduced Jan Flowers a Nurse Practitioner who has been added to the staff. Dr. Graves said the number of patients continues to increase. He commended his staff for their work with patients and in assisting with the move.
Chamber Connection August 23,2018
The end is drawing near for the 3rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest! Let me review the basics. Anyone of any age can enter as we have a children’s category. The picture must be newer than January 1, 2016 and must have been taken in Hopkins County. The contest will be open from August 1st to August 31st. There are seven categories you may enter: Natural World, Travel, People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children’s Category. Only digital images are accepted (no prints). To submit your photograph, email the picture to [email protected]. Rules and releases will be available on the Chamber of Commerce website. I cannot wait to see your beautiful photos!
I have some more very exciting news! The Chamber of Commerce is currently selling the first ever Hopkins County Christmas ornament. It is the first in a series of ornaments and features the courthouse, our location in Texas, and beautiful magnolia blossoms representative of our trees downtown. It is dated with the year, made with 24 karat gold, shatterproof, and VERY limited in number. They are quite beautiful and the perfect start to a rare collection. They are $40 each and we only have a few left! If you would like to purchase one, please call the Chamber at (903) 885-6515, or come by soon.
The 49th Stew Contest will be held on Saturday, October 27th, in Buford Park in Sulphur Springs. Stew sponsorship letters and cook letters have been mailed. If you would like to sponsor stew or cook stew this year, please give us a call at (903) 885-6515, and we will get you an entry form. If you are interested in judging stew, please call the Chamber or email me at [email protected] with your name, address, phone number, and email address.
Every year, the Chamber allows a non-profit organization to sell drinks at the Stew Cook-off. There are several rules and regulations to follow, but if you are interested in placing your organization’s name in the hat, please call the Chamber. You will be asked to come in and sign an understanding agreement in regard to rules and expectations. Deadline for volunteers is August 26th. Once we have all our volunteers in place, we will literally pick one out of a hat and award drink sales to that organization. Please call if you have any questions.
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 25th
The next Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 25th, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This free workshop will cover marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals & dreams. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Engaged couples who attend the workshop will be given a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license. Contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to enroll.
Texas A&M University – Commerce hosting fair
Kick of your 2018-2019 recruiting year on Monday, August 27th by attending this part-time job, internship, and community resource fair! Make Your Connection is part of Lion’s Roar Welcome Week activities where they introduce more than 500 students looking to get hired and be inspired! This is a great way for you to promote part-time jobs, internships, and community resources to TAMU-C students. Each vendor will have a 6ft table, 2 chairs, and a tablecloth. Promotional giveaways are strongly encouraged at your booth! However, the Residential Living and Learning Department requests that no candles and/or incense be given to on-campus residents. THIS IS A FREE EVENT – come hire and inspire a Lion. Please bring a prize/gift basket worth a minimum of $25.00 for a student raffle at the conclusion of the event. Contact Assistant Director Bethany Ferrall at 903.468.3212 or [email protected] with any questions. Additional information can be found at https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/6330/employer_preview.
Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild hosting their annual quilt show
The Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild is hosting their annual quilt show on Friday, September 14th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, September 15th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show will be held at The ROC which is located at 115 Putnam Street in Sulphur Springs. This year the Quilt Guild is celebrating their 20th anniversary and is having a special feature called the “Supper Quilt” by Donald E. Locke. This is a quilt that depicts “The Last Supper” inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. Dr. Locke will be speaking about the quilt on Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and again on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Seating for the presentation is limited. Quilt show admission is $5.00, and children under 12 are free. In addition, raffle tickets are available at $1.00 per ticket or 6 for $5.00 for the 2018 Raffle Quilt called “Something Blue”. For more information, visit www.SulphurSpringsTxQuilts.com.
Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ Flea Market and Swap on October 11-13
Danna’s Buffalo Girls’ will be having a flea market and swap event on October 11, 12 & 13 beginning at 8:00 a.m. They are currently looking for vendors as well as shoppers who are ready to shop, swap, and eat. Expect to experience eclectic finds, shabby chic, rustic, western/urban, Victorian traditional, backyard or barn sale items, tools, guns, vintage antiques and homemade items. Visit www.dannasfleamarketstyle.com or call 903-439-7091 for more information.
Lil 4’s Receives Generous Donation
The Lil 4’s were blessed with a large delivery last Friday, August 17th. These donations consisted of 5 bedrooms worth of furniture, 24 mattress, clothing, toys, bikes, car seats, school supplies, clothing and etc. This was made possible through Greg and Michelle McKenzie from Atlanta GA along with friends of theirs.
Lil 4’s Back To School Bash Included: Harlem Globetrotters and SAFE-T
Lil 4’s Club held their Back to School bash Saturday, August 18th in the practice gym of Sulphur Springs High School. Each child received a new backpack and school supplies as well as new school clothes and shoes brought by Shanequa and Aundre Branch and their group who traveled from Houston.
Mr. Branch is a former professional basketball player and Harlem Globetrotter, and Mrs. Branch recently retired from the US Air Force after 20 years of service. The Branches heard about Lil 4’s club on the View and offered to put on a free basketball clinic at the Back to School bash. Mr. Branch showed off his skills from the Globetrotters and showed the kids through interactive basketball games the importance of effort, having a healthy mind and body, cooperation, responsibility, and other important life skills. Mr. Branch said he was passionate about helping the students because he grew up in circumstances similar to those many of the children who come to Lil 4s’s face. Growing up in one of the toughest
neighborhoods in inner city Houston, Branch used the game of basketball as a positive tool. It helped him stay focused, stay goal oriented, make right decisions and sparked a very successful career. Although his environment was full of negative distractions, he was able to make some successful
accomplishments.
Branch was a two-time, second-team all-Southwest Conference player during his years at Baylor University. He is the 7th leading scorer in school history and is one of the all-time three-point shooters in the school’s history. With hard work and dedication, Branch was able to attract many professional teams after his college career.
Aundre Branch has had the opportunity to play professionally in France, Spain, Turkey, China, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, CBA, and IBA. Still motivated to live out his dream of playing professional basketball, Branch played 8 years with the Harlem Globetrotters. His great shooting ability
became the foundation for his nickname “Hot Shot”. While with the Globetrotters, he served not only as a player, but as an Advance Ambassador. As an Ambassador, he visited hospitals, schools, TV
stations, radio interviews, charities, clinics, and different appearances on behalf of the Globetrotters. Branch has traveled to 59 countries, doing motivational speeches to help encourage different youths across the globe about the importance of education, hard work, staying positive, decision making, and accomplishing dreams. He serves now as a mentor, example, and positive role model for all potential youths that share the same trials and tribulations that he conquered over his many successful years. Mr.
Branch is part of Project Hoops, a non-profit organization which he helps develop successful student- athletes. He hopes that his testimonies about his life experiences, accomplishments, challenges, and with his passion will help motivate and develop kids to be successful in the world.
In addition to the basketball clinic provided by the Branches, the fire department was there to talk about home and fire safety, and Ragan Dennis, an advocate from SAFE-T, spoke on healthy versus unhealthy relationships- from standing up to bullying and not peer pressuring others to signs of
domestic abuse.
Ms. Dennis told KSST that SAFE-T (which stands for Shelter Agencies for Families in East Texas) is headquartered in Mt. Pleasant and has offices in Sulphur Springs and Paris as well. She has partnered with Lil 4’s club for the summer to put on a camp to educate children about personal safety and healthy relationships. Ms. Dennis said that many of her clients don’t realize that abuse is not only physical, there is such a thing as verbal and emotional abuse as well. She said the organization is in need of on-call
volunteers to assist clients who come into the hospital, as they receive about 20-40 new clients every month in addition to repeat clients. SAFE-T also takes donations of clothing, toiletries and bedding. Their office line is (903)-439-0325 and their Sulphur Springs office is located at 613 Gilmer St. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or abuse, SAFE-T’s hotline number is (903)-575-9999.
Lil 4’s provides meals, homework help, and summer/after school care for over 50 predominantly low-income children. They are located at 200 Fuller St. in Sulphur Springs. For more information or to donate, please contact Letitia Conleffe at (214) 809-1908.
A Few New UIL Rule Changes for the 2018 Football Season
Kevin Tanton, a Math teacher and former Lady Cats Assistant Basketball Coach, is also a high school football official. Tanton is in his first year in the Dallas officials chapter after a couple of years in the local Commerce chapter. He is a line judge.
Wednesday morning (August 22) Tanton commented on rule changes coming to high school football games this fall. Tanton said football officials would be making sure that all players on the field were wearing knee pads. He said players without knee pads would be sent off of the field.
Tanton said the blocking below the waist rule has been changed again. He said now officials may consider some such blocks are legal if a player can see the block coming so they can defend themselves from the block. Tanton said blocking below the waist still must occur within five yards of the line of scrimmage.
Another new rule allows a player receiving a kickoff inside their own 25 yard line to call for and make a fair catch. Officials then will mark the ball at the 25-yard line. All of these changes were made in an attempt to improve player safety.
Tanton said there are also some new rules concerning the play clock. He said after a touchdown, officials will set the play clock at :40 seconds. Teams will have 40 seconds to attempt an extra point or two point conversion. A 40-second play clock will also be used after a kickoff. The changes were made to speed up the game.
