Brashear's first season successful

With the 2016 season for class 3A-Division I football finishing today up at AT&T, I would like to reflect back on Coach Tommy Brashear’s first season as the leader of the Yoemen. 

Following a number of successful years as a top assistant, he stepped right in Rock Rhoades’ shoes and became the third-best first-year coach in history behind only Toby York’s state Championship in 1981 and Randy Sapp’s debut season in 1996 (12-2).

With their 11-3 finish this year the Yoemen overcame a couple of bumps losing to China Spring, Rockdale and Malakoff in the regional finals. But looking closer China Spring and Malakoff each bowed out of the playoffs last weekend in the semifinals with (14-1) records. Rockdale went out a week earlier, losing to Malakoff and finishing a great 12-2 year.

This year the Yoemen averaged 42.1 points per game, while giving up 26.9. Take away the China Spring and Rockdale games and the defense looks a lot better with only 19 per game allowed. 

With their overtime loss to Malakoff (37-34) at Waco, the questions have been asked about overtime games for Yoe. Well, I researched our record and found that last week’s loss to Malakoff was our fourth overtime game since the UIL started them in the 90’s. Also, I found out that we don’t want to play more overtimes. 

That loss was our fourth overtime loss without a victory. The first came at Yoe Field as Coach Sapp’s Yoemen lost a district game to Manor 27-24. That was in the aforementioned 1996 debut year for Randy and was the only other loss in his 12-2 season, as Coldspring knocked us out in the quarterfinals at Kyle FIeld 37-19. 

The next overtime loss came to Marlin in 2000 and it was for the regional championship at Kyle Field 27-26. We missed an extra point to win it in regulation and another in overtime to keep it tied. The next year (2001) we lost the district championship in overtime at Giddings to the Buffs 13-7 when Temple officials failed to see a fumble recovered by the Yoemen that led to the loss. 

Add to all that the Malakoff loss in the regional finals and we stand 0-4 in overtime games.

But back to 2016, we have to congratulate Coach Brashear and his staff for leading us to a great year. Also to the 14 seniors who will graduate with a combined 52-10 record for their four years at Yoe High. That includes two State Championships, one runner-up and a regional finalist. Thanks!

Those seniors are Jordan Wells, Jordan Young, Caden Harris, Casey Greene, Kevondre Wesley, Sicory Smith, Noah Kostroun, Jesse Valdez, Brandon Wilkins, Eddie Luna, Alex Bennett, Tyler Bennett, Xavier (Jave) Torres and Dortavis Lewis. 

Others who will return are Zack Andress, D.J. Fripp, Bryce Welsh, D.J. Daniels, Levi May, Keke Moore, Avery Rodriguez, Jeremy Glaser, Iverson Westbrook, Kirk Lara, Anthony Layne, Bryce Brashear, Nico Vargas, Jale Walzel, Tydrick Williams, Joel Mora, Anthony Steamer, Patrick England, Brodie Sexton, Ulices Cardona, Bailey Evan, Frank Ibarra, Delvon Bell, Caleb Hubnik, Chris Johnson, Quentin Ewing, Christian Reyes, Adrian Lewis, Alex Aguillon, Garrett Roeder and Caleb Mueck. Can’t wait!

Have a great holiday season. I will have more in the New Year. Please get out and see other Yoe and Lady Yoe sports. They need your support! 

Coach Glendening’s round ball team is 10-1. Go Yoe!