Game Four: Hamlin vs. Quanah

7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 4
Hamlin Pied Pipers vs. Quanah Indians

The finale for the 2010 edition of the Action Sports Medicine Champions Classic will feature the Hamlin Pied Pipers, District 11-A champs in 2009, and the Quanah Indians, who are making their first appearance in the event.

Coach Russell Lucas will have the benefit of a returning veteran squad of Pipers, including 15 lettermen and seven starters on each side of the ball. Hamlin runs the spread offense and the 3-4 defense. Some key players have graduated, but his team is expected to make a run for the District 7-1A, District II title.

Good news is Hamlin brings back most of 2009’s very stingy and quick defense: Seven starters return from that unit, including linebacker Kylon Davis (141 tackles) and defensive lineman John Norman (71 tackles).

“We do have a chance to be better defensively, and that’s what is going to give us a chance to be pretty decent as a team,” Lucas told the Abilene Reporter-News. “If you look at it, six of our seven interior guys were sophomores last year and they’ll all be back.” Four of five offensive line starters also return - good news for quarterback Tyler Lucas (70-of-133, 1,012, 10 TDs).

Other Piper players the ARN likes include: Kyle Tomlinson, WR-DB, 5-6, 145, Sr.; Branson Ponder, WR-DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Tim Mendoza, OL-LB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Ryne Lucas, OL-DL, 5-9, 220, Jr.; Tyler Lucas, QB-LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Cody Bates, TE-DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Dylan Byerly, OL-DL, 5-9, 160, Jr.; John Norman, RB-DL, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Kylon Davis, RB-LB, 5-6, 160, Jr.; Joe Alaniz, OL-LB, 5-9, 200, Jr.

The Quanah Indians, coached by Jason Sims, return 17 players, including 8 starters on offense and 7 on defense. Senior Roderick Woodard (5-10, 175) is the “hoss” to watch, with 169 carries for 1,194 yards and 5 TDs last year. He also had 111 tackles at his linebacker position.

The offensive line returns all but one starter. That’s good news for returning starting QB Tyson Marsh who threw for 476 yards and10 TDs last season. Others to watch are juniors Gary Gorley (OL, 5-11, 235) and Haze Honea (LB, 5-10, 190).