High Schools Columnist Tim MacMahon

Like uncle, like nephews
Twin linebackers Korey and Kyle Miller earn the utmost praise from Plano West coach Mike Hughes.

10/06/2004

This 3-3 defense stacks up with the best of them

Gary Payne / Special to DMN

Sachse quarterback Josh Phillips (left) is tackled by North Garland's Adarius Medford (center) and Ken Blanton.

North Garland implemented the 3-3 Stack in the spring, after defensive coordinator Steve Williams took a trip to Tulsa to learn the Golden Hurricane's scheme. The results so far: North Garland ranks fifth among area 5A teams in total defense and is allowing almost half as many points as it did last season. Not surprisingly, Williams now swears by the scheme, writes high school columnist Tim MacMahon.

09/30/2004

Quarterback scramble: Injury forces Lincoln to put Eaton back at QB
Lincoln's Byron Eaton didn't want to play quarterback this season. Coach Reginald Samples didn't want him to, either.

09/29/2004

Sign language: Coaches' signals must convey, yet confuse

File photo

McKinney North coaches Joe Castillo (left) and Ricky Carter signal plays to the offense.

Teams that run the no-huddle offense – which has become trendy with the success of Ennis, Highland Park, Southlake Carroll and others – use hand signals to call plays from the sidelines. But what if those signals are stolen? Several coaches asked about stealing signals agreed that it was ethical, as long as UIL rules aren't broken by using videotape, columnist Tim MacMahon writes. But don't expect teams to make it easy.

09/23/2004

This spread is hard to cover
It didn't make much sense for two of North Mesquite's best players to share playing time in a sputtering offense. So coach Steve Bragg decided to switch to the spread.

09/22/2004

Retired pros still proactive
Charles Haley chuckles when he talks about his new charges challenging him.

09/16/2004

Hurry-up offense works
Quarterback Eric Gordon has thrown nine touchdown passes in his first three starts. His favorite target, Jon Bauer, has snatched five. Gordon has spread the others out to three receivers.

09/15/2004

Ryan-Carroll game may hike TV interest
Poker, fishing, strongman competitions and reality shows serve as programming on all-sports television networks. Why not high school football?

09/09/2004

Defense can make its case
The parts are in place for Irving MacArthur to feature a frightening defense.

09/02/2004

Saxophone mockery helps Waxahachie linemen band together
The mocking chorus commenced every time Marlon Winn got in a three-point stance.

08/31/2004

Best offense to run? Few can beat spread

Chris Hamilton / Special to DMN

Receiver Andrew Novak (right) might benefit from the passing game of Ennis' spread offense, but running plays also play a part.

Coach Clayton George came to Hillcrest with a reputation as an offensive wizard, the result of being a Todd Dodge disciple. Hillcrest's players knew George planned to implement Southlake Carroll's fancy spread offense. They'd seen the highlights of the potent passing game that helped put a Class 5A state championship ring on their new coach's finger. So imagine their surprise when the former Carroll offensive coordinator spent most of his first practice at Hillcrest working on a simple running play, writes high school columnist Tim MacMahon.

08/26/2004

Allen defensive end Shavers plans to make senior season special
Marcus Shavers marched over to an Arkansas assistant coach in the middle of practice during the spring of his freshman year at Allen. "I'm going to play for you some day," Shavers said after introducing himself. It appears to have been a prophetic statement.

08/10/2004

Richardson Berkner football gets in the swim

John David Emmett / DMN

Clockwise from top left, Berkner's Jerad Lund, Aaron Ngbor, Andy Lewis and Brandt Markussen cool off after football practice.

Richardson Berkner football players don't mind a little extra conditioning when they drag themselves off the field after afternoon practices. It's amazing the motivational powers a swimming pool has in the middle of two-a-days. Players, while sweating under the sun for a couple of hours, can look forward to jumping in the cool water, writes High schools columnist Tim MacMahon.
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