ECHS Athletes Nominated for Willie Ray Smith Award
Hank Jones (offense) and JT Hallmark (defense) will represent East Chambers High School as nominees for the Willie Ray Smith Award. The Willie Ray Smith Award honors the top two football players, one on offense and one on defense, in the Golden Triangle. JT and Hank will be honored at the annual banquet to be held at the Elegante Hotel on February 11. East Chambers’ Tramain Thomas won the Willie Ray Smith award in 2008.
 
Hank Jones   JT Hallmark
The 2009 All-SETX High School Football Team Announced
The 2009 All-SETX (Southeast Texas) High School Football Team was announced on Monday, January 11, 2010. Three East Chambers football players were selected, and they are:  Hank Jones, Quarterback 2nd Team Offense; Eric Payton, Tight End 2nd Team Offense; and J.T. Hallmark, Safety 2nd Team Defense.
EC Defensive Coordinator Selected 23AA Coach of the Year
Coach Rusty Cauthern - Coach of the Year

East Chambers' defensive coordinator, Rusty Cauthern, was honored by his peers by being selected 23AA Coach of the Year. According to Coach Valastro, "There is no one more deserving of the award in this entire district. Coach Cauthern has done an amazing job. The time he spends with the athletes and the effort he and his defensive staff provide is above and beyond the call of duty. The Bucs' overall success this season was greatly enhanced by the performance of the defense." Other members of the defensive staff include Darren Seymour, Chris Fontenot, Michael Todd, and Charles Otto.
District 23 AA All-District Football Selections
Representing East Chambers in the All-district football selections for District 23 AA are:  MVP - Hank Jones; First-team Offense: Receiver - Justin Hallmark, Center - Dylan Kramer, Guard - Pat Colleps, Tackle - Kylor Weisse, and Kicker - Joe Martinez; First-team Defense: Tackle - Jarod Rabalais, End- Jesse Luckey, Inside Linebacker - Richard Bouillion, and Safety - Justin Hallmark; Second-team Offense: Running Back - Jacoby Carrington, Tight End - Eric Payton, and Utility Player - Jesse Luckey; Second-team Defense: Outside Linebacker - Josh Adamson, and Cornerbacks - Adam Davis, and James Green. Honorable Mention - Austen Gilfillian, Efrin Mora, Coby Trevino, and Brock LaVergne. Coach of the Year - Rusty Cauthern.

All-District Football Selections
No. 2 Daingerfield Overpowers Bucs

The Buccaneers traveled to Lufkin to compete against the Daingerfield Tigers in the regional round of the playoffs at Abe Martin Stadium on Friday, November 27, 2009.  Although East Chambers was billed as the underdogs, the Bucs were eager to take on the number two team in the state. The Bucs scored first on a 1-yard run by District 23-2A's MVP Hank Jones. The extra point, by Joe Martinez was good. Daingerfield's KoKo Smith would respond with a touchdown on a 5-yard run, and the PAT would tie the score at 7-7. Back to back EC possessions ended up with  untimely turnovers which resulted in Tiger touchdowns. Eric Payton would score the Bucs' final touchdown on a 68-yard pass reception from Jones. Martinez would add the extra point on a successful PAT. From there on out it was apparent why Daingerfield garnered the No. 2 state ranking. Final score EC 14 Daingerfield 64.

Coach Valastro commented, "I am really proud of what these young men accomplished throughout the season reaching a level that no one expected. I appreciate all the hard work and commitment from both players and coaches. Seniors, JT Hallmark, Dylan Kramer, Pat Colleps, Jacoby Carrington, James Green, Josh Adamson, Jarod Rabalais, Chace Odom, Brock LaVergne, Ricky Barrow, Tanner Mazzola, Nathan Henry, Abraham Aviles, and Tye Leblanc should be commended for their success in football during their high school career. They will be missed. I also appreciate all the support from our loyal EC fans."
Bucs Beat Eagles in Area Round of Football Playoffs
EC vs. Woodville

The Buccaneers played the Woodville Eagles in the area round of the playoffs on  Friday, November 20, 2009, in Huffman at Falcon Stadium. What many expected to be a rainy night turned out to be perfect football weather.

East Chambers would win the toss and elect to receive starting out on offense.

 

The Bucs would score first on a 40-yard run by Jacoby Carrington. Joe Martinez would make it 7-0 with a successful PAT. But just 3 minutes later, Woodville's Hadnot would score on a 1-yard run with Rhorer's kick tying it up 7-7. Second quarter action would see scores from both teams with the Eagles scoring first on a 31-yard run, PAT good. But East Chambers would respond with a score of their own, a 9-yard reception by JT Hallmark from Hank Jones. With just 57 seconds left in the half, Martinez would even the score at 14-14. Woodville would open up third quarter play, but EC's defense would hold. The Bucs would score first on a 26-yard run by Jones at the end of the third quarter. This time, however, Martinez's extra point would be blocked making the score EC 20 Woodville 14. Woodville would score next taking the lead by one with a successful PAT. EC 20 Woodville 21. With only 5:29 left in the fourth quarter, the Eagles would hold the Bucs and force a field goal attempt. Joe Martinez would nail a 23-yard field goal to take the lead EC 23 Woodville 21. With plenty of time left in the game and Woodville taking possession, the Bucs defense would have to hold tight and they did. The remainder of the game, possession would change hands on multiple turnovers, but it would be JT Hallmark's interception which would allow the Bucs to take possession and control the clock to secure the victory. Final score EC 23 Woodville 21. View slideshow.

East Chambers will play the Daingerfield Tigers in the regional round of the playoffs on Friday, November 27, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. in Lufkin at Abe Martin Stadium. The Bucs are the visiting team.

Playoff brackets for 2A Division 2 can be viewed at this link.

Varsity Football Claims District Championship - slideshow
District Champions

The Buccaneers hosted the Warren Warriors on Friday, November 6, 2009, for homecoming while closing out district play. The Bucs were heavily favored to win, and the final score of 61-6 validated that prediction. The victory over Warren secured an undefeated district race for EC while they also claimed the district championship.


Highlights of the night included:  1st quarter - scores from Jacoby Carrington, 24-yard run; Eric Hart, 1-yard run; Eric Payton, 53-yard pass reception from Hank Jones; Joe Martinez, 4 PATs. 2nd quarter - Carrington, 42-yard run; Hank Jones, 12-yard run; Josh Adamson, 37-yard pass reception; Joe Martinez, 3 PATs. 4th quarter - Tye Leblanc, 3-yard run; Joe Martinez, 26 and 37-yard field goals and 1 PAT.

The Bucs will advance to the playoffs, but they receive a bye in the first round. More information will be posted regarding the second round of the playoffs as it's received.
Buccaneers Dominate the Lions
The Bucs traveled to Kountze to take on the lions on Friday, October 30, 2009. East Chambers would dominate the lions the entire night in spite of playing on a rain-drenched and muddy field. The Bucs racked up 447 total yards and 21 first downs while holding Kountze scoreless and allowing them only 6 first downs. East Chambers would score 8 times. The first score occurred in the first quarter on a 12-yard run by Jacoby Carrington. During second quarter play, EC would score on a 4-yard pass from Hank Jones to J.T. Hallmark, a 1-yard run by Jacoby Carrington, and on a 5-yard run by Hank Jones. Third quarter would see scores from Jones on a 29-yard run, and Eric Hart on a 20-yard run. Josh Adamson would take over at quarterback position for the remainder of the third and fourth quarters and would engineer scores from Tye Leblanc on a 46-yard run and himself on a 10-yard run. Joe Martinez was 7 of 8 on PATs. Numerous players saw action during the third and fourth quarters. The final score was EC 55 Kountze 0. The Bucs will play Warren at home for homecoming looking for a victory to secure the district championship outright.
EC Beats Anahuac; Chance to Win District
Austen Gilfillian, No. 6, blocked Anahuac's extra point to potentially tie the game. The Buccaneers hosted the Anahuac Panthers at Buc Stadium on Friday, October 16, 2009. Many believed the winner of this game would be the eventual district champion. Preseason picks had the Bucs finishing fourth in district with Anahuac finishing first. The Panthers were picked and heavily favored to win this game. However, it would be the Buccaneers to get on the scoreboard first on a 1-yard run by Hank Jones about halfway through the first quarter. Joe Martinez would tack on the extra point with a successful PAT. Play continued with the two teams trading possessions until right before the half, with 1:20 left to play, when the Panthers would score and tie it up 7 to 7. With only 3:35 left in the third quarter, the Bucs would strike again on a 10-yard run by Jones. The PAT would make the score EC 14 Anahuac 7. The Panthers would not give up and early in the fourth quarter, they would score on a 14-yard pass. The potential PAT would tie it up at 14, but Austen Gilfillian would block the kick and James Green would catch the blocked ball to deny the Panthers. Play continued and the Bucs drove down the field and were in scoring position when Anahuac intercepted a pass. Defense would take the field and force the Panthers to turn over the ball on downs. EC would be in scoring position, but would manage the clock and take a knee to secure the victory.
The photo above shows the impression of the football laces on Austen Gilfillian's arm when he blocked the PAT after Anahuac scored their second touchdown.
Hank Jones Selected Player of the Week
Player of the Week

Beaumont Enterprise selected Hank Jones, junior quarterback for the Bucs, as Player of the Week following his stellar performance against Hardin. Jones ran for 207 yards and threw for 116 yards in the Bucs 42 -7 win over the Hornets. Jones became the area's first quarterback to both run and pass for more than 100 yards in a game. Jones had injured his hand early in the game on Friday having to contend with the pain and injury throughout the night.

The Buccaneers host the Anahuac Panthers at home this Friday, October 16, 2009, for what many believe could be the district championship.
Buccaneers Thrash the Hornets
The Buccaneers traveled to Hardin to take on the Hornets in their third district contest on Friday, October 9, 2009. With the winds blowing and the rain pounding, the Bucs took on the Hornets on their "turf." With less than two minutes of play, the Hornets would strike first after recovering an EC fumble. Their PAT would be good, making the score Hardin 7 EC 0, but it would be the only score of the night for the Hornets. East Chambers would dominate the rest of the game giving the Hornets a thrashing to the final score of EC 42 Hardin 7. Highlights of the night would include: Hank Jones scoring on runs of 52, 9, 2, 1 and 52 yards; Jacoby Carrington with a 55-yard run resulting in a touchdown; and 6 successful PATs by Joe Martinez. Defensively, James Green intercepted  a pass, in the end zone, that could have been a touchdown for Hardin. The Bucs' defense would hold the Hornets to just 199 total yards with only 73 yards rushing.
Buccaneers Drub Pirates
The Buccaneers hosted the Deweyville Pirates on Friday, October 2, 2009, at Buccaneer Stadium for the second district game. Early in the first quarter, EC would drive down into Pirate territory with first and goal, twice, but were denied by a turnover and the inability to punch it in. It would be the only goal line stop of the night for the Pirates. East Chambers would dominate the entire game with 21 points in the second quarter and 14 points in the third quarter. EC and Deweyville would exchange safeties in the fourth quarter. Eric Hart would lead the Bucs in touchdowns scored on runs of  5, 2, and 1 yards. Justin Hallmark would add a touchdown off of a 59-yard pass from Hank Jones. Joe Martinez would nail all PATs. EC had 20 first downs and 346 total yards. Defense once again held tough with a near shut out. Final score was EC 37 Deweyville 2.
Varsity Football Opens District with Win over Buna
Bucs vs. Buna

East Chambers traveled to Buna on Friday, September 25, 2009, to open district against the cougars. Spectators would witness a defensive battle the entire game. The only score of the night would come halfway through the first quarter for the Bucs on a 3-yard pass from Hank Jones to Jesse Luckey. Joe Martinez would add the PAT which would be the last score of the night. EC defense would secure a shut out keeping Buna scoreless. Final EC 7 Buna 0. View slideshow.
EC Beats HJ in All Stats Except the Score
When checking the stats for East Chamber's game against Hardin-Jefferson, the Bucs beat the Hawks in all areas except the one that counts the most - the final score. In total yards, EC 409, HJ 299; first downs, EC 26, HJ 12; yards rushing, EC 241, HJ 185; and yards passing, EC 168, HJ 114. But EC also beat HJ in penalties and turnovers. With 2:50 left in the game, the Bucs had the opportunity to take one more drive down the field to secure the win when an untimely fumble and turnover gave the Hawks the chance to seal their victory. During the games highlights, the Buccaneers scored on an 18-yard run by Hank Jones with Martinez's PAT good; an 8-yard run by Jacoby Carrington with PAT good, a 12-yard reception by Justin Hallmark, PAT good; a 28-yard field goal by Martinez; and a 6-yard run by Hank Jones, PAT failed. Final score was EC 30 HJ 41.
Bucs Take Home Win Over Longhorns
The Buccaneers traveled to Hamshire to take on the 3A Longhorns on Friday, September 11, 2009. The Bucs would win with a shutout 21-0; however, had several missed opportunities not occurred, the victory margin could have been even greater for EC. Eric Hart would score in the first quarter on a 9-yard run with Joe Martinez's PAT good. During the second quarter, Hank Jones would score on a 12-yard run with the Pat making it 14-0. Hank Jones would score once again in the third quarter on a 10-yard run with the PAT making the final score 21-0. East Chambers would miss opportunities to score on at least 3 other occasions, and fans would sit through a rainy 4th quarter to finish out this year's "Rice Bowl."
State-Ranked Eagles Too Much for Bucs Second Half

The Buccaneers traveled to Newton on Friday, September 4, 2009, to take on the No. 10 state-ranked eagles. First half saw a close competition between the two teams with EC leading for a short time 7-6.

The first quarter was scoreless, but second quarter would see action from both teams with Newton scoring first but missing their PAT.

The Bucs responded with a touchdown of their own on a 13-yard run from Hank Jones with Joe Martinez' PAT good. The Eagles would score again, but their PAT failed. East Chambers would make it down inside Newton territory with first and goal to potentially take the lead into halftime, but was unable to capitalize. Second half was all Newton with the final score being EC 7 Newton 32.
Varsity Football Comes from Behind to Beat Orangefield
The season opener was an exciting game for spectators on Friday, August 28, 2009, when the Bucs hosted the Orangefield Bobcats. During the first quarter, EC would score first on a 4-yard run by quarterback, Hank Jones. Joe Martinez would add the PAT making the score 7-0. Orangefield, however, would not be out done, scoring with 1:22 left in the first quarter. Second quarter would see more action from both teams, but EC would lead 14-13 after Orangefield missed their PAT. Third quarter was dominated by Orangefield taking the lead by 2 touchdowns until EC scored on a 2-yard keeper by Jones making the score 21-28. But fourth quarter would be all East Chambers, scoring on 13-yard and 2-yard runs by Jones. Martinez' PATs were good making the final score EC 35 OF 28. The Bucs were plagued all night by penalties and turnovers, but were still able to overcome.