Larry Tucker

It was a great opening night for football in East Texas. The Quitman Bulldogs no longer have one of the state’s top three losing streaks. The Bulldogs erased four years of misery with a big 30-6 win at Cumby. Not only was I proud for the players and the coaches, but the Quitman fans turned out in droves for the game. The Quitman student section is to be commended for their constant and loud cheering for their team.

It was really great to hear them proudly belt out Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” late in the final quarter. I was really happy for Coach Josh Wade who is the only football coach who has been here for 40 of the losses. It was wonderful to see him proudly seek out his young daughter and hold her tightly as fans rushed the field to share in the victory with the team.

And what about those Mineola Yellowjackets? The ‘Jackets gave notice they are not to be taken lightly with a dominating 42-14 romp over Class 4A Wills Point. The ‘Jacket offensive line and the spark from Trevion Sneed and the athletic abilities of quarterback Shaw Franklin were on display. Mineola showed the world they are to be reckoned with in their new and powerful district. The ‘Jackets looked in mid-season form and now will prepare to slay another 4A foe in Canton this Friday night at Meredith Memorial Stadium. Congrats to Coach Luke Blackwell, the ‘Jacket players and coaching staff.

Although the annual Mineola vs. Quitman rivalry is on hiatus since the teams moved to different divisions and districts, it sure makes it good for local fans who know players on both teams and can wish them all success. I will be able to watch the ‘Jackets Sept. 21 when Quitman and Alba-Golden have byes and Mineola hosts Larry Minter’s Big Sandy Wildcats.

Alba-Golden and Hawkins had a real barn-burner over at Panther Stadium with the Panthers holding on for a dramatic 16-15 win. Congrats to Coach Derek Smith and the Panthers on the win. The Panthers got scores on long pass plays and they showed they can be dangerous from any spot on the field. Coach Scott Evans Hawks showed they are going to be tough to beat this year.

The Winnsboro Red Raiders fell to a talented Winona squad 14-8 and now the Raiders face Queen City on the road this week. Winnsboro held a powerful Winona offense in check, but need an offensive spark to get them in the win column.

This week Quitman is at home against Scurry-Rosser, Mineola hosts Canton, Alba-Golden is home against Big Sandy while Hawkins travels to Tyler to play All Saints.

I would also like to congratulate Ft. Worth Diamond Hill Jarvis who broke a 77 game losing streak dating back to 2010 with a big win over Dallas Conrad. Quitman folks know the feeling.