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Remember that time your dad caught you taking money out of the offering plate on Sunday Christmas morning instead of putting the quarter he gave you in the plate? That's the kind of beating Texas is giving Tech right now.

Year 39 covering sports in East Texas is done. If I've ever covered your games or your kid's games (or both in a lot of cases), know this... I'm proud of you, and you are the reason I still love what I do after all these years. Bring on year 40.

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The GOAT would have been 72 today.

Still say since umpires have to face the camera and tell the world they were wrong after a video review, if they got the call right, they should be able to say "Told you jerks I was right. Bite me!"

Home from the second photo shoot for The Zone preseason football magazine. Last week at Spring Hill, and tonight in Tyler. Final numbers from the two events: 67 schools and 651 kiddos. Dadgum proud to be part of the team that produces this magazine.

Sorry for the confusion, but the Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Softball Teams have not been released. One newspaper wrote a story based on the ballots...not the actual teams. Teams will release one a day starting Friday with 6A. Again. Sorry for the mix up.

Can't believe the Coastal Carolina coach shot the umpire, stabbed him and then went after his family. I mean, that's what it should take to get tossed in the first inning of Game 2 of a national championship series...right?

Sources tell me Nico traded the No. 1 pick to the Smackover, Arkansas YMCA Rec League defending champion North Side Bricklayers for Joe Bob “I’m Open!” Jones, forward Anthony “Flop” Johnson and Slick “To 3, or not to 3” Watson. Can't wait to see Cooper in a Bricklayers jersey.

Doing some work from home on The Zone preseason football magazine. Getting lots of help from these North American Biscuit Hounds.

Mail call was a good one today.

First story I ever wrote for a newspaper (high school in 1983) and first story I wrote with a "Sports Editor" byline (Kilgore News Herald in 1987). Was a "correspondent" for a year at the News Herald in 1986, so about to start year 40. Appreciate East Texas folks tolerating me.

"Experienced" is a nice way of saying "Old," but always good to see these experienced guys at SWJCFC Media Day. About 150 years worth of experience covering the conference between Phil Hicks (42), me (40), Benny Rogers (44) and Manny Manuel Almanza (25).

Someone is selling an accordian in the Bargains Galore section of my newspaper. I'm gonna buy it and start a list of folks who get on my nerves the next four months. If they have young kids, that accordion will be delivered to their house by "Santa" on Christmas morning.

That time of year again. The Zone, our 150-page football season preview magazine publishes on Aug. 22. If you would like to swap season preview magazines/tabs, mail me one and will hit you back. Jack Stallard Longview News-Journal 320 East Methvin Longview, Texas 75601