27 Aug 2011 Jessieville: Lions continuing to improve

After winning five of its first six games in 2010, Jessieville (8-4) hardly looks like the team that won just two games three years ago.

Finishing fourth in the 5-3A conference, the Lions earned the program’s first postseason win since 2007, defeating Paris, 28-20. The Lions look to continue their success in 2011 with a favorable schedule including home games against Glen Rose, Fountain Lake and Prescott – the conference’s top three seeds last year.

Jessieville returns most of its starters, including an intimidating running game featuring seniors Michael Mendez (5-9, 195) and Kalin Glover (5-10, 165) and junior D.J. Hayes (5-9, 155). “We try to spread the ball around, and we have a great group who can do that,” coach Don Phillips said. “With our strong offensive line, the running game should be deceiving.”

Senior quarterback Dalton Oates (6-2, 165) filled in for an injured Kyle Eckard last year and gets the nod this season.

“He’s matured greatly since 2010,” Phillips said. “He throws the ball well, has good speed and is very athletic.”