JACKSONVILLE — By DOC SMITH

Sports Correspondent



MASON ‘DIXIE’ DICKEY – Fort Hayes State University - (6-2, 275)

Has been the past years team captain, and anchored an offensive line charged with protecting quarterback and clearing the way for several 1,000-yard rushers in his four-year tenure.

As a freshman, Mason was forced into duty against a very big San Augustine football squad put a Guard starting center on the bench, and here is little Mason had never played center.

“After three bad snaps and a good lashing at the half,” head coach Terry Pirtle said grinning, “Mason has always been a dependable, hard-worker, and a great leader from that day on.

“And…we ended up winning  27-7 behind a little freshman center.”

Over the past four-years, sometimes bidding his time in the early years, Dickey was the recent recipient of the All-Cherokee County Football Team, Lineman of the Year because of his prowess on both sides of the ball for the Guard.

Add to that his first team All-State OL spot this season, a two-time first team, All-District on both the offensive side of the ball and as a defensive tackle.

As head coach, Terry Pirtle put in in his opening speech…”Fort Hayes doesn’t know what they are getting in Mason Dickey!”

As all quality players, he had other options. Fort Hayes just felt like the right fit with the school, coaches, players and playing possibilities.

Schools such as West Texas A&M, Chadron State, Lincoln University, Washburn, Nicholls State, Northwestern State LA, Adams State, University of North Kentucky.

The Tigers posted a 5-6 record last season as Northwest chalked up their fifth consecutive title.   

“I just felt more at home at FHSU, players seemed to have a  close bond,” Mason began about his new Tiger teammates.

“They (FHSU) is in the process of building at indoor facility to practice in so that is something to look forward too and,  they said if I come in and learn the offense and work hard, there is a good chance I get to play early. “

MATTHEW  ‘BOOTER’ SEAMANDS – Southern Oklahoma State University – (6’5, 295)

 Matthew Seamands is living a dream getting a chance to play college football.

Southern Oklahoma State University is in the Great American Conference, and the home next year for Seamands. The Savage Storm finished just over .500 last season with a 6-5 ledger.

The Jacksonville native played four-years of varsity ball however and after those weights and working out his elbow with a fork whenever he could, Seamands earned him honorable mention All-District in 2011, and 2nd team All-District in the new league.

“Well the coaches at Southeastern were really cool,” Seamands said about his new choice. “They made you feel like family.

WILL WEATHERS – Abilene Christian University -  (6’2; 200)

Once a former Whitehouse Wildcat, Weathers is now Abilene Christian Wildcat.

As the starter for the past two season ast Brook Hill, his first year was for a state championship year as he passed for more than 1,800 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2011.

This past year he threw for over 1,400-yards and ran for an additional 1,000-yards in the new Division II league. The Guard lost in the first round of the playoffs last season but Weathers still drew plenty of post-season awards.

While at Brook Hill in his two season, Weather achieved first team all-district, a first team all-state winner, named the district MVP in 2011, leading the Guard to it’s first and only state title.

“When asked about stepping in and playing soon, Weathers is hoping to compete for the job but a wealth of returnees may make it difficult. “Next year I have the chance too compete and start but I will more than likely be red-shirted,” the double-threat added.

Other schools that showed an interest in the pin-point passer included Texas A&M Commerce, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Malone University, San Angelo State, Harding University in Arkansas, and Western State College in Colorado.