Larry Tucker

The Mineola Yellowjackets completely destroyed another Class 4A school dominating Farmersville 42-13. Shaw Franklin continues to put forth performances showing why he is one of the top Class 3A DI quarterbacks in East Texas. All Franklin did against the Farmers was rush for 243 yards on only 13 carries. That figures to an 18.7 yard per run average.

Yes, we all know Mineola has been put in one of the state’s toughest districts in 8 3A DI. But it looks like to me Coach Luke Blackwell and his Jackets are ready for the challenge. Don’t forget that rugged offensive line which opens those holes for Franklin and devastating running back Treyvion Sneed. Sneed ran for 209 yards at Farmersville on 13 carries, a 16.1 average per carry.

Mineola has flexed their muscles enough to put everyone in East Texas and in their new district on notice that they will come to play. There will be some huge games with Gladewater, Tatum and district favorite West Rusk, but Mineola will be there at the end getting ready for the playoffs.

Mineola will finally play a foe not in Class 4A this week. They take on a Class 2A DI squad in Big Sandy. Don’t sell the Wildcats short. Head Coach Larry Minter will have his team ready for the challenge. I think the jackets will get the win by three scores at least, but big Sandy will put up a fight.

Quitman and Alba-Golden go into their bye weeks getting ready for District 10 3A DII action. The Panthers whipped Honey Grove 20-6 and are now 2-0 on the year while Quitman fell to 1-1 following a disappointing overtime loss at Union Grove.

Coach Derek Smith’s Panthers have the task of starting district at Harmony against the state-ranked Eagles. Harmony is 2-1 but their loss came to District 8 3A DI favorite West Rusk by a close 28-24 margin. But I strongly believe the Panthers have the playoffs in their future. They have a solid defense led by Tom Mitchell and Boedie Baker while Zane Smith and Jon Michael Chadwick lead a potent offense.

Coach Bryan Oakes Quitman Bulldogs has shown they can play some really good football. The defense has been strong in the early season. Offensively quarterback Josh Medline and running back Trey Berry lead an offense that can rack up the yardage and score some points. Line play on offense and defense by Hunter Gilbreath and David Tarno has been excellent as has the play of linebacker/fullback Alex Wilson.

The Bulldogs start of district at Arp in a game I believe they will win. The Bulldogs have shaken the negativity of a long losing streak and are poised to take the next step and win enough district games to gain a playoff spot. Don’t be surprised if it comes down to the final game against Winona for a playoff spot for Quitman.

Over on the volleyball side, Qutiman’s Lady Bulldogs continued their winning ways in district play and are now 3-0. They have big matches at home this week with the 1-1 Alba-Golden Lady Panthers and Edgewood Lady Bulldogs. Quitman Coach Ashlee Lingo and Lady Panther mentor TaShara Everett have had some huge battles over the years and this won’t be any different. Quitman also faces a very talented Edgewood team Friday.

Mineola’s young Lady Jackets are still looking for that first district win. They are improving with each outing and travel to Lone Oak and Rains this week.