Little changes in UIL realignment

By Larry Tucker
editor@wood.cm
Posted 2/10/22

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) announced new high school sports districts for the next two years. Changes for Wood County schools were minimal.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Little changes in UIL realignment

Posted

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) announced new high school sports districts for the next two years. Changes for Wood County schools were minimal.

In football, Mineola will be in Region II District 5-3A DI along with Bonham, Commerce, Mount Vernon, Pottsboro, Rains and Winnsboro.

Mineola Athletic Director Luke Blackwell was not surprised with the new football district. “We figured we would stay where we are. We thought we could go east back toward White Oak and Sabine, but it’s a tough district we are going to be in. It’s one of the toughest districts in the state,” Blackwell said. “I do feel like there is an advantage in playing the teams we have been playing the last two years. It’s going to be a challenge and we understand that very well. We are ready to get to work and prepare for the upcoming season.”

The Yellowjackets will face Canton, Hughes Springs, West Rusk and Bullard in pre-district. Dates will be set after a district meeting which was to be held Monday afternoon.

Quitman will return to Region 3 in District 9-3A DII along with Arp, Edgewood, Grand Saline, West Rusk, Troup and Winona. Quitman will no longer have to face Harmony in football and will add Edgewood.

Quitman Coach Shane Webber said Edgewood is a solid addition to the football district. “What we did was trade one good program, Harmony, for another good program in Edgewood. There is no doubt West Rusk will be the favorite followed by Troup and Arp who will be in the mix for the playoffs,” Webber said. “We plan on being in the mix for a playoff spot, but Edgewood, Grand Saline, Winona and us all have a shot for a playoff spot. The kids are working hard now. We are going to have to depend on some sophomores and juniors to help out our senior group. If we can stay away from the injury bug and we develop some solid back ups, we have a real chance of making the playoffs.”

Quitman will scrimmage Como-Pickton at home Aug. 12 and Alba-Golden, also at home Aug. 18. The season will open on the road at New Diana Aug. 26 followed by a home game against Big Sandy Sept. 2. The Bulldogs travel to Kemp Sept. 9, and Ore City is scheduled for Sept. 16 at a site to be announced. 

The Alba-Golden Panthers have basically the same district in football. Joining the Panthers in this realignment of District 9-2A DI are Rivercrest, Como-Pickton, Cooper, Honey Grove, Quinlan Boles and Wolfe City. Boles is replacing Celeste in district play.

Alba-Golden Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Drew Webster is excited for the upcoming football season. “We basically have the same district except Celeste is gone and we added Quinlan Boles. Boles is a good addition, they play a lot of smash-mouth football. We are excited about how it turned out and we are glad to be in Region 3,” Webster said. “We are no longer the homecoming game for other schools. Our JV team was undefeated and won district, so our future looks bright. I believe when we get to district, we are going to have a lot of good close games.”

In volleyball Quitman and Mineola remain in District 13-3A and are in Region II. The district remains intact from last realignment. Joining Quitman and Mineola in varsity volleyball will be Winona, Harmony, Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill and Mount Vernon. The basketball district is the same as in the past with Winnsboro in the line-up. Winnsboro is one of the few Class 3A programs with no volleyball. 

In basketball, Alba-Golden boys and girls will compete in District 15-2A along with Como-Pickton, Cooper, Cumby, Fruitvale, Quinlan Boles and North Hopkins. 

In Class A, Yantis volleyball will be in District 20 with Avery, Union Hill and Sulphur Bluff. In basketball, the Owls and Lady Owls will be competing in Region 3 District 24 with Avery, Avinger, Bloomberg, Union Hill, Saltillo and Sulphur Bluff.