SPORTS

Hear the pads pop

Published

12 years ago

08/08/2014

By ERIC VICCARO
and BLAKE WOOD
bnewssports@sbcglobal.net

An unrelenting, blistering heat was prevalent across Montague County during the summer of 2011, and that ultimately led to a change.
Brandon Owen, who is now Nocona’s offensive coordinator, advised head football coach Brad Keck move the first practice in pads to midnight.
The move has paid off for the Indians, who have made the playoffs every single year since.
“All week long, we put in plays,” Keck said. “I wanted to see how we would look in pads.”
Keck said the only way to tell if a player is performing aggressively or not is with pads on.
Friday at midnight marked the first time this season local teams could practice in pads, and Bowie and Nocona both participated in what’s termed “Midnight Madness” practice. Nocona’s session was inside Jack Crain Stadium and Bowie at Jackrabbit Stadium.
“It’s just a different an exciting for the kids,” Bowie head football coach Dylan Stark said. “If the kids like, then we like it, too.”
Both Stark and Keck said it was also a chance to see how the athletes would perform “under the lights” and with a crowd present.
Reportedly, the crowd was much larger in Nocona than Bowie.
“We’ve had a great response,” Keck said regarding the midnight training session.

During the first allowable practice of the season with pads on, Nocona High School worked on a drill called “Blood Alley” early Friday morning at Jack Crain Stadium in Nocona. Bowie also had a “Midnight Madness” practice. Click on the photo for the complete image. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)

SPORTS

Bowie, Nocona compete in VB scrimmages

Published

6 days ago

08/13/2026

bowienews

Nocona’s volleyball team headed to Bowie for a three-team scrimmage with the host team and Ponder Aug. 7.

Each team played the other two for 30 minutes in the Lady Rabbit gym. Lady Indian Coach Sandy Langford said she thought things went well for a first scrimmage.

“Just like any young team that is trying to find itself in a first scrimmage, We looked really good at times and at others not so much,” Langford said. “We’re forming a new team after losing a lot of seniors.”

Langford said the squad would have one thing go wrong and it would explode into several things. That will need to stop for a successful year in Langford’s mind.

For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.

SPORTS

Rabbit netters beat Graham

Published

6 days ago

08/13/2026

bowienews

Bowie’s tennis team is now 3-3 for the non-district campaign with a 1-2 week.

In the Rabbits’ home opener Aug. 5 against Graham, Bowie posted a 13-6 match win with the girls completing a 9-0 sweep.

Jessi Mayfield and Angeles Alvarez won 9-8 (7-4) while Payton Goodwin and Maddie Schwarz were 8-1 winners as were Avery DeWeber and Avery Bonham.

In girl’s singles Willow Seibert won 8-2 in No.1 1 singles. Goodwin and Mayfield were each 8-5 winners. Alvarez posted an 8-1 win. Schwarz won 9-8 (8-5) with Deweber taking an 8-2 decision.

For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.

SPORTS

New Nocona gym nearing completion

Published

2 weeks ago

08/06/2026

bowienews

Two major portions of Nocona’s 2023 bond issue are very close to being completed.

The new high school gym should be complete in time for the volleyball team to begin practice there Aug. 1, according to Superintendent Dr. David Waters. Ground on the 22,000 square foot facility was broken on Oct. 18, 2024.

Waters said a punch list meeting with the construction manager was scheduled for earlier this week with final touchups expected shortly afterwards. Fans should be able to enjoy the facility for the volleyball team’s season opener Aug. 11.

Fans will enjoy the new gym from entering the facility which has glass walls, enabling fans to watch the game from the foyer. Once inside the gym itself, there is stadium, chair back seating on the home side allowing for a much more comfortable experience.

For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.