ETBLITZ BULLETIN BOARD, presented by Clower Meats | TJC’s Jacobson leaving, congrats to Sabine’s Hawthorne
EDITOR’S NOTE: Here’s the very first edition of the ETBlitz Bulletin Board for 2026, presented by Clower Meats, the best and only REAL choice for quality meats in East Texas since the 1960s. The purpose of the Bulletin Board is to let you guys know when things are coming – not necessarily games, but things like tickets, fundraisers, golf tournament fundraisers, clay shoots – anything in the 15 communities that ETBlitz covers that is in the realm of sports that might be of interest. If you have an item of interest that you think should be in the Bulletin Board, e-mail Mitch Lucas at mlucas@etblitz.com. As for Clower Meats, they’re located at 2704 Texas 42 in Kilgore, at the intersection of Highways 31 and 42. And there is no better place to get cube steak, hamburger meat, ham, all the different cuts of steak you like, than Clower Meats. Several area restaurants use Clower Meats for their own service, and of course, there’s their trademark, the “Oilfield Sausage,” their own blend of spices that makes their smoked sausage the very best. Clower Meats is open daily until 5 p.m., and on Saturdays until noon. If you’ve never been to Clower Meats, give them a try – they really do have the very best quality in East Texas. Call them at (903) 984-3371, and also find them on Facebook, simply Clower Meat Market.
TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE
Jacobson announces departure
Tanner Jacobson, the head football coach at Tyler Junior College that has guided the Apaches from the wilderness into the Southwest Junior College Football Conference playoffs the last two years and to the NJCAA’s national playoff in 2025, is leaving for a coordinator’s position at a Division I school.
Several media outlets in East Texas have reported this news, as Jacobson confirmed it on Wednesday.
Phil Hicks, longtime sports editor of the Tyler Morning Telegraph, first reported that Jacobson is leaving for a position as a coordinator at a larger program, and that the young coach will sign his contract next week.
Jacobson, who played high school football at Southlake Carroll, guided the Apaches to an 11-1 mark in 2025 and to the NJCAA’s national final four playoff, where they lost at Iowa Western. The Apaches were in ranked in the top four in the nation for just about the entire season.
When Jacobson signs his deal next week, we’ll announce his destination.
As for the Apaches’ football program, some aspiring coach will take over a good one. TJC football was revived under Jacobson and his coaching staff, although it is unknown how many, if any, of them will return in 2026.
ETBlitz.com will attempt to talk with TJC Athletic Director Doug Wren after the New Year’s holiday to find out more about the Apaches’ coaching search.
GLADEWATER
Gladewater band Disney deadline today
A reminder that for Gladewater High School band members planning to hit the road to DisneyWorld, money and the documentation of 30 volunteer hours are due today, no exceptions. Check hours at www.gladewaterbandboosters.com .
KILGORE COLLEGE
Spring registration deadline Jan. 12
The deadline for spring registration (Spring 1 and Spring 2) is ongoing at Kilgore College. The deadline is January 12.
Apply here: Student Admissions – Kilgore College.
SABINE
Congratulations to Thomas Hawthorne!
Congratulations to Sabine High School’s own Thomas Hawthorne, who was selected by Music for All to perform in today’s 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California as a part of the Bands of America honor band.
Sabine band director Rance Hawthorne, Thomas’s father, was a part of the Bands of America’s Rose Parade performance in 2005.
