Sports

The North Zulch volleyball team poses after defeating Kennard in the Area playoffs Thursday in straight sets. The win sent the Lady Bulldogs to the Regional Quarterfinals match against Trinidad, which took place Tuesday in Buffalo. COURTESY PHOTO

The Madisonville football team concluded their district slate in fourth place with a record of 2-3 following a loss to Jasper Friday. The Mustangs will compete in their first playoff matchup in four years against China Spring in Bryan Friday.

The North Zulch volleyball team advanced to the Regional Quarterfinals Thursday with a win over Kennard in straight sets in the Area round in Buffalo. The Lady Bulldogs battled Trinidad Tuesday with a trip to the Regional Semifinals on the line.

The Madisonville football team dropped their final matchup of the district season Friday in Jasper by a score of 35-13 to finish in fourth place behind top-ranked Carthage, Jasper and Rusk. The Mustangs recovered a pair of fumbles early courtesy of Cameron Thrower and Conner Swonke on two of the first three Jasper offensive possessions.

Madisonville Varsity Cheerleaders of the Week (from left) Ciarra Merchant, Kate Hagaman, Makayla Ford, Olivia Williams and Asia Jordan pose together following the varsity football game Friday. COURTESY PHOTO

Even though all parts of her game haven’t been sharp, Braydee Frederick has started strong in her college golf career. The Normangee High School graduate was the low scorer for Texas Lutheran University in its four fall tournaments.

Cap: North Zulch High School and Junior High students participated in a new tradition for the school under new head baseball coach Steve Villani: which consisted of players dressing up in their Halloween costumes and playing a game of baseball on the school’s field. Those who participated included Rayce Gafford, Braxton Brockman, Wesley Sapp, Jacob Cunningham, Grant Cooley, Tripp Baker, Dathan Whitaker, River Gafford, Caden Schuenemann, Luis Gonzalez, Luke Brown, Riley Mooney, Braygen Calvin, Garrett Rhodes, Tanner Jones, Jared Vaught, Eli May, Emilio Delgado, Bryton Sprandel, Cory Ray, Lance Wallace, Jason Ray, Coy Measell, Dallas Drake, Austin Buckley, Trainer Malinak, Corbin May, Johnathan Medina and Alex Chandler. COURTESY PHOTO

The Madisonville football team fell to 2-2 in district play and 4-5 overall with a 54-3 defeat at MHS to one of the state’s premier programs in Carthage Friday. Despite the loss, the Mustangs have clinched a spot in the playoffs and will battle Jasper for seeding in their season finale Friday on the road.

Madisonville Youth Football teams, including Flag, Bantam, Juniors and Seniors, all qualified for the first round of their respective playoffs after competing throughout the regular season. The playoffs will begin Nov. 13 in Crockett. The second round will take place in Corsicana Nov. 20 while the Super Bowl is slated for Nov. 27 in Groesbeck. All of the teams above are pictured after concluding regular season action at Mustang Stadium Saturday. COURTESY PHOTOS