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Updated Wednesday, October 28, 2009 10:20 PM
Sherman-McKinney competition turns to football
BY BILL SPINKS
HERALD DEMOCRAT
SHERMAN -- The rivalry between Sherman and McKinney extends well beyond the confines of a football field.
There is plenty of history between the two schools, who first played each other in football in 1922. Now that they are district mates once again, the competitiveness spills over into multiple sports.
"We've got a ton of kids who play baseball, and McKinney's a great baseball school," said Bearcats coach Gary Kinne. "So these kids are very familiar with the fact that (Zach) Lee and (Matt) Lipka are big-time baseball guys. They have a friendly rivalry with those guys. They not only play each other in football, they play each other in baseball. So I think it bleeds over, and I think it helps us."
It also helps the Bearcats not to overlook Friday night's home finale at Bearcat Stadium, with the granddaddy of all rivalries -- next week's 111th Battle of the Ax at Denison -- on the horizon.
"No offense to the Frisco schools, but if we were playing a Frisco school, they haven't been a rival long enough to have any rivalry there, so you might overlook that," Kinne said. "But with McKinney, not only are they a good football team, there's a friendly rivalry there. That'll help us focus."
Fittingly, the field at Bearcat Stadium is starting to resemble the diamond over at Veterans Field, with lots of bare dirt showing in the middle.
With yet another round of storms expected to roll in this morning, the tarpaulin from the latter place was brought in on Wednesday to keep the surface from growing more waterlogged than it already is after weeks of rain. Groundskeepers were spreading Diamond Dry on the field and are hoping to use a spreader to flatten it out.
"It might dry out in time for soccer season," Kinne joked.
Barring a lucky flip for a home playoff contest, Friday night's game will be the last home game for 28 varsity seniors.
"It's going to be a lot of fun on senior night," said wide receiver Robert Fallon. "It's sad leaving, but it's exciting at the same time. (This season) has flown by. It just seems like just yesterday we were doing two-a-days for the first time. Now we have two regular-season games left. It's pretty crazy to think it went by that fast."
Sherman owns a 26-12-1 advantage in the series, including last year's 55-54 barnburner at Ron Poe Stadium in which McKinney's Lee overthrew the corner of the end zone on a 2-point conversion try with 1:40 remaining. The win turned to be the last for former head coach Drew Young, who retired in June.
That victory last year gave Sherman the No. 1 seed in the Class 4A Division I bracket, and another win by the Bearcats would do the same. The likely bi-district opponent should they do so would be Carrollton Newman Smith, which will end a 26-year playoff absence.
"Technically, we only have to win one of our last two to get the No. 1 seed," Kinne said. "We feel like we need to win this week and take care of business, and then we play for the district title next week. Each week is important, and this week we want to secure that playoff spot as the No. 1 seed and move to the next step. We've been on a roll, and we want to continue to keep peaking and get better. We need to have our best football ahead of us."
The Lions (3-5, 3-2) are battling with Frisco Wakeland and Frisco Liberty for the final two available playoff berths, and have won three in a row over the district's bottom teams to stay in contention.
McKinney has plenty of offensive weapons and is right there with Sherman and Denison in production, averaging almost 44 points per game.
Lee, who will be headed to LSU to play both football and baseball, is 83 yards away from reaching the 2,000-yard plateau and has thrown 25 touchdown passes against only five interceptions. Lipka, like Lee a two-sport standout who committed to Alabama last summer, is Lee's top target with 899 yards and 16 TDs.
The Lions are also effective running the ball with junior Damion Willis, who has gained 1,539 yards and rushed for 16 touchdowns.
"That's the hard part about those three," Kinne said. "They've got probably the best throwing quarterback in the district with an incredible arm, and a very talented receiver in Lipka. He's a dual threat as far as running after the catch with great hands and speed. And Willis is the leading rusher in our district.
"Offensively, they're as good as anybody we'll play all year. Denison has a great offense too, so we've got two straight weeks of good offenses."
The Bearcats' defense has its work cut out, but the players know what they have to do.
"I got to get pressure on the quarterback," said senior nose tackle Charles Leslie. "Us as a D-line, we send constant pressure all the time, so we're getting better and our secondary's getting better every week. So we work together and we take care of everything."
The weak spot for the Lions this fall has been defense. In non-district, they allowed an astonishing average of 68 points and 722 yards per game. But McKinney has been able to get its wheels back on over the last month, shutting out Frisco and holding McKinney North to a field goal.
"They're definitely playing better," Kinne said. "I told Coach (Bobby) Reyes this week I wish I'd played him earlier in the season. Offensively, they're rolling like normal, but defensively, they're playing much better. "
Sherman's offensive ledger isn't far behind McKinney's, but is much more evenly distributed among the players. Tailback Zac Whitfield and quarterback Madison Carter share the ground load, and seven different receivers have caught touchdown passes this year.
"We know we have to focus for this week," Carter said. "This game is just as equally important so we get the opportunity to play for a district championship next week. We know we have this week and playing for the No. 1 spot in Division I. We know what we have, and we'll stay focused. Getting the playoff seed first is the most important thing up to this point in the season."
As for the field conditions Friday night, Carter isn't worried.
"We're kind of hoping it'll be muddy," he said. "We feel we play good in the mud. We're excited."
 Comments ... 13 found!
Field turf : 11/2/2009
As a Jacket backer, I might make it to your stadium every 2 years or so, but it seems to me that the only thing you guys need to do is get rid of the grass and replace it with field turf. There are posters below bashing the turf, but it is nothing like astroturf. It gives a lot more than astroturf, it doesn't give carpet burns and requires little maintenance. I know when I work out in the Jackets' indoor football field, there isn't much difference from running outside on the grass. There's a reason that everyone is moving towards it. I don't see the point of building a new stadium if the one you have is structurally sound and you don't regularly sell it out. Besides, stadiums aren't cheap and there's a better than zero chance that the one they build will be without any character whatsoever. And while I have no great affinity for Sherman and I hope the Jackets beat the Bearcats by 50 on Friday (but think it will be closer to 20), there's a certain charm to driving down 75 on a Friday night and seeing the stadium lights.
Still Happy
Young Bearcat Alum : 11/2/2009
The stadium is land locked . Where do you suggest we make these improvements? Going along with your idea why are we still not using the Administration Building that was the original high school as the high school now, I'm sure there are special memories for those who graduated there. Lets move into the 21st century with our facilities and programs.
Want 4A Facilities
stadium : 10/30/2009
To young Bearcat Alum: I am a 61 year old Bearcat Alum and I think Bearcat stadium needs to go. So do all my friends. We are tired of it and know that a new stadium will inspire players and fans alike. Attendance seems to drop every year in that tired old muddy stadium. A few years ago at a very big Sherman Denison game the mud was so nasty that you could smell it in the stands. Is that what you want your kids playing football in? And enough with you macho guys loving the mud. While I admit it might be fun to watch a bunch of middle aged overweight guys knock each other down in the mud your day is over. Move on. We didn't have air conditioned schools when I went to school but I sure don't pretend that was fun. Do what's right Sherman. Build a new stadium!
disgusted alum
: 10/30/2009
The obvious problem in trying to improve Bearcat Stadium is that it is in a FLOOD PLAN! This is a fact not an opinon, why would we try and improve our facilites by building in the same troubled location? I understand the history that comes with the stadium, but it would be the height of irresponsibility to rebuild in that same location. Also the same concerns of limited space and parking still exist. It is possible to honor the past and step into the future at the same time. The citizens of Sherman have used Bearcat stadium for 70 yrs I think it is time to honor the past by looking to the future. Let's build a new stadium and complex that will serve the athletic departments, the students, the citizens, the whole town of Sherman for the next 70 yrs.
Kenneth
: 10/30/2009
As stated, Bearcat Stadium does stand as a testament to the future and the past. Therefore, it should be improved as needed not scrapped for something shinier but soulless. It is no wonder the field is in bad shape. Rainfall, constant use by city league teams, festivals, little league football, etc, etc. If you're going to invoke the names of past coaches then REMEMBER that same coach limited all field usage to FOOTBALL during the season when at all possible and that limited damage to the field. Keep the stadium. I cannot think of a Bearcat Alum that would tell you to scrap it. It is unique to Sherman... from its location to its history. I do not want to ignore that shared community experience or forsake future Bearcats an opportunity to contribute to that history. Having the stadium downtown is unique, functioning and improvement is workable. What are the weaknesses? Then deal with them. Having the shared stadium in a central location, a historical location and a cultural location in THIS town is important.
Young Bearcat Alum.
Another 83 Cat : 10/30/2009
New bathrooms, concessions and ticket booths are like putting lipstick on a pig. You have to be kidding me if you think those things make a stadium. Just get out and actually ride around and look at some 4A stadiums and facilities and as far as that goes take a look at some of the 3A stadiums in this area and see if we match up.I am not saying it will be easy to get done, but other schools have done so why can't we? While you are riding around see if you see any baseball tarps covering their football field like the picture in the Herald Democrat.
Need To Change
: 10/30/2009
I must admit that I was wrong, you are correct to point out that Denison's facilites are no better then Sherman's. I was unaware that as long as we are just as good or a little better then Denison then things are allright. That seems like an odd position to take. Does that mean if Denison gets a new stadium that Sherman would then need one too? As to people being concerned in Sept. they were. They are concerned about the flooding problems, about the lack of parking, about the lack of seating space. I know of several individuals that will not come to the home games due to the fact that there is not enough room for the seating. Just because the stated capacity is 6500 does not mean that the stadium can safely seat and accomadate that many people. I promise you that if there were more fan friendly facilities more fans would come. I take it that your positions on the quality of the field and stadium is that since the players are not complaing then the stadium is ok. Let me ask you this, are you saying that the only way you will listen is to have these young men complain and whine about what we are providing them? What kind of logic is that? As the adults of the community aren't we supposed to look after and provide the best that we can for our childeren? Do you really want it to get so bad that a player refuses to play on our field? How about a coach that refuses to allow his players to play, or the conditions get so bad that the UIL steps in and declares our stadium unfit? You can play the game of football on a concrete floor surrounded by barb-wire, but it does not make it right. I am an advocate for a whole new Athletic Complex. Stadium, Baseball and Softball field, a complex that can handle and accomadate the entire schools needs. Soccer tournaments, Marching Band competitions, and any other events that can be held there. Take a look around, and excluding Denison, compare our facilities to what is acceptable in today's multi-use needs. I for one am not satisfied with "fine, ok, good enough" I want our kids to experience "great, awsome, incredible" and it is up to us as members of this community to make that happen. Once again I encourage each of you to join the Booster Club, investigate other Class4A schools, voice your opinon and ideas at the school board meetings. If you want Great and Awsome for our schools then let your voice be heard.
Kenneth
Here Are Answers : 10/30/2009
83 Cats here some answers 1.The stadium was built in 1940, do you not think that is a little old to be considered still in good shape 2. There are no dressing rooms for players to take a real shower in 3. Middle school, j.v., varsity, little league and soccer are played on a field that has been worn out for a while, 4. It is in a flood plane(not real good). 5. We shuttle because parking is terrible, not because it is convient 6. When is the last time a band marched at half time? If you want to talk about facilities lets go to the weight room that Coach Outlaw(remember him) and his staff created from an old building out by the practice field. How about our so called indoor facility that is not big enough to get much of anything done in. How about a track around the practice field that is not in good shape itself. We have athletic fields all over the city instead of being in a athletic complex like a good 4A program. Denison's facilities are not great, but lets be real honest they are much better than ours. Why is it that other schools around here host playoff games and track meets during the year? Do you think it might be because of their good 4A facilities? They are also getting money back on their investment. I hope I gave you some answers that will help you understand why we need a new football stadium and other athletic facilities, if not go back into your cave and stay in the dark. We seem to have a good coach now,how about getting the facilities to match.
Unhappy Green
Bearcat Stadium : 10/29/2009
What is so wrong with Bearcat Stadium? Please tell me. I don't see it. It has brand new concession, bathrooms and ticket booth. It's has a good paint job. It's always clean and neat for each game. What's the problem? It's not falling down. It has adequate seating it only sells out when Sherman and Denison plays. The turf is well kept and manicured when it has not rained 14 inches, it looks as good as most of the college fields that are on TV with real turf. What about the Sherman facilities that make them the worse? Are all the Sherman facilities bad? Kenneth and others are making blanket statements. I just want to understand what they are seeing that makes Sherman have the worst 4a facilities. There seems to be only a handfull of people complaining out of what? 14000 parents?
another 83 cat
Bearcat Stadium : 10/29/2009
Bearcat Stadium is a great place to play football. No one was griping in september about the perfectly mainicured turf. So it's muddy big deal. We had 4 times the normal rainfall for october. Most players would prefer to play on real grass, its easier on the body. Does Bearcat need some upgrades sure, but it looks as though everyone that wants to go has a seat, it sells out once a year and it wont be this year because we play at Denison. What's needed is another place to play besides Bearcat Stadium for the middle school kids. I dont think any of those kids feel like the community does not support them because they don't have a new 15 million dollar stadium to play in and the citizens of Sherman are not suffering from a loss of civic pride either it's all over town just open your eyes. When you say see if you can find a 4a school with worse facilities than ours , Are all the facilities bad? I think not. You can drive over to Denison and find facilities worse. Why were playing over there next week go, on over check out their awesome stadium with their rippled fake turf. I'm sure they that have so much civic pride and really care about their children that they would welcome you with open arms. Don't let the door hit you in the butt on your way over there.
83 cat
: 10/29/2009
I can promise you if a player gets hurt tomorrow night it will be on the Sherman ISD AD's head. The field conditions have been atrocious all year (esp Wakeland game where there were numerous injuries) Player safety should be paramount here. It should be moved to a neutral site before anything else happens. Safety first.
Trey H
Oooook : 10/29/2009
I understand there's a rivalry here that goes beyond the football field, but WHY don't we stick to what happens on the football field and talk about baseball in the spring when these teams fight for a 9-4A title?
Mind your Ps and Qs
Bearcat Stadium : 10/29/2009
I am proud of the way that the BC coaching staff and players have responded to the field conditions that they are faced with. They have taken the hand that's been dealt them and w/o complaint done a fantastic job. That being said, I wonder how the community is going to resond to the inadequate stadium and field. When are we going to recognize that BC Stadium is more than a field, it is a monument to the past and the future, it is a statement to all of those who have played for and against the BC of how much pride and commitment the citizens of Sherman have in their community. Regardless if you have lived in Sherman for 70 yrs or moved here last week, BC stadium tells the world that as a community the citizens of Sherman do not really care about our football team, our athletic programs, our schools, our future. BC stadium is more than just a field. It is were our towns future leaders, doctors, judges, buisness owners, pastors, nurses, teachers, etc. will pass through. While BC stadium has served its purpose, it has also outlived its best days. When BC stadium was built in 1940 by the CCC it met the needs of that era and community and met them well. In 2009 the needs of the school and the community are vastly different, we need a stadium that will seat all who want to go, we need parking space, we need a stadium that is out of an area that is prone to flood, we need a stadium that can be multi-purpose (soccer, marching band, etc.) Will it cost? Yes, but all investments of value will cost a certain amount. We must also realize that doing nothing will cost us too. But that cost is civic pride, the understanding by all of our children that we don't really care about you, it will also cost us good coaching staffs. As a coach, why would you stay in a town that does not support it's school? Take a look at the surrounding schools what have those communities done for their children? while you are at it try and find a Class 4A school that has worse facilities then we do. I have and I can't find one. I ask you, if you agree with me in at least principle, join the boostr club, talk to the PTA, voice your opinon, go to the school board meeting. Things will only change by using our voice. I would also like to say that I am just a regular Sherman citizen with children in SISD, Thank You
Kenneth
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