Previous Comments

Comments on the Marlin game:

Coach Valastro - "I challenged our kids at halftime and said we needed about three turnovers. Special teams have made big plays in La Grange's last seven games. It was a great team effort, and we did a good job of catching the pitch and blocking on the perimeter."

Comments on the Mathis game:

Coach Cooper - "The kids played with so much confidence. The crowd and the atmosphere was awesome. All three aspects of the game were executed very well. Anything can happen from here on."

Coach Sports - "It is exciting to see these guys play with such great intensity. Everyone is expecting to make the Big Play! On the opening kickoff, Lucas Friedel stripped the ball and Chris Harrison returned it for a touchdown."

Coach Hickle - "WOW! Did the Leps show up to play! Our kids really played better than last week. Offensively they could not stop anything we did, and defensively we really shut them down. We need to keep the same emotion, focus, and intensity on to next week."

Coach Golan - "It was a very impressive showing for our kids on all sides of the ball - offense, defense, and special teams. I believe the players and coaches are focused and happy to continue playing."

Comments on the Yoakum game:

Coach Sports - "We took the momentum early and played a solid game from start to finish. Super effort from Seth Anderle (4 interceptions) and Josh Sulik (1 interception and 1 fumble recovery)."

Coach Cooper-"Our kids were really ready to play. The whole atmosphere, with the big crowds, was very exciting. Hopefully we can keep improving and keep winning."

Coach Hickle - "Boy did our kids come out pumped. We got after them quick and did not let them breath for most of the first quarter. defensively we gave up a couple of big plays that accounted for most of their yards. We beat a very good team, and if we keep up that level of intensity can win some more."
Coach Valastro - "It was a great team effort. I was surprised that we dominated them like we did, but we had a great effort from our defense and our offensive line from tight end to tight end, and they did a super job."

Comments on the La Vernia game:

Coach Hickle - "Great high school football game. Big momentum swings. Great plays by players on both teams to give their schools a chance. You could see the determination in our players' faces that we were going to overcome being behind and were going to win the game. Our defense really stepped up the second half to shut down La Vernia and made several key stops - the last one overcoming 45 yards in penalties to seal the game.

Coach Cooper - "Great team effort. The kids really responded in the second half when the game was on the line. It was good to win a close game. Our team needed a game like that."

Comments on the Ingram Tom Moore game:
Coach Hickle - "We had a good start for the playoffs. Defensively we played extremely hard; we played focused football for most of the game. Our kids are getting better each week."

Coach Sports - "It was a great way to get the playoffs started. The defensive front played a great game allowing only 22 yards rushing. Seth Anderle had an interception and a blocked punt that Jarod Hickle returned for a TD."

Comments on the Hempstead game:

Coach Hickle - "Our defense really overwhelmed them. They (Hempstead) ended up with -8 yards rushing! What a great game. We scored defensively and then helped cause the next 4 fumbles. I was pleased to see the emotion and focus we need to get us ready for the playoffs."

Coach Cooper - "The defense played great. We were swarming to the football all night. That makes two 5-0 district records in a row. Now the games really count!"

Coach Golan - "Hempstead put up a fight early. They came out ready to play physically and emotionally. I was glad to see our kids respond the way they did. We accomplished our goals to go 5-0 in district. Now we can focus on the ultimate goal - the playoffs."

Comments on the Columbus game:

Coach Sports - "We got off to a great start with Kevin Ulrich blocking a punt and then Justin Jasek returning the block 12 yards to give us great field position. 'District Champs' three out of the last four years!"

Coach Hickle - "Wow! Two in a row! I was proud of the way our offense easily handled Columbus. We can now concentrate on our playoff run to our ultimate goal. Our defense really was flying around and getting some solid hits on the running back and quarterback. Go Leps!"

Coach Cooper - "Clinching the district championship against a rival like Columbus was very special. Hopefully, we'll be ready to close out the district competition and make a run in the playoffs."

Comments on the Bay City game:

Coach Valastro - "We executed our game plan. We were able to control the ball, but we had trouble with their speed. With the speed of their defensive backs, we had trouble getting our lead block on the perimeter. I was really pleased with the team. They played hard on every play, and I was especially proud of the defense. Our offensive line did a great job blocking up front."

Comments on the Giddings game:

Coach Valastro - "It will be good to spend the week with a win rather than a loss. We have areas we need to work on. We had to change our work schedule last week because of the heat. Not being able to hit and work at full speed caused some of the problems. In preparation for Sealy, we need to get more confident throwing the ball and work on our short passing."

Comments on the Sealy game:

Coach Golan - "Beating Sealy was extremely exciting. It is always fun when two rivals get together, and you come out on top. We were also excited to see how well our defense can play when everyone takes care of their responsibilities and do their jobs. Offensively, I could not believe some of the calls that worked so well against them. Beating Sealy does not mean our season is a success, though. We need to take each game as it comes and continue to improve each and every day."

Coach Cooper - "It was a solid win for our team. However, I think it is typical of the competition we will face almost every week until the end of the regular season. I hope our kids realize that everybody we play will be out to knock us off, and we have to play with that same intensity every week."

Coach Sports - "It was a great setting for Friday night football. A big crowd, school bands, and the emotion and enthusiasm from both teams. I was very proud of the way the Leopards performed!"

Comments on the Gonzales game:

Coach Cooper - "The Gonzales game was an example of how important momentum and confidence are in high school football. It is a characteristic of great teams to be able to have some things go against them, and then be able to bounce back. This game could be a great learning experience for our team."

Coach Sports - "It was a great football game. We just made too many mental mistakes to win. We just couldn't get the momentum back in the second half. Poor tackling allowed the deciding touchdown late in the game."

Coach Hickle - "I thought the Gonzales game was going to be one of our toughest opponents in pre-season. It was tough coming off the Sealy game with all its emotion and excitement. I think we played real flat which caused us not to execute. Gonzales, however, played a great game and did make the big plays especially on third down. It was just the opposite of last year's game when we made the big plays. I believe our kids will bounce back and get ready to go for St. Thomas.

Coach Valastro - "We made too many mistakes. The line did a good job, but we need to work on our perimeter game. They had some very talented athletes, but I feel we had the best team. We just didn't execute."

Comments on the St. Thomas game:

Coach Cooper - "All three phases of the game were solid in the first half. We had some breakdowns on offense and defense in the second half, but overall we played a good game."

Coach Valastro - "It was a game of big plays and momentum. Our offense did a great job of executing the option, and defense did a super job of containing St. Thomas' offense."

Coach Golan - "It was good to play a game like we did Friday to build confidence in our players before district starts. I think the kids and coaches are ready for district to start, so that we can focus on our goals which are a district championship and a long season in the playoffs."

Coach Hickle - "Our team responded like I believed they would. Our defense really did a good job containing a great back. We were able to get a look at some kids in different spots and this will help us as we get into district."

Comments on the Smithville game:

Coach Hickle - "Great way to open district play. Our offense did a great job getting points on the board quick and defensively our kids did a great job corralling their speedy backs. The kids who filled in defensively really performed well and should help us down the road as we get into the playoffs."

Coach Sports - "I was excited to - finally - get the district race underway! It is always nice to get that first win."

Coach Golan - "Overall, I thought we played well. We had some kids step up and that is good heading into the district race."

Coach Cooper - "This was a good start to the district race. We did a good job of executing for the most part. A lot of kids got to play, and that could help us down the road."

Comments on the Hallettsville game:

Coach Cooper - "This was a great win for our team. Anytime you can go on the road and get a district win, it is very positive. I hope we continue to improve."

Coach Golan - "Our kids are coming together and stepping up at the right time of the season. It will feel good to play a game at home this week."

Coach Hickle - "Our kids did a great job preparing for Hallettsville, and it showed in the game. Defensively we really contained their offense with the exception of a couple of big plays. We must continue to improve on our performance and preparation."

Comments on the Bellville game:

Coach Sports - "We have played better games defensively, but I was pleased with the hustle and intensity of our players. The biggest play was Matt Faldyn knocking the ball loose from the quarterback and Stephen Muzny scooping up the fumble and running in for the TD!"

Coach Golan - "It was a big win for us. It almost assured us a playoff berth. It also felt good to see our kids play well against a potentially dangerous football team. Although we did have some breakdowns defensively that could cost us later on, I thought we still made some progress from the week before."
Coach Cooper - "A great win for our team. This gives us some momentum going to Columbus."
Coach Hickle - "What a great win. Our offense really exploded; they were never really able to stop us. I was really glad to see us score one on defense with Muzny's return of the fumble for a TD. We need to keep building on this win and close out our run for the District Championship on Friday."