Larry Tucker

Weather created havoc for teams throughout Northeast Texas Friday night. The Mineola Yellowjackets and Canton Eagles never did get to kick-off. Quitman did not finish the first half and Alba-Golden was trailing 6-0 at intermission when the game was called.

Since these were not district games, those games will not be made up. It’s really tough when you prepare all week for a team and then don’t even get to play the game. Players and coaches work so hard during the week; it’s just a shame they didn’t get to play or at least finish those games.

The Hawkins Hawks got a great road win defeating Tyler All Saints 41-23. The Hawks broke loose with all their offensive power and the defense made the key stops to gain the victory. Winnsboro got a much-needed and powerful offensive performance as the Red Raiders dominated Queen City 34-16.

This Friday night has all Wood County teams on the road. Mineola has a date with former district foe and now Class 4A Farmersville. Mineola has proven they can play with the bigger schools and the ‘Jackets are looking forward to flexing their muscles on the road.

Quitman travels east to take on a good Union Grove team coming off a 32-14 win over Overton. This will be a great test for the Bulldogs. Quitman and Scurry-Rosser were in the midst of a defensive slugfest when lightning halted the game with over two minutes to go in the first half.

Alba-Golden will go for win number two on the road at Honey Grove. The Panther defense was looking strong against a prolific Big Sandy offense when the game was halted at intermission with the Wildcats clinging to a 6-0 lead.

Hawkins has a tough assignment this week going to Beckville, but this year’s Hawks have shown they can score from anywhere on the field and their speed on offense will challenge the Bearcats.

Winnsboro travels to Paris Chisum to take on the Mustangs. Winnsboro found their offense against Queen City and the young Red Raiders eek to continue to improve as the season progresses.

I will go out on a limb here this week. Normally I don’t do predictions, but I really think all the county teams have a good chance to win. Quitman, Hawkins and Mineola will all have close games and I believe Alba-Golden and Winnsboro will each win their games by 10 points or more.

Speaking of close games, the Texas Aggies proved they could play with the big boys Saturday as they fell to number two Clemson 28-26 Saturday. The Texas Longhorns held on to beat a not-so-powerful Tulsa team 28-21. Baylor had a big win over UT-San Antonio and TCU won over SMU for the sixth or seventh time in a row. North Texas got another big win with a 58-16 win over Incarnate Word.

My defending National Champion A&M Commerce Lions are 2-0 after a road win at William Jewell. The Lions are currently ranked number one in the nation in NCAA Division II. If you ever get the chance to make the 40-mile drive to Commerce on a Saturday you will see some great college football and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

In the “all things are possible” category, the Kentucky Wildcats defeated Florida 27-16 on the road. The win is important because it is the first time in 31 years Kentucky has beaten Florida.

District volleyball is in full swing. This week Mineola goes to Alba-Golden for a big Wood County rivalry match Tuesday and the Lady Jackets are at home against Grand Saline Friday while Alba-golden has a bye that night. Quitman will get tested this week as the Lady Bulldogs have two big road contests going to Grand Saline Tuesday followed by a trip to Rains Friday.