2012 LSG Team Preview — Big Sandy Wildcats

By Michael Wright
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Updated: August 9, 2012

2012 LSG Texas High School Football Team Preview — Big Sandy Wildcats

Team: Big Sandy Wildcats (9-1A Division I)

Colors: Blue/Gold

First Varsity Season: 1928

Stadium: Wildcat Stadium (Capacity: 750)

Enrollment: 198 -- 2nd largest in the district out of 6 schools

2012 Schedule:
@ Hawkins
Winona
@ West Rusk
Union Grove
@ Maud
@ Beckville **
Joaquin **
@ Harleton **
Price Carlisle **
@ Timpson **

Coach: Larry Minter (2 years) 18-9 at Big Sandy; 18-9 All-Time Coaching Record

Coaches Comments: Could be another great year for Big Sandy if we are able to get solid QB play and replace two all state defensive lineman as well as 2 all district O linemen. District Outlook: Joaquin and Harleton dropping down from 2A will be battle tested as well as Carlisle Defending District Champs.

Returning Lettermen: 17

Returning Starters: Offense: 6 Defense: 7

Key Players:
* Joshua Jackson SR - 1500 yard rusher moving to slot reciever 1st Team All-District
* Dillon Branson SR - LB 124 tackles all district
* John Howe- has started 37 games for the Wildcats 1st Team All-District
* Taurus Keppard- SR safety, 11 ints. 1st Team All-State (TSWA) 114 tackles
* Zay Gordon LB/FB. 6'0 220 pound bruiser! 96 tackles 1st Team All-District LB
* Matt Robinson SR kicker all district
* Deshun Alexander- JR 700 yds in last 5 games last year
* Boston Beason JR 6'2 245 returning OL
* Sean Combs OL

Notes:
* Back to back 9 win seasons

Mike Says: The defense led by DB Taurus Keppard who had an amazing 11 INTs last season. It will also feature a strong linebacking core. The Wildcats will fight Joaquin, Harleton and Price Carlisle for the 3 playoff spots. If they can get to the post season expect 2 or 3 rounds in the playoffs.

Chris Says: Big Sandy brings back a lot of experience from a 9-win team and that should translate to some wins this year. They are in a tough district so it will be a tough battle for a playoff berth. If the Wildcats do make it to postseason, expect them to go several rounds deep.

Last Years Record: 9-4 overall 4-1 District

2011 Games:
vs Quinlan Boles (5-6) (W 51-10)
at Harleton (4-6) (L 0-14)
vs Waskom (5-5) (L 12-19)
at Gladewater Union Grove (3-7) (W 46-30)
at Como-Pickton (5-5) (W 40-33)
vs Maud (6-4)* (W 47-24)
vs Overton (4-6)* (W 58-16)
at Price Carlisle (11-1)* (L 6-43)
vs Hawkins (1-9)* (W 56-0)
at Simms Bowie (5-6)* (W 43-12)

Playoffs: Division I Regionals
vs Grapeland (4-7) (at Athens) (W 25-24) Bi-District
vs Normangee (7-4) (at Palestine) (W 30-8) Area
vs Garrison (12-2) (at Tyler Rose) (L 6-37) Regionals

History:
* Ranks #62 (Up 7 spots from 2011) in the 2012 LSG Team Of The Decade Rankings
* Playoff History (20) 1937,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1980,1982,1994,1997,1998,1999,2000,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2010,2011

Championship History: (4) 2-1-1
1973 B - Big Sandy 25, Rule 0
1974 B - Big Sandy 0, Celina 0
1975 B - Big Sandy 26, Groom 2
2005 1A - Stratford 21, Big Sandy 20

Last 5 year record: 29-28

Last 10 year record: 78-44

Did you play for the Big Sandy Wildcats? You are eligible for The Brotherhood of Texas High School Football. <---click to be honored