Writers | DFW Football

Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft ranks a Solid B

May 5, 2012 By Todd E. Jones Leave a Comment

By Roger Corralez, Chief Cowboys Blogger for dfwfootball

Roger Corralez

Morris Claiborne….wow! If you read my article before the draft then you know that I made no mention of Mr.Claiborne. I think it surprised everyone when the opportunity to move up and get Mo came to fruition.

Probably the Cowboys most glaring need was DB, and it has been addressed.

For those who don’t know, Claiborne was this past year’s SEC defensive player of the year. Think about that for a second. In the toughest conference, with the best defenses, and several great defensive stars, Mo was voted the best.

Morris Claiborne….wow!

Quite an achievement for a guy who scored very poorly on his wonderlic test. I personally think he will be fine despite this low score.

The only adjustment he’ll have to make is for the game being slightly faster and at times, more complex plays being run. I think he can manage. We’ll certainly find out. And I definitely don’t blame Jerry and friends from taking the shot. They did the right thing.

As for the rest of the picks, who knows, but I have my one sleeper whom I think fans should keep an eye on. If not now, certainly in the next few years – James Hannah. Anyone who can play at a big time school like Oklahoma is definitely no slouch.

2012 NFL Draft

Add to this the wonderful combine he had and I think it’s a potential recipe for success. Now make no mistake, I’m not a combine loyalist who thinks it is the be-all end-all of evaluating a player. Just like i don’t see the wonderlic as a perfect barometer.

But, in Hannah, you have a tight end who, already standing at 6-4, had the best vertical jump among tight ends. He also had the fastest 40 time. Now, if this guy can run good routes and hang onto the ball, we could have our next long term tight end in the fold.

Now I like John Phillips and think he is a very capable backup to Jason Witten, but another tight end can’t hurt. Especially one with this much potential upside.

The other picks were Tyrone Crawford, Kyle Wilber, Matt Johnson, Danny Coale, and Caleb McSurdy. The ‘Boys definitely went defense this time around and I for one think that was a good idea. The only pick i think they passed up that I would have liked to see here was Michigan center David Molk.

Strongest player in the draft? Are you kidding me? Who wouldn’t want that? Especially when we lack strength at the center position.

In all, I give this draft a solid B. Let’s hope these young men can influence Cowboy Land for the better in the near future. Good luck draft picks.

And, how ‘bout them Cowboys!

Filed Under: Cowboys, Lead Story, Roger Corralez Tagged With: 2012 NFL Draft, Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys get new schedule and new players

May 2, 2012 By Todd E. Jones Leave a Comment

By Daniel Durany

Daniel Durany

Schedule

The Cowboys start the 2012 season on the road against the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. Ironies for both teams play their season opener on a Wednesday. Last time an NFL game occurred on a Wednesday, September 22, 1948 when Los Angeles Rams defeated Detroit Lions 44-7.

However their home opener occurs September 23 against Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Then Week 4 comes, the Cowboys’ only Monday night appearance is against the Chicago Bears on October 1st. Week 5 is their bye week just like last year’s schedule.

After the bye week, the Cowboys brutal schedule on the road with four out of the next five games away from Cowboys Stadium during parts of October and November. Cowboys play road games against Baltimore (October 14th) and Carolina (October 21st). First two games for month of November: NBC Sunday Night matchup against Atlanta Falcons (November 4th) and division-rival Philadelphia (November 11th). Sprinkled into those road games is lone home game against the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants (October 28th).

Starting Week 11, Cowboys play five out of their next six games at home. This includes three consecutive games at Cowboys Stadium with two of them against division rivals (Thanksgiving Day vs. Washington Redskins and December 2nd vs. Philadelphia Eagles on NBC Sunday Night). Only road game sprinkled in this stretch against Cincinnati Bengals on December 9th. Home games against Pittsburgh Steelers (December 16th) and New Orleans Saints (December 23rd) finishing off the stretch. Regular season finale matches up with division-rival Washington Redskins on the road for December 30th.

Draft

Cowboys selected defensive players in their first four overall picks. This includes trading their 14th and 45th overall pick to St. Louis Rams for 6th overall pick to acquire Morris Claiborne from LSU. Many scouts considered him the best defensive player throughout the draft. Claiborne won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back with six interceptions in 2011. By trading their 45th overall, the Cowboys without 2nd round pick.

However in the 3rd Round, they selected Defensive End Tyrone Crawford from Boise State who registered 13.5 sacks during his last two seasons. Cowboys used their 4th round picks both on defense with Kyle Wilber from Wake Forest and Matt Johnson from Eastern Washington. Johnson had 17 interceptions during his collegiate career. Wilber played DE and OLB during his time at Wake Forest and should provide flexibility for the Cowboys defense.

Their first offensive player selection came in the 5th round drafting Danny Coale. Coale’s flourished in his senior season with 60 receptions and over 900 yards receiving. For 6th round, Cowboys selected Flower Mound native James Hanna from University of Oklahoma. Hanna’s had 45 receptions with nine of them for touchdowns in his last two seasons at OU. In their 7th round pick, Cowboys selected Caleb McSurdy from Montana. McSurdy awarded Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year with over 130 tackles last year.

2012 Schedule

9/5/12 @ New York Giants (NBC WEDNESDAY NIGHT)
9/16/12 @Seattle Seahawks
9/23/12 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (HOME OPENER)
10/1/12 vs. Chicago Bears (ESPN MONDAY NIGHT)
Bye Week (Week 5)
10/14/12 @ Baltimore Ravens
10/21/12 @ Carolina Panthers
10/28/12 vs. New York Giants
11/4/12 @ Atlanta Falcons (NBC SUNDAY NIGHT)
11/11/12 @ Philadelphia Eagles
11/18/12 vs. Cleveland Browns
11/22/12 vs. Washington Redskins (THANKSGIVING DAY)
12/2/12 vs. Philadelphia Eagles (NBC SUNDAY NIGHT)
12/9/12 @ Cincinnati Bengals
12/16/12 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
12/23/12 vs. New Orleans Saints
12/30/12 @ Washington Redskins

2012 Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft Picks

1st Round-6th Pick Overall Morris Claiborne LSU
3rd Round-81st Pick Overall Tyrone Crawford Boise State
4th Round- 113th Pick Overall Kyle Wilber Wake Forest
4th Round-135th Pick Overall Matt Johnson Eastern Washington
5th Round-152nd Pick Overall Danny Coale Virginia Tech
6th Round- 186th Pick Overall James Hanna Oklahoma
7th Round- 222nd Pick Overall Caleb McSurdy Montana

Cowboys Off-Season Moves and Additions

Additions:

CB Brandon Carr (5-Years, 50.1 Million, with 26.5 million guaranteed)
QB Kyle Orton (3-year deal)
G Nate Livings (5 years, 18.75 million including 3.5 million signing bonus)
FB Lawrence Vickers (2-year deal)
S Brodney Pool (1-year deal)
LB Dan Connor (2 years, 6.75 million including 2.7 million signing bonus)
G Mackenzy Bernadeau (4 years, 11 million)

Elsewhere:

LB Brady James (Free Agency-Acquired by Houston Texans)
TE Martellus Bennett (Free Agency-Giants: 1-year deal)
WR Laurent Robinson (Free Agency-Jaguars: 5 years, 32.5 million)
FB Tony Fiammetta (Released) (Acquired by New England Patriots)
G Kyle Kosier (released)
QB John Kitna (retired)
CB Terence Newman (released) (Acquired by Cincinnati Bengals)
K David Buehler (released)

Filed Under: Cowboys, Daniel Durany, Lead Story Tagged With: 2012 NFL Draft, 2012 Schedule, Dallas Cowboys

North Texas Stampede rumble to their first win of the season

March 14, 2012 By Todd E. Jones Leave a Comment

Chase Rader hangs out with J.C. Kimey and Loren Williams of Deep End Media

By Chase Rader (@chasrader)

Chase Rader

In a game filled with turnovers, penalties, and rain, the North Texas Stampede notched their first win of the year in Minor Professional Football League action Saturday night. The Stampede hosted a Texas Calvary team that had lost their first game in overtime to the Texas Knights and had tied the Dallas War Hawx 6-6 in double overtime in week 2. The North Texas Stampede came into the game with a 0-2 record, with both losses coming to a pair of 2011 champions; The reining MPFL and National Champions, the San Antonio Warriors, and the 2011 Texas United Football League Champions, the Cooke County Outlaws.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Stampede took advantage of a Calvary turnover that put North Texas on the Calvary 5 yard line. Two plays later, Lenny Williams (#10) would find the corner of the end zone to go up 7-0.

On the Stampede’s 7^th possession of the first half, North Texas put together a drive that saw them earn 5 first downs. Running back Julius Williams (#2) plunged in from 1^st and goal to give the Stampede a 13-0 halftime lead.

Running back Antwan Andrews (#32) provided a much needed spark in the second half for the Calvary. Andrews’ hard nosed running got the Calvary inside the 10 yard line on their opening drive of the 3^rd quarter, only to have the Stampede take the ball away on QB fumble on the next play.

The Stampede put the game away on a Tramell Allen touchdown run on 3^rd and goal early in the 4^th quarter. Allen, the fullback for the Stampede, was named co-player of the game by J.C. Kimey and myself. Kimey, who is also the commissioner of the MPFL, had play-by-play duties, while I contributed with color commentary. You can listen to the play call on deependmedia.net.

Cornelius Houston (#1) was also co-player of the game as he spearheaded a defense that had a very simple game plan installed. They blitzed. And blitzed some more. And then they blitzed yet again. Houston provided an interception right before halftime and was a consistent nuisance in the Calvary offensive backfield. Nose Tackle Steven Williams (#75) was also a main culprit of a defense that shut out the Texas Calvary.

The Stampede defense forced 4 turnovers and blocked a field goal to secure the shut out 25-0.

Running back Keith Davis (#22), who ran stronger as the game progressed, added a touchdown late in the 4^th quarter.

While the Calvary offense struggled throughout most of the game, their defensive line was stellar. Keith Lee (#99) led a tough d-line unit that included; Kourtney Ollie (#94), Justin Reeves (#92), and Raymond Davis (#52).

The North Texas Stampede (1-2) travel to Murphy, Texas next week to take on the Garland Aztecs (0-3).

The Texas Calvary (0-2-1) will return home to Waxahachie to take on the Temple Panthers (2-1).

Filed Under: Chase Rader, Feature, MPFL, NT Stampede, Texas Calvary Tagged With: Deep End Media, MPFL, North Texas Stampede, NT Stampede

DFW Hawks extend their streak

February 28, 2012 By Todd E. Jones 2 Comments

By Chase Rader (@chaserader)

Chase Rader

The two-time defending American Eightman Football League champions, DFW Hawks, extended their winning streak to 25-0 in league play and 27-0 overall. The undefeated Hawks improved their record to 3-0 in 2012 over the previously unbeaten expansion Sachse Stallions, who now stand at 2-1.

The DFW Hawks took an 8-0 lead over the Stallions early in the first quarter with a strike from All-AEFL QB (#2) Ty Sellers to co-owner of the Hawks/WR Michael Payne (#21).

The second quarter saw Zach Howard (#8) run in his first touchdown of the evening on an option pitch on 4^th & goal to extend the Hawk lead to 16-0.

Sellers would go on to hook up with WR Stephen Polk (#19) with inside of a minute left in the 1^st half to go into the locker room with 24-3.

Howard struck again on the opening kickoff of the 2^nd half with an 80 yard kickoff return for a touchdown to extend the lead 32-3 to put the game out of reach for the Sachse Stallions.

Photo by: Sarah Sweny-Smith

Eric McCann (#12), who played a solid game for the Stallions, did pick up a bobbled shotgun exchange from the Hawks and returned it around 20 yards to give the Sachse defensive a touchdown.

Branden Galvan (#23) ran in another touchdown and Ty Sellers ran one in for himself to go with his two touchdown passes to give the DFW Hawks a 48-9 victory.

To listen to a replay of the game click below:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chaserader/2012/02/27/dfwfootballnet-game-of-the-week

To catch all the scores from AEFL go to their website at:

www.eightman.org

Filed Under: AEFL, Chase Rader, DFW Hawks, Lead Story, Sachse Stallions Tagged With: AEFL, DFW War Hawx, Sachse Stallions

Dallas War Hawx are ready to fly

February 27, 2012 By Todd E. Jones Leave a Comment

By Chase Rader (@chaserader)

Chase Rader

“If you’re looking for a pretty team that wants to be flashy…that’s not us.”

Co-Head Coach Don High enthusiastically states his vision for the DFW War Hawx on the DFWFootball.net radio show.

“If you want to look at some old school unique football and some people that are hard nose and gritty and not scared and tough, come check out the War Hawx.”

The Dallas War Hawx are a new team in the Minor Professional Football League (MPFL) in 2012. The War Hawx were started by Don High and Steven Laster. Both High and Laster have been in the semi-pro scene in the DFW area for a while and started their own franchise last year.

“I feel like the league we are in, and the division (Plains) we are in…I feel that if we come with our “A” game we can be contenders in the division,” said Coach High. “I feel that we are in a great league and if we play our game and everything goes to accord, I feel that we are going to be able to compete…and we’re going to die trying to do that, and that’s what we’re about at the War Hawx.”

Right now the War Hawx strength begins with their defense. “We have a strong defense…lot of veterans on defense that know their assignments, know what to do,” said Coach High. Dallas War Hawx

The defensive captain is safety Aaron Booze (#8). Coach High says that Booze is a “veteran on the team that likes to hit…going to be a force to be reckoned with.”

Defensive end/running back Robert Swiney (#53) was an all-star for the Texas United Football League last year.

Also keep an eye out for the young cornerback Zae William (#21) and veteran Derek Sauls (#13). “They will shut down MOST aerial attacks.”

“Our defense is what is really going to shine for us.”

While their defense will shine, the War Hawx offense is going to catch teams off guard.

“We run a very unique offense,” said Coach High. “We run an offense people haven’t seen in years…if it’s run correctly it’s going to be a force to be reckoned with.” “It’s an old school offense; I pride myself in old school offense.” “Old school offenses are hard to stop, because you don’t see it every day.”

Coach High said in our interview, “once we get that down, I feel we are going to be hard to stop.” I recently contacted Coach High again and told me, “I think we’re ready for this potent rushing attack no one has seen in years at this level.”

And it all starts with the offensive line.

“I really pride ourselves on our offensive line, because we have some veterans on the line.” Coach High goes on to say, “If you got big hard nose linemen, you’re going to run that ball…and that’s what we’re going to do.

The veteran linemen he points out are: Corey Nelson (#99), Darren Wright (#50), Alex Langston (#66) and Jon Coats (#56).

“If you want to stop me, that’s great, put 9 people in the box and pray we can’t throw.”

Don High serves as co-head coach and offensive coordinator. Steven Laster is co-head coach, as well as, defensive coordinator. Geno Evans handles the defensive line, linebackers, and special teams.

Chris “Cowboy” Stritzke is the team president of the Dallas War Hawx. Bryan Toombs is the information director, and Joey Liistro serves as the team doctor.

The War Hawx kick off their first regular season game this Saturday, February 25^th, against another first year team, the Garland Aztecs, at home.

All War Hawx home games will be played at Roffino Stadium at Bishop Lynch High School. The stadium is located at:

9750 Ferguson Road

Dallas, TX 75228

War Hawx Schedule:

February 25^th – Garland Aztecs

March 3^rd – at Tarrant County Calvary

March 10^th – Austin Vipers

March 17^th – at Collin County Rattlers

March 24^th – North Texas Stampede

March 31^st – at Garland Aztecs

April 7^th – Bye Week

April 14^th – Tarrant County Calvary

April 21^st – Bye Week

April 28^th – at Waco Thunder

May 5^th – North Texas Knights

May 12^th – at North Texas Stampede

For more information about the Dallas War Hawx visit their website at:

www.dallaswarhawx.com

or their facebook fan page:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/213386575364203/

To listen to our interview with Coach Don High and Team President Chris “Cowboy” Stritzke click below and fast forward to 52:00

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chaserader/2012/02/01/dfwfootballnet-radio-show

Filed Under: 2012 Spring Previews, Chase Rader, Dallas WarHawx, Lead Story Tagged With: Dallas War Hawx, MPFL, Spring Previews

American Eightman Football League continues success

February 24, 2012 By Todd E. Jones Leave a Comment

Photo by: Sarah Sweny-Smith

By Chase Rader (@chaserader)

Chase Rader

The American Eightman Football League have entered their 11^th season as an 8 man league and 12^th year as a league overall. The league started in the fall of 2000 with teams playing in neighborhood and church parks of Dallas. The league completed 6 seasons, including 2 years with spring and fall play, before taking a 3 year hiatus while searching for new ownership.

AEFL finds its home

In 2007 Effrain and Ruben Pillado became the new owners of the AEFL. After a few years of splitting games between HEB Pennington field and Josey Ranch, the AEFL found its permanent home at Pennington Field. Playing games at Pennington field, “eliminates problems with weather,” said Ruben Galvan, who is the vice president for the AEFL.

The AEFL has a unique setup in that all AEFL games are played at one location on one day. Sundays are game days for the league, with the first kickoff starting at 10 and games scheduled every two hours.

When asked about why they chose the one location, Ruben Pillado responded, “one of the biggest keys in 11-man is getting your players to show up at away games.” “We felt like when we were going to [start] this league we said let’s just keep it at one central location so that no one really…has to travel out of town.”

Uniform Standards

One of the features of the league is the uniform standard. The owners of the AEFL stress that every team must match.

Ruben Pillado goes on to say that they wanted to, “put a product out there [the fans] see this isn’t backyard football…this is really organized.” “Fans have told me that this looks really professional…and [the uniforms] look really nice!”

“I want fans to see that their son(s) are playing for something that is really organized, not just put together and made up,” says Pillado. “Everyone who is joining the league is having fun, and they feel very proud of their team and the league.”

Ruben Galvan, also part owner for the DFW Hawks, says of the uniform standard that, “we want to improve the way people view semi-pro football.” “We want the semi-pro name taken to another level and get more respect.”

Head Coach Bobbie Thomas of the Texas Takeover likes the uniform standard. Thomas is “proud of the fact the AEFL polices the uniforms…they do an excellent job.”

Photo by Sarah Sweny-Smith

Along with location and professionalism, one of the drawing features of the AEFL is price. For $7 a fan can watch all 6 games on a Sunday. For $30 a person can get a season pass for every game in the regular season. That works out to $0.63 a game.

When someone comes to an AEFL event, they can expect a fast paced game. Even though each team has only 8 men on the field at a time, they still play on a 100 yard field. “8 guys like arena, but still an 11 man concept,” said Ruben Pillado. “The speed of the game is so quick.” When talking about the amount of time a quarterback gets to throw, Pillado states, “If you get 3 seconds that’s gravy…you usually have a second or two to make a quick decision.”

Coach Responses:

Pete Espinosa, head coach of the Sachse Stallions, said of the league, “good league to be in, great facility…central location.” “The way they run the league is fair.” Espinosa goes on to say the league “looks more professional” and “the guys love it.”

Coach Lee of the Lewisville Savage also believes the AEFL “fairly gives teams a chance.” Coach Lee also boasted of the talent in the AEFL. “If you talk the talk, you better walk the walk. There are some great players in this league,” said Coach Lee.

“There is a great camaraderie amongst the guys,” said Coach Thomas of the Texas Takeover. He goes on to say, “All [players and coaches] look out for one another…great fraternity.”

For more information about the American Eightman Football League, visit their website at:

www.eightman.org or like them on facebook: AEFL

To listen to Ruben Pillado’s interview click below and fast forward to 68:00 min.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chaserader/2012/02/15/dfwfootballnet-radio-show

Filed Under: 2012 Spring Previews, AEFL, Chase Rader, Lead Story Tagged With: AEFL, semi pro football, Spring Football Previews

Sachse Stallions gallop in to the AEFL for the first time

February 11, 2012 By Todd E. Jones Leave a Comment

Stallions' Jersey

By Chase Rader (@chaserader)

Chase Rader

When the American Eightman Football League (AEFL) kicks off the season this Sunday, February 12^th, The Sachse Stallions will make their franchise debut during the 12:00pm game against the North Texas Sharks.

Pete Espinosa put the Stallions together and serves as owner, head coach, and offensive coordinator.

Coach Espinosa has been associated with the AEFL since 2007. He was the offensive coordinator and head coach of the Rockwall Rage. The Rage are not competing this year in the AEFL, but a handful of former Rage players along with some former players of the old Mid-Cities Militia have joined a crop of guys who have yet to compete in the AEFL.

Coach Espinosa says of his new team, “We’ve got a lot of new talent, a strong team…they are football smart and hungry.” Coach Espinosa’s main goal for building the Stallions was to, “put together a group of guys that could play together.”

Sachse Stallions Defense

Linebacker Eric McCann (#12) serves as defensive captain. McCann has been named to the All-AEFL team for the last 2 years.

Safety Dez Sherrer (#13) is played college football at Navarro Junior College and Midwestern State University. Sherrer was All-AEFL last season.

A.J. Guiette (#41) begins his first year in the AEFL at defensive end. Guiette was a standout at The Colony High School and played collegiately at Midwestern State University.

Sachse Stallions Offense

Stallions' Helmet

QB Tye Perkins (#9) is the offensive captain for the Stallions. “He has good pocket presence…can deliver the passes all over the field,” said Head Coach Espinosa.

Ray Ray Jones (#15) “is one of the smallest guys in the league, but he’s so versatile and elusive.” Jones lines up at tailback and plays slot receiver and will also return kicks. Espinosa goes on to say that Jones is, “super quick and shifty.”

Running Back Dustin Woods (#24) was named the AEFL 2011 elite running back and AEFL All-Star in his first year last spring.

Joining Espinosa on the coaching staff are two AEFL veterans. Defensive coordinator Marcus Cole competed in the league the last three years. Lineman coach Ted Brown has 4 year of AEFL experience under his belt.

All AEFL games are played on Sunday’s at Pennington Field located at 1501 Central Drive, Bedford, TX, 76022. Kickoff times start at 10:00am and run until every game is finished, with games scheduled to start every two hours.

Stallions Schedule:

2/12 – 12:00pm – North Texas Sharks

2/19 – 8:00pm – North Texas Jaguars

2/29 – 6:00pm – DFW Hawks

3/04 – 2:00pm – Fort Worth Rams

3/11 – 8:00pm – Lewisville Savage

3/18 – 6:00pm – Arlington Longhorns

3/25 – 8:00pm – Dallas Warriors

4/01 – 4:00pm – DFW Vipers

For more information on the Stallions visit their website at:

www.sachsestallions.com

check out some of their videos under the “Stallions Highlights” tab.

facebook: Sache Stallions

or follow them on twitter: @sachestallions

For information about the American Eightman Football League stop by their website:

www.eightman.org

Filed Under: 2012 Spring Previews, Chase Rader, Lead Story, Sachse Stallions Tagged With: AEFL, Sachse Stallions, semi pro football, Spring Football Previews

Coach Lee looks to release the Lewisville Savage on the AEFL

February 10, 2012 By Todd E. Jones Leave a Comment

Savage Logo

By Chase Rader (@chaserader)

Chase Rader

“Whatever you do, you better do it whole hearted & bring a smash mouth team.”

“I truly believe that,” said Head Coach and Owner of the Lewisville Savage, Yosef Lee, about his coaching philosophy.

When asked about one of his reasons for coaching, Coach Lee gave us this classic; He wants to provide a “cure for the old man and all-madden blues.”

“If you don’t want to get hit, you better head hunt!” Coach Lee’s style is simple and it has worked for him in the past.

Lee’s Background

Coach Lee has a history of taking guys and turning them in playoff caliber teams. Before Coach Lee came down to Texas, his coaching career began in Kansas. He began with Pop Warner when he was tricked into becoming a head coach. Coach Lee took the kids nobody wanted and made them successful.

Lee later ran into an old college buddy of his who was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas Coyotes. Coach Lee drew up some plays with him and before he knew it he was coaching in an arena league. “I was just watching T.V. and got the call to be an assistant on defense, and before I knew it, I was coaching linebackers…in front of 8-10 thousand people,” said Lee. “Man, I’m really doing this!”

Not long after parting ways with the Coyotes, Coach Lee was the head man for a team he started called the Topeka Savage. The idea was planted in his head by former players of his urging him to start a team, so he started “designing plays on my workbench.” Coach Lee said he took a bunch of “scrappy guys” and made the playoffs their first year in the Central Plains Football League.

Smashmouth football at its best ~ By Sarah Sweny-Smith

Lewisville Savage

Fast forward to 2011, which was the inaugural year for the Lewisville Savage, they made the American Eightman Football Leauge (AEFL) playoffs. They had a strong second half of the season to finish 4-5.

This year, Coach Lee said about his team, “We’ve got a good crop of guys…they’re going to do some damage.” “Everyone is going to have to make room for the Savage.”

The man who helped “turn the season around”, said Coach Lee, is nose tackle Eric “Locke Down” Locke (#72). “He’s an awesome player we picked up in the middle of the season.”

Coach Lee believes in letting his players be themselves. Come out to watch the Savage play and you will see guys with nicknames on their back like the old XFL.

Brice “Big Berg” Hohenberger is a 6’2”, 275lbs RB! and defensive end.

Coach Lee says teams are going to have a hard time catching Darrius “Redd” Teamer (#27), who is a RB/SS/LB.

Another player to look out for is Darrius “Dee Jobe” Jobe (#6), a fullback and linebacker.

When asked about whom fans need to look out for, Coach Lee gave us:

Linebacker Ryan Ballard (#51), Phillip “Rhino” Renaldo, QB John “J-RO” Hopkins (#5), WR/QB Xavier Anderson (#81), and hybrid DE/LB DaJoun Debrain (#50).

Savage Headhunters ~ By Sarah Sweny-Smith

Coach Lee laid out the challenge to the AEFL, “keep us out of the end zone!”

The Savage are the first game of the afternoon for the kickoff of the 2012 season this Sunday, February 12^th at 10:00am, when they play the Fort Worth Rams. “We plan on having Ram Chops for lunch,” said an enthusiastic Coach Lee.

2012 Savage Schedule:

2/12 – 10:00am – Fort Worth Rams

2/19 – 10:00am – North Texas Trojans

2/26 – 2:00pm – North Texas Sharks

3/04 – 10:00am – Arlington Longhorns

3/11 – 8:00pm – Sachse Stallions

3/18 – 8:00pm – DFW Hawks

3/25 – 12:00pm – North Texas Jaguars

4/01 – 12:00pm – Denton Dragons

To listen to Coach Lee’s interview with us on the dfwfootball.net show on blogtalkradio.com visit:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chaserader/2012/02/08/dfwfootballnet-radio-show

To listen to just Coach Lee’s interview, fast forward to 99:40 in the broadcast. LB Dajoun DeBraine joins him later in the interview.

For more information about the Savage, you can find him on Facebook: Lewisville Savage

Or visit the AEFL’s website at:

www.eightman.org

Filed Under: 2012 Spring Previews, Chase Rader, Lead Story, Lewisville Savage Tagged With: AEFL, Lewisville Savage, semi pro football, Spring Football Previews

Texas TakeOver makes its move to the top of the AEFL

February 8, 2012 By Todd E. Jones Leave a Comment

Texas TakeOver Logo

By Chase Rader (@chaserader)

Chase Rader

The Texas TakeOver begins their 2^nd year in the American Eightman Football League (AEFL) ready to make the move to the top spot. In their inaugural season last year, the TakeOver posted a 5-4 record and made the AEFL playoffs.

Oscar Cedillo and Bobbie Thomas own the team. Cedillo and Thomas played together with the Texas Smash organization. Bobbie Thomas serves as the head coach, while Oscar Cedillo is the assistant head coach. When they started the TakeOver Coach Thomas and Coach Cedillo wanted, “good men over good football players,” says Coach Thomas. It turns out they have both.

TakeOver Offense

WR Donta Malcolm (#3) is the captain of what promises to be an explosive offense this year. Malcolm also is the kick returner for the TakeOver. “Best KR in the league,” says Coach Thomas. Last year Malcom returned two kicks for scores and owns the AEFL record with a 106 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Malcolm leads a group of wide receivers that includes, Duane “Ears” Guyton. Coach Thomas said that Guyton was the top receiver in the league in 2011. Guyton hauled in 10 TD passes last year.

Other receivers include Anthony Alexander (#19) who played at Northeastern Oklahoma State and WR/RB Chris Lee (#2) who played at Alcorn State.

TE Cameron Jones for the TakeOver ~ By Sarah Sweny-Smith

TE Cameron Jones (#18), “is the best tight end this league has ever seen,” according to Coach Thomas. Jones is 6’5” 270 lbs, and has been an “all-star since he’s been here.” Coach Thomas went on to say about Jones, “expect him to tear the league apart this season!”

Montrell Vann (#21) returns to the running back position. His first run in the AEFL was a 65 yard touchdown. Vann was an all-conference back at Friends University of Central Kansas.

Fred Davis (#7) was the QB of the year in 2009. Davis has tossed 36 touchdowns over the past three seasons, including 20 last year. Davis also led the TakeOver in rushing TD’s in 2011. Davis is, “very steady…competitive, and accurate when he’s on,” according to Coach Thomas.

TakeOver Defense

On the defensive side of the ball, defensive lineman William Hackney (#44) serves as the TakeOver’s captain. Hackney has tallied 20 sacks over the past 3 seasons.

Joining Hackney on the line will be David Jackson (#23). Jackson will bring his 4.38 speed to the defensive end position this year. Jackson also designed the TakeOver’s offseason workout.

Coach Thomas states that, LB Cornelius Houston (#1), is a “beast of a player…very smart, very intelligent football player.”

David Jackson for the TakeOver ~By Sarah Sweny-Smith

Kelle Dye (#5) joins the team this year to play outside linebacker and Terrence Weatherspoon (#4) will be in the secondary.

Carson-Newman graduate Robbie Milem (#16) handles the kicking duties for the TakeOver.

Derek Whisenand and Jonathan McCain split defensive coordinator duties, while Coach Thomas handles the play calling duties.

The TakeOver start their season as one of the AEFL games of the week. They have the 4:00pm kickoff against the DFW Vipers.

2012 TakeOver Schedule:

2/12 – 4:00pm – DFW Vipers

2/19 – 2:00pm – FW Rams

2/26 – 4:00pm – Dallas Warriors

3/04 – 6:00pm – North Texas Trojans

3/11 – 12:00pm – Denton Dragons

3/18 – 2:00pm – North Texas Jaguars

3/25 – 4:00pm – DFW Hawks

4/1 – 8:00pm – Arlington Longhorns

For more information on the TakeOver, visit their website at:

www.texastakeoverfootball.com

www.eightman.org

Filed Under: 2012 Spring Previews, Chase Rader, Lead Story, Texas TakeOver Tagged With: AEFL, semi pro football, Spring Football Previews, Texas TakeOver

Dallas Warriors are cementing Legendary Status

February 8, 2012 By Todd E. Jones Leave a Comment

By Chase Rader (@chaserader)

Chase Rader

Brothers Efrain and Ruben Pillado started the Dallas Warriors in 2002. When you visit the American Eightman Football League website, you will find them under the “Legendary Franchises” tab. According to AEFL website they are the, “oldest active franchise.”

The Pillado brothers continue to run the team today with Ruben serving as head coach. The Warriors have a 47-30 record since their conception in 2002. The 47 wins are the most by a head coach in AEFL history.

The Warriors won the AEFL title in 2002, but, have been in a drought since. They came close in 2010 only to fall short to the upstart DFW Hawks. Last year, in 2011, the Warriors made it to the semi-finals.

Warriors Offense

The Warriors have scored many TD's in their history

Offensively, the Warriors are led by their QB, Eric Foreman (#7). Foreman has tallied 35 TD passes in the past two seasons.

Foreman’s targets include; WR Jake Pickering (#24) and WR Marvin Williams (#10). Pickering has hauled in 10 TD’s in the past two seasons and Williams has 13 TD’s receptions over the 2009 and 2011 seasons.

Calvin Brent (#6) only stands 5’9” and weighs around 145 lbs, but was clocked at 4.1 sec. in the 40! Brent serves as DB, kick returner, and RB for the Warriors.

Lining up in the backfield with Brent is RB Lee Smalls (#4).

Center Dale Willis (#61) and Guard Nelson Salgado (#99) are two of the anchors on the O-line.

Warriors Defense

LB Willie Hernandez (#11) serves as the Warriors defensive captain.

Ross Huffstetler (#98), who has one of the better football names, is a 6’3” 225 defensive end.

Warriors have been ball hawks

Quinta “Tu-Tu” Becks (#1) picked off 5 passes in 2010. Along with playing DB, Becks is also a KR and WR.

Former University of Texas Longhorn, Gayland Minor (#2), joins Becks in the secondary.

Two other players to keep an eye out for are Chad Jackson (#74) and Gus Valentine (#89). Both of them have been playing with the Warriors from the start of the organization in 2002, and have played alongside the Pillado brothers since 1999.

The Warriors begin their 2012 season Feb. 12^th at 8:00pm.

Warriors’ regular season schedule:

2/12 – 8:00pm – Denton Dragons

2/19 – 12:00pm – Arlington Longhorns

2/26 – 4:00pm – Texas TakeOver

3/04 – 4:00pm – DFW Vipers

3/11 – 6:00pm – North Texas Jaguars

3/18 – 4:00pm – North Texas Trojans

3/25 – 8:00pm – Sachse Stallions

4/01 – 6:00pm – Fort Worth Rams

For more information about the Warriors, check out their website:

http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=warriors2002

or the AEFL website at:

www.eightman.org

Filed Under: 2012 Spring Previews, AEFL, Chase Rader, Dallas Warriors, Lead Story Tagged With: Dallas Warriors

Schedule

Draft

2012 Schedule

2012 Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft Picks

Cowboys Off-Season Moves and Additions

Additions:

Elsewhere:

AEFL finds its home

Uniform Standards

Coach Responses:

Sachse Stallions Defense

Sachse Stallions Offense

Lee’s Background

Lewisville Savage

2012 Savage Schedule:

TakeOver Offense

TakeOver Defense

2012 TakeOver Schedule:

Warriors Offense

Warriors Defense

Warriors’ regular season schedule:

Advertising

Ads

Interactive Poll

Brotherhood Rings

Special Sections

Interact

About Dfwfootball

Updates

Resources