SMHS faces CenTex power

By Randy Stevens
Sports Editor

San Marcos August 28, 2008 11:24 am

— In each region of the Lone Star State, there’s a football program which exemplifies winning. One that posts countless district titles is almost always in the playoffs.
Teams like Converse-Judson or Smithson Valley are good examples in this area, but in Central Texas, it’s the Waco High Lions.
Waco High has a long and strong winning tradition that dates back to state four state titles back in the 1920’s under famous head coach Paul Tyson. Although 1939 was the last year the Lions battled for the state title, Waco High’s winning tradition has continued under Johnny Tusa, who is entering his 25th year as head football coach.
Under Tusa, the Lions have made the playoffs 17 times in the past 22 years, including last season.
The program has produced numerous collegiate players under Tusa, and is the alma mater of the late Kansas City Chiefs’ linebacker Derrick Thomas.
It took Ennis four overtimes to oust the Lions from the playoffs. It was only Waco’s second loss of the season, the other was a non-district game against Euless-Trinity.
And even though the Lions are returning only six starters, they’re favored to win District 16-4A, a group which includes Ennis, and Waco University.
“We knew Waco High would be tough when we scheduled them because they’re coached well, and have a long winning tradition,” SMHS head coach Steve Van Nest. “We wanted to schedule tough teams to get us ready for district and Waco definitely fits in that category.”
The Lions lack of returning experience will make it tough for Waco to duplicate last season’s run, but the Lions still have plenty of talent San Marcos must be wary of. Bronshae Dugas returns at fullback after rushing for 755 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, while Denzel Michell is a tall and talented receiver who caught 13 passes for 160 yards last year.
Senior Clarence Willis saw some action at quarterback last season for the Lions, completing 28-of-70 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns. But with six interceptions last season, Willis has opened the door for junior Kollin Kahlen, who has been pressing for starting time at the spot. Kahlen is also the team’s returning punter, averaging 37.86 yards per game.
On defense, Waco High was one of the best in Central Texas last season, allowing 199 yards of offense and 13.5 point per game. Defensive end Andrew Weaver (6-2, 215) and linebacker Cameron Terry are Waco’s two returning defensive starters, as sophomore Tristan Esche is expected to step up at linebacker.
Like the Rattlers, Waco High has only one scrimmage this year, last weekend at Killeen-Ellison. Encouraging to Rattler fans is the fact that Ellison, a Slot-T attack similar to SMHS, scored six touchdowns against the Lions. However, Waco High was able score five times against the Eagles.
San Marcos was outscored 17-0 in its lone scrimmage against Tyler Lee.
Friday’s game will be held at the Waco ISD Stadium, located on New Road just east of Interstate 35. The stadium holds 14,000 fans and is the home field for both Waco High and Waco-University High.