For Many Bobcat Players, A Homecoming at Sam Houston State in the Quarterfinals

By Chuck Burton

Publisher/Managing Editor

College Sports Journal

 

HUNTSVILLE, TX. —

 

It comes as no surprise that a game at Sam Houston State would feature a lot of athletes who played their high school ball in Texas.

It might come as a surprise, though, how many of those athletes are suiting up for the Montana State Bobcats.

There are 20 Texans on the Bobcats roster, including star quarterback DeNaruis McGhee, who, along with starting linebacker Na’a Moeakiola (39 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions) and reserve linebacker Tray Robinson (6 tackles), come from Trinity High School, one of the most powerful high school programs in the football-crazed state.

The multi-faceted Montana State quarterback (2,527 yards passing, 340 yards rushing, 28 TDs) poses a challenge for the home Bearkats, according to Sam Houston State linebacker Will Henry (32 tackles, 2 sacks).

Another player suiting up this weekend, but for the undefeated, home Bearkats, is linebacker Eric Fiello (5 tackles for loss, including 3 sacks).

“It really doesn’t change anything. A mobile quarterback – we’ve seen a few of them, so we’re ready,” he said this week. “We’ve got speed. They’ve got speed. They’ve got guys that can run, but we’ve got guys that can run to the football, guys that can tackle.”

“DeNarius, me and him were workouts partners on our own in high school,” said Fieilo.  “It sounds like the whole town of Euless is coming to watch us play.”

“Here, we want to develop a program that wins forever,” Trinity head coach Steve Lineweaver told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle this wek. “What I mean by that is we want DeNarius and Dontrayveous (Tray) and Na’a and all our players to go on and have winning success in their lives. I’m not talking about winning games in college. I’m talking about finding a balance with their spiritual life, their family life and their work life. We just try to hit all those things here.”

“Lineweaver vividly remembers McGhee’s presence and command as a leader,” the article continues.  “On this day, he talks about Dontrayveous “Tray” Robinson’s constant desire to achieve greatness since he first came to Trinity. The coach speaks of Moeakiola’s rich athletic bloodlines and the quality of persons his parents raised.”

With McGhee, running back COdy Kirk (1,329 yards rushing, 14 TDs) and the Bobcats’ high-octane offense, along with the No. 1 rated offense in all of FCS of Sam Houston State, a shootout seems to be in the offing.  With accurate Bearkat quarterback Brian Bell (1,768 yards passing, 20 TDs) and rusher Tim FLanders (1,235 yards rushing, 21 TDs), the turf at Bowers Stadium might need to be replaced at halfime if they’re not careful.

The game will be televised on ESPN at 12;00 PM at Bowers Stadium in Huntsville Texas, and will also be streamed online via ESPN3.