Sports

Which Big 5 football team will face the most demanding schedule prior to the start of their district season? Let’s cut to the chase. It’s Ennis and Italy. Both have to run the gauntlet to reach their most important games without suffering a loss in the early weeks. But can they?

New SAGU Head Coach Greg Ellis has named Brent Battle as offensive coordinator. A North Texas alum, Battle was the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator a year ago.

Over 3,100 miles from his native birthplace in San Salvador, El Salvador, Cesar España has made the most of his life in the United States. Colorful, humorous and handsome, he is also a great ambassador for the game of soccer.

Multi-sport athlete DeIvian “Dee” Johnson enrolled at Cisco Junior College this week. He has begun workouts in preparation for the Wranglers football team. New HC John O’Mera

Forget about lions roaming free of other predators on the Serengeti. Even with three straight district titles, to remain at the top of the food chain in the new District 5-5A, Ennis will have strong competition as they battle for the apex predator crown.

Like most years, Ennis is scheduled to have five games at home, with the other outings played away from home at five different stadiums.

The lush grass at Bulldog Stadium will no longer be considered the best striped lawn in Ellis County. The coaching staff, who meticulously manicured the sod, will enjoy the soon-to-be completed artificial rug that will stretch beyond the 120-yard playing surface.

Former Ennis pitcher and infielder Makayla Fuentes has accepted a softball scholarship at Howard Payne University. The NCAA Division 3 school is located 170 miles west in Brownwood (pop. 18,862).

Ennis volleyball reports that sophomore Kadence Borik has shown exemplary dedication during off-season workouts. HC Kelly Henderson says Kadence is all about hard work towards the goal of improving.

Territorial by nature, the Palmer Bulldogs are preparing for the 2022 season riding three straight district crowns and a dominating 24-game winstreak at home. In fact, the Hounds have a 35-8 overall record over the past four seasons, the best among all area Big 5 teams, including Ennis.