Official site of Tribune News serving Tomball, Magnolia and Waller

A recent weekend offered two community events just hours apart for Magnolia residents to enjoy. The second annual Tailgate Party, held on The Stroll Aug. 18, had a large turnout – that is, until a major thunderstorm drowned out the festivities a bit early. Football teams, marching bands, cheerleaders and flag drill teams from both Magnolia high schools provided a celebratory spirit to get everyone in the mood for cheering.

Magnolia Community Foundation President Deborah Rose Miller initiated enhancements to this year’s event, such as rotating performances at several Stroll locations, rather than just one main location and a combined pep rally for both area high schools. The crowd enthusiastically applauded the performers and chomped on goodies from the food stands. A dunking booth, sponsored by the Magnolia Rotary Club, was a popular attraction that offered people a chance to soak the high school coaches and principals. All proceeds benefited the Magnolia ISD athletic programs.

This year’s Tailgate Party had 36 vendors and an estimated 2,000 attendees, which was approximately a 10 percent increase over last year.

“Things had just started really buzzing and then a huge thunderstorm forced us to shut down,” said Miller, “but we expect next year’s event to be even bigger and better.”

The Community Foundation wants the Tailgate Party to continue to build community spirit among residents and students.

Also that evening, the Montgomery County Search & Rescue organization held its annual fundraiser at the Montgomery County Community Building in Magnolia. The barbeque plate sales and silent auction raised more than $18,000 this year.

The organization operates solely with volunteers, but needs money for operational expenses, training and equipment repairs, according to Vice President J. Carter Miller.

Montgomery County Search & Rescue offers services to people in need of locating missing family members. For more information, or to volunteer to help the organization, visit the website at www.moscar.org.

Also on hand at the fundraiser were booths from civic and emergency response organizations such as Montgomery County CPS, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Montgomery County Sheriff Citizen’s Academy, Texas Wheels of Justice and Montgomery County Emergency Management.

The sound of whistles and the sight of pigskins flying through the air can only mean one thing. It’s football season in Texas. Big changes are in the air, as area teams have changed districts, changed classifications and one even prepares for its first varsity season. The Tribune talked to area coaches to get their takes on the upcoming season. This week we take a look at Magnolia’s two high schools, while next week we will preview Tomball, Tomball Memorial and Waller. 

Magnolia West Mustangs

Coach Shawn Bell is headed into his third season at Magnolia West, having just completed the best season in the school’s short history.  

Bell has some big shoes to fill in finding a replacement for all-everything running back Desmond Richards, but he said this group is possibly the most athletic he has ever had.  

“I feel like we have seven to nine guys who can make big plays for us,” Bell said. “When you lose an explosive back like Desmond it’s tough, but our offense will be more wide open. I feel confident that we are definitely more athletic than we have ever been.”  

With five returning offensive starters, Bell said that he has a deep group of receivers that will look to open up the passing game for new quarterback Brandon O’Neil. O’Neil switches to the offensive side of the ball after earning all-district honors at outside linebacker last season. 

“We wanted to put someone back there that gives us the best chance to win,” Bell said. “His transition has gone pretty smooth and he has a great arm.” 

O’Neil will be looking at the deepest wide receiver group in school history, according to Bell. That group will be led by Zeke Bronson and Jeremy Jordan. 

“We are going to run every formation in the book,” Bell said. “This is as multiple of an offense as we have ever been.” 

Bell said the team understands that expectations have changed after a playoff birth.  

“They understand that expectations have gone up and that they’ve got to give a championship effort all the time,” he said. 

As for Bell’s expectations?  

“It’s a tough district,” he said. “But I feel like we can be as talented if not more talented than we were last year.” 

Magnolia Bulldogs

Injuries and youth played a key part in Magnolia High School’s difficult 2-8 season last year. The Bulldogs were down to their junior varsity quarterback by week seven, as the losses piled on. 

With the injuries now healed and a year of experience under the young players belts, Magnolia head coach Andy Sexton looks to have a much improved team this season. 

“I definitely think we will be better,” he said. “Last year we had 10 sophomores starting and had some injuries. We will be a much improved team.” 

The Bulldogs will look to junior Noah McGowan to call the shots at quarterback in Magnolia’s multiple shotgun 2-back set. 

Sexton said that juniors Sheyrome Harris and Greg Soloman and sophomore Shane Mears will all be looked upon to provide leadership and numbers from the skill positions. 

‘They all have a tremendous ability to run and make guys miss,” he said. 

Returning seven starters on both sides of the ball, Sexton will look to an aggressive attacking defense with several senior linemen to provide turnovers and field position. 

Sexton said the team has worked hard the entire summer to help Magnolia return to its winning tradition. 

“The kids are ready to get the program back to winning,” he said. “Our goal is to get back into the playoffs.”

Defense wins championships. If the old cliche rings true then the Magnolia Bulldogs took a big step in the right direction, holding off Galena Park 14-11, Aug. 31

The Bulldogs held Galena Park to less than 200 yards of total offense, while stymying their opponents ground game.

Meanwhile, the Magnolia offense employed a three yards and a cloud of dust philosophy, racking up 266 yards rushing on the night.

Junior running back Sheyrome Harris rushed for 107 of those yards on 17 carries. He also threw a 5-yard touchdown pass.

Harris' touchdown run came late in the first half to put Magnolia on top 7-0. Harris later found Ajahne Brager for a 5-yard touchdown throw that gave the Bulldogs a 14-3 lead, midway through the third quarter.

Junior quarterback Noah McGowan completed five-of-seven passes for 44 yards and rushed for 44 more. Junior running back Greg Soloman added 81 yards on seven carries, while senior Jordan Turnbow had 30 yards on four rushes.

Magnolia will host Bryan Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

The Waller Bulldogs (1-1) ran over and around the Tomball Memorial Wildcats Sept. 14, rushing for 290 yards in the 42-22 victory.

Waller had an extra week to prepare for the Wildcats and it showed, as Colten Frisby ran for 125 yards on just eight carries, while Joeseth McDade added 90 yards on four carries.

Elijah Morrow was a duel threat rushing and receiving as he ran for 43 yards on four carries and had two catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns.

Tomball Memorial (0-3) continues to show their inexperience during their first year of varsity play, but have shown improvement every week. The Wildcats gained 278 yards of total offense, their best showing of the young season.

The Wildcats had a bye week, while the Bulldogs hosted Brenham Sept. 21. Results were not available at press time.

Magnolia           17

Bryan Rudder  20

Magnolia suffered another close defeat to a Brazos County opponent, falling 20-17 in a road contest at Bryan Rudder Sept. 14.

The Bulldogs watched in agony as Rudder hit a 22-yard field goal as the clock wound down to win the game.

Magnolia had raced out to a 17 point advantage by the end of the third period, thanks to some stout defense and a balanced offensive attack. Then the game fell apart in the final quarter.

Rudder kicker Colton Bayer hit a 25-yard field goal with just over seven minutes to play, cutting the Magnolia lead to 17-10. Rudder then tied it on a rushing score with a little more than three minutes to play.

The Bulldogs then tried to drive down the field, but quarterback Noah McGowan threw an interception with 27 seconds left to play, which Rudder returned 60 yards to set up the game winning field goal.

The Bulldogs (1-2) had a bye week before they host Huntsville Sept. 28 in their first district contest.

Magnolia West   7

Brenham           29

The Magnolia West Mustangs met a stifling defense in Brenham Sept. 14, falling to the state ranked Cubs 29-7.

The Mustangs could only muster 66 total yards of offense in the contest, while the defense allowed 155 yards rushing and 130 yards in the air

West’s only score came when Jeremy Jordan took a punt and weaved 68-yards for a touchdown.

The Mustangs (1-2) hosted Willis in their first district contest of the season Sept. 21. Results were not available at press time.

Tomball                      21

Katy Mayde Creek   31

A dreadful second quarter spelled doom for the Tomball Cougars Sept. 14, as they dropped their third straight game, this time to Katy Mayde Creek.

The Cougars fell behind 24-7 at halftime, allowing Katy Mayde Creek to score all 24 of their points in the second quarter. Mayde Creek added another touchdown early in the third quarter to go up 31-7.

Tomball’s defense tightened up after that, keeping Mayde Creek from the end zone and the Cougar offense came to light, scoring twice to make the game interesting.

The Cougar’s final score, a 48-yard strike from Drew Reynolds to Xavier Powell, cut the Mayde Creek lead to 10 points, with just more than nine minutes to play.

Tomball’s defense immediately forced a three-and-out from Mayde Creek, giving the ball back to their offense with 7:15 to play.

The Cougars then spent seven plays traveling into Mayde Creek territory, before penalties and an interception killed their hopes of clawing back into the game.

Tomball (0-3) had a bye week before they traveled to Ft. Bend Marshall for their first district contest Sept. 28.

A valiant second-half effort by the Magnolia Bulldogs excited the MHS Homecoming crowd Sept. 28, but fell short as the Huntsville Hornets escaped with a 29-15 victory.

Down 22-0 after the first half, the Bulldogs (1-3, 0-2 in 18-4A) fought back within seven early in the fourth quarter before Huntsville (3-2, 2-1) sealed the deal with about six minutes left in the game.

The visitors opened the second half with a 60-yard drive to the Dogs’ 12-yard-line when, on first down, Hornets’ junior quarterback Malik Brown fumbled to the 1-yard-line and Magnolia recovered.  Four plays later, the locals found paydirt when junior tailback Greg Solomon scampered 16 yards for a touchdown.  A two-point conversion from junior quarterback Noah McGowan to senior wide receiver Jordan Turnbow made it 22-8 with 7:50 remaining in the quarter.

Solomon’s score was preceded by a crucial 67-yard catch on third-and-nine from McGowan to Turnbow to the Hornets’ 31.  A personal foul on Huntsville moved the ball to the 16, setting up Solomon’s touchdown run.

“Down 22-0, our guys could have quit,” said Magnolia Head Coach Andy Sexton.  “We keep trying, and one day we’re going to get over this mountaintop.”

The Dog defense held their guests scoreless in the third quarter, then began the final stanza with a 10-play, 50-yard drive for another six points. The drive was helped by a pass interference call against the Hornets on third-and-12 from the Hornets’ 40.  After a holding call on the ‘Dogs, McGowan connected with junior wideout Marquis Robinson for 15 yards, Turnbow ran for 11 yards to the Huntsville 12, then junior running back Shyerome Harris took a snap and dashed into the endzone with 10:23 remaining.  Junior Woodman Nigh’s PAT made it 22-15 Hornets.

The daring comeback in Magnolia Stadium was quelled on the visitors’ next possession when the Hornets drove 76 yards in nine plays to extend the margin to 29-15.  Senior Ricky Bennett, one of three speedy Huntsville weapons, scooted around right end five yards to dim the ‘Dogs’ hopes at the 6:03 mark.

The good guys hurried through one more drive following a touchback, but stalled on downs inside the Hornets’ 30.  Huntsville then ran out the clock, moving the ball 60 yards against a warring-but-worn Magnolia defense, before taking a knee at the ‘Dogs’ 10-yard-line.

“We’re a young group of guys,” Sexton said.  “If this team plays like they did in the second half, we’re gonna win some games.”

Magnolia might have been tied later in this contest, but missed a touchdown by one yard on the last play of the first half.  McGowan scrambled out of the backfield from the Huntsville 44 and raced down the left sideline before being forced out of bounds just short of the goal line.  McGowan finished 11 of 21 for 154 yards passing, and rushed for more than 80 yards.

Magnolia ran up 329 yards of total offense with no turnovers on the night to 422 yards for Huntsville.  Hornets’ sophomore tailback Morie Evans contributed 134 yards on just three carries (including a 68-yard TD run), senior running back James Burns added 55 yards on just nine totes as Huntsville ran for more than 270 yards.  Oddly, the Bulldogs had 19 first down to 17 for the visitors.

The Bulldogs traveled to play Caney Creek Oct. 5 and face cross-town rival Magnolia West Friday, Oct. 12.

In a season of heartbreaking finishes and close losses, it just figured that the fifth annual Magnolia Bowl would be decided by the slimmest of margins.

Despite an amazing fourth quarter comeback by the Magnolia Bulldogs, the Magnolia West Mustangs (4-3, 3-2 in District 18-4A) held on for a 21-20 win Oct. 12.  The cross-town rivals were locked in a 7-7 tie until midway through the final stanza, when the fireworks began for the large crowd at MHS Stadium.

"What do you expect from a rivalry game," said West Coach Shawn Bell.  "Both sides did a great job." 

The Mustangs triumph was their fourth straight in the short history of the series.  Magnolia (1-5, 0-4) won the first meeting in 2008.

West struck on their first possession of the game after Solomon fumbled on the Bulldogs first play of the game.  The Mustangs moved 30 yards in seven plays, scoring on a 7-yard run by junior tailback Brady Bynum at the 8:27 mark.  Senior Andrew Struthers' PAT made it 7-0.

Magnolia was forced to punt on their second possession, then West drove 31 yards to the 50-yard-line before an illegal substitution penalty on fourth-and-inches forced their own punt.  The 'Dogs then rolled 60 yards in eight plays, capping the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run by Harris at the 9:24 mark of the second quarter.  That drive was aided by a 19-yard completion from Edwards to Turnbow on second-and-long from the West 24 just before Harris's score.

West began another march from their own 31 and moved 37 yards into Magnolia territory.  Two 15-yard pitch-and-catch plays from Logan to junior receiver Justin Smith loomed large, but on first-and-10 from the 'Dogs 32, Logan was intercepted near the endzone by junior Devane Mitchell.

After one more possession by each squad, the 'Dogs concluded the first half by moving to the Mustangs' 22 in two plays, with Turnbow gaining 35 yards on a reverse with 30 seconds left in the half.  After a false start and three incomplete passes, Edwards was intercepted on fourth-and-15 by West's Jeremy Jordan near the goal line.

West completed a 17-play, 97-yard drive with 6:45 left in the game, when junior quarterback Troy Logan found Tyler Ray on a third-and-goal at the Bulldog 8-yard-line.  Logan zipped a pass to Ray at the 1-yard line and the burly sophomore fullback crossed into the left side of the endzone for the Mustangs' first lead since early in the contest.

After the ensuing kickoff, Magnolia junior tailback Greg Solomon lost his second fumble of the night, this one recovered by Ray at the 'Dogs 11.  Two plays later, Ray rumbled to paydirt from eight yards out, and West was up 21-7 with 5:53 left.

But starting from their own 26, the Bulldogs picked up 18 yards on three carries by junior all-purpose back Shyerome Harris.  Then senior quarterback Damian Edwards, making his first career start in place of the injured Noah McGowan, hit senior wide receiver Jordan Turnbow in stride down the middle of the field for 56 yards and a touchdown.  Junior placekicker Woodman Nigh's PAT made it 21-14 West with 4:05 remaining.

West then moved to the Bulldogs' 45, before quick-kicking on fourth-and-7 to the 'Dogs 15.  Edwards, in rapid succession, found Turnbow for 35 yards, then junior receiver Marquis Robinson for 27 yards to the Mustangs'  23.  The second pass was tipped and almost intercepted by West defensive back Zeke Bronson.

It was an improbable comeback after a light night for the Bulldogs offensively. 

"I just kept playing," Edwards said.

On the next play, Harris took a handoff over right tackle, cut back to the left and dashed 23 yards for the TD.  A high snap made Nigh's PAT no good, but an offsides penalty on West gave the 'Dogs a second try.  This time, Magnolia Coach Andy Sexton elected to try a two-point conversion, but Harris was stopped near the goal line.  It remained 21-20 West, which ran out the clock after the 'Dogs attempted recovery of an onsides kick.

"Our holder lost his helmet (on the first PAT) and by rule had to leave the field", Sexton said. "So we almost we had to go for two."

"I'm just glad our guys found a way to win," Bell said following the game. "It's a win, and that's all that counts."

Two of West's three losses this season have been by a combined total of 12 points (versus Stratford and Montgomery), while four of the Bulldogs' five losses have been by a combined 19 points. 

Total offense for the two squads was nearly as close as the score, with the Bulldogs compiling 303 yards to the Mustangs' 297.  West had 20 first downs to 14 for Magnolia.  Edwards was 8 of 16 (with the one interception) for 176 yards through the air, four of those going to Turnbow for 51 yards, while Logan finished 11 of 21 (with one interception) for 133 yards, five caught by senior Trevor Buckley for 71 yards.  The Mustangs ran for 164 yards, and the Bulldogs 127, with Harris gaining 85 yards on 15 carries, including his two touchdowns.

The Mustangs hosted Huntsville Oct. 19, while Magnolia travels to Waller.

The Waller Bulldogs hosted Magnolia Oct. 19 in the annual Battle of the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs from Waller came out on top 31-21 in an important district battle.

Magnolia scored first as Damian Edwards found Jordan Turnbow from 27 yards out with a  little more than four minutes left in the first quarter.

Waller returned the favor and started a drive to get the ball down to the 1-yard line, before the end of the first quarter. After switching ends of the field, Rhett Loewe took the ball over the right side of the line to score. The extra point was good and the score was tied at 7-7.

Waller struck again with 5:20 left in the half on a well-executed throw and catch from Loewe to Christian Sowell for a 14-7 lead.

The defense played hard and kept Magnolia in check on the next possession and got the ball back to the offense with a little over three minutes to play. After a couple of plays, Joeseth McDade got the ball and broke free to score from 55 yards out with about a minute to play. The extra point was good and Waller claimed a 21-7 lead going into the locker room.

Magnolia came out in the third quarter and sustained a long drive that concluded with a 5-yard pass and score cutting their deficit to 21- 14.

Waller quickly answered with a drive that fell short of the goaline but came away with a Garcia 40-yard field goal to widen the margin to ten.

McDade then scored on a 23-yard run with 10:36 left in the game to go up 31-14.

Magnolia showed some fight, as they scored on their next possession for the final 31-21 margin.

Tomball Memorial    10
Ft. Bend Marshall    56
Tomball Memorial's rough introduction into the varsity world continued Oct. 19, just a week after earning their first victory in school history. The Wildcats fell to District 22-4A and undefeated Ft. Bend Marshall by a score of 56-10.

Tomball Memorial fell behind 28-7 in the first quarter, while Marshall never looked back.

Jordan Peterson led the Wildcat offense, going 5-11 passing for 72 yards and a 16-yard touchdown toss to running back Josh Williams.
Williams added 40 yards rushing on 16 carries.

Tomball Memorial traveled to Northbrook Oct. 25. The Wildcats fell 37-10. Stats were not available as of press time. The loss dropped Tomball Memorial to 1-7 on the year.

Magnolia Bulldogs    20
Willis                              6
The Magnolia Bulldogs secured their second win of the season, defeating Willis 20-6 Nov. 2 in a District 18-4A showdown.

The Bulldogs were paced by Sheyrome Harris, who ran 25 times for 144 yards and a touchdown.

Harris put the Bulldogs up late in the second half, on a 1-yard touchdown run with a little more than two minutes to play. The Woodman Nigh extra-point made in 7-0, in favor of Magnolia.

The Bulldogs added to their lead early in the third quarter, as Matt Hebert caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Darrian Edwards. The extra-point was missed, keeping the Bulldog lead at 13-0.

Willis drove down the field and scored, cutting the lead to 13-7, but Magnolia answered on their next drive.

The drive, which extended into the first few seconds of the fourth quarter, was capped off by a 7-yard touchdown run from Noah McGowan, sealing the Bulldogs (2-7, 1-6 in district play) win.

The Bulldogs hosted Montgomery Nov. 9, in the final football contest of the season. Results were not available as of press time.

TB Memorial Wildcats     30
Ft. Bend Willowridge      27
The Tomball Memorial Wildcats squeaked out their second win in school history in dramatic fashion, scoring on a last second field goal by Christian Jugg to win 30-27 over Ft. Bend Willowridge Nov. 2.

The Wildcats raced to a big lead, before a small meltdown led to a deficit by the start of the fourth quarter.

Running back Josh Williams opened the scoring for Tomball Memorial, with a 3-yard touchdown rush in the first quarter. Williams followed that with a 1-yard touchdown early in the second quarter.

Brandon Shoemaker then intercepted a Willowridge pass and returned it 72 yards for the score, putting Tomball Memorial up 21-0.

Willowridge began their comeback with a 73-yard kickoff return. They added three more scores in a row to take a 27-21 lead, headed into the final period.

Williams scored his third touchdown of the night, giving the Wildcats the chance to take the lead on the extra-point. Jugg's kick was blocked, however, keeping the score tied at 27.

After stopping Willow-ridge on their last possession of the game, Tomball Memorial began a wild final drive to get them inside the red zone with a few seconds remaining.
Jugg kicked the game winner from 21 yards out as time expired, giving the Wildcats an amazing come-from-behind victory.

Williams led the Wildcats with 258 yard rushing on an amazing 46 carries.

The win improved Tomball Memorial to 2-7 on the season and 2-4 in District 22-4A. The Wildcats played in-town rival Tomball Nov. 9. They fell 49-6 to their crosstown rivals. A full game recap will be in the next issue.

The Magnolia High School girls soccer team finished an amazing run through the Texas state playoffs with a disappointing, but hard fought loss in the state semifinals April 18, in Georgetown.

The Bulldogs lost to top-ranked Denton Guyer 4-2, ending their season with a 19-6-2 record.

Magnolia fell behind late in the first half, giving up three goals within a span of six minutes, before Allison Abendschein headed a goal in after Zoe Bauerschmidt launched a corner kick her way.

They were down 4-1 with about three minutes to play in the contest, before senior Valerie Turner kicked a bullet, from about 20 yards away, past the Guyer goalie, for the final 4-2 score.

Some of the players and Magnolia head coach April Cleveland talked with the Tribune before traveling to the state tournament, after taking home the regional title.

"This experience has been awesome," Cleveland said. "Just being around the girls and the way they know how to have fun, but can turn it on when they have to. It's been an amazing experience."

"We've been an underdog for awhile now, but we like that," said senior Bauerschmidt. "We don't put a lot of pressure on ourselves. We just play for each other."

With a team loaded with 14 seniors, Cleveland expected a good showing this year.

"Did we expect (the final four)? No," Cleveland said. "But one of our goals was to make it to regionals and once we did that we reset them and expected to get to state."

Magnolia reached the regionals and then won the region three title. They fell behind several times during their playoff run, but always bounced back in the second half. They defeated Huntsville (3-0), Lumberton (3-1), Port Neches-Groves (1-0), Waco University (2-1), Kingwood Park in overtime (2-1) and Stratford (2-1).

Against Stratford, the Bulldogs fell behind 1-0 at the end of the first half; before senior Abendschein scored two second half goals to help bring the region three trophy back to Magnolia High School.

"No one expected us to get here," Abendschein said.

Bauerschmidt, Abden-schein and Turner have played together since they were in fifth grade.

"Since we were little babies," Bauerschmidt said.

"Knowing it's going to be our last games together makes us want to play hard," Abendschein said.

'We've never made it past the second round before and we wanted to make history," Turner said.

They did exactly that.