Joe Hale

The stands at Bruce Bradshaw Stadium will be full pretty soon, with fans hoping to see West Rusk claim a fifth district title in six seasons. The Raiders open up the 2024 season, coach Rafe Mata's second at the helm, on August 30 at Malakoff. Below: coach Rafe Mata, and the 2024 version of West Rusk's helmet. (Photos by JOE HALE - ETBLITZ.COM)

THRILL RIDE | A near-decade of dominance for West Rusk, as Mata begins year two at the helm in ’24

Joe Hale 3 months ago

Kilgore High School head football coach Clint Fuller (left) works with outside linebackers on Day One: the first official day of UIL-approved high school football practice on Monday behind the Mitchell Field House. Below: the Ragin' Red meet briefly in the indoor practice facility. (Photos by JOE HALE)

WAIT, WHAT? | Kilgore, other programs following new UIL practice mandate

Joe Hale 3 months ago

This wall delivers a distinct message that every Henderson athlete gets: LION PRIDE NEVER DIES. Henderson High School football coach Clay Baker (below), himself a former Lion, is re-instilling that in his football team each and every day, planning a return to playoff glory. (Photos by JOE HALE - ETBLITZ.COM)

THE LIONS’ DEN | Baker’s plan: To bring winning ways back to Henderson

Joe Hale 3 months ago

RIGHT NOW | Tatum, Gunter play a one-game, winner-take-all in 3A’s regional semifinal

Joe Hale 6 months ago

Tatum shortstop Cooper Whiteus (center) steps into the batters box in Rusk, against West Rusk pitcher Cole Jackson, who's in his windup here. Jackson had a fairly good night on the mound, but Whiteus had three hits and scored twice, and teammate Carson Gonzalez only allowed the Raiders two hits in a 6-1 Tatum win. It was game one of a best-of-three series in the UIL Class 3A Regional Quarterfinals, the third round of the UIL baseball playoffs. Game two is Friday night in Bullard at Brook Hill School at 7 p.m., and if West Rusk wins that one, game three would be Saturday at noon, also at Brook Hill. (Photo by MITCH LUCAS - ETBLITZ.COM)

GONZALEZ, WHITEUS HAVE BIG NIGHT | Tatum gets past West Rusk in game one; series continues Friday

Joe Hale 6 months ago

WR-TATUM SERIES ALTERED | Now begins Wednesday at Rusk; let’s have a preview

Joe Hale 6 months ago

Members of Kilgore's 7-on-7 team pose after winning the Texas 7-on-7 State Tournament qualifier Saturday afternoon at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium. (Photo by JOE HALE)

KILGORE WINS 7-ON-7 STATE QUALIFIER | ‘Dogs headed to state tourney, but lots of talent on display Saturday at R.E. St. John

Joe Hale 6 months ago

TATUM DROPS WINNSBORO, 6-3 | Wins series; awaits West Rusk-Dekalb winner for next round

Joe Hale 6 months ago

EAGLES SOAR IN GAME 1 | Tatum trails early, then beats Winnsboro, 5-1; hosts game two Friday

Joe Hale 6 months ago

Kilgore baseball has a bit of work to do. The Diamond 'Dogs fell, 7-0, on Wednesday night in game one of the best-of-three-game playoff series at Bullard to the Panthers, and will now have to beat them in game two (at 6 p.m. Friday) to force a game three. Game two is Friday night at Driller Park in Kilgore; game three would be about 30 minutes after game two.

BULLARD TAKES SERIES LEAD | Panthers go up 1-0 on Bulldogs; Game two Friday night at Driller

Joe Hale 6 months ago

Kilgore's Kolton Hale (left) and Joe Hendrickson. (Photo by JOE HALE)

DISTRICT 17-4A BASEBALL STANDINGS | Updated before Friday’s regular season finales

Joe Hale 7 months ago

SPRING HILL LEAVES DRILLER WITH WIN | Both Kilgore, Panthers headed for playoffs regardless

Joe Hale 7 months ago