On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Mount Pleasant Tigers head football coach Joe Cluley joins the show to preview the upcoming season as the Tigers build on a breakthrough year.

Mount Pleasant is coming off a 5-7 season that included the program’s first playoff victory in 27 years. Coach Cluley reflects on last year’s difficult but valuable schedule, close losses to teams like Lindale and Marshall, and a major road playoff win over Montgomery. He explains how facing quality opponents helped the Tigers learn what championship-level football looks like after their season ended against eventual state champion South Oak Cliff.

The Tigers return an experienced roster, including nearly 30 seniors, six offensive starters, and eight defensive starters. Coach Cluley discusses the team’s maturity, strong offseason buy-in, and why having players who understand the daily practice standard is so valuable.

The conversation also breaks down Mount Pleasant’s roster, including young quarterback Heston Horn, running back Brandon McCoo, returning receivers Jaden Lohan and Terrance Beard, a more experienced offensive line led by Landon Cheatham, and a talented defense featuring Nehemiah “Nemo” Savage, Lincoln Dike, Brandon McCoo, and several returning all-district defensive backs.

Coach Cluley previews a challenging 5A Division II district featuring Hallsville, Marshall, Nacogdoches, Whitehouse, Greenville, Terrell, Texas High, and Mount Pleasant. He also explains why the Tigers’ preseason scrimmage against Pleasant Grove matters—not because of the score, but because of the chance to evaluate players in important game situations.

The episode also recognizes the memory of Mount Pleasant player Gavin Brooks, who tragically passed away alongside his sister in a car accident. Coach Cluley shares how Gavin’s teammates, family, school, and the East Texas football community have rallied around the Brooks family. The Tigers will honor Gavin throughout the season, including carrying his jersey with the team captains before games.

Mount Pleasant enters the year with experience, belief, and a clear focus: improve every day, play for one another, and carry Gavin’s memory with them every Friday night.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, San Augustine Wolves head football coach Tory Barnes joins the show to reflect on the program’s resurgence and preview a promising new season.

The Wolves are coming off a 10-4 season and a trip to the regional finals, a major step forward after the program totaled nine wins over the previous four seasons. Coach Barnes explains how a cohesive senior class, strong leadership, daily preparation, and attention to the small things helped San Augustine turn the corner.

Barnes also looks back on the early stages of his tenure, including the challenge of moving from offensive coordinator to head coach. He discusses the importance of building the right culture, correcting attitudes and mindsets, and patiently laying a foundation after San Augustine’s previous run of deep state-semifinal playoff appearances.

The conversation highlights the growing success across San Augustine athletics, from football’s regional final appearance to the boys basketball team’s state finals run, the girls basketball team’s state semifinal appearance, and success in track and field. Barnes explains why success across an athletic department can build confidence throughout an entire school community.

Looking ahead, San Augustine returns key pieces on both sides of the ball. The Wolves bring back five offensive starters and eight defensive starters, including third-year starting quarterback Max Renfro, 1,500-yard rusher Jeremy Bluford, receiver Adrian Renfro, and a talented linebacker group led by returning all-state defenders. Barnes also discusses the addition of offensive lineman Damarious Ken, who could help anchor the offensive front.

Finally, Coach Barnes previews one of the toughest districts in Texas: a 2A gauntlet featuring Garrison, Hemphill, Joaquin, Shelbyville, Timpson, and San Augustine. With every team capable of making a playoff push, Barnes explains why the Wolves must prepare every week, compete through adversity, and understand that even familiar district opponents may become postseason matchups again.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Gladewater Bears head football coach Jermaine Lewis joins the show to preview the upcoming season following a successful first year leading his hometown program.

The Bears finished 10-2 last season, their highest win total since 2019, and reached the area round of the playoffs. Coach Lewis reflects on how the team’s summer buy-in, consistency, and willingness to work helped set the tone for last year’s run—and why Gladewater is focused on building from that success rather than being satisfied with it.

Lewis discusses the returning talent for the Bears, including quarterback Achilles, defensive standout Amarion Mentor, and other experienced contributors across the roster. He explains why Gladewater’s strength begins up front, with a physical offensive line and defensive front that allow the Bears to control the ball, play tough defense, and maintain the old-school Gladewater football identity.

The conversation also explores the strong relationships Lewis has built within the program and the community. Having coached many players’ parents during earlier stops in his career, Lewis talks about how those long-standing ties help create trust, accountability, and a family atmosphere around Gladewater athletics.

Coach Lewis also previews District 8-3A Division I, which includes Atlanta, Sabine, Tatum, White Oak, Liberty-Eylau, and Gladewater. While Jefferson’s departure changes the district, Lewis expects another challenging slate full of athletic, well-coached opponents.

Finally, Lewis provides an update on his son, former Gladewater standout Collin Lewis, who has transferred to Oklahoma State and is competing for a role after spending time at North Texas and UTSA. He also shares news on his daughter’s strong start to volleyball season.

Also in this episode, the show covers the UIL decision that made Trevor and Desch Golightly eligible at Troup ISD, previews key East Texas Week One football matchups, and highlights must-watch games including Longview vs. Lufkin, Gilmer vs. Pine Tree, Kilgore vs. Pleasant Grove, Daingerfield vs. Gladewater, and Quinlan Ford vs. Beckville.