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.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Carthage Bulldogs head football coach Scott Surratt joins the show to reflect on another historic season and preview the challenge ahead as the Bulldogs pursue a third straight state championship.

Carthage finished last season 16-0, captured its 11th state title, and extended the program’s active winning streak to 31 games. Coach Surratt looks back on a group that set school offensive records, averaged more than 50 points per game, and developed into one of the program’s most complete teams by the end of the season.

The conversation highlights the contributions of last year’s senior class, including standout quarterback Jet Quebec, playmakers K.J., Benny, and Junior Henderson, plus the impact of a dominant defense and special teams unit. Surratt explains why that group was special, how its toughness grew throughout the year, and why its players left a lasting mark on the Carthage program.

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs must replace several major contributors but return experienced talent across the roster. Surratt discusses quarterback candidate Jacob Dixon, returning offensive weapons Jace Harris, J.D. Edwards, Bryson Price, and tight end Jaden Jefferson, as well as defensive leaders including Caleb Smith, Andrew Kendall, Ethan Portal, and others.

Coach Surratt also previews Carthage’s challenging schedule, including a district featuring Center, Gilmer, Spring Hill, Pittsburg, and Pleasant Grove. The Bulldogs will also travel to face West Orange-Stark in a non-district rematch of last year’s state championship game.

As always, the Carthage message remains focused on the next rep, the next play, the next game, and the next opportunity to improve. Coach Surratt explains why the Bulldogs’ 2026 mantra is “Next One”—a reminder to stay locked into the process rather than look too far ahead.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Lindale Eagles head football coach Chris Cochran joins the show to preview the upcoming season and reflect on the program’s continued growth.

Lindale is coming off a 10-2 season, with its only regular-season loss coming against Kilgore before a second-round playoff loss to Fort Bend Crawford. While a double-digit-win season is an accomplishment, Coach Cochran makes it clear that the Eagles are not satisfied. After three straight area-round exits, Lindale is focused on taking the next step and becoming a program that consistently plays football in December.

The Eagles return significant experience, including eight offensive starters and six defensive starters, led by a senior-heavy group that has played major varsity football since its sophomore season. Cochran discusses standouts such as quarterback David Lenderman, running back Hank Thurman, defensive lineman Cam Beeson, and other returning leaders who have helped build a mature, businesslike culture.

Coach Cochran also talks about Lindale’s leadership council, which includes 11 senior players and junior Ike Fisher. He explains why the Eagles put real responsibility on their players, asking them to hold their teammates accountable and lead their position groups with purpose.

The conversation breaks down Lindale’s strengths along the offensive and defensive lines, the team’s strong returning secondary and skill talent, and the importance of replacing a key special teams presence. Cochran also previews preseason tests against Hallsville, Whitehouse, and Van, a non-district stretch designed to prepare the Eagles for a rugged schedule.

Finally, Cochran looks ahead to a difficult district featuring Bullard, Jacksonville, Henderson, Kilgore, Pine Tree, Palestine, and Chapel Hill. With an expanded eight-team district and strong coaching across the board, Lindale expects every week to be a challenge as the Eagles pursue a district title and a deeper playoff run.

Also, Coach Cochran shares his appreciation for the support of the Lindale community, including the excitement surrounding the Eagles’ new video board at the football stadium.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Troup Tigers head football coach Sam Wells joins the show to preview the upcoming season after one of the most successful years in recent program history.

The Tigers are coming off a 12-win campaign that included a trip to the regional semifinals, the program’s most wins since 2004, and its eighth straight playoff appearance. Coach Wells reflects on last season’s experienced group, the preparation and maturity that fueled the run, and the pride he has in the players and staff who made it happen.

Looking ahead, Troup returns significant experience on both sides of the ball, including nine offensive starters and seven defensive starters. Wells discusses the leadership of four-year contributors such as Bret Wells, James Pierce, and H. Barry, along with the value of having veteran players who have played major roles since their freshman seasons.

Coach Wells also breaks down Troup’s strengths, including returning skill players, speed, and a veteran secondary. He explains the areas the Tigers still need to develop, particularly replacing key contributors along the offensive line, at center, and in several defensive roles.

The episode also previews Troup’s preseason scrimmages against Gladewater and Westwood, two quality opponents that will test the Tigers against different styles of football. Wells explains why those matchups will help answer important questions before the season begins.

Finally, Wells takes a look at a challenging district featuring Jefferson, Arp, West Rusk, New Diana, and Winona. With several ranked teams, high-level talent, and outstanding coaching throughout the district, Troup expects every Friday night to be a battle.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, new Mineola Yellowjackets athletic director and head football coach Cody Moore joins the show to discuss his first few months in Mineola and his vision for the future of the football program.

Moore reflects on being hired in February after spending the previous two seasons as offensive coordinator at Rockwall-Heath. He explains why the opportunity to lead Mineola was a blessing, what has stood out about the Yellowjacket community, and how the support from the administration, coaches, players, and families has made the transition a positive one.

The conversation also looks at Moore’s coaching journey, including opening the football program at Denton Braswell in 2016 and building it from an 0-10 first season into a district championship team that played at AT&T Stadium. Moore shares the influence of longtime mentor Rodney Webb, why he chose to reunite with Webb at Rockwall-Heath, and how those experiences helped prepare him for another head coaching opportunity.

Moore discusses the adjustment from coaching at the 5A and 6A levels to leading a 3A East Texas program, including smaller roster numbers, multi-sport athletes, community involvement, and the importance of developing players in every part of the athletic department. He also breaks down Mineola’s coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator and assistant athletic director Jason Johnson, and explains why finding great role models for student-athletes was a top priority.

Looking ahead, Moore previews a difficult district that includes Malakoff, Winnsboro, Mount Vernon, Rains, Eustace, and Commerce. He discusses the strong coaching across the district, Mineola’s buy-in throughout the offseason, and his goal of laying a lasting foundation while giving the Yellowjackets a chance to compete in every game this season.

Also in this episode, the show discusses the Dallas Cowboys’ contract extension for Quinnen Williams, the team’s defensive improvements under new coordinator Christian Parker, and professional baseball milestones for Bullard’s Hagen Smith and Canton’s Ace Reese.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tyler Booker talks about entering his second NFL season with more confidence, a stronger routine, and a bigger leadership role.

Booker discusses being named to the Cowboys’ leadership council in just his second year, explaining what it means to earn the trust of teammates and coaches while continuing to lead by example. He reflects on his background as a captain at both IMG Academy and Alabama, and why he takes pride in bringing that same accountability to Dallas.

The conversation also explores the growth and continuity of the Cowboys offensive line. Booker talks about working alongside Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Guyton, and Terence Steele, building chemistry through offseason workouts and time away from the facility, and why offensive line play requires trust, communication, and experience together.

Booker also shares how going against elite defensive tackles such as Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark during training camp helps sharpen the entire offense. He explains how facing that level of talent every day can prepare the Cowboys for the physical challenges they will see throughout the NFL season.

The former Alabama standout discusses his personal goals for the year, including improving consistency, footwork, technique, and eliminating the “rookie mistakes” from his first season. He also talks about Dak Prescott setting a championship standard, the Cowboys’ shared Super Bowl goal, and why the team believes it has the talent and mindset to compete at the highest level.

Plus, Booker gives a lighter look at the offensive line’s offseason bond, including a Cabo trip with teammates, dinners with Dak Prescott, and an unexpected discussion about Love Island.