Sports

Midlothian Heritage became the final football team in the new District 5-5A to have a Head Coach in place for the coming season. The Jaguars, who are making the move up from Class 4A, have yet to experience a losing season since the school opened its doors less than a decade ago.

Ennis junior catcher Emma Rios, who earned All-District honors this year, was one of three Lady Lions to play in the second annual Ellis County Softball All-Star game on Tuesday in Waxahachie. She collected two hits, including a noout triple to lead off the last inning of a 9-9 tie. The deep drive down the line beat a diving left-fielder. Unfortunately she was left stranded as the next three batters went down.

Hall of Fame Head Coach Sam Harrell begins his fifth season in the Play It Again, Sam series when Ennis plays at Waxahachie on Aug. 26. The game will take place at Lumpkins Stadium for the third time in four years, and once again a sellout is expected.

One of the most meteoric college athletic careers has been the rise of 2017 Ennis graduate, Maile Deutsch. The All-District First Team softball player has enjoyed a career like few in maroon has ever done.

Maile Deutsch capped a four-year career at McPherson College by being named the NAIA National Player of the Year in 2021. The 5’6 powerhitter led the nation in batting with a robust .519 average.

When the University Interscholastic League announced changes in classifications in February, it included district alterations. Avalon remains in Class 1A in all sports, as well as holding each team in the larger of two divisions.

Dylan Wright, who played at both Ferris and Ennis before transferring to West Mesquite, enjoyed a productive season in the Big Ten at Minnesota last fall.

Second-year Head Coach Steven Greek has a loaded lineup this season, especially on offense. It has fans buzzing about the potential for the Jackets to sting opponents with scoring punch.

An encore All-Star week is taking shape for Ellis County softball and baseball players for Tuesday and Wednesday, June 14-15, in Waxahachie.

Once described as the Monster Who Ate Pittsburgh by The Ennis News after a dominating performance as a two-way lineman for Palmer, Caleb Hernandez, has secured a scholarship to play at NCAA Division I University of Texas at San Antonio.