2023 Week 17 (Texas) - Sykotyk Football

2023 Week 17 (Texas)

My 2023 season ended in Texas as it has done quite a few times in the past. The first, though, since the fall 2021 season. In 2022, I passed on Texas in exchange for two games on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A mix of work and pleasure. However, for Texas it was a fun drive down to Arlington, Texas.

After just returning home from the Pennsylvania championships early Sunday morning just past midnight, I was again on the road Monday heading to Texas. It was a very quick turnaround that was basically just a chance to do some laundry, check on the house, and avoid an extra couple of hotels.

On Monday, I headed west out of Youngstown on I-680 to I-80 to I-76. Then quickly to I-71 to Columbus. There, I picked up my friend who would join me on the trip to Texas. Before leaving Columbus, we stopped for gas at Sheetz in Canal Winchester to even out the gas costs for the two of us for the round trip.

After that, it was a quick jaunt through the Columbus metro along I-70 through Indiana and into Illinois. Stopping for gas in Effingham, Illinois. There, we had planned for dinner at Golden Corral, but remember that there is a Ponderosa open west of Effingham, that was also much cheaper, I drove west to Vandalia. I had remember this Ponderosa from a previous trip along I-70 as it was one of the few rare Ponderosa locations still open. Butler, PA still has one. Though the one north of East Liverpool has been closed for some time now.

Now, for trips to north Texas, I usually have one preferred route in and one coming back. And for whatever reason, they are never the same. Heading to Arlington, I have always enjoyed taking I-70 to I-44 and then using US69/US75 to cut down to DFW. On the way back, I always have preferred to take I-30 to I-40 to I-65. Other than to maintain the variety of the trip. I also think west/south bound works better even with the extra lights and the toll along I-44. Nashville and Little Rock traffic seems to be much more troublesome on a Weekday. While on the way back it is Sunday and far less problematic.

After dinner, it was a quick drive through St. Louis late at night and follow I-44 through the dark to Springfield. An 830 mile drive for the day. Quality Inn on the northside of Springfield was the stoppping point for the night. A pretty run-down looking hotel that was cheap enough that I didn’t mind. My half was $5.02 after points.

In the morning, it was a quick drive west along I-44 into Oklahoma. There, the I-44 becomes the Will Rogers Turnpike. It is a toll road and they do have a transponder called PikePass. Or you can use cash still. Unlike other toll roads, you pay once at the halfway point and then use your receipt to get a refund if you exit beyond the toll booth. Or, just leave the end of the toll road without a second stop. If you stop earlier than the toll booth, you just get charged the amount for that exit.

In my case, it was getting off at the Big Cabin exit for US69. Which is just west of the central toll booth. Total cost after redeeming the receipt for the refund was only $2.75.

US69, and continuing on US75, is a mixed bag of road quality. At first, it’s a four-lane divided route with some towns from time to time. Including the towns of Big Cabin, Adair, Pryor and Chouteau. Before you reach the interchange with US412 that is an east-west toll road itself.

It was in Chouteau where I stopped for lunch. The Dutch Pantry was a favored stop of the 2021 trip and I had stopped her previously as well. The price was a lot higher than before as it serves an all-you-can-eat buffet that was really good. Not so much this year. The chicken fried steak chunks were grossly overcooked. And the pie selection was disappointing. And for the $17.82 price tag for lunch not worth it.

After leaving Chouteau, there’s two major towns before you reach the first freeway stretch. Wagoner and the large city of Muskogee. Wagoner was a quick gas stop at the QuikTrip. Oklahoma is always home to cheap gas, and I found it for $2.389. Leaving south along US69 there’s a boulevard feel along the west side of Muskogee after you cross the Indian Nation Turnpike until you reach US64.

After that, it’s freeway through Checotah and the I-40 interchange, across Lake Eufaula and more hilly terrain until you reach McAlester. The freeway effectively ends north of town at the US270 interchange. And a series of cross roads made this next few miles terrible. Though Oklahoma looks to finally be removing the intersections, adding frontage roads, and building it as a freeway through town. But, south of town is Savanna. And the freeway ends until near Texas. South of Savanna is Kiowa and along the Choctaw Nation’s western edge, Stringtown and Atoka. A brief side trip to see the old and new stadiums in Atoka. Before continuing along the short freeway stretch near Caddo, where I had seen a game before, and Durant. Through Calera and the recently bypassed Colbert into Texas.

There, the freeway opens up as a traditional high speed Texas freeway. US69 branches off to the east and US75 takes over the numerical designation that it picked up in Atoka. You go through Denison, Sherman, Van Alstyne, Anna, and Melissa before entering the heart of the DFW Megalopolis.

This year, instead of staying near AT&T Stadium, I used some free hotel stays for a Fairfield Inn & Suits on Dallas’ northside. Off the I-635. Possibly cheaper because of the adjacent construction, it was worth the few extra miles driving each day. Meeting up with TXHSFB at the hotel.

After getting the room, it was a short drive over to Walmart for some provisions and back to the hotel.

In the morning, it was a long 32 mile drive to the stadium. Trying to arrive early to pick up our media passes prior to getting to the media entrance. Normally, I would stay somewhere right near the stadium but the free hotels through Mariott was not about to be ignored.

With the construction, getting onto I-635 westbound was tough. But the late morning travel was pretty uneventful. Taking I-35E south to TX183 west to TX360. With all the new work around DFW, avoiding the toll roads are a little more convoluted. As TX161/PGBT is a toll road that is a much more direct route. The I-35E to TX183 route takes you past the site of old Texas Stadium in Irving.

With games kicking off at 11am, we were well situated for the early Wednesday 6-man games. Starting up in the press box to get my stuff situated before heading down to the field.

Luckily, AT&T Stadium is rather straight forward getting from the pressbox to the field. Also, easy access to the concourses. Other stadiums tend to have private elevators just for worker/press access. Where AT&T uses one main elevator adjacent to the media entrance that is at the concourse level.

Down at the field level, it’s a quick turn to the right to get to the northwest field entrance. Really simple.

#75 – 1AD1 Gordon v. Westbrook

This was my first game on the field at AT&T Stadium. It was also my first time seeing Gordon play. I saw Westbrook win a state title in 2021. I was hoping this would be a good game. With the UIL schedule, the first two games are squished together. But with six-man games having the 45 point rule, they can be over after halftime. And this one was no different. Gordon extended their lead and ran away with it. Winning 70-20 with 3:45 left in the third quarter.

After the game, it was back upstairs to get working on photos. Kickoff for the second game was set for 2pm. I didn’t get much of the first game processed before heading downstairs.

#76 – 1AD2 Oglesby v. Benjamin

For this one, both teams were new for me. Benjamin came in as the prohibitive favorite. And they didn’t disappoint with that expectation. Oglesby kept it interesting but Benjamin ran away with it. After taking a 28-20 lead early in the second quarter, Benjamin tied it and then tacked on four more touchdowns for a 40-point second quarter. Oglesby hadn’t given up, but after scoring with 2 seconds left, down 60-34, they gave up a 60 yard TD pass on the last play of the half. Trailing 68-34. The third quarter was two Benjamin TDs, to win 82-34.

With the early finish, there was a lot of time to kill before the third and final game of the day. An 11-man game that required them to erase the 6-man sideline paint from the field. So, it was back upstairs to complete the photos as much as possible from the first two games and also eat dinner.

AT&T Stadium receives vouchers from the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce for every media member. It’s $10 per voucher, two per day. Only to be used by the private concession stand in the pressbox. Luckily, the prices are reasonable that it’s not too bad even if you had to pay. For the first and only meal of the day, it was a cheeseburger and two snickers bars for less than $10.

Finishing up photos, I was back on the field for the 7pm kickoff of the Class 2A Division I game.

#77 – 2AD1 Timpson v. Tolar

Both of these teams were new for me, as well. My fifth of the day. A marked difference compared to the PIAA Finals the week prior.

And just like the PIAA games and the two earlier UIL games, this one was also one-sided. Timpson, led by their star QB, went off on Tolar, and won, 49-7.

After the game, though, was not a quick trip back to the hotel. Instead, it was south of Arlington to I-20 to a Bobby V’s Sports Gallery Cafe for a get-together with some other Texas high school football reporters and followers. And though I had food at the stadium, did order some wings.

After wings, it was a quick drive east via I-20 to Spur 408 to Loop 12 to I-635 back to the hotel. With the late night, I didn’t finish photos from the Timpson-Tolar games.

So, once I setup shop in the press box, I went to work doing photos from the third game. And did updates for TXHSFB.net.

This made things easier as I was not planning to be on my feet for twelve games in four days. I have done some crazy things, but doing that and then riding 1200 miles home is not a pleasant prospect.

#78 – 2AD2 Mart v. Albany

I’ve seen Mart 5 times before. All in state championships. Losing to Stamford in 2012, beating Refugio in 2017, beating Gruver in 2018, beating Hamlin in 2019, and losing to Windthorst in 2020. One of the most in Texas for me.

Meanwhile, I have seen Albany twice before. Losing to Bremond in 2014 and 2015.

After Mart opened the scoring with a field goal, Albany blew it open with three scores in the second quarter, giving them a 21-3 lead.

With an extra voucher in the early game, I went for lunch and got a single cheeseburger piled with jalapenos, snickers bar, and a bag of doritos. The drinks are free from an unmanned soda fountain.

The second half was fairly unevently. Albany was just stifling and only gave up a single score but it was never particularly close. Winning, 28-10.

The second game was down on the field. A key matchup on the weekend for me. Expected to be a defensive game. And it turned into one.

#79 – 3AD1 Franklin v. Malakoff

I saw Malakoff once before. Losing to Grandview in 2018. And saw Franklin 3 times previously. First in 2015 in Houston as they lost 33-21 to Waskom. Losing 35-34 to Canadian in 2020. and beating Gunter, 49-35 in 2021.

Malakoff opened the scoring, on a 32 yard pass in the first quarter. Taking that lead into the second half. Where they doubled it with a 41 yard pass. Franklin scored late in the third quarter, down 14-7 but couldn’t find the eqaulizer. Malakoff would win, 14-7.

The one nice thing about doing these games was that I was just doing the game play. A friend was doing the close up photos as well as more of the trophy and medal presentations. So, after awarding the plaque, it was back upstairs.

Getting the photos situated to start downloading, and heading over for food. This time going for the nachos with chili and a plain hot dog. I didn’t realize yet that you could get chili and cheese on the hot dogs.

#80 – Tidehaven v. Gunter

This was another game spent upstairs. I hadn’t finished photos in the short turn around. And already my feet were killing me. With two full days to go, I took it easy. This wasn’t a high priority game. So, I stayed upstairs.

I had seen Gunter 4 times previously. Beating Boling, 43-7 in 2016. Losing to Newton, 40-16 in 2017. Beating Omaha Pewitt, 43-22 in 2019. And losing to Franklin, 49-35 in 2021. This was the first time I saw Tidehaven. They’re from El Maton, Texas near the coast between Corpus Christi and Galveston.

This game was not the game I had hoped. Tidehaven did a great job to keep it close early. But Gunter extended to a two score lead, and won surprisingly comfortable, 30-14.

With the game going quickly and being in the pressbox for the end it was a quick breakdown to get out of the stadium and back to the hotel.

Halfway through the championship slate, the third day was about as the first two. Following west along TX183 again to TX360 to Arlington. And got into the stadium parking lot again. Though this time we were put into the general parking area and not the northeast grass parking where media was usually placed. We were closer to the media entrance in the northwest corner.

After getting in, it was back up to the pressbox to get setup and down to the field in time for kickoff of the 4AD1 game.

#81 – Tyler Chapel Hill v. Anna

This was one of those rare games where both teams were new for me. I had been in the town on Anna, north-northeast of Dallas and had been in Tyler out east off I-20. Though not too sure of Chapel Hill’s district boundaries.

The game though, went one-sided for Anna and they won in the first and only shutout of the weekend, 26-0.

#82 – Bellville v. Gilmer

The first two games today were both ones I wanted down on the field to photograph. This was the fifth time I had seen Gilmer play. The Gilmer Buckeyes were 1-3 in previous state championships games I attended. First losing to Navasota 39-3 in 2012, beating West Orange-Stark 35-25 in 2014, getting crushed by Carthage 70-14 in the covid season of 2020, and a 31-7 loss to China Spring in 2021. Meanwhile, this was my first time seeing the Bellville Brahmas.

This was a game of two halves. It was back and forth through the first half, as Gilmer took a 28-20 halftime lead. Fueled by a three-touchdown back-and-forth final two minutes of the first half. Later in the third quarter, Belleville scored on a 4 yard run but the two-point attempt to tie the game wasn’t converted. The rest of the game went scoreless as Gilmer held on thanks to a strong final possession. Ending with a 28-26 victory.

After the game it was upstairs to get photographs done of the two early games started. Before some on field photos of Game 3, and back upstairs to finish off the night. Or so was planned.

First time I had chili dogs. And must say they were a much better option than the burgers.

I started out upstairs between games and through the early part of the first quarter. I had planned to report from the @TXHSFB account while processing the rest of the galleries from earlier. However, I had forgotten to tweet out a pregame tweet. The best I have is this:

#82 – Smithson Valley v. Aledo

This was my first time seeing Smithson Valley play. The Rangers are from the northern reaches of San Antonio. Meanwhile, it was the 9th time I had seen the Aledo Bearcats play. Seven of the previous 8 times were in state championship games. Winning it all in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Also beating Lucas Lovejoy in one memorable game at Globe Life Park, 52-48 on New Years Day in 2021 of the 2020 extended season.

Unfortunately, this game went about as I had expected. Smithson Valley put up a valiant effort to start the game. Starting with a safety, and following it up with two field goals. But those field goals really needed to be touchdowns as an 8-0 lead was easily matched by Aledo. An 8-7 deficit turned into a 24-8 halftime lead. Four more second half touchdowns made it 51-8 for Aledo. Aledo won their 12th state championship. And 11th in the past 15 seasons. An incredible feat.

After the game, I finished up upstairs, and got situated to head out once again. Taking the I-30 to US75 route via Dallas to the hotel. Just a few hours later, it was back to Jerry World.

The last day was opening with my most anticipated game of the final day of the season. Port Neches-Groves v. South Oak Cliff. Afterwards, was two games with a bit less fanfare in the 6A conference games.

#84 – Port Neches-Groves v. South Oak Cliff

This was my first time seeing the Indians of Port Neches-Groves. The were two-time state champions. While this was my second time seeing the South Oak Cliff Golden Bears from Dallas’ south side. They were in their third state championship. Winning in 2001 in a game I attended, and losing in 2022.

This was a great, close game with a comeback. SOC, as they’re called, had a 7-3 lead after one, and a 10-9 halftime lead after three more field goals totaled 4 for the half. SOC added a third quarter score to get a comfortable, though precarious, 17-9 lead. In the fourth, PNG opted for a field goal while close to the goal line, cutting the lead by SOC down to 17-12. And taking the lead on a 1 yard run late in the fourth quarter. Giving them a 20-17 lead that they’d hold on for the state championship win.

After the game it was upstairs for lunch. I had to get caught up on photos as I didn’t want to be doing any photos after I left the pressbox that night. Figuring I would be on the sideline for the first half of the last game. But for the second game, I was going to just be in the pressbox finishing up the first game photos. And eating some chili dogs.

They may look messy. But they were incredibly good with some cheese and onion on them. Wrapping them to take them to my seat just made a horrible looking mess. Thankfully I travel with wipes to keep my hands clean around camera gear. And they work well when you’re trying to eat chili dogs in a pressbox.

#85 – Houston North Shore v. Duncanville

Honestly, I had grown tired of this matchup. The first championship game between these two was in 2018. Where North Shore connect on a hail mary as time expired to win 41-36.

Just an incredible finish. Which setup much intrigue in their rematch. Which was a good game in 2019. But not great. 31-17 to North Shore. The Covid season interrupted the series, as Austin Westlake and Southlake Carroll played instead for the 6A Division I championship. But for the past three years, it has been North Shore and Duncanville again. Five times in six years. And though I missed out on attending the games in 2022, it was Duncanville’s first win in the title game series. This year was also expected to go to Duncanville.

I had seen Duncanville play four times previously. The three state championships I attended, and a playoff game at Globe Life Park on January 2nd, 2021. A continuation of the extended 2020 Covid season. Where they doubled up DeSoto, 56-28.

In addition to those same three state championship games, I had also seen North Shore once before those in 2015 in a state championship game in Houston. Where North Shore beat Austin Westlake, 21-14 in overtime.

I finished up photos watching the game and tweeting out updates. But otherwise, was gearing up for the finale. Which I had change my plans for the finale. Expecting a one-sided game. But had to finish this one. Duncanville would hang on to win against a determined North Shore Mustangs squad, 49-33.

After the game, I used my voucher for one last chili dog and used the rest for a couple candy bars to take home. This one was much better looking having not squished it up in the wrapper.

For the last game, I had planned to be down on the field. And just stick around for the first half. Finish photos upstairs in the second half. And call it a season. But then I had a thought. I could go anywhere to get photos.

And that’s exactly what I did.

Leaving the pressbox, I went to the 400 level, which is the highest level of the stadium. AT&T Stadium uses several named levels, such as Ring of Honor, Star Level, etc. but 400 is the upper level. I then headed through an empty concourse to the far end of the stadium. Passing by the vomitories to see the massive video board dominating the view.

Finally reaching the upper patio end on the east end of the field. Setting up shop at the beer garden with railings overlooking the seating. And got some high angle shots for the final game.

Unfortunately, I had presumed that the final game had a chance of going one-sided quickly. But didn’t realize how quickly. So I was more interested in the photographs of the pregame. Seeing things in such a unique perspective as the final game of the season was getting underway. This was my first time seeing Summer Creek, and third time seeing DeSoto.

#86 – Houston Summer Creek v. DeSoto

Situated at the top of the endzone, I had a birds eye view of DeSoto driving toward me once the game started. And boy did they have a great start. Scoring five times in the opening quarter. A 54 yard run, a 14 yard run, a 26 yard pass, a 55 yard pass, and a 52 yard run. In just the first eight minutes of the game before giving up a 6 yard TD run to Summer Creek, DeSoto already had a 29-0 lead. After the first quarter, I made my way back to the pressbox to get those final photos finished, and just observe the last game of the season. DeSoto tacked on ten more in the second, and two touchdowns in each of the two second half quarters, winning by a ridiculous 74-14 margin.

I had everything finished up as I gathered my things. Taking one last moment to soak it all in. Before heading out. Knowing I had a very long drive on Sunday.

At 10am Central, I left out from the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Dallas. And started the long trek home. First stopping for gas to begin the journey. By 12:45, I reached Arkansas.

It was a long drive up through Little Rock to Forrest City, Arkansas, home of the Ole Sawmill Cafe.

This was my third time stopping by on my way through here and though the food was a bit down from previous stops, it is well worth the visit. A ton of southern foods for a decent all-you-can-eat price.

After that, it was a quick stop at the Speedway for gas and to continue eastbound to Tennessee.

Crossing the Mississippi at roughly 6:34pm Eastern, I still had 790 miles to go. But I wasn’t going to be sidetracked again. Following I-40 east to Nashville, turning north on I-65 and a brief stop in Cross Plains for gas where it was cheaper. And also something to drink and a bathroom break. Getting sidetracked by a small construction detour blocking the entry ramp back onto I-65.

By 10:41pm, I was in Kentucky. Just shy of 700 miles in under 11 elapsed hours. Only 540 more to go. With the night time travel, the roads were mostly clear and it was high speeds all the way to Louisville and I-71 northeast to Cincinnati.

And 233 miles later, crossing over into Ohio. Just about 2:29am and in the home stretch. I had to pit-stop in Columbus to drop off my friend and also top off the gas in Canal Winchester. To balance out the shared cost of the trip and finish a solo run from Columbus to home into the late morning.

Just 187 miles from home at 4:43am, I left Columbus taking US33 northwest to I-70 and I-71 and familiar freeways northeast to Lodi, where I-76 originates east bound, and followed that through Akron.

And at 7:52am I arrived at home. Parking in my driveway and finishing my last tweet of the 2023 football season. Not even realizing I didn’t crop the google maps screenshot of my non-stop drive.

I’m fairly certain that’s the longest I’ve driven in one stretch without sleep in under 24 hours. Going 1236 miles in just under 21 hours.

ECONOMICS

Because this trip was split with another person, costs are a bit deceiving. Gas was split 50-50, and I only paid $107.93 for my half. A total of 70.182 gallons were purchased, to average 39.1mpg. A grand total of 2,745 miles driven. Including 1,236 miles on Sunday into Monday returning home.

Leaving out on Monday, and returning on Sunday, was seven days and I spent only $120.20 on food. Thanks to food vouchers at the stadium all four days. It wasn’t the greatest or healthiest food. But it was free. The biggest expenses for meals was Ponderosa in Illinois, Dutch Pantry in Oklahoma, and Ole Sawmill Cafe in Arkansas. Other foods were purchased at a grocery store and eaten in the hotel. And there was a continental breakfast as well each day which helped keep the costs down for this year as I was trying to be cheap given some financial circumstances.

Miscellaneous expenses totaled $25.25 and were mostly non-food related amenities for the hotel. Including silverware, paper towels, etc.

The usual biggest expenses in these trips is the hotels. But not this year. I budgeted just $20 for hotels. And managed to only spend $5.02. The first night, I had points from Hotels.com to use for one split hotel. While Tuesday through Sunday was a free hotel through my credit card points. And without stopping on Sunday night, was well under my budget.

Total cost for the entire seven day trip was only $279.15.

I doubt I’ll have the points for a full week of hotels in 2024. But I’ll try my best.

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK