Defense key to early success for Big Spring

DISTRICT 4-4A

By Troy Shockley
Reporter-News Staff Writer
August 24, 2003

The old adage “defense wins championships” has never been more relevant for Big Spring than this season, as there are several holes in the lineup due to the loss of graduating seniors.

After graduating four offensive stars, coach Dwight Butler, now in his 13th year at Big Spring, will be relying heavily on his defense until the new offense starts clicking.

“We are replacing a 3,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard receivers and a 1,000-yard rusher,” Butler said.

“We must play better defensively early, until new personnel on offense mature.”

Graduating after last season’s regional semifinal loss were quarterback Tye Butler, flanker Brandon Mendoza, wide receiver Curtis Woodruff and running back Josh Matthews.

While there will be new players in those skill positions, Butler believes his linebackers and secondary players are strong.

He also says the offensive line is going to be better than it was last year, which should give the Steers positive improvement.

Jared Phillips, who was named to the all-district team last season, is one player who will play a big role again this season.

The senior linebacker racked up 113 tackles for the Steers in 2002 and also had one interception.

All-district defensive backs Jordan Cobb and Wesley Smith will both be back this season, leading the secondary for Big Spring.

Other returning will be all-district punter Mike Ornales, center Kantel Miramontes and guards Jeff Delos Santos and David Lopez.

The Steers will begin their 2003 campaign Friday at home against Odessa High, and will follow the next week with a game at Odessa Permian.

The District 4-4A battle for Big Spring will start against the tough San Angelo Lake View squad at home on Oct. 10.

SCHEDULE

August
29 Odessa High 7:30 p.m.
September
5 at Odessa Permian 7:30 p.m.
12 Hereford 7:30 p.m.
19 at Plainview 7:30 p.m.
October
3 San Angelo Central 7:30 p.m.
10 Lake View* 7:30 p.m.
17 at Frenship* 7:30 p.m.
24 Levelland* 7:30 p.m.
31 at Estacado* 7:30 p.m.
November
7 Andrews* 7:30 p.m.

* District Games

Big Spring Steers

• School colors: black and gold
• District: 4-4A
• Last year’s record: 8-5 (3-2, second place)
• Last playoff appearance: 2002
• Last district championship: 1990
• Head coach: Dwight Butler
• Career record: 72-56-1
• Years at current school: 13th
• Assistant coaches: Bill Black, Tommy Gibson, Mike Tipton, Ricky Long, Jason Phillips, Jay Kennedy, J.R. Compton
• Returning and/or probable starters: TE-LB Brandon Hughes, 6-4, 190, Sr.; TE-DL Erin Partee, 6-3, 200, Sr.; TE-DT Dexter Straughter, 6-3, 250, So.; TE-DB Jarod Phillips, 6-1, 215, Sr.; SE-DB Curtis Osbourne, 5-10, 165, Jr.; SE-DB J. Rich Sparks, 6-2, 190, Jr.; SE-DB Ignacio Perez, 5-9, 180, Sr.; SL-DB Michael Shockley, 5-9, 170, Sr.; SL-DB Abel Pesina, 5-8, 165, Sr.; SE-DB Jordon Cobb, 6-0, 178, Sr.; SL-DB Sherman Myles, 6-0, 170, Jr.; WR-DB Wesley Smith, 6-2, 180, Sr.; SL-DB Mike Ornales, 5-8, 165, Sr.; G-DE Jeremy Cerda, 5-10, 185, Sr.; G-DE David Lopez, 5-10, 195, Sr.; C-DT Kantel Miramontes, 5-5, 190, Sr.; T-DT J.R. Rodriguez, 6-3, 300, Jr.; G-DT Domingo Calderon, 5-9, 220, Jr.; G-DT Thomas Olagoe, 5-9, 225, Sr.; T-DT Steven Huffington, 6-2, 280, Jr.; C-DT Robert Loftis, 5-9, 215, Sr.; T-DE Kyle Piercefield, 6-2, 195, So.; T-DE Jeff Stanley, 6-1, 220, Sr.; G-DT Jeff Delos Santos, 5-10, 260, Sr.; G-DT Brock Pittman, 5-11, 230, Sr.; T-DT David Partlow, 5-9, 220, Sr.; T-DT Michael Parker, 5-9, 230, Sr.; T-DT Calvin Butler, 5-10, 220, So.; TE-DE Nick Rushin, 5-10, 170, Sr.; RB-LB Quentin Vanderbilt, 5-10, 170, Sr.; RB-LB Zach Angel, 5-8, 180, Sr.; RB-LB Daniel Castillo, 5-9, 180, Jr.; RB-DE Dennis Kamble, 5-10, 195, Sr.; RB-DB Marcus Gray, 5-9, 168, Sr.; RB-DB Teveance Clamons, 5-9, 160, Jr.; SL-LB Pete Yantz, 5-9, 170, Sr.; QB-DB Jerry DePorto, 5-9, 170, Sr.; QB-DB Andy Lasater, 6-0, 180, So.; SL-LB Jonathan Saiz, 5-8, 170, Sr.
• Position changes: none listed
• Returning all-district players: DB Cobb (first team), LB Phillips (second team), DB Wesley Smith (second team), P Ornales (second team)
• Returning All-Big Country players: none listed
• Returning all-state players: none listed
• Top new players: QB Deforto, 5-9, 168, Jr.
• Transfers: G Pittman, 6-0, 230, Sr., Midland Lee
• Team strengths: offensive line, linebackers and secondary
• Team weaknesses: skill positions of offense and defensive tackles