10 Observations from Malakoff’s 63-35 win over Pottsboro

(Interview with Coach Jamie Driskell above.)

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

MESQUITE — The Malakoff offense was red hot Friday night as the Tigers burned Pottsboro 63-35 Friday night at Mesquite E.H. Hanby Stadium in bi-district action.

Malakoff got going early, scoring 21 points in the first quarter and never trailed in the game. Pottsboro never got closer than 14.

The Tigers improved their record to 8-2 on the year and will face 11-0 Jefferson next week in the Area round (details below).

Here are my 10 Observations from the big bi-district win.

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Podcast: Athens Police Department struggling to find, keep officers

Friday, Police Chief Buddy Hill told City Council members that the department currently has seven positions open and it could lose three more officers before the end of the year. If that happened the department would be short nearly a third of its budgeted officers. I sat in on the meeting and spoke with Chief Hill about the problem, its causes and what it all means.

IN A NUTSHELL: The Athens Police Department is struggling to recruit and retain officers in what has become a very competitive market. The City Council is expected to vote next week on a plan to raise the department’s pay scale in order to help in this matter.

Athens falls to Van, 49-13

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqOQjPNF8Tc/

MESQUITE — The Athens Hornets couldn’t overcome mistakes and lost to Van, 49-13, in bi-district playoff action Thursday night.

The Hornets were led by Nathan Sims with 126 yards rushing and a touchdown, according to my unofficial stats.

For the other Athens score, quarterback Chase Friedrich hit Rowdy Godwin with a 7-yard pass over triple coverage in the back corner of the end zone.

Althought the Hornets were able to move the ball against Van, four turnovers and inopportune penalties hurt Athens’ chances.

The Hornets end their season at 5-5 while the Vandals improve to 9-2.

Obituary: Johnny Christmas Mattingly

Graveside services for Johnny Christmas Mattingly 72, of Malakoff will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 18, 2018 at Post Oak Cemetery under the direction of Bro. Derrick Rogers.

Mr. Mattingly passed away Thursday, November 15, 2018, in Athens, Texas.

Johnny was born December 24, 1945, in Athens, Texas the son of T.B. and Gertrude Blakey Mattingly of Cayuga, Texas. He entered school in Cross Roads, graduated from Kerens High School, Navarro College, Stephen F. Austin University and with a master’s degree from East Texas State University. He taught Vocational Agriculture at Malakoff High School for 16 years. He served for many years on the Henderson County Levy Board. His greatest contributions were his family, his love of ranching, developing young men of character and as a community leader. He was always available for advice and was always looking forward to a brighter future.

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Obituary: Dewey Dyer

Graveside Services for Dewey Dyer, 101, of Murchison are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Liberty Cemetery in Martin’s Mill with Bro. Scott Gizzle officiating.

Dewey Dyer passed away on November 15, 2018 in Murchison, Texas.

Dewey Truett Dyer was born July 13, 1917 in Van Zandt County, Texas the son of Jesse Dyer and Trudy Edwards Dyer. He attended Life Bridge Church in Tyler. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved gardening, farming and hunting. He also enjoyed raising hunting dogs.

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