Conroe High School - Flare Yearbook (Conroe, TX)

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TIGERS SMACK MAC ATTACK CONROE CRUSHES ARCH-NEMESIS 21-13 Maybe the biggest, and certainly one of the most important, games played in District 16-5A football is the Annual Conroe- McCuUough shootout. This game, for the bragging rights of the county, was scheduled for October 21, this year, and what a game it turned out to be. First of all, there were many different things about this game. Going in Conroe was 3-0 in district and McCuUough 2-1. Even though they each still had two games left, if Conroe beat McCuUough, the Highlanders were out of the play-off scene. Next, McCuUough was scheduled to be the home team, so Conroe fans had to sit on the visitor ' s side. But nonetheless, a very fired up Tiger team walked down the visitor ' s run- way and dominated the first half of the game. By the end of the half the Tigers, behind Ed Thorton ' s three touchdowns and Forrest Sealy ' s three PAT ' s, were winning 21-6. In the second half the Highlanders made a comeback surge and got a quick score to make it 21-13, but that ' s when the tough Tiger defense bowed up. The Highlanders would not see paydirt again. The defensive line led by seniors Odell Benskin and Ed Thorton, along with other stan- douts, punished McCuUough ' s running attack and when they took to the air, sophomore Bubba Jacques picked off two consecutive passes to give him the district lead in interceptions. When the final whistle sounded the Tigers prevailed again for the second straight year, 21-13- The fans storm- ed onto the field, coach Barber was lifted into the air, and the thrill of vic- tory was enjoyed by everyone. MARK KELM cuts around the end for a big gain. SILENCE before the storm. SENIOR Quarterback Bruce WiUiams looks for an opening. Football -285

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A CONROE TRADITION PRE-DISTRICT PROVIDES TOUGH COMPETITION — EXPERIENCE As the summer of ' 83 came to a close, a questionmark stood over the C.H.S. campus as to how the always highly favored Conroe Tigers would fair in the upcoming season. With a new head coach, defensive co-ordinator Mike Barber, after the tragic death of former Tiger boss Buddy Moorhead, the outlook was not clear. But nevertheless, despite the adversity, the Varsity made their way onto the practice field and began to drill. On September 2 at about 7:15p.m., Coach Barber called everyone into the dressing room and gave each player a solitary black star to wear on their helmet. This was to represent the late Coach Moorhead, but it also wiped that questionmark out of everyone ' s mind, they were now going to win for a cause. Forty-five minutes later the Tigers took the field against an exceptional Aldine team. Four quarters later, the scoreboard read 30-7 in favor of the Tigers. Help came from two touchdowns and a % yard effort by Mark Kelm, two touchdown passes by Quarter- back Bruce Williams, and an excellend defensive effort. Next, the Tigers were to face another tough team, the Lufkin Panthers. But, behind two touchdowns via Ed Thorton, the Varsity beat the Panthers for the third straight year, 22-10. In their final game before beginning district, which would prove to not be as easy as the first two games, they had to face the MacArthur Generals. After a very physical game, which resulted in the loss of Sophomore runningback Keith Sneed, the Tigers were to fall short 21-14. Coach Barber commented that, This will be the most physical game we ' ll play this year. Despite their first loss, the Varsity ran up some impressive statistics; they outscored their opponents 66-38, and totaled 825 yards total offense, a 275 yard a game average. Ready to go into district play, the outlook seemed bright for the Tigers and their confidence was high. Another district title seemed within reach. ED FREENY puts a move on a unsuspecting player. MEEKS and SEALY in for the kill. SENIOR Phil West takes the ball away from a helpless Lufkin Panther. ED THORTON is up and over for the score. 2S4 « Football

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A CONROE TRADITION CONROE TIGERS: DISTRICT 16-5A CHAMPS With new first year head coach Mike Barber at the helm, the Tigers preparing for district, looking at a much tougher District 16-5A than ever before. Every team was stronger and better than ever, but the Tigers, who were previously ranked sixth in state and first in the Houston Area, had a bright outlook. In their first test, they met the Humble Wildcats, and passed with flying colors, embarrassing Humble 24-0. The always tough Conroe defense held the helpless Wildkats to just 60 yards rushing and only 168 yards total offense. The Tiger offense on the other hand, rolled to a tremendous 295 yards total. Next the Tigers, in a non-district game squeeked by the Waco Univer- sity Trojans 10-7 and then prepared for their next district game against the Spring Lions. After an embarrassment last year, the Lions were out for revenge, but to no avail. The Conroe team stormed the Lions 29-14 and beat them for the sixth straight year, in what was the turning point of the year for the Tigers. They were playing with a lot more unity, intensity and emotion than ever before. Behind the toe of Forrest Sealy (3 fieldgoals), Bubba Jacques ' two interceptions, and a district leading 78 yard kick-off return by Mace Meeks to set up a score, the Conroe team handily dispos- ed of their foe. The Conroe varsity could not savor their victory long though, the next week they were to face a highly talked about Kingwood team, for Homecoming. Conroe has not lost a homecoming game in who knows when, so the pressure was on. Senior runningback Mark Kelm helped to relieve some of that pressure as he rushed for 105 yards to help the Tigers ease by Kingwood 9-8. The following week the town of Conroe perked up for what is always an exciting game when the McCullough Highlanders rolled onto the CHS campus. The Conroe Tigers repeated their win from the previous year, by prevailing over the Macs 21-13. Senior Ed Thorton had an ex- cellent scoring effort with all three of the Tiger scores, and the defensive unit as a whole showed an outstanding performance as well. Coming down off of a big victory, the Tigers still had time to demolish the New Caney Eagles 56-20. Mark Kelm put on a clinic by rushing for 112 yards and scoring three touchdowns. The defensive secondary had a field day with Sophomore Bubba Jacques, Juniors Tim Kelley and Chip DriscoU, and Seniors Gary Meador and Mace Meeks all getting a total of six interceptions. This was the Tigers ' last home game of the season and all reserves got playing time, with Seniors only playing the fourth quarter. The final game of the regular season was against a very tough Westfield team for the district crown. With the trophy in view from their sidelines, the Tigers who were already assured of a play-off spot, took the field and handily beat the Mustangs 17-7. The secondary again prevailed, bagging another three interceptions, bringing their total to a record high 17 pick-offs. Senior Mace Meeks returned a district leading 44 yard punt return to set up an Ed Thorton score, his first of two for that game. Finishing district with an unblemished 6-0 record, 9-1 overall, the Con- roe varsity outscored their opponents 232-107, allowing the fewest points in the district. The offense averaged 269 yards a game while the defense allowed only 1% yards a game. After receiving their district trophy the Tigers set their sites for Bi - District. 1983-84 VARSITY FOOTBALL COACHES AND TRAINERS: Top Row: K. Dove, M. Ferrell, F. Romero, Head Coach — M. Barber, T. Johnson, D. Webb, M. Saly. Bottom Row: J. Howell, C. Bales, R. Eikenberg, M. Crowell, R. Welborn, B. Bonar, D. Smith. TIGER BOSS Mike Barber con- gratulates players after another victory. 286 •Football