Things I Think I Know - The Dallas Cowboys edition

Dez Bryant is ready for a breakout season in 2011.

With the lockout well in the past, and another boring preseason in the books, it's finally time to focus on what actually counts as the 2011 NFL season officially begins tonight. But as interesting as tonight's Green Bay-New Orleans matchup may be, my focus is once again on the Silver & Blue.

I'm always a little hesitant to speak too highly of the Dallas Cowboys, and for good reason. They usually fail to meet the expectations that the media puts on them. So, in order to avoid the emotional turmoil that comes with missing the mark year in and year out, I've learned to drop my standards a little bit, or as I prefer to call it, thinking like a realist instead of a fan.

Here are a few things I think I know about the 2011 Dallas Cowboys:

1. Dallas will open the season with a loss . . .
The scheduling committee wasn't too kind to the Cowboys when it put them up against the New York Jets to open the season – on September 11th. Not only will Dallas have to deal with a Jets squad built for a Super Bowl run, but the Cowboys will have to deal with the emotion attached to this game, on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the Empire State Building.

It's nothing more than a disaster waiting to happen as the hearts of the nation will be beating in unison for anything New York, the Cowboys will essentially be playing the role of villain as they try to steal a win in New York. As much as I'd like to see them do it, they won't.

2. Rob Ryan's defense will struggle early . . .
One thing we found out in the preseason was that the Cowboys defense still needs lots of work. With the training camp schedule cut short due to the lockout, Ryan didn't have the kind of time one would normally have to install a brand new scheme.

That means, the Cowboys will have to learn on the fly, and that'll take some extra time. It will take a few weeks to get all the kinks worked out, but when they do, this defense will be fun to watch.

3. Dez Bryant will have a breakout season in 2011 . . .
I'm making this prediction for two reasons, but the most important reason is that we all saw flashes of brilliance a year ago before he missed the end of the year with an injury. If he can stay healthy, he will dominate, like a 1,400-yard, 12-touchdown kind of dominate.

I also not only drafted him first for my fantasy team, but named the squad after him (Dezzie Does Dallas), so I actually have a lot riding on this prediction. I feel good about this one.

4. The Dallas Cowboys' record in 2011 will be . . .
9-7, good enough for a wild card spot.

Basically, just looking at the schedule, I have wins against San Francisco, Washington, Detroit, St. Louis, Seattle, Buffalo, Miami, and NY Giants, and Philadelphia. I also have Dallas losses to NY Jets, New England, Phladelphia, Washington, Arizona, NY Giants, and Tampa Bay.

Interesting enough, I have the Cowboys at 7-4, then losing three straight to the Cardinals, Giants, and Buccaneers, then regrouping to win the last two, including a New Year's Day road game against the Giants.

Humbled But Happy

Going from being the boss to the low man on the totem pole is a bit strange, and definitely not something I've ever experienced before. Until THIS WEEK.

With the new fall semester came the first wave of my journalism classes, something I've been looking forward to and dreading at the same time. Excited at the chance to write on a daily basis, but a little withdrawn about going from being my own boss when it came to writing as a sports editor, to a lowly worker bee in my reporting class, scouring the campus for any story that is deemed worthy.

I've been trying to keep my experience a secret from the rest of my classmates, many who seem to have none whatsoever, but it was something I made sure to point out to the staff of the campus newspaper, The East Texan. Not to boast, but to make sure they were aware that some extra help was available, because I want to get involved with that as early and as often as possible.

It's been humbling to have to take direction from college students, most of whom are about 10 years younger than me and just a few years out of high school. But it really doesn't matter. I'm back to writing regularly, I still have my Friday night job covering football games, and I'm happier than I've been in quite some time.

I'm a journalist. This is what I do, this is who I am. Besides, there's no time to feel sorry for myself or get upset, because there's a deadline coming. :)

Lone Oak tops rival in overtime thriller

LONE OAK – In a game that hangs on every inch, it was the one the visiting Caddo Mills Foxes couldn’t get that cost them dearly Friday night. Despite a tremendous effort by quarterback Tre Couvillion, the Foxes (0-1) fell short in a thrilling overtime game at Buffalo Stadium, falling to Lone Oak by a 21-14 count.

After the Buffaloes took the lead in overtime on Ty Tolleson’s 10-yard run, the Foxes moved the ball down to the 11 and faced a 4^th and 8 when the game ended on a crazy note. Couvillion weaved through Lone Oak defenders and appeared to have a clean shot at the end zone when the ball was stripped from his grasp, and rolled into the end zone. Trever Lasseter didn’t make a clean recovery, but managed to have the last touch on the ball, knocking it away from Couvillion and out of bounds to end a sloppy contest played in front of a capacity crowd. Lone Oak (1-0) committed five turnovers, and Caddo Mills was plagued by 17 penalties totaling 135 yards.

The Buffaloes turned the ball over on their first two possessions, losing a fumble on the first series that was recovered by Caddo Mills senior Jerome Grant, and then Lasseter was intercepted by Dalton Curry the next time out. On their third possession, the Foxes got on the board when a Lone Oak holding penalty in the end zone resulted in a safety for a 2-0 lead. The Buffaloes answered right back on their next series, as Lasseter connected with Zach Douglas on a 75-yard touchdown strike. Reed Elmore’s extra point hit the upright and missed, leaving Lone Oak with a 6-2 advantage.

Dakota Monroe picked off a Lasseter pass to set up the Foxes’ first touchdown. Caddo Mills moved the ball down to the 10 yard line and faced 4^th and goal from that spot, when Couvillion rolled right and found DaQuan Stoker for a touchdown. Lone Oak blocked the PAT, but the Foxes held a slim 8-6 lead at the break.

Just three plays into the second half, the Foxes widened the gap, courtesy of a 34-yard interception return touchdown by Josh Jackson. Tyler Kirkpatrick missed the PAT and the score stayed at 14-6. With just 57 seconds left in the third period, Lone Oak pulled even at 14-14 with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Lasseter to Douglas, followed by Douglas’ conversion run.

In the overtime period, Lone Oak needed just four plays to score, the last being Tolleson’s 10-yard game-winner, push the junior past the century mark in rushing. Tolleson finished with 108 yards on 18 carries. Couvillion led all rushers with 147 yards on 27 carries. Lasseter passed for 155 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions, while Douglas hauled in three passes for 107 yards, including a pair of touchdowns. Lone Oak outgained the Foxes by a 297-255 margin.



Lone Oak will take to the road next week to face Clarksville, while the Foxes will open their home schedule against Community. Both games begin at 7:30 p.m.

Hand Over Your Burden

I can remember seeing that phrase a number of times in a number of different places. It sounds so simple, but if you really dig down and look into what God wants in a relationship with us, the phrase is entirely accurate.

Of course, it's easy to lose sight of that at times, especially if you're like me. I'm getting better at bringing my problems to God through prayer, and trusting that he will relieve me of my burdens and give me direction through difficult times, but I still have times when I forget to do that, and I hold it all in.

I've never been one to take my problems to other people, I don't complain about my problems and I certainly don't dump them on anybody else. I don't tolerate whining in my house and a big reason why I don't communicate problems I'm having to others is because it's always sounded like whining to me. I also don't like attention, and I don't like for others to know my problems. I'd just assume to keep them personal.

It's worked for me, because I have been good at remembering to bring these issues to God during the many times I find myself openly praying for whatever reason. But recently, I lost track of that again, and resorted back to old ways. It wasn't pretty. I let the pot boil over with all of the things I was holding back, and when it finally started spilling out, I was a wreck, emotionally, physically - and worst of all - spiritually. I was unpleasant to everybody, even those closest to me, I felt like crud, and I finally just had to let my wife know, in the middle of a crowded grocery store, that I'd let it get out of control.

For those of you who are like me, and don't like to burden your friends and  family with your problems, or maybe you have trouble communicating your feeling to others (another of my annoying traits), there is ALWAYS somebody you can talk to without feeling embarassed. God is always there to listen and take your troubles from you.

The words of Jesus found in John 14 say this: "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home."

GOD WANTS YOUR BURDENS. He already knows what is troubling your heart, but also wants to see that you are willing  to trust Him in times of hardship. If you're carrying around your troubles and burdens, and feel like you have nobody to talk to, TALK TO GOD. He is the only one who can take your troubles away. 

Buffaloes showcase ground game during scrimmage

EMORY - Lone Oak's varsity squad pounded out 10 yards per carry on the way to gaining 250 yards on the ground during Thursday's scrimmage against Class 3A Rains at Wildcat Stadium. The Buffaloes gained a total of 592 total yards between the varsity and junior varsity units, compared to just 215 for Rains.

Ty Tolleson scored all three Lone Oak touchdowns during the live half, in which the Buffaloes outscored Rains, 20-7, and the Buffaloes put up two more touchdowns during the controlled portion, while the Wildcats struggled on both sides of the ball.  During the live half, Lone Oak ran just 18 plays, but churned out 173 yards on the ground, and 261 total  yards.

The Lone Oak varsity scored during the controlled portion, on a 47-yard touchdown pass from Trever Lasseter to Austyn Hooten. The junior varsity Buffaloes added a touchdown on a 70-yard pass play. Lone Oak's varsity held a 196-103 advantage in yardage over the Wildcats, while the junior varsity outgained Rains by a margin of 134-11.

During the live half, Lone Oak scored touchdowns on its first three possessions. Tolleson hauled in a 17-yard pass from Lasseter to make it 6-0, then sprinted for an 82-yard touchdown run to increase the lead to 13-0. Tolleson scored again on a 20-yard plunge to make it 20-0. Rains scored with just over two minutes remaining to avoid the shutout.

Lone Oak will open its 2011 season next Friday at Buffalo Stadium against rival Caddo Mills. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

When Times Get Tough

I've always been a firm believer in the old saying, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger". To me it makes perfect sense, because although these things that do not kill you may not make you physically stronger, there is always a lesson to be learned, adding to you mental or emotional strength level. This concept usually applies some time after the event in question has come and gone, and does nothing for us when we are dealing with struggles in life as they happen.

I have no trouble with the "lesson learned" portion of overcoming hard times, but I have all the difficulty in the world dealing with troubles as they are happening. And I'm not just talking about dealing with things that happen directly to me, but moreso with problems that others who are close to me may be having, people who are close to me and need my comfort. That's where I struggle.

It seems that recently, quite a few people close to me have been dealing with difficult situations, and I just don't know how to comfort them. I'm always afraid of saying the wrong thing, which leads me to most often say nothing at all (the worst possible scenario). But I took some time today to think about all of the friends and  family members I know who are struggling with this or that, and came up with something spiritual that shocked me.

Just hang in there!! God allows for trials and tribulations to exist in our lives, and for good reason. Without these difficult times, we would be less likely to see out God, because most people are less likely to talk to the Lord during good times than they are during the bad times. It's a true test of faith.

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; for I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

 The further into the fire of life we travel, and the hotter the flames become, the more shiny and pure the gold will be that awaits us in the end. God will never expose you to more than you can handle. We need to focus on our blessings, we all have them. Count them and add to them each day. Thoughts are powerful weapons, so stay as positive as you can. Focus on helping others, finding others who need a shoulder and being there for them, it will bring you strength and happiness during your own difficult  times.



LOOKING SHARP: Buffaloes dominate scrimmage

- Photo by Buster Clem (www.clemphotography.com)

LONE OAK – A surprising rain shower cooled off temperatures in Hunt County on Saturday morning, but the Lone Oak Buffaloes were still red hot on both sides of the ball during a football scrimmage against Quinlan Boles at Buffalo Stadium. Trever Lasseter passed for three touchdowns and ran for another to lead the offense, while the Red Storm defense held the Hornets scoreless during both the controlled portion of the scrimmage, as well as the live quarter.

Lone Oak’s varsity and junior varsity teams combined to gain 507 total yards on 50 snaps while Boles picked up only 100 yards on 59 plays. Lone Oak’s varsity accounted for 419 yards (247 passing, 172 rushing) while the Hornets’ varsity was held to 81 yards. Lasseter finished the day with 153 yards and 3 touchdowns on 10-of-12 passing.

During the controlled action, Lone Oak’s offense wasted no time, covering 80 yards in just five plays and scoring on a 16-yard pass from Lasseter to Austyn Hooten. The Buffaloes’ scored again on their second series, this time on a 39-yard pass from Kyle Crow to Hooten. Reed Elmore hit 1-of-2 extra points.

During the live quarter, Ty Tolleson started the scoring with a 30-yard touchdown run around the right end. The PAT was no good, leaving the score 6-0. On the Buffaloes’ second series, Lasseter kept the ball around the end, broke a couple of tackles and tip-toed the sideline for a 51-yard scoring run. Elmore connected on the kick to make it 13-0.

As time expired in the period, Lasseter hooked up with Zach Douglas on a 35-yard touchdown pass, and Elmore made the PAT to leave the score at 20-0. Lasseter went 6-for-6 passing for 105 yards, Austin Nichol registered a sack and the defense held Boles to just 12 yards and one first down during the live quarter.

Lone Oak will hit the field again Thursday, when the Buffaloes travel to Emory for a scrimmage against the Rains Wildcats. The time is tentatively set for 5:30 p.m.