The Port Neches-Groves Indians--Texas 5A D2 State Football Champions of 2023.

Six seniors from that 2023 Indian squad--Shea Adams, Mario Miguel, Isaiah Nguyen, Giovanni Oceguera, Reid Richard, and Maxwell Scroggs--tell the story of that historic championship run. It's a unique and insightful perspective from the players themselves.

Their remembrances cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Head Coach Jeff Joseph and PN-G's coaching staff;
• The 2022 State Final season, and how that season impacted 2023;
• PN-G's undefeated district campaign;
• The 2023 playoff run, which culminated in a re-match with South Oak Cliff in the State 5A D2 championship game played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington;
• The memorable post-season parade and pep rally held at Indian Stadium;
• Their thoughts on various team mates and opponents;
• and much, much, more!

The podcast brings up several names from Southeast Texas, including Keith Waguespack, Gordon LeBoeuf, Ricardo Serna, Michael Baker, Jeff Joseph, Blake, Austin, Tony Bradley, Aaron Easley, Charlie Feller, Collin Gizzi, Dean Guidry, Chad Luttrull, Cade McCrary, Regan Mayfield, Matt McDaniel, Jayce Nelson, Cory Parsons, Jeff Smith, Logan Wilson, Genny Pigg, Kameron Droddy, Sean Gardiner, Noah Washington, Jackson Christian, Parker Farris, Connor Bailey, Kale Cropper, Kade Schexnaider, William Poole, Blair Chatagnier, Jacob Cabrera, London Nunley, Luis Blanco, Riley Burnett, Coach Lewis Ford, Byron Franklin, Gino Ramirez, Mason Wuenschel, Dane Stewart, Chase Johnson, Seth Brisboe, Travis Cobb, Jayce Neeb, Landon English, Jaxon Doyle, Chris Baxter, Caden Naquin, Dylan Talbert, Aibel Jomon, Isaac Sinette, Davis Freeman, Fischer Einkauf, Jonathan Ceja, Chris Diaz, Julian Guidry, Jayden Matute, Dallas Frederick, Isaac Uriostegui, Layden Williams, Kooper Benoit, Mervin Henry, Jagger Sonnier, Andres Fuentes, Aaron Wolford, Kaden Pellegrin, Keegan Flores, Michael Wood, Sean Yarbrough, Miguel Olivera, Conner Cuccia, Rafa Black, Dillan Romero, Freddy Torres, Ethan Lopez, Trent Ketchum, Dylan Hicks, Kole Kidwell, Jonathan Hernandez, Chase Metts, Hunter Ballard, Braison Lofton, Kash Barnwell, ...and more!

Other names mentioned in the podcast include Shone Evans, Caleb Bell, Tyvonn Byars, Noah Long, Ben Carter, Danny Green Jr, Isaac Newton, Kanye West, ...and more!

You've seen and read about PN-G's 2023 championship season; now hear the story from the players themselves.

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

In February of 2022, Jeff Joseph was named the 20th head football coach at Port Neches-Groves High School. It was his first head coaching job.

Two years later, Coach Joseph is the undisputed Coach of the Year recipient from practically every Texas organization that honors high school football coaching excellence!

How did Coach Joseph achieve this seemingly meteoric recognition, and lead storied football power Port=Neches Groves to its first state title since 1975?

Host Dr. Buck Ford and his podcast partner Judge Brad Burnett attempt to answer that question, as they talk with Coach Joseph about a variety of topics, including:

• His thoughts about the Indians' 2023 state championship;
• The job application process he went through that landed him at PN-G;
• His family and his family's connection to football success;
• His educational and coaching background;
• His thoughts on the 2022 and 2023 playoff runs, and the amazing community support that accompanied them;
• His thoughts on the 2023 State Final matchup vs South Oak Cliff, including the coaching decisions that brought home that remarkable 20-17 victory...and more!

The podcast brings up several names from Southeast Texas, including Dr. Mike Gonzales, Kevin Schexnaider, Todd Dodge, Coach Joe Washington, Jonathan Hernandez, Jacob Cabrera, Cory Parsons, Reid Richard, Kameron Droddy, Max Scroggs, Matt McDaniel, Jon Deckert, Scott Ryan, Coach Lewis Ford, Bum Phillips, Barbara Comeaux...and more!

Other well-known and lesser known names discussed in the podcast include Ric Renner, Riley Dodge, Gary Joseph, Eddie Joseph, Johnny Manziel, Mark Snyder, John Chavis, Kevin Sumlin, Blake Joseph, Jeff Banks, Judy Garland...and more!

In January of 2022, legendary coach Todd Dodge was hired as a consultant on PN-G's head coaching search. In a Season Three interview on Down Trails of Victory podcast, Todd Dodge said, at the culmination of that head coaching search, "I recommended Jeff Joseph."

What qualities did Jeff Joseph possess that led to that recommendation? Find out here...as Down Trails of Victory podcast presents:

Jeff Joseph, Texas 5A Coach of the Year, and head coach of the 2023 State Champion Port Neches-Groves Indians!

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

St. Francis of Assissi said, "He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”

Phil Brannan is a wood carving artist who has spent a lifetime pursuing a passion. It is a passion that has burned within him always, through his life's highs and lows. His passionate pursuit has taken him on a spiritual journey of revelation, wherein he has felt a closeness with the divine.

The journey has also taken him to the highest stage of his artistry: the world fish carving championships, at which he has been a three-time world champion.

Hear Phil Brannan talk with Buck and Wanda Carole about his art, including:

• His recent exhibition at the Beaumont Art Museum;
• His success on the world stage;
• The spiritual insights he has gained on his journey;...and more!

The podcast brings up several names from Southeast Texas, including Andy Coughlin, Richard "Dick" Spinney, Sunni Gonzales, Savannah Gonzales, Gerry Mouton, Bubba Busceme, Jerry LaCroix, G G Shinn...and more!

Other well-known and lesser known names discussed in the podcast include Moses and Bezaleel...check that out!

World champion artist Phil Brannan takes us into the mind, heart, and soul of his artistry--an artistry adjudged the best in the world! Accompany Buck and Wanda Carole as they enter Phil's inspiring world of imagination, dreams, and spiritual faith...

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words....

If this is true, then the photo production of Bart Bragg and Wayne Rogers would be prolific enough to fill a library!

Bart and Wayne talk with Buck about their 60-plus years of photographing the people and events of Southeast Texas, including:

• Their early interest in photography;
• Working alongside Museum of the Gulf Coach Hall of Fame photographer Frank Cricchio;
• Stories surrounding some of their most memorable experiences photographing celebrities, politicians, athletes, and other personalities of Southeast Texas;
• In-depth commentary about some of their most remarkable photos,...and more!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including James Badgett, Frank Cricchio, Roger Russell, Leonard Duckett, Ethel Redman, Bum Phillips, Wade Phillips, Claude Brown, Dana Rogers (Mrs. Wayne Rogers), Jack Brooks, Judge Brad Burnett, Jimmy Everett, Nick Lampson, Mike Simpson, George Caraway, Leo and Mary Weeks, Wanda Carole Wrinkle Ford, Christy Morace, Lew Ford, Todd Dodge, Dr. Jesse DeLee, William Seale...and more!

Other well-known names discussed in the podcast include Dottie Rambo, Barry Goldwater, John Tower, Linda Laughlin, Nancy Ann Fleming, Bob Hope, Leon Jaworski, Richard Nixon, Joe Jaworski, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, Cecil Stoughton, Lyndon Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, Lee Harvey Oswald, Jim Leavelle, Jack Ruby, Don Rickles, Bob West, George Herbert Walker Bush, George W. Bush, Walter Humphrey, Harry Goins, Don Knotts, Jonathan Winters, Johnny Carson, Eddie Albert, Buddy Ebsen, Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, Ann Richards...and more!

Minor White said, "Photography is a language more universal than words."

Listen to these two masters talk about capturing over sixty years of Southeast Texas life...

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

On the Wings of Eagles....

1979 was a Cinderella football season for the Stephen F Austin Eagles of Port Acres, Texas. Projected to finish 7th in tough District 18-2A, the Eagles overcame an 0-3 pre-district record to capture SFA's first District title since 1965.

Seniors Chuck Anderson, Ty Coburn, David Lutcher, Richard Smith, and Ricky Sonnier were senior players on that historic campaign--a campaign that influenced the future of SFA football for years to come.

Hear these seniors of that 1979 team talk with Buck about:

• Overcoming pre-season projections of a 7th place finish in District 18-2A;
• SFA's disappointing 0-3 pre-district record;
• The incredible events leading up to their district opener vs undefeated Orangefield;
• SFA's weekly march through District 18-2A;
• The Eagle's dramatic 9-7 win over Hardin-Jefferson in a winner-take-all battle for the District crown;
• SFA's 1979 Regional Finals playoff run;
• Remembrances of coaches, players, opponents, games, rivalries, and more!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Bevil Deckert, Joe Landry, George Rose, Dr. Chester Levy, Richard Marler, John Blocker, Dale Westmoreland, Greg Green, Steve Coulter, Boyd Edwards, Larry Southard, Bob Gough, Jimmy Wyble, Joe Smith, Herschel Taylor, Bryan Comeaux, Curtis Price, Matt Harrington, John Tomplait, Tommy Gaspard, James Tomplait, Delmonte Hebert, Bernard Fleener, Craig Broussard, Todd Dodge, Brent Duhon, Preston Williams, Kenneth Durham, John Mire, Ed Peveto, Sidney Arceneaux, Matt Harrington, Mitchell Michalke, Harold Joseph, Todd Mouton, Jay Jackson, James Harris, Billy Thomas, Dizzy Dean Arceneaux, Phil Danaher, Dozier Lee, Billy Farrow, Tracy Rayburn, Kenneth Green, Pat Hollomon, Kenny Guy, Tommy Nequent, Darrell Victor Hadnot, Walter Allen, Blaine Melancon, Willie Cockrell, Jody Hartmann, Gerard Dies, Percy Villemez, Kevin Wolf, Tony Cockrell, Carlton Anderson, Monte Jeanis, Mark Crowder, Walter Jackson, Wesley Monk, James McCarter, Sidney Boullion, Phillip Hallmark, Damon Martin, Dalyn Martin,...and more!

"1979 was a big year in the annals of SFA football," said podcast host and SFA defensive line coach Buck Ford. "If the players on that team hadn't stepped up and accomplished what they did, I'm not sure what the future of SFA athletics would have looked like--including my own future!"

Hear about that colorful and historic season from the players themselves...

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"Ooh...let's go...
boom...boom...boom...
Another one bites the dust!"--by Queen bassist John Deacon

Coach Ronnie Thompson and quarterback Todd Dodge were football legends at Port Arthur Thomas Jefferson High School. Under Thompson's coaching genius, and Dodge's quarterbacking excellence, the #1-ranked Yellow Jackets rode the "Another One Bites the Dust" steamroller to a showdown with Odessa Permian in the 1980 State Finals.

Thompson, known for his innovative offensive philosophy, is a 1962 graduate of Thomas Jefferson, and played on their 1960 district championship team along with college and NFL coaching great Jimmy Johnson. In addition to coaching at Thomas Jefferson, he had Southeast Texas coaching stints at Vidor, Lamar University, and Port Arthur Memorial. He also coached at the University of Texas and Texas A&M as offensive coordinator, as well as many years coaching high school in the Garland area.

Dodge, along with receiver Brent Duhon, went on the secure All American honors for the Yellow Jackets, while setting numerous state and national records. In 1980, he was named The Most Outstanding Football Player in Texas. He went on to quarterback the Texas Longhorns. Afterwards, Dodge became one of Texas' most decorated high school head football coaches, winning seven state titles--all in Texas' highest classification. He won four titles at Southlake Carroll, where the Dragons went 79-1 over a five-year span. He subsequently won three state titles at Austin Westlake, before retiring at the close of 2021.

Hear these respected football greats talk with Buck and Brad about:

• Coach Thompson's years as a student athlete at Port Arthur Jefferson;
• Coach Thompson's return to Southeast Texas in 1975 to lead Vidor out of its 43-game losing streak, and turn the Pirates into winners;
• Coach Thompson's return to TJ in 1978, and his relationship with then-sophomore quarterback phenom Todd Dodge;
• The Yellow Jackets' evolution from their 1-9 team of 1978, to the "Another One Bites the Dust" State Finalist powerhouse of 1980;
• Todd Dodge's consulting work with Port Neches-Groves ISD's head coaching search, that culminated in the hiring of Jeff Joseph;
• Todd Dodge's induction into the Museum of the Gulf Coast Hall of Honor;
• Remembrances of players, opponents, games, rivalries, and more!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Brent Duhon, Jimmy Johnson, Clarence "Buckshot" Underwood, Don Holloway, Robert Smothers, Ken Watson, Lonnie Linscomb, Randy Brevell, (Todd's mom and dad), Richard Rice, Colleen Rice, Bobby Rice, Bruce Miller, Donnie Schexnider, Rick Wyble, Steve Durso, Mike Owens, Hank Clark, Steve DeRouen, Norman Gaspard, George Hawkins, Emerick Jagneaux, Bill Mehan, Ron Stump, Willie Williams, Charles Wilson, Frank Eidom, Larry Mayer, Gary Hammond, Kenny Harrison, Roman Leviege, Gary Jefferson, Anthony Dupuy, James Wallace, Shea Walker, Tug Lewis, Troy Terrell, Arnold Landry, Greg Brugman, Hayward Laurent, Clay Southerland, Jeff Joseph, Dr. Mike Gonzales, Lew Ford, Dr. Jesse Delee, William Seale...and more!

Other names included in the podcast are O. J. Simpson, Otis Wylie, Kenny Stabler, Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Mark Rypien, Riley Dodge, Gary Joseph, Tony Salazar,...and more!!

Are you ready? Hey are your ready for this?
Are you standing on the edge of your seat?
Out on the gridiron, the Jackets fly,
Swarmin' to the sound of the beat, yeah!
boom...boom...boom...
Another one bites the dust!

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"Runnin' down a dream...that never would come to me...
Workin' on a mystery...goin' where ever it leads...
Runnin' down a dream..."--Tom Petty

Allen Wrinkle, one of Texas' premiere ultra trail runners, is here to talk with us about a few of his many experiences seeking out challenges that push the envelope of human endeavor. Hear Allen talk with Buck and Wanda Carole about:

• his running inspirations;
• his early years marathon experiences, including Houston, Austin, and Beaumont's Gusher;
• his Ironman finishes;
• running iconic ultra 100-milers, including Western States, Leadville, and Bear;
• his groundbreaking solo run at the 2009 Texas Independence Relay, a 200-plus mile course that starts at Gonzales, Texas, and finishes at the San Jacinto monument;
• his adventures running exotic ultras, including La Ultra the High in the Himalayas of India, and running across Tennessee in the Volunteer State Run;
• and other topics!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Wallace Wrinkle, Ashley Wrinkle, Kelly Wrinkle, Danny Wrinkle,...and more!

Other names included in the podcast are Joe Prusaitis, John Sharp, Mariela Botella, Gina Fioroni, Patrick Silva, Jeff Galloway, Dr. John Weaver, Gordy Ainsley, Cow Man, Uncle Hardy Wrinkle,...and more!!

Do you have a dream? Do you wonder if dreams can come true? Wonder no more!!...

Listen to this inspiring podcast about the pursuit of dreams, and yes, they can come true!

Check it out!

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"Always be Faithful...

To Purple and White..."

No one exemplified these words than Beaumont High graduate and longtime PN-G educator Butch Troy.

Hear Coach Troy, in his last public communication, talk with Buck and Brad about:

• pitching the Beaumont High Royal Purples to the 1959 state baseball championship;
• pursuing his dreams of playing professional baseball;
• hiring on at Port Neches Junior High in 1965;
• his years as head baseball coach at PN-G;
• his years as an assistant football coach under Coaches Ken Watson and Doug Ethridge at PN-G;
• his years as head coach at PN-G;
• his love for his family; the players, students, and colleagues worked with; and Port Neches-Groves ISD;
• and other topics!

The podcast brings up a wide range of names from Southeast Texas, including Dick Sheffield, Terry Cobb, Braxton Boudoin, Logan LeJeune, David LeJeune, Bubba Busceme, Tommy Odiorne, Les Fleming, Gene Fleming, John Linney, Carlos Adams, Ken Watson, Gene McCollum, P J Granger, Joe Allen, David Mire, Buddy Tibbs, Kim Folse, John Startz, Doug Recio, Brett Smith, Jay Stone, Steve Fry, David Fry, Mike Barnett, Rodney LeBoeuf, Moe O'Brien, Doug Ethridge, Jeff Bergeron, Justin Eicher, Matt Burnett, Tim Owen, Glen Boudoin, Todd Guidry, Elton Woodrom, Robert Fuller, MIke Reeder, Mark Grissom, Randy Lovelace, Robert Giblin, John Davidson, Jeff Woodard, Nathaniel Springer, Donnie Standley, Barbara Comeaux, Matt Faye, Guiseppe Barranco, Bobbie Troy, Shelley Troy Boudoin, Teri Troy Guidry, Holly Troy Sartin, Amy Troy LeJeune...and more!

Other names included in the podcast are Hall of Fame pitcher Ted Lyons, University of Kentucky baseball coach Harry Lancaster...and more!!

Be ready to laugh--and cry--and feel all the emotions in-between as Coach Troy tells his story with humor, integrity, and love.

Rest in Peace Coach Troy. Thank you for the enduring legacy you left behind.

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!