Big 5

No. 4 Crawford slays Gladiators, late, 20-13

A costly turnover inside the five-yard line cost No. 12 Italy (10-3) a tying touchdown in the closing minutes of a 20-13 third round loss to No. 4 Crawford (13-0) in Alvarado.

The Pirates, who scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, advance to meet Marlin (10-3) on Dec. 3, in Belton. Italy defeated the Bulldogs, 23-21, earlier in the season. They have won seven straight, including a 52-36 playoff win last Friday, to earn a shot at Crawford.

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Ennis boys rally past Nacogdoches, 75-71

Ennis (7-2) bounced back from a 70-66 setback to Waco LaVega on Thursday with a huge rally to stun Nacadoches (4-1), 75-71, at a tournament hosted at Midlothian Heritage.

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Coaching Carousel spins roundabout

As a profession, coaching is credited for the performance of players as well as the blame for the same thing. There are plenty of ways to be successful and those who are will always have a willing employer.

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Volleyball is order on the court

One of my favorite sports to watch live is volleyball. Like hockey, seeing it in person is far better than on the screen.

High school football is much bigger than other amateur sports and Texas is perhaps larger than any state in America, though a few come close, like Florida, California, Pennsylvania and Ohio. But the attraction to volleyball has its own appeal, though competing against football in the fall is a challenge.

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Big 5 arrange practices to beat hottest month

Four-of-the-Big 5 schools will begin pre-season football camp on Monday, Aug. 2. Ferris, Palmer, Italy and Avalon open practices now, a week prior to Ennis, who start on Aug. 9. The Lions and other UIL teams who had a spring camp, did so at the expense of this week. Since Ennis freshmen did not participate in spring ball, they report on Aug. 2.

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Big 5 Volleyball teams start on Aug. 2

Big 5 varsity volleyball teams will take to the court in a week on Monday, August 2. Practice schedules may very with many squads having two-a-days that first week before they begin scrimmages, tournaments and non-district matches.

Bumps, passes and spikes will involve plenty of repetitious plays with setters assisting those thirsting for a fresh kill from the frontline. Digs and blocks will show the effort and heart of players while the service game, as always will set the pace.

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Big 5 teams aiming for post-season life

Big 5 football in Eastern Ellis County nears a sweet encore, with all five teams qualifying for the playoffs for a second consecutive season. But it requires some wins this week to punch their ticket. Here are the stories for the quintet.