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DOWN GREEN 13, GREEN
13, SET, HIT!!!!
By T.C. Baker
Staff Photographer
Victoria Advocate (Victoria, TX)
Before any team had taken
the field, our photo dept. huddled around the editor as we looked
over THE LIST.
In August, THE LIST to
our department, like many others across the country, is a list of
football teams we were to cover for previews. Now let me remind you,
this is Texas... South Texas, and football is BIG. Our definition
of football is fifteen counties, 31 teams in 22 days, split three
ways.
Last month I quoted the
mileage I spent on flood coverage. Well, this month is the near the
same, but 90% came from football previews.
I like sports. I like
shooting sports. Hell, if it weren't for high school football, I probably
wouldn't be where I am today. Now there's a thought, if time travel
were possible, maybe I'd be an engineer like my dad hoped. Oh, well,
I love what I do and that is that. Back to gridiron.
As I look back on this
past month, I shot 17 teams and had one no-show (holy cow, I shot
more than half, gonna have to ask the boss for a raise). It was fun,
or was it.
I guess the hardest part
is trying to be creative, to look for something different each time,
a new angle. I don't think I'll win any awards, but is that why I
am shooting? If so, I should have quit years ago. I shoot for me,
my employer, and occasionally the readers, in that order.
Next month I hope to show
some highlights from a much more important field, the one my 10 year
old son will grace with his presence in his first year of tackle football.
For now, I leave you with
a few highlights from my game.
Bay City
Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Chad Morris encourages
players during a recent practice. Bay City's team motto
this year is "Finish it!" Last year the team lost the championship
game to Ennis in the Houston Astrodome.
© 2002 Victoria Advocate, T.C. Baker |
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Bay City
Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Chad Morris encourages
players during a recent practice. Bay City's team motto
this year is "Finish it!" Last year the team lost the championship
game to Ennis in the Houston Astrodome.
© 2002 Victoria Advocate, T.C. Baker |
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Flatonia
starting lineman/deep snapper Kyle Morrill, 12th grader,
runs through defensive line during punt team drills.
© 2002 Victoria Advocate, T.C. Baker |
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As flash
flooding soaks the Palacios High School practice field outside,
Isael Guerrero uses the bench press as Juan Cabrales spots.
© 2002 Victoria Advocate, T.C. Baker |
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Pettus quarterback
Matt Helford throws a pass during workouts.
© 2002 Victoria Advocate, T.C. Baker |
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Runge head
coach Jim Sides talks with his Yellowjackets before the
beginning of two-a-day practices.
© 2002 Victoria Advocate, T.C. Baker |
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Second-team
All District 30-1A center Fabian Gutierrez is expected to
be the anchor of the Runge offensive line this year.
© 2002 Victoria Advocate, T.C. Baker |
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Karnes Ciy
coach Tom Warlick reacts to pass coverage drills.
© 2002 Victoria Advocate, T.C. Baker |
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Yoakum linebackers
walk stretching drills during their first week of practice.
© 2002 Victoria Advocate, T.C. Baker |
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Yorktown
offensive backs run through drills.
© 2002 Victoria Advocate, T.C. Baker |
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Yoakum players
try to beat the South Texas heat with many water breaks
scheduled into the practice times.
© 2002 Victoria Advocate, T.C. Baker |
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A Flatonia
player spews his morning snack as part of his daily routine
during football workouts.
© 2002 Victoria Advocate, T.C. Baker |
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T.C. Baker is a staff photographer
for the Victoria Advocate in Victoria, Texas.
TCBaker@VICAD.COM
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