Fox Sports Net Discussing National Tv Game W/longview @ Tyler Lee

[supercentex]

FOX SPORTS NET DISCUSSING NATIONAL TV GAME W/LONGVIEW @ TYLER LEE



(Please credit this story to the Tyler Morning Telegraph-Chris Parry, KTBB Radio, and Smoaky.com)

Robert E. Lee head football coach Mike Owens was approached during Saturday's 7-on-7 tournament by a representative from Fox Sports Net in an effort to begin discussions about televising the Longview at Tyler Lee football game on national television.

Owens confirmed the meeting with me late Saturday night. I also heard about the meeting from Chris Parry of the Tyler Morning Telegraph, and his article will appear in Sunday's paper. I promised Chris I wouldn't post anything until after midnight on Saturday.

I also received email confirmation from both Coach Owens and Dave Stephenson of Titus Sports Marketing earlier this evening.

FSN wants to televise the Longview @ Lee game live on a Thursday night at TMF Rose Stadium, and that game would be one of a handful of high school games nationally televised on the network. A Thursday night game would avoid any conflict with the UIL's rule on live broadcasts on Friday nights (we've been over that a few times in the last couple of months...couldn't resist).

The discussions are in the preliminary stages with many hurdles to be cleared.

Owens told me if all hurdles were crossed, he would move the game from Friday to Thursday to secure the live broadcast, but would not move the kickoff time from 7:30pm, and/or site.

Stephenson made it very clear the discussions are very preliminary at this time, and no sides are near the contract stage.

My calls to both Longview athletic director Pat Collins and head football coach John King were not returned at the time of this post.

This is just another example of how Titus Sports Marketing is changing the face of high school football at Tyler I.S.D..

Stephenson, in his email to me on Saturday night said..."There are very few coaches outside of Mike Owens (and an AD like Danny Long) that would undergo an exciting season like this with so many opportunities for exposure".

If the Longview at Lee game is finalized on Fox Sports Net, it could become the second nationally-televised game for the defending Class 5-A Division One-A champions, with the other broadcast, Lee vs. Cincinnati Colerain in Columbus, Ohio in the negotiating stages between Fahlgren Sports Marketing and ESPN-U. On Friday, it was announced that Fahlgren Sports Marketing would meet with the UIL on August 3rd in an effort to clear the broadcast, whether live or tape-delayed.

Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

Smoaky

[supercentex]

FSN LOOKING TO BROADCAST LEE-LONGVIEW
By CHRIS PARRY, Staff Writer July 16, 2005

COLLEGE STATION - Robert E. Lee and Longview could be playing this year's District 12-5A clash in front of a live national television audience.

Fox Sports Net is in talks to showcase Lee-Longview as its "National Game of the Week."

John Heidtke, general manager of FSN Southwest, wants to showcase East Texas football and believes the Red Raiders and Lobos are the best way to do that.

"We are optimistic (in getting it done)," Heidtke said. "If we can get everything worked out, we'd like to announce the game at (THSCA) Coaching School (July 24-26).

Heidtke said FSN is putting together a package of five national high school games. Two of those games will feature teams from Texas.

If both schools approve this, the Lee-Longview game will be moved ahead one day and be played on October 6 at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. By playing on Thursday, the game can be shown on national television without violating any UIL regulations.

Lee and Longview went to overtime last season with the Lobos prevailing 34-31 at Lobo Stadium. The teams split meetings in 2003, each winning on the other's home field.

If approved, this could give Lee two national televised games.

The Red Raiders' Sept. 9 clash against Cincinnati Colerain at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio has been approved for a national television broadcast on ESPNU by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

It is still yet to be seconded by the UIL because the game would take place on Friday, in conflict with a UIL regulation of not televising Friday high school games. A UIL vote could be held on Aug. 2-3 to decide the issue.

Chris Parry covers sports. He can be reached at 903.596.6335. e-mail: sports@tylerpaper.com

©Tyler Morning Telegraph 2005

[PackAttack2005]

This is getting boring. Let's just open the door and televise all the games. The Woodlands and Katy @ Reliant, The Woodland and North Shore, SLC and Denton Ryan (again), Lufkin and The Woodlands, Midland Lee and Odessa Permian, Converse Judson and Smithson Valley and Abilene and Abilene Cooper. Whoops, I almost forgot, we must pay per view the Waco and Tyler Lee tilt.


Lee wins one Championship and cable sports are all over them. I don't balme Owens though, I guess I would ride that wagon until the wheels fell off. What is the old saying, " we may never pass this way again". Me, I wouldn't want the hassle and distraction especially for a key district game with playoff implications on the line.

[dragons06]

Im not trying to be cocky or anything, but Im suprised SLC isnt getting the same offers.

[AIRITOUT]

Lufkin and South Lake.....

Your jealousy is beaming..........

[lonny23]

Lufkin and South Lake.....

Your jealousy is beaming..........
I'm not going to begrudge Lee a date on TV because it helps Texas football, but you can't blame somebody for wanting their team on TV. You better believe the first thing I thought when I read Lee-Longview was, why not SV-Judson. At the end of the day, there is more pedigree to hype in that game than there is in Lee-Longview. Even SLC-Ryan had more pedigree than the Lee game. That Permian-M Lee game last year was for hype and it backfired by being a blowout. You can't blame people for thinking somebody else should get a chance on TV this year if Lee is already going to play Colerain.

[PackAttack2005]

Airitout, I am not jealous of Tyler Lee even in the least way. Last time I checked SLC was the National Champs in 2004. Also I remember these scores from 2004.

Lufkin- 44 Tyler Lee - 33
Longview- 34 Tyler Lee- 31
Lufkin- 31 Longview - 21
SLC- 37 Lufkin - 30

To the rest of the State T.Lee is Division I champs, but to your current district foe Longview and your old 11-5A district rival Lufkin your just another opponent beaten along the way in 2004.

Enjoy the exposure while you can, sometime it doesn't last long.

[AIRITOUT]

Pack....

Maybe FoxSports is looking for something that Tyler Lee represents, other than just W's, maybe a Team that always plays with HEART and CLASS

[PackAttack2005]

Yep, you got me there, I forgot that Tyler Lee was the only team in the State that exihibited those traits. Airitout, Sorry I stepped on those red, white and black Raider toes. Heart and Class? Really, tell me you had something better than that.

[lonny23]

Who knows, maybe Smoaky has something to do with it. I have no other explanation how Tyler Lee is all of a sudden at the top of the heap as far as Texas schools go. I do remember that they are the current champs, got beat by The Woodlands in the quarterfinals, and by Midland in the semis in 2002. I know they were making the playoffs before that, but don't really remember them having a lot of success. I do remember when they couldn't sniff the playoffs.

At least Permian had the pedigree to deserve a book and later on a movie. In all honesty, it might come down to how agreeable coaches around the state are with the TV guys. We don't know who, if anybody, turned down the chance to be on TV. I bet Rackley would say no since he supposedly told a Nebraska recruiter that Kyle Fox was too busy to meet with them during the season last year.

[lonny23]

Yep, you got me there, I forgot that Tyler Lee was the only team in the State that exihibited those traits. Airitout, Sorry I stepped on those red, white and black Raider toes. Heart and Class? Really, tell me you had something better than that.
If he wants to talk about heart, tell him to get with Coach Owens and have him cut all of the Lee D-1 Blue Chippers! :) Talent alone won't put you over the top, but we all know the East Texas schools have a lot of it.

I remember all that class too. They always tell you to stay off the field at the Alamodome right before the game ends and piles of Lee students came out of the end zone and ran on the field after they won the title. It's the only time I've ever been to a game at the dome and saw somebody run on the field. Judson fans didn't even do it after the miracle catch in 2002.

[LoboFan07]

This would also be the 2nd one for Longview but everyone has forgotten about that...

Longview vs West Monroe - Indepedent Stadium....Unless that has fallen through.

Dont forget everybody now...Tyler Lee is the God of East Texas Football and just Football in General in the State of Texas...

Longview or Lufkin could never lose to them this year.

[AIRITOUT]

Pack,

Maybe the fact that Outlaw turned down a chance to go to Ohio and be a part of a Doubleheader, sent a message to FoxSports to not waist their time

[PackAttack2005]

Waste of time??? Lufkin or Outlaw never lost anything in Ohio that they would need to go up there and play a game my friend, it would serve no purpose. We play Texas High School football and since it is an impossibility to have a National Championship tournament, why bother with going to Ohio. All that matters in Texas high school ball is the gold ring that waits the States best at seasons end.

To go to Ohio and win or lose a game accomplishes nothing for a team in the relm of what is important in Texas Football, so why waste your time for bragging rights in Ohio when the real prize is here in Texas.

[lonny23]

Waste of time??? Lufkin or Outlaw never lost anything in Ohio that they would need to go up there and play a game my friend, it would serve no purpose. We play Texas High School football and since it is an impossibility to have a National Championship tournament, why bother with going to Ohio. All that matters in Texas high school ball is the gold ring that waits the States best at seasons end.

To go to Ohio and win or lose a game accomplishes nothing for a team in the relm of what is important in Texas Football, so why waste your time for bragging rights in Ohio when the real prize is here in Texas.
You can ask Longview what being Louisiana State Champs does for you in Texas! Don't get me wrong, I love the Lobos and outside of John Curtis REALLY dislike Lousyanna football teams, but it's true that beating the best teams next door hasn't won them a title in Texas.

[LoboFan07]

I totally agree with PackAttack..

There was no reason at all for Lufkin to go to Ohio. They thought they would be playing Tyler Lee and I see no reason for them to trade a game with their arch rivals for a game againist Colerain. But Tyler Lee wanted the game more.

Beating other teams from other teams does nothing except give you a little bragging rights. I would trad our 3 wins againist Evangel (the only team to even beat them two years in a row much less 3 btw HA) for a State Championship any day.

[VB Pack Fan]

Well having listen to all that has been said, I,M glad for Tyler Lee. John Owtlaw turn down the Ohio offer and Lee took them up on it. Lee is the D1 state champs.I wonder did SLC got any of those offers, they were supposed to be the national champs ,still don,t know how you can decide who,s the best team in the nation. I would like to know the answer to that.This seems like a slap in SLC,s face if the were not contacted about some of those games. Maybe some don,t see them as national champs after all.East texas football is still the best in my opinoin."GO PACK"

[Texas Hammer]

You guys are forgetting about geography when you go off about East Texas. Longview, Lufkin, and Tyler are not close to each other and all are afforded the opportunity to get good athletes from other smaller towns in the local vicinity.

I'd put the 3 best teams in San Antonio up against the ET trio anyday, and we're a lot closer to each other. It's a lot harder to be good in the metro areas than ET, District 13, and the Little SWC.

[drgnbkr]

Well having listen to all that has been said, I,M glad for Tyler Lee. John Owtlaw turn down the Ohio offer and Lee took them up on it. Lee is the D1 state champs.I wonder did SLC got any of those offers, they were supposed to be the national champs ,still don,t know how you can decide who,s the best team in the nation. I would like to know the answer to that.This seems like a slap in SLC,s face if the were not contacted about some of those games. Maybe some don,t see them as national champs after all.East texas football is still the best in my opinoin."GO PACK"

Last years ESPN game vs. Denton Ryan was exciting, but a little over the top. I saw our former coach & AD, Bob Ledbetter, who built the Carroll program, & asked him what he thought, and he said.."A circus!" & just shook his head...I think one of those type productions every once in a while are enough for the High School atmosphere....I love the high school game because of it's purity, and believe that if you want all the hype..we've got college & pro sports...

[PackAttack2005]

T. Hammer, No opinion on your comparison except to say that Lufkin did fairly well in the Houston metro 14-5A district last year going undefeated and Lee and Longview pretty much dominated the East Metroplex 12-5A district of Mesquite in 2004. Remember we are not a East Texas 5A district any longer.

[Jtate862003]

Altho LP Longview and T-lee are no longer in the district together i know im not the only one that still considers us all east texas and i know im not the only one that when LP is playing houston teams that i cheer for lp and when Longview is playing dallas teams i cheer for longview..


GO LEE IN 06

And for you airitout.....dont come on here and dont say other teams dont have heart and class..when i coudl honestly say that longview and lp are 2 of the classiest teams i have ever seen

[LoboFan07]

Finally...a Lee fan that doesnt have a big head and actually know what he is talking about!

Longview, Tyler Lee, Lufkin, and John Tyler are always going to be East Texas no matter how much the UIL move them around in district. Theres no way you can say Lufkin is not East Texas after being in our district since 1953 when it was Longview, Kilgore, Marshall, Lufkin, Texas High, Nacogdoches, Gladewater in District 4-3A (man I know way too much about Longview Football).

[Texas Hammer]

Geographically, all of you are East Texas and I remember the days when it was Texas High, Marshall, Longview, Pine Tree, Lee, JT, Nacogdoches, and Lufkin. I just think you guys are a little over the top sometimes about your love for the other teams in spite of the fact that you've played each other for years. It was cool when Texas High won state a few years ago since they're in Mt. Pleasant's district, but it wasn't really anything to jump up and down about. Coming from Converse, I'd be happier for Clemens winning a title than I was for Texas High. At least I know people in Schertz and I lived close by there.

Yes, the ET teams do great against Dallas and Houston and my point was that it's easier to build a dominant program in ET than other parts of the state. Every year you hear about a top coach that wants to go to a single-school district because he knows he stands a better chance to win there. Every year, the teams that do great in the playoffs come from school districts with anywhere from 1-3 teams. The biggest school districts don't do as good in most years. I still say that it's easier to get top talent to move in from the smaller towns than it is to get them in the massive fight that goes on in the major cities. The teams outside of the metro areas also do a better job getting fan and community support.

Don't get me wrong, I think all of you should be proud of what the ET teams do. I'm happy when SA does good, but the love seems a little contrived. Honestly, I'd rather see Longview, Tyler, and Lufkin hate each other than act like they love each other. I'll keep rooting for the Mean Green Football Machine and I really could care less about the other 3 teams. When I was little, I always rooted against John Tyler since they were Longview's biggest competition.

I know the big thing is ET has the San Antonio complex. SA puts all their hopes on the Spurs because they know they're inferior to Dallas and Houston. ET just wants to beat the big-city teams and that's why you root for each other.

[LoboFan07]

Yet when I say Im not going to be cheering for Tyler Lee againist Colerain...I get bashed from every side I can be...

I like your thinking Texas Hammer

[pack4life]

Here is my whole take on this..remember this is just me.

I don't like Longview or Lee. I mean cmon.. they are our rivals. I've been a Lufkin fan all my life. I don't go for anyone else but Lufkin. Thats my team, Lee and Lview are rivals, I don't like either school. Lufkin and only Lufkin, PACK all the way. I don't go for anyone else. Did i think it was cool when Lufkin, Lee, and Longview dominated their districts this year? Hell yeah, but just to prove how good our district was before it was broken up. No offense to Lee of Lview.

[LoboFan07]

And thats how I feel for both Tyler Lee and Lufkin

Was I routing for Tyler Lee to win State..Hell yea! I mean East Texas was so dominate last year in the playoffs I wanted it to continue.

Yea I came and cheered on Lufkin during the SLC game..

But that doesnt mean Im going to be a fan or anything. The only team I really cheer for after we play them is Marshall now..and the ONLY reason is because they are in 4A..

[TexasHSFootball]

no high school in the country other than Southlake Carroll or Independence deserves to be on National TV twice in one year.. even with those two schools its stretching it

[Texas Hammer]

Now you guys are talking. A lot of respect is due and you usually want your district and former teams to look good, but I'm glad you view each other as fierce rivals.

I hope Lee beats Colerain since they're from Ohio, but I don't think it will happen.

[StormingCowboy]

Im not trying to be cocky or anything, but Im suprised SLC isnt getting the same offers.

Maybe, it's because you guys are so much better than your regular season opponents it doesn't make for good ratings!! :rolleyes:

[PackAttack2005]

I am also in agreement with my PACK brothers here, especially about Longview. Although we have won a number of games in a row from the Lobos, I still have not developed a complaisant attitude about them yet and probably never will. They are a tough bunch to deal with everytime we play them. I still remember the days back in the 70's when they dominated us and everyone else in our district and always made a point to never let us forget the fact they were better than us. That animosity for them still lingers with me today and is why I have enjoyed the last seven years, which is only a small payback for their past rub it in your face glory days. Don't get me wrong here, I do not hate them, what I don't like is their arrogance and lack of repect for other programs. They really don't give credit to programs namely like Lufkin, Tyler Lee or Southlake because those teams have what Longview wants. On the other hand, if I were in the current Longview fans shoes, I would also be a frustrated football fan. They have had the talent the last few years to go far in the playoffs and have run into Lufkin each time. The games between these two schools have been so close the tables could have easily been turned in Longviews favor, thus Lufkin has prospered. Also to win your own district in 2004 and the runner up Tyler Lee wins the State crown has got to turn the Lobos stomach. I have much respect for both Longivew and Tyler Lee, if you don't you will get beat, they are both top rated programs in my book, along with Lufkin and Southlake.

[Favpack]

I'm about as big a fan of Lee as one can be outside of Tyler -- realizing the huge rivalry between Lee/Lufkin keeps it in check too - but it does appear Lee is going over the top.

Playing a team from Florida (no way to prepare), traveling all the way to Ohio (enough said), then considering making their district game of the year also have tons of distractions. We do need to remember Lee did not win district last year thanks to McGee & Co.

Only time will tell if this backfires or not.

[AIRITOUT]

When I stated that Tyler Lee plays with class and heart, in no way did I mean that other teams do not. Everyone was bashing Tyler Lee for getting the opportunity to possibly play another Game on National T. V. and that they don't deserve it. Well, apparently someone (FoxSports or ESPN) that has alot more stroke, than us fans think Longview or Colerain deserve it and Tyler Lee just happens to be their opponent. By the way Lobos.... I have been a Tyler Lee fan since 1969 and have been there through all the lean years. Also, I love East Texas Football and always support Teams like Longview or Lufkin (unless they play Lee) in the Playoffs and would support any Texas Team that plays a Team from another State.

[pack0808]

Geographically, all of you are East Texas and I remember the days when it was Texas High, Marshall, Longview, Pine Tree, Lee, JT, Nacogdoches, and Lufkin. I just think you guys are a little over the top sometimes about your love for the other teams in spite of the fact that you've played each other for years. It was cool when Texas High won state a few years ago since they're in Mt. Pleasant's district, but it wasn't really anything to jump up and down about. Coming from Converse, I'd be happier for Clemens winning a title than I was for Texas High. At least I know people in Schertz and I lived close by there.

Yes, the ET teams do great against Dallas and Houston and my point was that it's easier to build a dominant program in ET than other parts of the state. Every year you hear about a top coach that wants to go to a single-school district because he knows he stands a better chance to win there. Every year, the teams that do great in the playoffs come from school districts with anywhere from 1-3 teams. The biggest school districts don't do as good in most years. I still say that it's easier to get top talent to move in from the smaller towns than it is to get them in the massive fight that goes on in the major cities. The teams outside of the metro areas also do a better job getting fan and community support.

Don't get me wrong, I think all of you should be proud of what the ET teams do. I'm happy when SA does good, but the love seems a little contrived. Honestly, I'd rather see Longview, Tyler, and Lufkin hate each other than act like they love each other. I'll keep rooting for the Mean Green Football Machine and I really could care less about the other 3 teams. When I was little, I always rooted against John Tyler since they were Longview's biggest competition.

I know the big thing is ET has the San Antonio complex. SA puts all their hopes on the Spurs because they know they're inferior to Dallas and Houston. ET just wants to beat the big-city teams and that's why you root for each other.


I do not know about any of you from east texas like me think?, but i grow sick and tired of bigger city school's telling us that we are so good and we have such advantages because we are smaller districts and we do not have to compete for talent as much when half of the time the bigger city school's have almost double the enrollment and sometimes more. double the enrollment means double the kids to choose from. i mean give me a break with that argument because it holds no water. and by the way texas hammer, tyler and longview are not single school districts my friend by a long shot. Lufkin is the only 5a single school district but they are a small 5a school with an enrollment of about 2,200. Do not tell me that Lufkin has a tremendous advantage of big city schools like the woodlands that has close to a 5,000 enrollment because you would be insane saying something like that. The only thing a single school district gets you is more of a fan base and community support. one other thing, i see houston area fans and dallas area fans and san antonio area fans cheering for their area all of the time in here and the playoffs when they are playing other area's. you act like it is unusual that the et school's pull for each other when they are not playing?? I would venture to say that all areas do that. i know in east texas, it does not mean we still do not hate each other when we play. because believe me when lufkin plays longview or tyler lee or jt we hate them and they hate us.

[PackAttack2005]

Airitout, we all understand. Opportunities like this are rare for most teams and I can understand the excitment of the Lee fans. Just remember what got you to this point, it wasn't the nationally televised games. It was lee staying focused on what was important and playing through lots of injuries last year to get a gold ring. You weren't distracted from your goal. These TV games this year are impractical and could cause big distractions for your team early in the season and for a key district game with Longview. I would hate for you to look back at the end of the season ans say all the extra distractions and pressure cost you another chance to go to the big dance again.

Everyone for the most part is focused in their own teams world, I bleed purple and that is the way it should be, I am a Lufkin Panther fan. Same thing goes for the Lee, Lobo and Dragon fans, there is nothing wrong with that. We are all blinded in some ways by our own teams interest and bias for the same, it is only natural.

I just don't have any interest in playing out-of-state or having a nationally televised game. I remeber in 1990 when Fox Sports or ESPN televised or tape delayed a game between Lufkin and Marshall at Abe Martin, it was a circus and the whole atmosphere of the game was different. Marshall won the game and the State crown over Judson that year

[Favpack]

I do appreciate everyone's take here.

I grew up in Abilene, graduated from AHS. To say I/we hated Cooper, Permian, etc. was an understatement - intense rivalries are everywhere. I could care less that Permian won state (what seemed like) every other year back then. You just simply didn't care.

I think people are more aware of the statewide aspect of sports today - and people may defend their regional turf a little more. Of course, changing up the districts, and having half the district in the playoffs has also made things more regionalized and the district race is much less stressful.

Back in the day you hated Permian because they knocked you out of the district race - and only ONE team went on - those days are long gone.

[pack0808]

quote from texas hammer Every year, the teams that do great in the playoffs come from school districts with anywhere from 1-3 teams. The biggest school districts don't do as good in most years.









houston northshore was one of the most dominant teams in 5a history in 2003

[AIRITOUT]

Pack...
As a Lee fan I am concerned about the distractions of T.V., etc. But, my bigger concern is whether the Senior players can step up as leaders and the younger players who will be depended on come Friday night can play at the level needed to compete. If these things don't happen then Lee could be in for a long season and to make matters worst it could be documented on National T.V.

[raidercheerdad]

I think we all need to keep in mind, this isn't about anything except the kids. The distractions may be there, but the experience will make it worth it and I think Coach Owens can keep them focused. The distractions will be there for both teams! I don't know if anybody "deserves" to be on TV twice, but I think the Lee/Longview game will make for great television -- the rivalry's always been intense!

[Favpack]

RCD,
Coach Owens is pretty darn good at keeping kids focused - but one wonders if he's forgotten it takes most of a year to get to that point. The pub. he'll get with playing Florida and Ohio will be something he himself has no experience with at this point - then throwing the circus that will be the Longview game on top - well -- he's created some extra obstacles in my humble opinion. We shall see as they say -- one thing Owens is really good with - putting the reg. season behind him once playoffs start - and REL could again be in the playoffs with 2-3 losses. But, I for one, hope they kick some Florida and Ohio tail.

[LoboFan07]

Also to win your own district in 2004 and the runner up Tyler Lee wins the State crown has got to turn the Lobos stomach.

Its not just that Tyler Lee Won State..

Evangel...21-20 over West Monroe...Won State
Marshall...23-21 loss to Ennis in the State Championship game.

We're over here beating these schools and then we get to Lufkin and fumble (Literally) away a victory to move onto the State Quarterfinals. If we dont win this year I dont even want to know what is going to go down in this town :( :eek:

[c-lisle]

Its not just that Tyler Lee Won State..

Evangel...21-20 over West Monroe...Won State
Marshall...23-21 loss to Ennis in the State Championship game.

We're over here beating these schools and then we get to Lufkin and fumble (Literally) away a victory to move onto the State Quarterfinals. If we dont win this year I dont even want to know what is going to go down in this town :( :eek:

If we don't win this year I am organizing a riot. LOL

[PackAttack2005]

Is it that bad over there in Loboland?

[R E Lee]

Lee was on TV 6 months ago and it did not seem to bother them. Every dog has his day and Lee seems to be a program of interest right now. The only game getting more than normal talk around the High School now is the Ohio game. They are treating the first game against Florida just like any other game and whether the Longview game is on TV or not does not matter to the Lee faithful.

That game is usually played at such a high level that the thought of it being on TV should not effect any of the players.

The one thing I have noticed is more of a sense of urgency not to embarrass yourself in the national spotlight. I think the kids have worked harder this summer than they would have had they not won the Championship last year and had these games to account for.

[c-lisle]

Is it that bad over there in Loboland?

I know it is a long season, but IMO Longview's season is complete if we beat Lufkin.

If I were coach, my goals would be:

1. Beat Lufkin
2. Win State

Prolly a good thing I'm not coach.

[Jtate862003]

Coach owens will keep the player focused.........and like one of you said its just more determenation on the players part to try harder and play harder bc you dont want embarassment on national tv..

GO TYLER LEE RED RAIDERS 2005

[Hornified64]

FOX SPORTS NET DISCUSSING NATIONAL TV GAME W/LONGVIEW @ TYLER LEE



(Please credit this story to the Tyler Morning Telegraph-Chris Parry, KTBB Radio, and Smoaky.com)

Robert E. Lee head football coach Mike Owens was approached during Saturday's 7-on-7 tournament by a representative from Fox Sports Net in an effort to begin discussions about televising the Longview at Tyler Lee football game on national television.

Stephenson made it very clear the discussions are very preliminary at this time, and no sides are near the contract stage.

This is just another example of how TITUS SPORTS MARKETING is changing the face of high school football at Tyler I.S.D..

Stephenson, in his email to me on Saturday night said..."There are very few coaches outside of Mike Owens (and an AD like Danny Long) that would undergo an exciting season like this with so many opportunities for exposure".



Smoaky



I gleaned a few quotes from this thread's ORIGINAL post.

Amazingly...up to this point....not one single poster has
noticed that TITUS SPORTS MARKETING is the moving
"force" behind getting Tyler Lee these TELEVISED game
opportunities.

The ENVY that has been exhibited throughout this thread
from MANY of Lee's opponent's (and others) is downright
laughable.

You see, the Tyler ISD has had the vision and foresight to
contract with a marketing firm to explore these options while
others have not.

Like it or not....this IS the wave of the future....the televising
of High School games....(I know it has happened in the past...
circa mid 1980's....before the UIL stepped in and put a stop to
it because of the money...the money that THEY (UIL) would be
losing.)...insofar as Friday night games were concerned...at the
time (mid'80's).

HOWEVER....

It is about the money....the money that will be of benefit for the
athletic department's coffers....in this case for the Tyler ISD.

So to all the folks who are BASHING Tyler Lee...get off your rear
ends and contact your local ISD's about making an EFFORT to
do the same.

Remember it IS about the KIDS....and this is simply an end to a
means to supplement ALL sports programs.

Like it or not....it's the REALITY of what lies ahead in the future.

[LoboFan07]

If we don't win this year I am organizing a riot. LOL

OO OO Ill be apart of it!

Is it that bad over there in Loboland?

No...Its worse than we can show you. Im surprised you didnt hear the sigh of relief on the Lobo side when we went up 14-0. I thought for sure after that we were going to win it. But dang those 5 fumbles. I cant tell you how bad that felt. And It wasnt because our season ended...It was because we lost to freakin Lufkin!

Lee was on TV 6 months ago and it did not seem to bother them. Every dog has his day and Lee seems to be a program of interest right now. The only game getting more than normal talk around the High School now is the Ohio game. They are treating the first game against Florida just like any other game and whether the Longview game is on TV or not does not matter to the Lee faithful.

Thats Because it was the State Championship. Everyone in Texas knows that the State Championship games will be televised Live...Thats why we didnt have a problem with it. The Program of Interest by who? The Tyler Lee Faithful That wasnt there 10 years ago? To say that they're treating the Florida game like any other game is just stupid. You can not tell me those Tyler Lee players want to win that Florida game and that Ohio game more than any other game just because its on a National Stage.

I know it is a long season, but IMO Longview's season is complete if we beat Lufkin.

If I were coach, my goals would be:

1. Beat Lufkin
2. Win State

Prolly a good thing I'm not coach.

OO I totally agree.

I was thinking of making a shirt this year with a Check List (but in order of ways it would have to come)...

1. Beat Marshall
2. Win District
3. Beat Lufkin
4. Beat Southlake Carroll
5. Win State

Obviously I think those are the things we should go by week by week checking that list off.

[dragonsdaddy]

i hope the money thing is better than dr-slc's was. espn acted like they were doing us a favor and weren't very willing to fork over much of the profits.

[Hornified64]

i hope the money thing is better than dr-slc's was. espn acted like they were doing us a favor and weren't very willing to fork over much of the profits.


How much were they (ESPN) NOT WILLING to fork
over ??

I'd say that they did...though I don't know THAT
situation for sure...because those that do televise
the games make TONS of money from advertisers
and the like...ie. ESPN, Fox Net, etc.

Contractually speaking...the playing teams DO receive
proceeds from the broadcast AND you can sure bet
that the UIL gets their piece of the pie...too!!

Negotiations over just HOW MUCH the teams are to receive
would be another area that has to be addressed BEFORE
the game is even played.

To think that the SLC-DR game didn't garner a DECENT
amount from ESPN....say $10k-$15k (minimum)...would be
a niave statement....that is unless there were some very
poor pre-game negotiations....in this case.

[Texas Hammer]

How much were they (ESPN) NOT WILLING to fork
over ??

I'd say that they did...though I don't know THAT
situation for sure...because those that do televise
the games make TONS of money from advertisers
and the like...ie. ESPN, Fox Net, etc.

Contractually speaking...the playing teams DO receive
proceeds from the broadcast AND you can sure bet
that the UIL gets their piece of the pie...too!!

Negotiations over just HOW MUCH the teams are to receive
would be another area that has to be addressed BEFORE
the game is even played.

To think that the SLC-DR game didn't garner a DECENT
amount from ESPN....say $10k-$15k (minimum)...would be
a niave statement....that is unless there were some very
poor pre-game negotiations....in this case.
It very well could be true that they didn't get much money and really wanted the chance to play on national TV. The exposure is good and the networks wouldn't show it if they had to pay too much.

[drgnbkr]

It did not generate much money at all..the Carroll / Denton Ryan game....that's a fact...Jack...

[bleedgreen]

i'm with you pack0808-------texashammer---i would be willing to take that bet about your 3 best teams in SA against Longview, Lee, and Lufkin. as for Longview, pulling kids from other "smaller" schools in the area does not happen...the kids you see in dark green, came up through our middle schools(Foster, Forest Park, and Judson).....kids from Pine Tree middle schools continue on to Pine Tree High. same goes for White Oak and Spring Hill--we're not pulling any kids from those school districts to come and play for Longview--your statement about that subject is WAY off.......as for "bigger cities"--you guys in Houston, Dallas, and the SA area have so many kids to choose from that it is ridiculous. we take what we are given to us and mold these kids into great athletes from elementary up through highschool--no different than anyone else. but, you would think otherwise by Lufkin running Houston and Longview and Lee running the Metroplex year after year. hell, the only one's beating us are Lufkin(and splitting with Lee during the round-robin format)---both, East Texas schools......may tell you a little about East Texas football?? it's not arrogance(as so many people say), it's the facts......as for "hating" Lee or Lufkin--i don't hate those guys--i respect them more than anything because i hate playing them. when we play those guys, that is the ONLY time that i come to the game wondering if we can win(because i know it's going to be a dogfight the whole way). as for other teams, i don't have that type of fear. SLC, SV, Judson, Katy, NS--etc.....of course i have respect for those programs--only an idiot wouldn't................

[relraiderfan]

As a Lee fan, as for the hype of the games, I am not that concerned. As another poster mentioned, Lee was in their 1st state championship game on TV last year and handled the distractions just fine. The distractions will not be the issue. As for the Longview game, I am more concerned with one less day of preparation. We know them well, but by that point in the season we may be wanting that extra day to relax and prepare. I think it is a great opportunity that has come to Tyler thanks to the sports marketing group. I share many of your concerns about it getting out of hand, but hopefully those in powerful seats will not allow that to happen.

[Texas Hammer]

i'm with you pack0808-------texashammer---i would be willing to take that bet about your 3 best teams in SA against Longview, Lee, and Lufkin. as for Longview, pulling kids from other "smaller" schools in the area does not happen...the kids you see in dark green, came up through our middle schools(Foster, Forest Park, and Judson).....kids from Pine Tree middle schools continue on to Pine Tree High. same goes for White Oak and Spring Hill--we're not pulling any kids from those school districts to come and play for Longview--your statement about that subject is WAY off.......as for "bigger cities"--you guys in Houston, Dallas, and the SA area have so many kids to choose from that it is ridiculous. we take what we are given to us and mold these kids into great athletes from elementary up through highschool--no different than anyone else. but, you would think otherwise by Lufkin running Houston and Longview and Lee running the Metroplex year after year. hell, the only one's beating us are Lufkin(and splitting with Lee during the round-robin format)---both, East Texas schools......may tell you a little about East Texas football?? it's not arrogance(as so many people say), it's the facts......as for "hating" Lee or Lufkin--i don't hate those guys--i respect them more than anything because i hate playing them. when we play those guys, that is the ONLY time that i come to the game wondering if we can win(because i know it's going to be a dogfight the whole way). as for other teams, i don't have that type of fear. SLC, SV, Judson, Katy, NS--etc.....of course i have respect for those programs--only an idiot wouldn't................
The biggest help is the talent base, combined with less high schools and good community support. I wasn't saying you got most of your players from outside of town, but I did say I thought you got some and the potential opportunity is there.

Take your 3 best teams in ET, which is probably Lee, Longview, and Lufkin and let's see how their winning % stacks up against the 3 best in SA at the end of the year.

[bleedgreen]

that's a fair challange, hammer----who are your 3 best in the SA area?? Judson, SV and who?? if i lose, i will admit it.....good idea...........

[pack0808]

well last year against other competition lufkin and longview and tyler lee were a combined 35-2 with a regional final finish a state semi final finish and a state championship. i am not counting the games where they played each other when lufkin beat lee and longview and the lobos beat lee. not to mention one of those 2 losses tyler lee revenged in a big way vs trinity. the other loss was to the #1 team in the nation slc 37-30. i would definitely put 35-2 :eek: up against any area last year and i definitely will this year.

[RockinL]

well last year against other competition lufkin and longview and tyler lee were a combined 35-2 with a regional final finish a state semi final finish and a state championship. i am not counting the games where they played each other when lufkin beat lee and longview and the lobos beat lee. not to mention one of those 2 losses tyler lee revenged in a big way vs trinity. the other loss was to the #1 team in the nation slc 37-30. i would definitely put 35-2 :eek: up against any area last year and i definitely will this year.
I agree Pack. I think this year will be even better than last year. A 3 team combined record of 35-2, is heads above most any 3 teams in the state.

[dragonsdaddy]

i'm pretty sure no other distrct in the state in any classification could compete with 5-5a. taking out the losses to each other, keeler, dr and slc were 36-1, with the only loss being keller's to trinity.

[pack0808]

i do not know if i would put keller and denton ryan in the lufkin, longview and tyler lee category last year. slc manhandled dr twice. keller?? who is that?? do they ever have any playoff success?? i am not asking that to be a jerk i just really know nothing about them??

[dragonsdaddy]

i wasn't really comparing quality of teams, though you could throw a head to head using slc and dr versus just about whoever you pick and probably do all right. keller had a pretty fair team last year, which had nothing to do with prior teams, or future teams as far as that goes. my comment concerned the overall records of the 3 which i thought you had bragged would be tough to beat. sa got a town of a million plus to try to outdo the big 3 while 5-5a did it with 3 of their members. btw, keller is slc's closest neighbor. the hs's are less than 4 miles apart, they are our western border.

[pack0808]

i thought bragging on 35-2 was a pretty safe record to brag on. ;)

[myround0]

I would love to see these two teams on National Television. I would also, love to here a proposal for the possible three round playoff match-up on Television, Lufkin vs. Longview, the entire state has heard about it and most of the nation. I say put Lufkin vs. Longview on. Back to the subject, I think if Tyler Lee beats the Ohio team and Longview can keep Mcgee healthy this game will be televised. I really think Mcgee is driving this game, the minute he was talked about having 4.3 speed and also Ivory, this game grew national attention. I just hope my Lobos stay focus and don't let the lights, cameras and national attention change their game, if they stay focus then it is clearly our game to win or win.

[Texas Hammer]

that's a fair challange, hammer----who are your 3 best in the SA area?? Judson, SV and who?? if i lose, i will admit it.....good idea...........
I don't know the 3 best teams yet. There's a good chance that SV and Judson are 2 of the 3. Taft, O'Connor, Madison, Churchill, and Clemens will be in there somewhere. Warren is up and coming.