Kilgore Rangers Combine

On February 4th, 2017, over 100 hopefuls came to the Kilgore College field house looking to become a Kilgore Ranger. These young men were from several different states and many different backgrounds, but they all had at least one thing in common, football.

Signup for the even began at 10am on a brisk 40 degree morning. After signup there was a lot of time spent warming up the mussels before any time was spent checking times. Of course, even during the warm-up time, they were already being evaluated on things such as following instructions and motivation.

After warming up, the men were timed on their sprinting ability. I was never that fast, even when I was young, but they guys were amazing.

Of course, in football, it’s not just about running in a straight line, but you have to have the moves as well. Making those cuts when the other team zigs and zags is the difference between winning and losing.

A test of leg strength with the standing broad jump tested everyone’s ability to fly, at least for short distances.

Passing and catching, of course, are integral to the sport, and they were tested out as well.

And what football tryout would be complete without having to run flat-out while not stepping on players on the ground.



For those wishing to be receivers and running backs, it only makes sense that you have to do the same thing, but while holding onto the ball.

There was plenty of passing and catching going on, and even the opportunity to run a few plays as the day began to wind down.


And there were also those trying out for special teams. These guys, while not always getting the glory of a quarterback, are often times the difference between winning and losing. When the chips are down, these guys have to pull it off under pressure.




If these young men are any indication, I think Kilgore College has a good year ahead of them. And not that I’ve been tapped by the Kilgore News Herald to photograph their games, you can bet that I’ll be following their progress pretty close this year!

By the way, I don’t think it ever got out of the 40s this day. I had to change coats twice, going heavier each time. These guys have much tougher skin that I do. Oh to be young again.

Get ‘Em Rangers!

Kilgore Football: Part 2

Welcome to Kilgore College vs Tyler Junior College, part 2. Thanks to the KC win over TJC of 50-29 the previous week, these two teams, with a long history, had the opportunity to meet up once again the very next Saturday in the first round of the SWJCFC playoffs. So sit back and enjoy along with me as I had the opportunity to shoot this game from the field level rather than from the stands! So, while this post may seem one-sided, remember I was there at the courtesy of Kilgore College, so they were my focus.

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The Kilgore band was in place and ready to go as the teams came onto the field.

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KC Special Teams coach Gary Wade stands with his players as the game gets underway.

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#6 Joe Lewis, was seen making quite a few big plays during the game. Once he got the ball he was off!

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As the teams line up, eye-to-eye and nose-to-nose, you can almost feel the tension from the years of rivalry between these two schools.

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#32 Alvin Kenworthy and #41 Dillon Hall stand on the sidelines, ready to jump in at a moments notice.

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Another play maker for KC, #15 Kyle McBride, runs for another first down.

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The Kilgore crown was certainly appreciative of their Rangers as they continued to score over TJC.

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Hard working guys resting before being put back into play.

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Celebration after another first down.

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Being an old band member myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the performance from the TJC Band. If I understood the announcement correctly, this is the professor of woodwinds at the school, jazzing-out with his students during halftime.

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The TJC band leader caught my eye as she directed from atop a ladder.

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Go brass section!

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TJC’s percussion section was equally impressive.

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Kilgore’s band is smaller, but performed quite well. Marching up and down the field sure brought back memories of friday nights from my youth.

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And of course, you can’t have Kilgore football without the world famous Rangerettes!

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Back to the game.  #2 Chandler Eiland looks to pass the ball before the approaching Apaches make contact.

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Playmaker #7 Tyreik Gray, light on his feet making yardage before being brought down.

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#3 Hasan Deense takes control of the ball for yet more yardage.

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Sometimes there is just no stopping #7 Tyreik Gray as he hurdles over an attempted tackle and continues on for yet another touchdown!

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Coach Wade had a discussion with one of the Refs

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But once the game is complete, all harsh moments are put aside and congratulations all around are shared from both sides.

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As the Rangers celebrate their 58-51 win over TJC with singing their school song

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And closing for a word or prayer, thanking God for the victory and safety of both teams. The next week KC lost to Trinity Valley Community College in overtime, but they have been invited to play at the Mississippi Bowl in Perkinston MS on Dec 4th. We with them good luck in their game against East Mississippi Community College.

So, that’s it. My first chance shooing a game from the sidelines. It was a great opportunity and one I’m hoping to continue into the future. Defiantly as unpredictable as wildlife but certainly more action packed into a shorter amount of time.

Hope you enjoyed. Looking for my next adventure!

Michael

 

All photos copyright of Michael Hampton 2016 and taken with the Canon 5DS-R or Canon 7D Mark II