What's different in Jasper?

[Bulldog92]

I was talking to a guy that I went to school with back in the late 80's and early 90's and we're trying to figure out what has changed over the years. Back in those days, we would have blown out smaller schools like Kirbyville (and routinely beat 5a schools) and now it's tough to beat them. What has changed so much?

[SETXsports Broadcaster]

I think coaching.  When I played way back in the late 70's  we had players.  the Hadnots big bruising guys.  we had the state record 440 sprint relay team playing.  but we couldnt find our way out of a paper sack it seemed at times.  I would have to contribute that to coaching.  not fitting the offence to what  you have available.  If you got bruisers why pass...if you have sure handed recievers with 4.4 speed why run all the time.  JMO

[Bulldog92]

I think coaching.  When I played way back in the late 70's  we had players.  the Hadnots big bruising guys.  we had the state record 440 sprint relay team playing.  but we couldnt find our way out of a paper sack it seemed at times.  I would have to contribute that to coaching.  not fitting the offence to what  you have available.  If you got bruisers why pass...if you have sure handed recievers with 4.4 speed why run all the time.  JMO

I thought about that, too. It doesn't seem like the offense we run fits the athletes. Bring back the 'bone...or veer...or whatever. That always worked and I don't know why we ever had to get away from it. Walkoviak might have had more of a clue than a lot of people gave him credit for. That offense worked no matter who ran it. With the spread, if you don't have a "special" player at QB, you're pretty much handicapped...

[SETXsports Broadcaster]

I also believe and I may get smacked for this the Coach Lauve teams were built up by Brooks and Walkoviak...and he just rode what was already there.  teams are built in the lower grades.....and Brooks and Walkoviak know that.  You reep what you build

[Bulldog92]

You're right about that. Jasper was always very good at every level back in those days and much like Newton, everything that they did was consistent across the board with every coach and every player. They had virtually the same coaches at both the junior high and high school levels for a long time, too.

[southern-thunder]

There is a saying I have heard coaches say. "When you are winning you have great kids and when you are losing it is the coaches fault!!" Meaning it never occurs to the fans that maybe the talent level may drop off.

[dav-joel]

I was wondering if there are students moving back and forth between Newton, Burkeville, and Jasper. Not trying to offend but just wondering.

[Guest FPHS 78]

I was wondering if there are students moving back and forth between Newton, Burkeville, and Jasper. Not trying to offend but just wondering.

i was thinking along the same lines..not so much transfers..but hasnt enrollment tanked in recent years?

[WestBay]

It's punishment. 

Long Live Gene Walkoviac ! ! !

(As Long as He Lives In NEWTON ! ! !)

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

It's punishment. 

Long Live Gene Walkoviac ! ! !

(As Long as He Lives In NEWTON ! ! !)

[Woodvillefan]

I think coaching.  When I played way back in the late 70's  we had players.  the Hadnots big bruising guys.  we had the state record 440 sprint relay team playing.  but we couldnt find our way out of a paper sack it seemed at times.  I would have to contribute that to coaching.  not fitting the offence to what  you have available.  If you got bruisers why pass...if you have sure handed recievers with 4.4 speed why run all the time.  JMO

I will assume you are not talking about Brooks.  Jasper may be down this year and maybe next year but Brooks will have Jasper in top form within three years.  Lauve lost several quality coaches since he took over.   

[Lucky]

I will assume you are not talking about Brooks.  Jasper may be down this year and maybe next year but Brooks will have Jasper in top form within three years.  Lauve lost several quality coaches since he took over.   

Yes,  Thomas Brooks has a Championship ring from his HS days at BMT Hebert. He has a couple of rings from his days at WOS and another ring or two from his years in Waxahachie.

He knows what it takes to win and will get the Dogs back on track.

[lsu_fan_07]

it changed when ADAMS, PINKNEY, WEATHERSPOON , SCOTT, and that whole group left...they had a heart for the game!!

[ncplaya]

man, those two backs they had there when Scott and Weatherspoon were ther were good.

[Guest sleeper02]

Yeah, man they were.

[lsu_fan_07]

theres more i just cant member off the top of my head....they had a good basketball team too!!

i think now jasper is more of a baseball town...no not just because they won state last year, its cuz theyve always been real good and finally lst year when they wo peoplereally got to see that.,

[j_dog]

Coaching.  Period.  Don't think the talent level has fallen much, if any.  The enrollment has declined only slightly from the Walkoviak days when few 5a teams could handle Jasper.  Coaching....  Coaching....  Coaching....  Coaching.... 

The more time that passes the more obvious it becomes how fortunate Jasper was to have had Walkoviak for those 20 years.  Folks who remember the 20 years BEFORE Walkoviak already knew that however.

Now, he is in Newton helping Barbay continue to build power houses.  Nuff said.

[shooter]

Many people point to the lack of overall speed and size on today's team. Also, from those who were a part of Jasper's great tradition feel as though the kids don't have the same drive and dedication, and as we know, kids today have become more selfish so it hard to develop team chemistry.

[Hupernikomen]

Coaches I have talked to about Jasper say they don't have the speed or athletes of just a few years ago.  Sometimes it just take winning a few games to get things rolling.

[j_dog]

Coaches I have talked to about Jasper say they don't have the speed or athletes of just a few years ago.  ....

It seems to me that folks said similar things before Walkoviak arrived in 1977.  The key mantra then was that Jasper did not have enough athletes to play two platoon ball.  Walkoviak changed that in his very first year at Jasper, and never looked back for 20 years.

Don't good coaches design their program to win with what they have?  Look at Liberty Hill.  They have running backs running 4.7 forties who just run it down your throat.  And they win, win, win.  Year after year.

I am encouraged that Brooks seems to be working to get the team numbers up.  Hopefully by next year we will see some positive results.