ChampionEagles

Up until just a few years ago the field actually was close to 3' lower on one end than the other. Had been built that way by mistake. When they installed the track and shot grade, found out field was running down hill. I knew I always felt like I was running uphill most of the time!

Anyone know if JV or varsity is starting at 5?

All you have to do is beat him. He will give all the accolades due.

Going on TV, more than once, and staring into the cameras saying "They just ain't no good" is NOT a perception. It IS a galling lack of discretion. No other coach in this area has ever done likewise, as far as I know... People secure in themselves (and their program) don't need to stir the pot, CE. Once again a complete misquote of what was said in an interview. Barbay never said "They just ain't no good" in any interview. What he said in part of a reply to a question was "We haven't played anybody any good" after coasting the entire second half of a "playoff" game. I'm not saying the man is a saint, but don't put words in his mouth. He has plenty of trouble with the real words that come out.

Gilmer will dominate with a very experienced and successful program. Jasper is still in the throws of new coach, new changes, etc. Don't judge them on the outcome of this game. Gilmer by at least 21.

If they can keep players healthy, that kind of schedule is what will elevate the level of play on a team. Jasper could step up and become a very competitive playoff team.

Maybe they are waiting until they face Coach Barbay and his Newton Eagles on Sept. 4. After the playoff loss last year and the perceived disrespect shown by Barbay in news interview they could be simply laying in wait. The old axiom "Let a sleeping dog lie" comes to mind. ;D

The improvements to Singletary Stadium are quite nice and had been needed. Got my reserve seat tickets yesterday! Actually thought about stopping by and just sitting in them for a while. Come on first home game!

I think K'ville will struggle some early in the year, but don't dare count them out. The addition of W.T. Jonston will greatly help them to "reload" as the year goes along. Diboll will be too much for them now. Diboll 28 K'ville 21

Are you a "hater" just because you don't agree with the people from K'ville? I think K'ville will be good this year, just not great. I don't think they will go past second round in the playoffs and they will not win the district title. This year should tell what kind of program they have.

Coach Barbay is always confident. This is one of the things that he passes on to every team as he coaches. If you don't believe you can win then it's an uphill battle.

I'm not quite sure where you get your information from, or how you've come to this interpretation, but you're wrong. Kirbyville will definitely be good this year...playoff team no doubt - but not as strong as last year's squad. Nobody said your team would be weak, so make sure you use that term in another context! No one is doubting the potential of your team, but duplicating last year's performance isn't likely. Congratz again on a great season, but there's no dynasty in Wildcat territory! See you in the second round! Dynasty = Southlake Carroll, Katy, Odessa Permian, WOS, Sealy, Celina, Schulenburg(wow, anyone remember those days?), Newton is probably on the threshold of this - so let's say the eagles are just nasty, without the dy!!! Through the years I've heard my Eagles called lots of different things, but this is a first! I've never thought of it this a way, but I kinda like it! ;D

I can't wait until we meet up with your Eagles my friend. Kirbyville will be better than last year especially on defense. You started this string about Kirbyville. I have not said anything about my Eagles and stand by what I have said about the Wildcats.

I respect your opinion, but disagree that Kirbyville can become that dominate just because they are now 2A. The ranks of 2A are filled with programs that can match and surpass anything Kirbyville has done to date, including being more successful in 3A. Kirbyville had a good run last year, but I prefer to hold my "they will always dominate" attitude until more is proven.

And we all know how many games have been won by the press box!

I guess dynasty means different things to different people. Comparing K'ville to WO Stark is laughable. Compare state titles won, district championships won, district games won, number of players signed to D1 scholarships, number of players played in NFL, etc. Kirbyville's program compared to Newton's is not even close. Last year was the only year Kirbyville had ever advanced to a state championship game and lost. This years team may be good, but talk dynasty after coming out as State Champions more than once.

Article in the local paper says reserved seating will be individual fold down plastic seating with an increase in their numbers from years past. The seating also extends to the field fence in front, no more leaning on fence in front of stands.

Yes Virginia, there is a new press box. The home stands are only skeletons as of today. They have not started attaching any seats. The reserved is supposed to be individual seating. They moved a portion of the old home stands over and attached them to the visitors side. Most definitely increased capacity on both sides. I don't think they have done anything to the visitors side press box.

A little recent success does not erase years of staying at home for K'ville. The trip to the State game last year was a long and winding road. That road changes every year and is NEVER easy. Establish a history of traversing it and the world will know without you having to "tell" it.

Along with being the defending champions comes something K'ville is not used to. Everyone that plays you comes at you strong wanting to take that championship. You can be beat at any time because everyone you play brings their "a" game. 1. Newton 2. Kirbyville 3. Woodville

The DCTF poll does not reflect the loss of Johnston at Newton and his addition to Kirbyville. I believe it will turn out to be a lot bigger deal than people think. The replacement at Newton has not ever been able to get kids to respond and play like Johnston could. Kirbyville should improve as the year goes on with Johnston's assistance. He is very good at adjusting players and where they best fit in a defense. He will move players around until he finds a chemistry that works. Sign of a good coach. I still think Newton will miss him greatly.

Lidney Thompson - Newton '74

W.T. has been shopping around for a while. He put his name in at Jasper and withdrew. He has also talked to other coaches in the area looking for an assistant job. He must want to leave Newton for whatever reason. Only he probably knows for sure, but moving from a coordinator to an assistant is not even a lateral move, it could only be viewed as a step backward career wise. Must have plenty reason to make that kind of move.

Leadership is leadership.

If the defense enjoys the same success as the boys baseball program under the same leadership, we will be in for a long year.