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Lufkin made a tremendous debut in their first-ever trip to the Little League World Series in a 5-1 win over Michigan.

The inaugural Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, will be awarded at the conclusion of the 2017 college football season. The award will recognize the College Football Bowl Subdivision player who has demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

According to Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine, Whitehouse will finish second in 17-5A this coming season. We'll see how it all shakes out, but the good news is, the Wildcats appear to be district title contenders once again. Since winning 12 games in 2013, head coach Adam Cook and company have racked up a total of 13 victories the past three seasons.

The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List was announced today at the annual East Texas Kick Off Luncheon. This year's Watch List includes: -45 players from all 10 conferences..

Our Red Zone Rundown continues with the other two Class 6A programs in East Texas. In District 11-6A with John Tyler and Tyler Lee, who we featured Monday night, Longview figures to challenge for the league title in 2017. In fact, the Lobos and Lions shared the district championship a year ago. It's no secret, Longview is used to winning and it does so by running the football and playing sound defense.

Carthage head coach Scott Surratt calls it ink poisoning, but the Associated Press released it preseason poll Monday. As you would expect, the reigning Class 4A  Division I champions are number one in Class 4A.

Every high school football team in East Texas and the entire state is now in fall camp. And as always, John Tyler takes morning workouts to whole other level. Head coach Ricklan Holmes and company stepped foot on the turf at 5 a.m. sharp. Just like their normal practice routine, its a given, the Lions have high expectations entering 2017.

Depending on the event, some big names normally agree to come to the Rose City. The "Moose" was in Tyler Thursday for the annual United Way kickoff luncheon. Former Cowboys fullback and three-time Super Bowl champion Daryl Johnston spoke at the organization's big fundraiser at The Cascades.

For the second straight night, a program that can make a serious argument for being the best in East Texas is being featured on the Red Zone rundown. Since 2003, Gilmer has won at least 10 games in every season, except for one. Over the past 14 years, the Buckeyes have claimed three state championships, and played in a total five state titles games.

In East Texas, high school football is king. There's no denying that. And its also fair to say Carthage is one of the best, if not the best program in the region. Every season comes with high expectations and coming off a Class 4A Division I state title in 2016 only adds fuel to the fire.

As for the Texans, they will play their preseason opener Wednesday night at Carolina. Defensive end J.J. Watt will suit up and play after missing all of 2016. Tom savage is getting the start at quarterback, but rookie Deshaun Watson will likely see a lot of time as well. Don't forget this, two East Texans play for the Panthers.

The nine and under Bullard All Stars have returned from the Dixie League World Series in Jackson Parish, Louisiana as champions. Going a perfect 6-0 in the tournament, we want to say congratulations to these young athletes!

"I like being the underdogs. I like proving people wrong, it's one of my favorite things to do. They can keep saying things and we'll just do what we do," said Cameron Sorenson, senior receiver. 

For over 35 minutes Saturday night, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones took a trip down memory lane and talked about his journey to the Pro Football Hall of Fame During his enshrinement speech, Jones touched on a variety of topics including making sure everyone in attendance knew how much he appreciated former head coach Jimmy Johnson. But Jones also took time to recognize now retired quarterback Tony Romo.

On Friday, the Los Angeles Rams signed K.D. Cannon to their active roster. The Mount Pleasant native and former Baylor standout will join the team on their sixth day of training camp.  

On the baseball diamond, numerous Little League and Dixie League teams from East Texas have been showing out all summer. One squad has already returned home with a nine and under Dixie League title. The 12 and under team from Lufkin, also known as Texas East, deserves some serious attention right now.

Lets talk high school football now. Bishop Gorman is on the "Red Zone Rundown" for Thursday night. In the rain and mud, the Crusaders took the field for their second practice of fall camp under new head coach Randy McFarlin. The former head man at Whitehouse and Daingerfield takes over for Coby Gipson who left to be the offensive coordinator at Howard Payne. An offensive guy himself, McFarlin couldn't ask for a better quarterback to work with.

Now to Dallas, who had the day off and flew to Canton, Ohio. The Cowboys play their preseason opener Thursday night in the Hall of Fame game against Arizona. Pay close attention to the Cowboys defense, as it's main objective during training camp in Oxnard, California has been creating more turnovers.

At six o'clock, we focused on quarterback Dak Prescott avoiding a sophomore slump. But the same can be said of running back Ezekiel Elliott. The first round pick out of Ohio State led the NFL with over 1,600 rushing yards during his rookie campaign. Elliott also found the end zone 15 times. As defenses search for a plan to slow down Elliott on the ground, the Cowboys are trying to come up with new ways to get number 21 the ball.

Just like last week, the Cowboys held their padded practice during the morning session prior to having the day off Wednesday and flying to Canton, Ohio. All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith didn't suit up for the second straight day as he's dealing with a tight back. Owner Jerry Jones said however, the issue isn't alarming. During his daily press conference in Oxnard, California head coach Jason Garrett declined to say if any of the starters will play in Thursday's preseason opener.

Like Witten, Sean Lee is vital to the Cowboys success. The linebacker was able to stay healthy last season, and put up the best numbers of his soon to be eight year career.

Despite having a possible suspension hanging over his head, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott's teammates say the 2016 1st round pick is extremely focused on football and building upon last year's success.

One of the most important players on the Dallas Cowboys roster is ready for a big year in 2017. That happens to be Lufkin native and wide receiver Dez Bryant. For the first time in two years the East Texan, who has also missed 12 games the past two years, finally went through a full off-season and is ready to return to his 2010 first round pick self.  "I got an opportunity again. I feel good. I feel great. I'm always motivated, I'm excited. You know you...

Off the field issues, injuries, and free agency have all played a part in the Dallas Cowboys not being able to string together successful  seasons in recent years.  Dallas held its first practice of training camp this afternoon in Oxnard, and amid all the distractions the team is still hoping to build upon last year's 13 win campaign. "I definitely sense excitement in the locker room, with the coaches, in the team meeting, just around everybody that has...

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Lucky Whitehead has a warrant out for his arrest after failing to appear in court.

On Saturday July 22nd, the Cowboys will report to training camp in Oxnard, California. The fun part, KLTV sports director Justin Woodard is going be there with the team.

At the Division III level, the Howard Payne coaching staff is trying to turn the Yellow Jackets football program around. First year head man Braxton Harris is already on the right track for two reasons. Number one, Harris hired Bishop Gorman head coach Coby Gipson to be his offensive coordinator in January. Number two, HPU held a camp at Rose stadium in Tyler on Wednesday night..

Let's go back to coach Tom Herman and the Longhorns for a minute. The first year head talked at length on Tuesday about creating competition in almost everything his team does. It remains to be seen if Herman's philosophy translates to wins this fall, but one things for sure, alumni and fans are on board.

On Day one of Big 12 Media Days the presence of three East Texans stole the show. While there weren't any players from our region in attendance at The Star in Frisco on Tuesday, their talents still took center stage. Since its formation in 1996, no first year head coach has led his program to a Big 12 title. Trying to book that trend, Tom Herman of Texas, and Baylor's Matt Rhule will be counting on East Texans to help lead the way in 2017.

Big 12 Media Days is meant to preview the season, talk some football, and figure out who might be this year's breakout super star. But when you have fun-loving East Texans in the mix the conversation can take a turn for the fashionable side.  "It's a clip-on, it's a clip-on bow-tie." whispers Dylan Cantrell, Texas Tech receiver, about his teammate Keke Coutee.  Representing Texas Tech both Dylan Cantrell of Whitehouse and Lufkin native Keke Coutee put on their be...

John Tyler is showing off its "Beast Texas" muscles this weekend at the USA Football national 7 on 7 tournament in Frisco. The Lions went 6 and 1 in pool play on Friday and claimed the third seed out of 16 teams in the championship bracket Saturday afternoon. And how about this. JT made a run all the way to the title game by winning its first three championship bracket contests.

This year's Aaron Ross football camp technically got started Friday night as 15 lucky kids went on a shopping spree with the two-time Super Bowl winner at Academy Sports. The end goal was simple, stock up on apparel to look sharp on Saturday at Rose Stadium. Ross and the campers hit the field at 9 o'clock for the annual event.

It's being called "Hell Week" in Lufkin. From Wednesday through Friday, instead of hitting the weight room, athletes are out on the field going through military type training. Around 90 guys are participating in the three day event, which is being run by five Army drill sergeants from the recruiting center in Lufkin.

Another day, and another preseason honor for Travin Howard. The TCU linebacker has been selected to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski trophy, which is presented annually to the top defensive player in college football.

On the calendar, this is Wednesday July 12th, 2017. But in the Rose City, there's a little more to it. Prior to this Wednesday mornings city council meeting, Tyler mayor Martin Heines declared July 12, 2017 as Whitney Simmons Day. The former UT-Tyler track and field star and seven-time All American had an amazing four-year career, and this honor caps it in style.

East Texans Travin Howard and Keke Coutee have a lot of hype to live up to in the upcoming 2017 college football season. The Longview product and former Lufkin Panther will each be present at Big 12 media days next Monday with their respective team. On Wednesday, both were named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team.

At the high school level, now that the 7 on 7 state tournament is in the rear view mirror, programs are turning their attention to fall camp. But that's not the case quite yet for John Tyler. The Lions are currently preparing for a national 7 on 7 tournament, that is set to take place on July 14th and 15th in Frisco.

On a brighter note regarding the cowboys, Owner Jerry Jones announced Wednesday his wife Gene will be his presenter at next month's Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio. Jerry and Gene celebrated their 50th weeding anniversary in 2013, and Jerry said its only fitting for her to introduce him on August 5th.

Already without defensive end Randy Gregory for the entire 2017 season, and defensive end David Irving for the four games, another Cowboys defender could soon be facing a suspension. Linebacker Damien Wilson was arrested Tuesday night in Frisco and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

A pair of players with East Texas ties, who did hear their name called during the 2017 MLB Draft are off to hot starts with their respective organizations. So far with the San Diego Padres rookie league team, Whitehouse product Mason House has one home run and seven runs batted in. Meanwhile Ryan Vilade, who was drafted in the second round by Colorado, leads the Rockies rookie team, Grand Junction with a .360 batting average.

In November of 2004, Clint Dempsey made his first appearance on the United States men's national soccer team. Another player however with East Texas ties is now apart of team USA.

Another East Texan earned a big time honor on Thursday. Mount Pleasant native Michael Kopech will represent team USA in the 19th annual All-Star Futures game.

Tyler Lee, way back in 2004, is the last school from East Texas to win a 7 on state title. Ten programs from our region are in College Station this week looking to end the drought. Division II pool play, which is for 4A teams and below got underway Thursday. Carthage, Gilmer, San Augustine, Palestine, and Canton were all in action.

An East Texas baseball player has put pen to paper. Nacogdoches product and Texas A&M pitcher Brigham hill is turning pro after signing with the Nationals.

Down the stretch last year, David Irving was the Cowboys most reliable pass rusher, but the team will be without him to begin the 2017 season. After losing his appeal, Irving has officially been suspended the first four games for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing drugs.