December 8, 2011

thursday

Master Gardeners
Page 4

InsIde

InsIde x Burleson City Council approved a permit for six gas wells after a continuation of a public hearing and request from Chesapeake Energy on Monday night. page 3

sports x The Cleburne Yellow Jackets basketball team has won as many games this year as they did all of last season. page 6

16 paGes VoluMe 102 no. 244

Giant leap
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Chapel hill lone obstacle left in alvarados quest for state title

alvarados wayne onderdonck (7) leaps over defenders in the Indians 69-6 win over Mineral wells at pioneer stadium. onderdonck has amassed 2,887 rushing yards and scored 28 touchdowns during alvarados run to the state championship game.

Courtesy photo/Julie Holland

By Zack cunningham sports@trcle.com For the first time, the Alvarado Indians will play for a state championship. Alvarado (14-0) plays Tyler Chapel Hill (14-0) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Cowboys Stadium with the Class 3A Division I state championship on the line. This is Chapel Hills second year in the state championship game. Last year, the Bulldogs lost to Henderson, 28-21. Alvarado has a similar tale involving revenge

against Henderson. After being knocked out, 2013, in the state semifinals last year by Henderson, the Indians defeated the Lions, 34-13, last week in the state semifinals to set a new school singleseason wins record. It really hadnt sunk in yet, Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon said. Life goes on and well enjoy it after Friday. Right now were just trying to find a way to slow down Chapel Hill. Im so excited for our coaches and players and everybody. Its such an honor and a blessing to reach this point.

Alvarado made its way to the seasons final game with one of the states best defenses (its given up 101 points this season ... and just 26 points in the playoffs) and a ball-control offense led by senior running back Wayne Onderdonck (2,887 yards rushing, 28 touchdowns). Chapel Hill has lived on the edge the last few weeks, needing a touchdown with 13 seconds left to pull out a 21-16 win over West Columbia and fourth-quarter comebacks over Waco La Vega
see state, page 11

Game facts

date and time: 7:30 p.m. Friday place: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington at stake: Class 3A Division I state championship. For complete coverage, see pages 7-11.

By the numbers
14 101 328
The number of wins by both Alvarado and Chapel Hill this season. Alvarados previous record for wins in a season was 13 set by 1995s 13-1 team. The number of points given up by Alvarado this season. Twenty six were in the playoffs. The number of rushing yards Alvarado averages per game.

Alvarado Indians
Number of rushing yards for Alvarado senior running back Wayne Onderdonck.

Tyler Chapel Hill (14-0)

6,032 24 2,887

Total offensive output by Alvarado this season.

Number of interceptions by Alvarado this season.

Alvarado Indians (14-0)

Jesus is the reason for the season!

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Times-review 7

Alvarado Indians
By michael hatch special to the times-review terest in the sport. The run by the Alvarado Indians football team to the Class 3A Division I state championship game has certainly brought a great deal of attention to the small Johnson County town. The Indians are on the verge of winning the schools first ever state championship in football, or any sport. This is pretty special, Alvarado ISD Public Information Officer Tommy Brown said. Just to have a chance to play for a state title in any sport is great. Although there is a definite up-

Tyler Chapel Hill Bulldogs

beat vibe at Alvarado High School as students, faculty, players and coaches prepare for Friday, the week so far has been pretty normal. Theres a Purple Out pep rally on Friday so there are some special things going on, Brown added. John Copeland, manager of Franks Place Restaurant, which sits a stones throw from Charles Head Stadium, said the conversations around the diner have been more focused on the game and how the team has turned some heads. Theres been a lot of talk about the game, Copeland said, and how they went out and beat Henderson last week. This has had a big impact on the alumni of Alvarado High School as well. Secretaries at the schools have noticed people coming in to purchase game tickets who staff have not seen in more than 20 years. Im so excited! said Aaron Schultz, a 2006 AHS graduate. [Ive] already got my tickets, including one for my dad and our exchange student. Generationally speaking, the children of many of the alumni from early classes in the 1980s and before now have kids playing or attending Alvarado schools. It has meant a lot to them, too. Alvarado school board member Mike Percifield, a longtime resident of the town and part of the class of 1987, said it was hard to take it all in and absorb the reality of the Indians in the championship game. We thought we had good teams back then, he said, but nothing compares to the talent they are putting on the field now. Percifield also heaped accolades
See CITY, Page 11

City of Alvarado rallying behind Indians journey to title

The DFW Metroplex has seen its share of sports firsts recently. The Dallas Mavericks winning the NBA championship, TCU winning the Rose Bowl last season, and, more painfully, the Texas Rangers coming within a strike of winning the World Series, just to mention a few. Despite no parade for the Rangers, long playoff runs and championships have a way of galvanizing a city and making fans even out of those who may not have a pure in-

Its written in the star

By michael hatch special to the times-review

Bulldogs pose a formidable challenge

Alvarados Wayne Onderdonck (7) rumbles down the sideline during the Indians 34-13 win over Henderson in the Class 3A Division I state semifinals at Pennington Field.

Courtesy photo/Julie Holland

By Zack cunningham sports@trcle.com

Indians humble standout authors Alvarados historic chapter

For Alvarado senior running Wayne Onderdonck, this seasons journey to the state title game against Chapel Hill has been a lot of things. Onderdonck is pushing 3,000 rushing yards. Hes less than 150 yards short with 2,887 and he said its a goal that both he and the offensive line, which he repeatedly praises, want. I plan on getting it, he said, smiling. The offensive line has been wanting it just as much as I do. Onderdonck has averaged more than 200 rushing yards a game and his ability to get first downs and ultimately touchdowns are a big reason why Alvarados offense is so deadly. Hes complemented by quarterback Kenny West and fullback Lee Hardy. Hardy has rushed for more than 600 yards and 11 scores. Its fun and they complement me well, he said. Kenny is a great leader and he also blocks really well. Theyre both great leaders and they run and play hard. Theyre good athletes who are going to make plays and that takes a lot of weight off my shoulders. Onderdonck, who has played on the varsity

team since his freshman year, said the gravity of getting to play at Cowboys Stadium still hasnt sunk in. He added the season didnt end for Alvarado or for him once the Indians earned revenge on Henderson in last weeks 34-13 win. Im trying not to get caught up in all the hype, he said. Weve still got a job to do. We need to keep getting better and theres no point in us being there if were not going to win it, in my opinion.

Alvarado quarterback Kenny West (18) hands the ball off to Wayne Onderdonck (7) during the Indians 34-13 win over Henderson at Pennington Field.

Courtesy photo/Julie Holland

Were never going to see Henderson again. That wasnt the state championship. This is. Onderdonck echoed the sentiment that Alvarado Defensive Coordinator Eddie Hatch shared after Fridays win over Henderson that the Lions got Alvarados rings last year. Those sure wouldve looked nice on us, Onderdonck said. But it just wasnt in the cards last year. We played hard but we didnt come out right in the second half. It was heartbreaking when we lost, but we knew all season we had to get better and that we needed to get better. The seniors wanted to get back there, and we made it a point that wed beat Henderson this year and then whoever we played in the state championship game. Despite carrying the ball 324 times this season, Onderdonck said hes ready for more in the state title game. Were going to feed off the energy and keep getting better, Onderdonck said. This is it and theres no going back. We just had our last Monday workout forever. But I know that when you have a group of guys who are willing to work hard no matter what and know weve still got business to take care off, it helps. When you have a bunch of guys who want to win, theres no telling what we can do.

The Alvarado Indians face a talented and tough Chapel Hill Bulldogs team at Cowboys Stadium on Friday night. The Bulldogs are undefeated at 14-0. The Bulldogs are explosive on offense, averaging more than 45 points per game in the regular season Andrew and about the same Tucker through four playoff games. All State Honorable Mention Quarterback Avery Saenz leads the Bulldog offensive attack. Saenz has thrown for more than 1,500 yards with 18 touchdown Avery Saenz passes and four interceptions. One of Saenzs favorite targets is another 2010 allstate honorable mention player Avery Henderson who has more than 500 yards and five touchdowns. Colton Wide receiver Moore Nelson Onwuzu is just as good as Henderson. The speedy receiver has more than 900 yards and eight touchdowns. Saenz isnt as mobile as some of the quarterbacks Nelson faced by the AlOnwuzu varado defense, having rushed for only 63 yards. He hasnt had to run much due to the running attack Chapel Hill puts on the field.
See BULLDOGS, Page 11

Indians Are STATE BOUND!!

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8 Times-review

sporTs

Thursday, december 8, 2011

Alvarado Indians

Tyler Chapel Hill Bulldogs

A game-by-game look at Alvarados 2011 season

By Zack cunningham sports@trcle.com The Alvarado Indians have had a history-making 2011 season and have set a new school record for victories in a season with 14. Alvarado can make it 15 with a win over Tyler Chapel Hill on Friday at Cowboys Stadium when the Indians play in their first-ever state championship game. Heres a look back at the season: Game 1 Alvarado 42, Robinson 27 Alvarados opening contest against the Robinson Rockets proved to be its toughest so far. Robinson jumped out to an early 6-0 lead after quarterback Carson Earp fired a seven-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Cone with 3:57 left in the first quarter. Lee Hardy brought Alvarado back with a 22-yard touchdown run to make it 7-6, but Robinson regained a 12-6 advantage when Earp found Alex Rogers on an eight-yard touchdown pass. Alvarado took the lead for good on a 25-yard touchdown run by Wayne Onderdonck, his first of four touchdown runs. Robinson closed to within 28-20 in the fourth quarter, but Onderdonck and Hardy helped seal the deal with late touchdown runs. Onderdonck finished with 364 rushing yards on 27 carries. Game 2 Alvarado 26, Springtown 0 The Alvarado Indians pitched a shutout on the road against Springtown and flexed their muscles through the air in a 26-0 win. Kenny West was 11-of-20 for 196 yards and three touchdown passes, and Wayne Onderdonck rushed 24 times for 193 yards and a score. The Indians picked off Springtown five times and surrendered just 286 yards of offense. Austin Ellinger caught four passes for 69 yards and two scores. Tyler Bates caught five passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. Game 3 Alvarado 28, Prosper 7 Outsized and outnumbered, the Alvarado Indians were not fazed by rival Prosper at home as the Indians outwitted the much-bigger Eagles in a 28-7 win. Kenny West tossed two touchdown passes to Tyler Bates totaling 115 yards through the air, and Bates returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown as the Indians cruised at Charles Head Memorial Stadium. Wayne Onderdonck added a 2-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to seal the game.

He finished with 87 yards on 21 carries and the Alvarado defense limited Prosper to just 59 yards through the air and 230 yards of total offense. Game 4 Alvarado 39, Bridgeport 20

Alvarado Indians celebrate their second consecutive Class 3A Division I regional championship after defeating Henderson 34-13 at Pennington Field. The Indians (14-0) take on Tyler Chapel Hill at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Cowboys Stadium for the state championship.

Courtesy photo/Julie Holland

Game 6 Alvarado 55, Kennedale 0

The Indians survived a chippy game against Bridgeport thanks to 281 rushing yards and three touchdowns from Wayne Onderdonck. Kenny West went 9-of-21 for 127 yards and his late 34-yard touchdown pass to Austin Ellinger sealed the win. Lee Hardy and Marcus McNeil added rushing touchdowns as Alvarado churned out 406 yards on the ground. The Indians trailed, 7-0, after Bridgeport opened with a 71-yard touchdown hook up from Colby Mahon to Garrett Mullins. Game 5 Alvarado 37, Waco Connally 6 In a battle of unbeatens, the Indians proved to be the better undefeated team at home against Waco Connally. Wayne Onderdonck rushed for 133 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns. Kenny West tossed a 77-yard touchdown to Tyler Bates and rushed for another score as the Indians only surrendered a 22-yard interception return for a score in the final frame. Marcus McNeil added a 45-yard touchdown as time wound down in the fourth quarter.

This contest was far different than the 2010 edition when Alvarado squeaked out a 35-34 victory in the closing seconds. In the 2011 edition, Alvarado limited Kennedale to 37 total yards of offense. The Indians had 18 first downs to Kennedales two. Alvarado piled up 483 yards of total offense. Wayne Onderdonck rushed 17 times for 227 yards and two touchdowns. Kennedale fumbled five times and lost three. Lee hardy rushed for two touchdowns and Kenny West threw two and ran for another. Game 7 Alvarado 50, Hillsboro 0 Alvarado allowed just four yards of offense in a 50-0 rout of Hillsboro to open District 8-3A play. The Indians were led on offense by Wayne Onderdonck who had 173 yards on 18 carries and two scores. Lee Hardy added a 41-yard touchdown run and Tyler Bates and Michael Vanderhoff each had touchdown receptions. Bates also returned a punt 25 yards for the score and Jared McCarver had a late touchdown run. Austin Ellinger kicked a 33-yard field goal in the second quarter. Game 8 Alvarado 71, Venus 0 The Indians kept their scoreless streak alive in District 8-3A play with a rout of the Indians. Tyler Bates returned two punts for touchdowns and took a kickoff to the house in the blowout victory. Andrew Leger had a sixyard scoring run, Xavier Holbert returned an interception for a touchdown and Lee Hardy added touchdown runs of five, 11 and two yards. Austin Ellinger had a 75-yard touchdown reception from Kenny West.

Marcus McNeil added a 21yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Game 9 Alvarado 63, West 6

Tyler Bates and West added two more scores in the final frame to help the Indians pull away. Game 11 Alvarado 69, Mineral Wells 6 The Indians rolled over Mineral Wells in a rematch of

Game 13 Alvarado 42, Seminole 7

Though they finished 0-10, the West Trojans became the

Marcus Villarreal, left, and Brazos Fuller (99) combine for a tackle during Alvarados 37-9 win over Glen Rose.

Courtesy photo/Julie Holland

first team to score on Alvarados vaunted defense in a 63-6 loss. West scored on an 85-yard kickoff return by Coy Schier. Other than that, it was all Indians. Alvarado surrendered just 19 yards of total offense and Wayne Onderdonck piled up 210 yards on nine carries. He scored three times. Tyler Bates had a 48-yard interception return for a touchdown and added a 10-yard run later in the game. Game 10 Alvarado 37, Glen Rose 9 Glen Rose put a scare into Alvarado for three quarters in the de facto District 8-3A championship game at Alvarado by forcing the Indians into four interceptions. Glen Rose led, 3-0, after the first quarter and took a 9-8 lead in the third before the Indians rallied with a 29 points in the second half. Onderdonck gashed the Tigers defense with 312 rushing yards on 30 carries. Kenny Wests one-yard touchdown run in the third broke the game open. Onderdonck scored in the fourth and

the 2010 Class 3A first round playoffs. Wayne Onderdonck topped 200 yards rushing again and the Indians turned a close game in the first half into a blowout with big plays in every facet of the game. Tyler Bates caught a touchdown pass, returned a punt for a touchdown and blocked an extra point in the win. Game 12 Alvarado 31, Abilene Wylie 0 Alvarados defense continued its domination of playoff opponents at Birdville Stadium in the second round of the Class 3A Division I playoffs as the Indians limited Wylie to just 104 yards of total offense. Wayne Onderdonck tallied 226 rushing yards and Lee Hardy managed 100 yards on 10 carries. The Indians used a 21-points second quarter to break open a close game in the first quarter. Onderdonck rushed for a score, Lee Hardy had a rushing touchdown and Kenny West rushed for a score and tossed a 10-yard touchdown to Austin Ellinger.

A four-hour drive into the badlands of West Texas didnt faze Alvarado in their drive to return to the state semifinals and neither did Seminoles powerful offense. Alvarados defense again responded with a stellar effort, limiting speedy Jarod Adams and Seminoles spread offense to just 190 yards. Alvarados defense forced four turnovers, two interceptions and two fumbles, in the win. Wayne Onderdonck had 196 rushing yards in the first half and finished with 223 yards on 31 carries and finished with three touchdowns. Tight end Michael Vanderhoff caught two passes, both for scores, as the Indians kept Seminole off guard through the air, going 5-for-5 for 69 yards. Game 14 Alvarado 34, Henderson 13 Billed as the rematch, the Alvarado Indians wasted little time jumping on the team that knocked them out of the state semifinals last year. Alvarado jumped out to an early 13-0 lead as the Indians struck first through the air. Andrew Leger and Austin Ellinger each caught touchdown passes to open the floodgates and Marcus McNeil picked off a fleaflicker pass on Hendersons first play from scrimmage to set the tone. Alvarados swarming defense, led by Xavier Holbert and C.J. Johnson, harassed quarterback LaBradford Barnes all night, forcing two fumbles and two interceptions. The Indians limited Hendersons offense, which came in averaging 45 points a game, to just six heading into the fourth quarter. The victory propelled Alvarado into the state championship game for the first time in school history and set a new single-season record for wins at 14.

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Thursday, december 8, 2011

sporTs

Times-review 9

Alvarado Indians
By Zack cunningham sports@trcle.com

Tyler Chapel Hill Bulldogs

I was surprised he caught it, Bates said. But its been great to go undefeated and weve got to work hard at getting better. Bates is frequently tasked with guarding the oppositions best or tallest receiver. Against Abilene Wylie, Bates, who stands 5-7, guarded 6-5 wideout Richard Bloomed and delivered a punishing hit and also recorded another interception. Thats what hes known for, Holbert pitched in. Bates is a threat anywhere and everywhere on the field. Hes Alvarados leading receiver with 575 yards on 19 catches (an average of 30 yards per catch) and seven scores. Hes rushed for three touchdowns and thrown for two more. Hes returned four punts for scores and a kickoff for a touchdown. Honestly, we thought as long as we beat Henderson this year, that was our dream, he said. Now we have unfinished business to take care of. Im looking forward to the big day and I know theyre athletic, but we said that about Henderson. Itll be a big challenge and well come out victorious.

Indians speedy secondary propels Alvarados defense

Alvarados secondary has been instrumental in steering the Indians to 14 straight wins this season. Seniors Tyler Bates, Xavier Holbert and junior Marcus McNeil have 18 of Alvarados 24 interceptions and the speedy ball-hawkers are ready for more errant throws to come their way in the state championship game on Friday at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. Holbert has five of those picks and he had a critical one last week in the Indians 34-13 win over Henderson. Its been fun, Holbert said. There arent many [secondaries] like us. Were a very rare crew. We usually dont run the coverage right, but when we see the ball in the air, we know its ours. It helps when you have the defensive line like we have because then the quarterback cant set his feet. Were athletes back there. Holbert said forcing turnovers in the early stages of the game is critical to swinging momentum in the Indians favor. And thats what they did on Friday night against Henderson when McNeil picked off Hendersons LaBradford Barnes on the first play from scrimmage. Its real important because if you let them get the momentum, theyre very athletic and very fast, he said. When Marcus go the pick, all their heads dropped and we knew the offense was going to get them. Holbert takes exception to the suggestion that Alvarado lacks the same East Texas speed that Henderson and Chapel Hill supposedly possess. I dont know why people say we dont have the speed to keep up, he said. We have great speed on defense and everyone runs a 4.5 or 4.6 40-yard time. I dont know where they get this idea. We have very fast outside linebackers and were very fast at the

safety position. Indeed, Abilenes own David Robinett from KTAB/KRBC news called Alvarado silly fast on defense. Holbert said he isnt making the journey to Cowboys Stadium just to see the TV. Its surreal right now, he said. I want to win. It means nothing if you dont go get your rings. McNeil, the self-proclaimed pup of the secondary (and the mouth of the team according to Holbert) said hes glad for the second opportunity to go deep in the playoffs. Last year as a sophomore, I was in the same position as these seniors now, he said. It knocked us down a bit losing to Henderson last year, but it gave us motivation to get to the same spot we are at now. McNeil said hes not afraid of East Texas speed. Ive heard a lot about it, but Im still wondering what it is, Mc-

Alvarados Tyler Bates reaches for an interception during the Indians 37-9 win over Glen Rose at Charles Head Memorial Stadium. The win clinched the District 8-3A title.

Courtesy photo/Julie Holland

Neil said. We played East Texas speed and they scored 13 points. Bates, who has eight picks this year and had 11 last year, poked

fun at his younger teammate. The two collided on the first pick of the Henderson game, but McNeil came up with the ball.

Alvarados speedy defense limited Henderson to 13 points in its win at Pennington Field.

Courtesy photo/Julie Holland

Go Indians

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10 Times-review

sporTs

Thursday, december 8, 2011

By John henry

Super sophomore spurs state title surge

side because Tyler is on the other side of the field, said Daniel Pinkerton, a senior teammate. And he goes out there and makes plays just like Tyler does. Thats not exactly an accident. In addition to ability, the sophomore said he and his youthful classmates worked hard to be ready to play this year. In all, six sophomores made varsity. Motivation for Leger came in the form of Head Coach Jeff Dixons telling him hed be a varsity member last spring. So, I had to start working harder in the off-season, said Leger, who readily admits he was a nervous wreck in his first varsity action against Waco Robinson. The juniors [now seniors] pushed us very hard. Every day after school we worked out even though it wasnt our day to work out. We strived to get better. And improve, the varsity rookies did, older teammates all agree. They really rose to the occasion, Pinkerton said. Brazos is a hoss. Sevener, hes one of the smallest offen-

Alvarado Indians

Tyler Chapel Hill Bulldogs

special to the times-review

ALVARADO Contributions from unlikely sources have made Alvarados season of Remember Henderson a season to remember. Three sophomores, including cornerback Andrew Leger, have more than supplemented the redemption plans of the Indians, who are on the brink of claiming Alvarados first team title since the high school opened in 1910. Leger and defensive lineman Brazos Fuller have fortified the defense, and Andrew Sevener is key cog in the offensive line. Leger came to two-a-days in August expecting to be a running back, which he still is from time to time. Coaches, however, saw a need at corner. I said, Yes, sir, Ill do it, Leger said when the coaches asked about his interest in the position in the defensive secondary. If they ask me to do something, Ill do it for my team. Leger has stood up to the burden of playing with Tyler

By John henry and Zack cunningham special to the times-review

Briefs about the game

Bates on the other side. As opponents stayed away from the dangers of throwing at the Class 3A star, quarterbacks looked the other way, where they saw a what appeared to be a green, inexperienced

Alvarados Andrew Leger, left, hauls in a four-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Bates during the Indians 34-13 win over Henderson.

Courtesy photo/Julie Holland

rookie. Leger has two interceptions, including a key pickoff in the Class 3A state quarterfinals against Seminole, and 25 tackles. As a team, the Indians

have been very opportunistic. Theyve recovered 23 fumbles and have 24 interceptions on the season. Thats an average of more than three turnovers a game. They try to pick on his

sive linemen in the state and he just goes out there and hammers people. Leger will more than likely get more chances to play offense in the coming years. He has 150 yards on 32 carries and two touchdowns in backing up Wayne Onderdonck. I think its a privilege and I take advantage of that privilege, Leger said of his chance to play. And I thank all my coaches for allowing me to switch over to defense. With redemption in the can, the Indians are now after history. To make it, theyll have to contain another athletic team that thrives on big plays with the pass. Like all the others, Tyler Chapel Hill will probably try to stay away from Bates, whose reputation as a playmaker at this level is as common knowledge as the sun rising in the east. Since Week 1 weve been causing turnovers, Leger said. Chapel Hill is known to cough up the football and were going to take advantage as much as we can.

ALVARADO One might understand if Alvarado receivers sometimes feel as if theyre the invisible men. In a run-based offense such as the Indians, the receivers can sometimes feel forgotten. Not seniors Daniel Pinkerton and Austin Ellinger, who both know and embrace their

roles: make room where they can for running back Wayne Onderdonck. We just have to block for Wayne, and when your number is called you just have to make a play, Pinkerton said. Theyre actually hardly forgotten, both playing crucial roles in the Indians march to the Class 3A state championship game. Ellinger has 22 receptions for 413 yards and seven touchdowns. Pinkerton has

175 yards on 13 catches. Hes not one of those showtime running backs who tries to take all the credit, Pinkerton said of Onderdonck. He thanks everybody. Weve all been together for a pretty long time, but Wayne is very appreciative for what we do for him. For Coach Players are quick to answer when asked who their

biggest football influences are. Tony Romo? Adrian Peterson? Troy Polamalu? No. No. And No. We look up to our coaches, said senior wide receiver Daniel Pinkerton. They show us respect, they treat us like adults. Coach Jeff Dixon has the credibility of experience. He has been a part of state-championship winning teams at Katy and Southlake Carroll. This is his first as a head coach. His players want it for him. Coach Dixon has been there before, junior Lee Hardy said. He knows how to win. He knows what to expect from us, and we know what to expect from him. Pinkerton said, We trust the coaches; they trust us to perform. Bonding time Alvarado doesnt practice on the field on Thursdays during the season. But they do spend the afternoon building the mutual trust and fellowship every championship-caliber team

possesses. Thursday afternoons we try to get the whole team together and go out to eat, said junior fullback Lee Hardy. Generally 15 to 20 gathered each week to do what football players do best: eat. Old-school Count Alvarado players and cheerleaders among those who turn their nose to the fashionable inflated tunnels many teams run through to take the field at the beginning of the game and third quarter. Our run-through signs are painted by the cheerleaders, Lee Hardy said proudly. All these other schools have these big, inflatable tunnels, fog machines and fireworks. Were not all trying to be fancy like them. We have the classic run-through sign to try to keep tradition. Said Daniel Pinkerton: Were just there to play the game. Tickets remain on sale Tickets to the Class 3A state championship game remain on sale at Cactus Jacks, Alvarado High School, Al-

varado Junior High and the Alvarado ISD Administration Building. Prices are $10 for adults and $7 for students (children 1 year and older require a ticket). Tickets will remain on sale until noon Friday. Only cash is accepted, and there is a limit of six adult and four students tickets per person. All tickets are $15 at the game. Parking is $10 per car and $50 per bus or RV. Gates open at 6 p.m. Briefly Chapel Hill has trailed in the fourth quarter the past three games. The Bulldogs had to fight back to claim victories against Waco La Vega, Navasota and West Columbia. Alvarados potent offensive in all likelihood will get opportunities against Chapel Hill, which has given up an average of slightly more than 21 points per game. Alvarado has given up only about a touchdown per game, including just a little more than a field goal the last 10 games. Chapel Hills offense has averaged about 44 points per game.

Go ALVARADO Indians!

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Thursday, december 8, 2011

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Times-review 11

Alvarado Indians
on the Indian coaching staff. The coaches just dont coach. They mentor and tutor these kids. They want them to know theres more to life than just a game. This team has truly drawn this community together and we are excited to see the game on Friday. More than 30 years ago there was a hockey game played on a sheet of ice in Lake Placid, a game between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Of the game and

Tyler Chapel Hill Bulldogs

cont. from pg. 7

city

the following of Team USA, Al Michaels stated there were people watching this game who didnt ... know a blue line from a clothesline. The Alvarado Indians have garnered quite a following this past month. Some probably know football like the back of their hands, while others might be less educated in the realms of football vernacular. Its irrelevant at this point. The Indians have certainly captured the heart of a town and will have several thousand fans in their corner.

Alvarados Kenny West (18) is tackled during the Indians 63-6 win over West earlier this season.
Courtesy photo/ Julie Holland

Purple ribbons and bows circle pillars at Alvarado City Hall in support of the Indians.

Courtesy photo

Bulldogs
Chapel Hills running game is led by Jay Reagan, Andrew Tucker and Rex Rollins. Reagan has scored 19 touchdowns and rushed for more than 1,000 yards. He averages about eight yards per carry. Not to be outdone, Tucker has scored 11 touchdowns, also rushed for more than 1,000 yards and is a threat in the Bulldog passing attack, averaging 23 yards per reception. Tucker also plays defense at linebacker and has doubledigit tackles for a loss this season. Rollins has added eight touchdowns and rushed for more than 900 yards. The offensive line boasts three first-team all-district linemen which is why the backs have had so much success. On defense, the Bulldogs are led by two standout players. The defensive line is anchored by Colton Moorehead, a first-team all-state selection last season. Moorehead has more than 110 tackles to go along with eight sacks. Roaming the secondary is the Bulldogs Deaveron Dean, an all-state defensive back. Dean has made 73 tackles and has seven interceptions. The Bulldogs defense has been solid all year. However, if there is one chink in the armor, it might that the Bulldogs allow about 22 points a game. It doesnt sound like much but considering Alvarado gives up slightly more than seven points a game, the game might certainly turn on the play of the two defenses. In the playoffs, the Bulldogs have given up a touchdown more on average than during the regular season. The Bulldogs are quick on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they run out of a spread formation and like to employ screens and crossing patterns. They are balanced; however, and use both running and passing to move the ball. They use their speed to get into space and make plays. On defense, the Bulldogs use their speed to swarm to the ball and close quickly on runners.

cont. from pg. 7

(27-20) and Navasota (5646). Its definitely been exciting for us as coaches, Chapel Hills Thomas Sitton said. Its been nice for us to play 15 games for the last two years. Sitton said its been a soul-searching journey for his team since last years disappointing ending, but added the Bulldogs and their powerful spread offense are ready to reclaim what they see as theirs. Weve found a way to get it done every week, he said. Were very fortunate to get to go back and play in this thing again this year. Were able to take whatever the defense gives us on offense. If theyre stopping the run, we can throw it. Weve got some kids who play real hard and our offensive line plays hard. Our skill kids do a good job and our quarterback makes things happen. Chapel Hill piled up more than 7,200 yards of offense this season and averages more than 500 yards of offense per game. The Bulldogs have 4,401 rushing yards behind Jay Reagan (135 carries for 1,074 yards and 19 touchdowns), Andrew Tucker (1,009 yards on 105 carries and 11 scores) and Rex Rollins (929 yards on 101 carries and eight scores). Quarterback Avery Saenz completed 93-of-141 passes for 1,584 yards and 18 touchdowns to just four interceptions. He was injured earlier in the year and Anthony Kincade filled in by throwing for 1,201 yards on 74-of-107 passing for nine scores and five picks. All of them can run, Dixon said. Theyve got three with nearly 1,000 yards rushing and they just keep rolling them in. Dixon vowed Alvarado

cont. from pg. 1

state

will find a way to pressure Saenz in the backfield. Coach [Eddie] Hatch and our defensive staff do a great job on the defensive gameplan, Dixon said. They can find a weakness and exploit it. You can bet well find a way to cause pressure on the quarterback. Chapel Hills leading receiver is Nelson Onwuzu with 919 yards on 49 catches and eight scores. Jay is more of our speed guy, Sitton said. Hes not a real big kid, but he runs hard and fast and can accelerate quickly. Andrew is a bigger kid, about 190 pounds and has great vision. Hes hard to tackle and he can run as fast with pads on as he can without pads. Sitton said Onwuzu has a knack for going and getting the football. Hes had some great catches throughout the year, Sitton said. He had the

catch against West Columbia which won the game. Hes a great route runner. Sitton paid respect to Alvarado and called the Indians the best team well have played all season long. I think theyre playing great football, he said. Theyre definitely the best team weve seen on video this year. They dont make many mistakes so we cant have any unnecessary turnovers or penalties. Theyre very wellcoached and they play disciplined. Weve got to be able to stop the run. Their back is a great runner and very patient. Hes very strong and hard to tackle so weve got to do a good job and get some bodies on him. The Indians smashmouth style of football led them to within a game of the schools first-ever state championship. This Indians squad is the schools winningest ever since Alvarado went 13-1 in

1995. Alvarados defense stepped up in last weeks 3413 win over Henderson and forced four Lion turnovers while holding Hendersons powerful offense to just 274 yards of total offense with 94 of those coming on a scoring drive late in the game with the outcome already decided. Alvarado led, 34-6, in the fourth quarter. Dixon said he expects Chapel Hill to focus on Onderdonck first and foremost. Thats what weve seen all year, but when you roll your safeties down, we can hurt you with Austin Ellinger, Tyler Bates and Daniel Pinkerton, to name a few, Dixon said. You kind of have to pick your poison on that. I definitely feel like theyre going to load the box. Thats what weve seen all year and Id be shocked if we didnt see it again.

Cactus JACKs Got Your Back!

Good Luck ... State bound

12 Times-review

sporTs

Thursday, december 8, 2011

Alvarado Indians

Tyler Chapel Hill Bulldogs

2011 alvarado indians
Alvarado 42, Robinson 27 Alvarado 26, Springtown 0 Alvarado 28, Prosper 7 Alvarado 39, Bridgeport 20 Alvarado 37, Waco Connally 6 *Alvarado 55, Kennedale 0 *Alvarado 50, Hillsboro 0 *Alvarado 71, Venus 0 *Alvarado 63, West 6 *Alvarado 37, Glen Rose 9 Alvarado 69, Mineral Wells 6 Alvarado 31, Abilene Wylie 0 Alvarado 42, Seminole 7 Alvarado 34, Henderson 13 *Denotes District 8-3A contest Playoff games are bolded

2011 tyler chapel hill Buldogs

Chapel Hill 74, Westwood 23 Chapel Hill 59, Whitehouse 49 Chapel Hill 21, Carthage 20 Chapel Hill 29, Hallsville 22 Chapel Hill 51, Lindale 29 Chapel Hill 45, Center 17 *Chapel Hill 50, Bullard 6 *Chapel Hill 49, Brownsboro 21 *Chapel Hill 51, Rusk 7 *Chapel Hill 64, Athens 7 Chapel Hill 70, Jasper 28 Chapel Hill 27, Waco La Vega 20 Chapel Hill 56, Navasota 46 Chapel Hill 21, West Columbia 16 *Denotes District 17-3A contest Playoff games are bolded

in their words
Im trying not to get caught up in all the hype. Weve still got a job to do. We need to keep getting better and theres no point in us being there if were not going to win it, in my opinion. running back Wayne Onderdonck We usually dont run the coverage right, but when we see the ball in the air, we know its ours. defensive back Xavier Holbert We work hard everyday. Since two-adays, weve been working really hard for this moment. So were gonna go out there and do what we need to do. cornerback Andrew Leger The coaches just dont coach. They mentor and tutor these kids. They want them to know theres more to life than just a game. AISD board member Mike Percifield We all know each other, and we go out everyday and work hard. Pretty much make everybody better. fullback Lee Hardy Its just another game at a big stage. Playing in big places you have to play big. wide receiver Daniel Pinkerton

By John henry

Weather not a problem for big game

school on cold days. We just dress up a little more, Hardy said. Climate wont be an issue on Friday. The game will be played indoors at Cowboys Stadium. Playing at the home of Americas Team is another dynamic. The Indians home, Charles Head Stadium, seats 2,500. Cowboys Stadium has a seating capacity of 80,000

special to the times-review

ALVARADO Playoff football in Texas is as different as summer and winter. Literally. The season that started with two-a-days in 100-plus degree weather is now being played in weather with temperatures in the 30s on Texas biggest stage, Cowboys Stadium. Welcome to championship football in Texas. Both elements have precipitated adjustments for the Alvarado football team, which meets Tyler Chapel Hill at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the famed site in Arlington. Alvarado players have had to make adjustments this week to stay out of the winddriven cold. Practice Monday and Tuesday took place at the indoor facilities of Burleson Centennial and Kennedale. The way we prepare is always the same, wide receiver Daniel Pinkerton said. No matter where you are the field is still 100 yards long. Fullback Lee Hardy aptly noted that its not much different than walking into

got to go out and perform and dont let it get to our heads. Said Ellinger: After you get on the field, its just another field. You just have to do your job. The Indians have attracted capacity crowds this season. Suffice to say, there wont be 80,000 on hand Friday. Alvarado has a following, nonetheless. As Ellinger and Pinkerton well be going 100 mph, so the temperature is going said, it feels great to have people supporting us. to be pretty high. It doesnt feel like just AndrewLeger,onifthe our parents or school is supcoldtemperatureswillaffect porting us, Pinkerton said. theAlvaradoIndians It feels like the whole town is there. Former foes are on this with room for more than bandwagon, too. Theyll 100,000. Toto, were not in Al- probably even buy a ticket. Alvarado players said varado anymore. I always told my dad Id theyve heard from District be playing for the Cowboys, 8-3A rivals in Kennedale and wide receiver Austin Ellinger elsewhere on the Internet. said. This is probably as Its all good, too. Theyre on Alvarados side this time. close as Ill get. Ive talked to a couple of Its pretty exciting. To date this season, San Kennedale players, PinkerAngelo Stadium is the larg- ton said. Theyre really supest venue for an Indians porting us. The teams weve played game this season. I think its just another have nothing but respect for ballgame, Hardy said. We us.

ALVARADO VS. TYLER CHAPEL HILL 7:30 p.m. Friday at Cowboys Stadium RECORDS: Alvarado is 14-0; Chapel Hill is 14-0. PLAYERS TO WATCH: Alvarado WR Andrew Leger; WR Austin Ellinger; DB Marcus McNeil. Chapel Hill WR Nelson Onwuzu; RB Jay Reagan; RB Andrew Tucker. KEY STATISTICS: This is the first state championship game for Alvarado. The Indians set a new school record for wins in a season (14) after last weeks 34-13 win over Henderson. The Indians defense surrendered just 26 points in the playoffs. Chapel Hill made the state championship game last year but lost, 22-17, to Henderson. The Bulldogs average 47 points per game and more than 500 yards of offense. They beat West Columbia, 21-16, with 13 seconds remaining in the state semifinals. COACHES: Alvarado Jeff Dixon. Chapel Hill - Thomas Sitton. DIRECTIONS: Take Interstate 35-West north to I-30 East and exit 51C towards Dallas. Exit to Farm-to-Market Road 157 and head south. Turn right on East Randol Mill Road.

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