Football to kick off new era in Saturday’s Tom Landry Classic

Benjamin Nopper, Section Editor • August 29, 2019

Sophomore Noah Naidoo receives a pass at the 20 yard line before reaching the goal line in last week’s scrimmage against Centennial. The scrimmage allowed the Leopards to face live competition before the Tom Landry Classic.

Fresh off a season in which the football team won eight games and a bi-district championship, the Leopards will compete Saturday night against the Colleyville Heritage Panthers in the Tom Landry Classic at Eagle Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m, and fans are encouraged to wear white in what is expected to be a lively atmosphere for the season opener.

The excitement for the beginning of the season is contagious in the Lovejoy locker room, according to senior defensive lineman Sean Sumners.

“Everyone will be excited due to the fact that we basically have a whole new team on the field except for ten or so returning starters,” Sumners said. “Everyone on the field will be amped up to show what they are made of and put on a show for the fans.”

Among the aforementioned key returners is junior Ralph Rucker, who is set to take over the reigns as starting quarterback.

“I’m excited and ready to go,” Rucker said. “We have worked hard in practice spring through summer and now fall camp. We just need to sharpen up a few things, and we’ll be ready to roll.”

The Leopards will face a Panthers team that finished last season with a 5-6 overall record after being bounced from the playoffs in the bi-district round by Azel. Heritage’s main strength has been its defensive line, as the Panthers registered 21 sacks over the course of last season.

“They run a very different defense than what we are used to seeing,” Rucker said. “We will attack them by finding their windows and forcing them to pay for their mistakes.”

Leopards assistant coach Dillon O’Bryant highlighted his expectations for the debuts of many first-year starters.

“We want them to know their responsibilities and assignments,” O’Bryant said. “We understand they are new to what we are doing, but we are expecting a great effort from them.”

About the Contributors

Benjamin Nopper, Section Editor

After joining staff and becoming an editor his sophomore year, Benjamin Nopper is enthusiastic to spend his senior year in the newsroom he considers to be his home away from home. Benjamin walked into room E103 two years ago feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of the unknown‒writing for an award-winning publication without much previous experience. Hundreds of articles and dozens of close relationships later, he now understands that writing enables an individual to have a meaningful impact in his community. A disciple of his former boss, Nick Smith, Nopper retains his position as sports editor for the third consecutive year while also contributing as an opinion writer. However, if it were up to him, he would run his own satire department. Outside of the newsroom, Nopper plays baseball and serves as an FCA leader. Nopper is also a member of Student Council, NHS and Spanish Club. He enjoys embarking adventures with his three dogs, spending afternoons on the golf course, and feeding his unhealthy coffee obsession. Nopper also loves to watch Impractical Jokers, the show that admittedly inspires some of his lighthearted interactions with his friends. Upon graduating, Nopper intends to study business and eventually attend law school.

Grace Nguyen, Section Editor

Fueled daily by three iced vanilla coffees, standing at 5’2”, Grace Nguyen will walk into the E103 door with no problem. Grace is entering senior year, and the only reason she is believed to have survived high school is because of the napping couch in the photography studio. During her time on staff, Grace has been to almost every football game, win or loss, and wouldn’t have changed a thing. Yes, Grace has been tackled by football players, run over by coaches, and body slammed by referees. Nonetheless, Grace will confidently walk on the field this year, bruises and all, alongside her sideline media team. Stepping outside the newsroom, which is rare, Grace enjoys playing softball, hanging out with family and friends, and finding excuses to go to every $3 Pazookie Tuesdays at BJ’s. After high school, Grace hopes to pursue a career in sports photojournalism, so watch out for her still getting run over by athletes on ESPN in the years to come. Although it’s bittersweet to leave newspaper upon graduation, Grace is thankful for all the opportunities that she’s had on staff. Through The Red Ledger, Grace created long-lasting friendships and won a lot of awards that she never imagined was possible. Grace hopes that current and future staffers will think of this national-award-winning publication the same way as she did–a second family and their home away from home.