Nine Tyler High players, including three unanimous selections, earned first-team honors on the All-District 7-5A Division I football team, the league’s coaches announced. Wide receivers Derrick McFall and Montrell Wade were unanimous choices as well as defensive end Ka’Darius Tave. Wade was on the top team on defense as well at safety. Other first-team Lions were quarterback Eli Holt, inside linebacker JaKyron Lacy, cornerbacks Zachuan Williams and Kameron Key, and punter Eric Munoz. McFall, a sophomore and a four-star recruit, played WR, running back, quarterback, kick returner and defensive back. The 5-10, 170-pound speedster had 26 receptions for 531 (20.4 per catch) yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for 538 yards and eight touchdowns on 65 carries. He took over at quarterback for the final 3.5 games after Holt was injured in the first half of the game at Highland Park. McFall has been offered by Texas, Oklahoma State, SMU, UTSA, Texas Tech and Northern Arizona. Wade, a junior and a three-star recruit, had 39 catches for 808 yards (20.7 per catch) and 13 touchdowns. Defensively, he had 64 tackles and four interceptions. The 6-0, 180-pounder who also plays basketball has offers from Georgia Tech, Houston, Vanderbilt, Kansas, Oklahoma State, UTSA and Kansas. Holt earned first-team honors at QB despite missing the last 2.5 district games. He connected of 103 of 195 passing attempts for 2,032 yards, along with 21 TDs and seven interceptions. The senior transfer from Manor rushed for 394 yards and four TDs on 76 carries. Tave averaged 4.8 tackles per game and totaled 12 tackles for loss. He also had 12 sacks and 12 hurries. Tave also recovered two fumbles, caused a fumble and blocked a punt. He blocked two field goal attempts and three extra point attempts. Lacy, a senior, averaged 7.2 tackles per game. Williams, a sophomore, led the Lions with five interceptions and averaged 3.5 tackles per game. He also defended 19 passes. Key averaged 2.9 tackles per game and defended 14 passes. Munoz averaged 39.0 yards per punt. Lions earning second-team honors were offensive lineman Cornelius Hartsfield, wide receiver Makavion Potts, placekicker Saul Perez and outside linebacker Jacob Villela. Tyler honorable mention were: offensive linemen Sergio Munoz, Ameer Johnson, OL John Taylor and Javian Harper; wide receiver Marquette Martin; cornerback TaCorey Gilliam; defensive end Jace Sanford; inside linebacker Tory Howland; safety Xavier Tatum; defensive line Jordan Dews; and outside linebacker LaDarius Franklin. The Lions, sporting perhaps the youngest team in the district, returned to the playoffs after a year’s absence. The squad finished 6-5, tying for second in the league with a 4-2 record (along with Longview and McKinney North). Highland Park won the district title. Voting was by the district’s coaches. All-District 7-5A Division I Football Most Valuable Player — Jack Curtis, DE, 6-4, 235, Sr., Dallas Highland Park Offensive Player of the Year — John Rutledge, WR, 6-2, 170, Sr., Dallas Highland Park Defensive Player of the Year — Dylan Frazier, DL, 6-4, 245, Sr., McKinney North Special Teams Player of the Year — Jack Stone, PK, 6-0, 165, Sr., Dallas Highland Park Offensive Newcomer of the Year — Colin Hitchcock, QB/WR, 6-4, 180, So., McKinney North Defensive Newcomer of the Year — Willie Nelson, DB, 5-10, 165, So., Longview Coach of the Year — Randy Allen, Dallas Highland Park *unanimous First Team Offense Line — *Charlie Wilson, 6-2, 284, Sr., Highland Park; Seteye Akpabio, 6-2, 285, Sr., McKinney North; Grant Gibson, 6-1, 287, Sr., Highland Park; De’Qualin Vaughn, 6-2, 230, Sr., Longview; Lawson Petty, 6-4, 250, Jr., Highland Park; Gannon Gaubert, 6-1, 275, Sr., Highland Park. Center — Tavion Morgan, 5-10, 265, So., Longview; Reid Kennedy, 5-9, 245, Sr., Highland Park. Running Back — Terrell Washington, 5-11, 192, Jr., Wylie East; Jayden Smith, 5-10, 210, Sr., McKinney North. Quarterback — Eli Holt, 6-1, 185, Sr., Tyler. Wide Receiver — *TJ Turner, 6-3, 185, Sr., West Mesquite; *Derrick McFall, 5-10, 170, So., Tyler; *Montrell Wade, 6-1, 175, Jr., Tyler; Jalen Hale, 6-2, 175, Jr., Longview; Korbin Hendrix, 6-3, 180, Jr., McKinney North. Tight End/H-Back — Victor Bush, 5-11, 205, Sr., Longview. Kicker — Sam Heinrich, 5-9, 160, Sr., Highland Park. First Team Defense Nose Guard/Tackle — *Jessie Fairchild, 6-2, 260, Sr., Longview; *Daniel Shawver, 6-5, 230, Sr., Highland Park; Robert Ngasoh, 6-1, 260, Jr., Wylie East. End — *Ka’Darius Tave, 6-2, 245, Sr., Tyler; *Jeremiah Rougely, 6-1, 225, Jr., Longview; Henry Jurgovan, 6-3, 225, Sr., Highland Park. Inside Linebacker — *Devean Issac, 5-11, 205, Sr., Longview; Jake McClain, 6-0, 210, Sr., McKinney North; JaKyron Lacy, 6-0, 205, Sr., Tyler. Outside Linebacker — George Wright, 6-0, 200, Sr., Highland Park; Tadarion Boone, 5-10, 160, Jr., Longview; Mason Gallas, 5-11, 190, Sr., Highland Park. Safety — Montrell Wade, 6-1, 175, Jr. Tyler; Chase Smith, 5-10, 165, So., Longview; Preston Taylor, 6-4, 180, Sr., Highland Park. Cornerback — Zachuan Williams, 6-1, 180, So., Tyler; Josiah Banks, 5-11, 165, Sr., Sherman; Kameron Key, 5-10, 165, Sr., Tyler. Punter — Eric Munoz, 5-11, 185, Sr., Tyler. ——— Second Team Offense Line — Christian Arnette, 6-3, 285, Sr., Longview; Jax Norman, 6-0, 240, Jr., Longview; Marcus Herbert, 6-2, 260, Sr., Wylie East; Tavian Scruggs, 6-2, 255, Sr., Sherman; Cornelius Hartsfield, 5-11, 240, Sr., Tyler; Trey Mitchell, 6-4, 285, Sr., West Mesquite; Jesus Varela, 6-0, 275, Jr., McKinney North. Center — Jackson Taliaferro, 6-1, 235, Jr., McKinney North. Running Back — Christian Reeves, 5-8, 175, Sr., Highland Park; Taylor Tatum, 6-0, 185, So., Longview. Quarterback — Brennan Storer, 5-11, 185, Jr., Highland Park. Wide Receiver — Jackson Heis, 6-2, 180, Jr., Highland Park; Makavion Potts, 5-8, 170, Jr., Tyler; Javion Jackson, 5-11, 165, Jr., West Mesquite; Luke Herring, 6-3, 185, Jr., Highland Park; Vontrell Sanders, 6-3, 170, Jr., Sherman. Tight End/H-Back — Ben Croasdale, 5-11, 175, Sr., Highland Park; Isaiah Harris, 5-11, 215, Sr., Longview. Kicker — Saul Perez, 5-9, 200, Sr., Tyler. Second Team Defense Nose Guard/Tackle — Leonard Epps, 5-8, 225, Sr., Longview; Tito Chavez, 5-10, 255, Sr., Sherman; Jeffrey Daniels, 6-0, 240, Jr., McKinney North. End — Billy Smith, 6-0, 225, So., Longview; Willie Williams, 6-3, 205, Sr., West Mesquite; Anthony James, 6-5, 245, Jr., Wylie East. Inside Linebacker — Harrison Walton, 5-9, 195, Sr., Highland Park; Robert Rehme, 5-11, 195, Jr., Highland Park; Tyler Jackson, 6-1, 185, Sr. Outside Linebacker — Jacob Villela, 6-0, 205, Sr., Tyler; Andrew McGee, 5-9, 175, McKinney North; Isaak Sandoval, 5-10, 190, Sr., West Mesquite. Safety — Luke Paley, 6-2, 185, Sr., McKinney North; Connor Clark, 5-9, 165, Jr., Sherman; Chris Scott, 5-11, 190, So., West Mesquite. Cornerback — Blake Bevans, 6-2, 170, Sr., Highland Park; Ja’Vaunte Jordan, 6-1, 175, Sr., West Mesquite; Adam Rourke, 6-0, 185, Jr., Highland Park. Punter — Jake McClain, 6-0, 210, Sr., McKinney North. ——— Honorable Mention Tyler — OL Sergio Munoz, 6-0, 225, Sr.; OL Ameer Johnson, 6-2, 215, Jr.; OL John Taylor, 5-9, 200, Jr.; OL Javian Harper, 6-3, 220, So.; WR Marquette Martin, 5-8, 155, So.; CB TaCorey Gilliam, 5-10, 170, Jr.; DE Jace Sanford, 6-3, 205, So.; ILB Tory Howland, 6-2, 205, Jr.; S Xavier Tatum, 6-0, 180, Jr.; DL Jordan Dews, 5-10, 205, Sr.; OLB LaDarius Franklin, 5-10, 165, So. Longview — OL Blair Williams, 6-2, 325, Jr.; WR DeKaylon Tayulor, 5-7, 150, Sr.; LB Kaden Brooks, 5-10, 185, Jr.; P Michael Fields, 5-11, 160, Jr.; CB Jaiden Simmons, 5-9, 155, So.; QB Jordan Allen, 6-0, 185, Jr.; RB Jarrett Lewis, 5-10, 180, Sr. ...

Kendell Howard began playing soccer at age 3. Along the way he played other sports, including football, but his first love has always been the sport played on the pitch. That passion for soccer and years of hard work, along with the support of his family led up to National Signing Day on Wednesday at Tyler High School. Howard, an all-state center-back last season, signed a soccer scholarship with The University of Detroit Mercy during a ceremony at the Dr. Martin L. Edwards Jr. Theatre. “I want to thank God first, followed by my family, friends, coaches and teammates,” said Howard, who was joined by multiple soccer teammates from over the year as well as family, friends and classmates on the stage. “I would not be here without their support. I can’t thank everyone enough.” Howard committed to Detroit Mercy on Nov. 24 after considering South Carolina, Oakland (Michigan), Chicago State, Gardner-Webb, along with receiving interest from UCLA and Penn State. “I love their style of play,” Howard said of the Titans’ program. “They play a physical game and that fits my style.” Howard added their academic programs interested him. He intends to enter UDM’s Pre-Medical Biochemistry program. When he graduates from Tyler High in the spring he will have already earned his EMS certification. Howard is a three-year varsity starter for the Lions and has been captain the last two years. He was All-District 16-5A Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and 2021 as well as Southeast All-America. The Titans compete in NCAA Division I’s Horizon League, along with Cleveland State, Green Bay, Illinois-Chicago, IUPUI, Milwaukee, Northern Kentucky, Oakland, Purdue-Fort Wayne, Robert Morris and Wright State. Detroit Mercy is a private, Catholic university in Detroit, Michigan and is sponsored by both the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and the Religious Sisters of Mercy. Founded in 1877, it is the largest Catholic university in Michigan. The school has an enrollment of more than 5,000. Some of the noted alums include actor Keegan-Michael Key and basketball hall of famer Spencer Haywood. Also, Dick Vitale coached the Titans from 1973-77....

It was an entertaining night of basketball at the Lions Den with Tyler sweeping a doubleheader. In the first game, the Lady Lions jetted to a three-touchdown lead en route to a 75-35 win over Nacogdoches in a District 16-5A game. In Game 2, the Lions held off a furious Chapel Hill rally to register a 65-59 triumph over the Bulldogs before a packed THS gymnasium. The Lady Lions improve to 14-11 overall and 1-1 in District 16-5A. The Lady Dragons fall to 0-2 in district. Tyler hits the road on Friday, traveling to Jacksonville to meet the Maidens at Jack Alexander Gymnasium. Tipoff is schedued for 6:15 p.m. Nacogdoches is slated to host Huntsville in a 6:15 p.m. game. The Lions (14-8) will open District 16-5A play on Friday, hosting Jacksonville at 6:45 p.m. The Bulldogs (10-7) return to District 16-4A play, hosting Bullard at 7:30 p.m. GIRLS The Lady Lions raced out to a 21-0 lead to even their district mark at 1-1. Tyler had lost a heartbreaker against league favorite Huntsville (64-61) on Tuesday, but bounced back nicely against the Lady Dragons. Four Lady Lions hit in double figures, led by freshman Kalyse Buffin with 16 points. She was followed by A’Niya Hartsfield (14), Kamora Jackson (11) and Kyla Crawford (10). Jay’Mariera Taylor led with six rebounds (she also had 9 points) with Toniya Elmore and Buffin adding four each. Keniyah Evans, Ja’Kayla Christian and De’Kyrir ,ah Williams led Nacogdoches with eight points apiece. Also scoring for Tyler were Ellyse Daye (3 3-pointers) Shiriah Mitchell (4) and ShaCaria Stevenson (2). Others scoring for Nacogdoches were Adysson Loudenslager (6), Koutyni Moore (4) and Kayden Siers (2). Tyler won the JV game, 41-36. BOYS The Lions led throughout, including taking a 40-21 halftime lead. However, the Bulldogs whittledthe lead down to 63-59 when Tyson Berry hit two free throws with 1:27 left on the clock. Tyler held on as Ashad Walker and Bryson Hill each hit free throws to salt away the win. Walker led the Lions with 21 points, while Hill had a double double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Point guard Derrick McFall, despite having to leave the game twice with injuries, had 19 points. Freshman Dee Brisbon led the Bulldogs with 15 points with Keviyan Huddleston adding 13. Tyson Berry pitched in 10. Jayvin Mayfield had seven rebounds and six points. Also scoring for Tyler were Kyron Key (8), Tank Brooks (2), Jabari Harris (2), Marquette Mosley (1) and Marquette Martin (1). JaMarcus Battee had six rebounds and two steals. Hill had three steals and a block, while also drawing three offensive fouls. Key and Walker also drew chargers. Others scoring for CH were Illonzo McGregor (5), Will Chetlin (4), Cameron Murphy (4) and Adrian Mumphrey (2). Mumphrey drew two charges with one each by Huddleston and Mayfield. The Lions were 25 of 37 at the free throw line and the Bulldogs were 12 of 21. Berry and Brisbon hit 3-pointers for CH. Key hit two 3-pointers for the Lions, while Walker and McFall connected on one each....

Tyler Legacy went 4-0 and took third place in the Forney Tournament. The Red Raiders opened Friday with a 3-1 win over Corsicana. Noe Robles scored two goals on assists from Christian Baxter and Nate Eidam. Robles also assisted a goal by Jorge Sanchez. Legacy then took a 5-1 win over Lakeview Centennial. Robles had three goals. Eidam and Baxter also scored goals. Esteban Rodriguez and Robles each had two assists, and Eidam added an assist. Because of the scoring system in the tournament, Legacy was placed in the third-place match against Ennis on Saturday. The Red Raiders rolled to a 7-0 win over Ennis. Denver Rowe opened the scoring about three minutes in on a corner kick from Austin Beckham. Robles then added a goal on an assist from Eidam. Baxter then scored on an Eidam assist to give Legacy a 3-0 lead at halftime. The Red Raiders added four goals in about an eight-minute span in the second half. Lando Bravo scored off an assist from Eidam. Eidam scored two goals on assists from Knox Hicks and Robles. Hicks then added a goal on an assist from Bravo. Fabian Varona recorded his first shutout at the varsity level in goal. Legacy (4-0) will face Longview at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Longview Tournament...

FORNEY — Noe Robles opened the season with a hat trick as the Tyler Legacy Red Raiders took a 4-1 win over West Mesquite at Jackson Middle School Thursday in the Forney Tournament. Robles, who scored 26 goals last season as a sophomore, started the season with a bang. West Mesquite scored the first goal about seven minutes into the match, but Robles delivered the equalizer with about seven minutes until halftime on an assist from Knox Hicks. In the 17th minutes of the second half, Nate Eidam found Robles, who rocketed a shot into the back post to give the Red Raiders a 2-1 lead. With 15 minutes left in the contest, Robles assisted an Eidam goal. Legacy head coach Marty Germany said the wind was strong at the Red Raiders’ backs in the second half, and goalkeeper Fabian Varona punted the ball down the field, and it bounced once before Robles got the ball behind the defense and scored his third goal of the day. Varona got the assist. Based on the tournament’s scoring system, Legacy picked up 10 points in the tournament standings after winning a penalty kick shootout 3-2. Legacy (1-0) will take on Corsicana at 10:15 a.m. Friday at City Bank Stadium and will then play Lakeview Centennial at 5:15 p.m. Friday at City Bank Stadium....

Tyler Legacy closed The Woodlands Showcase with a 1-1 draw against Fort Bend Clements. Hannah Smith scored the lone goal in the first half for Legacy with an assist by Ella Rose Embry. Clements added the equalizer within the next five minutes. Legacy head coach Chris Woodard said his team had multiple chances to regain the lead, including three shots that hit the post. Legacy had 21 shots to 10 for Clements and had seven corner kicks to three for Clements. Legacy (1-1-1) will take on Texas High at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Pine Tree Invitational. Girls Basketball: Lindale Lady Eagles edge Chapel Hill ...