East Texas Sports Now

KLTV/KTRE Sports
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Football
  • Updated Biweekly

East Texas Sports Now, hosted by Kyle Owens, delivers fast-paced coverage of East Texas high school sports. Featuring game recaps, weekly matchups, player spotlights, and coach interviews across football, basketball, baseball, softball, and more. Stay locked in for scores, rankings, highlights, playoffs, and recruiting buzz with expert analysis and local sports talk for fans across the region.

  1. 3d ago

    Carlisle’s Clay Baker on a 4-0 Start, Defensive Dominance, and Family Football

    On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Carlisle Indians head football coach Clay Baker joins the show as the Indians begin district play with an undefeated 4-0 record. Coach Baker reflects on Carlisle’s fast start, crediting the team’s offseason buy-in, a strong senior class, and the maturity developed during last year’s regional semifinal run. After a timely bye week, the Indians are healthy, rested, and focused on preparing for a major district opener against the Hawkins Hawks. The conversation highlights senior quarterback Antonio Ibarra, who has thrown for 10 touchdowns and rushed for four more through the first four games. Coach Baker praises Ibarra’s high football IQ, leadership, character, and ability to operate as an extension of the coaching staff on the field. Carlisle’s offense also features a strong rushing attack led by Elvis Hernandez, who has totaled nearly 500 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Baker discusses Hernandez’s continued growth, understanding of the game, and importance in key situations. On defense, the Indians are allowing just over 10 points per game. Coach Baker credits defensive coordinator Coach Baker—his father—along with the entire defensive staff and players for building a disciplined, prepared unit. The defense is anchored by a physical front seven and linebacker leaders Brian and Brandon, along with Ivan Garza. Coach Baker also shares what it means to work alongside his father, who introduced him to coaching and taught him the game from a young age. Having his father’s experience on the sideline is an invaluable asset in game-planning, clock management, and critical Friday-night decisions. Finally, Baker previews a competitive district with Hawkins, Frankston, Kerens, Cayuga, Como-Pickton, Alba-Golden, and Carlisle. He expects every matchup to be a challenge and emphasizes that the Indians’ focus remains on preparation, playing to their standard, and taking care of business one game at a time. Also, Coach Baker recognizes the special home-field environment at The Reservation, where Carlisle’s packed stands, passionate community, and energetic band create one of the best atmospheres in East Texas small-school football.

    Carlisle’s Clay Baker on a 4-0 Start, Defensive Dominance, and Family Football

  2. 5d ago

    Union Grove’s Kyle Adams on a 4-0 Start, Defensive Dogs, and a Big District Opener

    On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Union Grove Lions head football coach Kyle Adams joins the show as the Lions enter district play with a perfect 4-0 record. Coach Adams reflects on Union Grove’s strong start, crediting the team’s preparation, focus, and ability to handle difficult situations. He discusses the Lions’ back-and-forth win over Hallsville, the value of a timely bye week, and how the team has used its break to reset and prepare for a major district matchup against Paul Pewitt. The conversation also highlights Union Grove’s defense, which has held opponents to six points in games against Queen City and Elkhart. Adams explains that great defense takes a special mentality and praises defensive coordinator Coach Gibson for his preparation and game plans. With physical, tough-minded players at key positions, the Lions have built their early-season success around flying to the football and dominating the line of scrimmage. Adams also discusses his journey with the Union Grove program. After spending nine years as an assistant under his father, he has now led the Lions through steady improvement as head coach, including six wins in his first season and a seven-win, playoff-bound campaign last year. He credits his coaching staff, the character of the players, and the close-knit Union Grove community for helping the program continue to grow. Looking ahead, the Lions face a major test against the Paul Pewitt Brahmas, a physical, run-heavy team with a dangerous running back, explosive return threats, and a strong defensive front. Adams says Union Grove will need to be sharp in all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams—to earn the district-opening win. Also in this episode, the show recaps East Texas Week Five football action, including Jefferson’s win over Pittsburg, Whitehouse’s dominant victory over Nacogdoches, Carthage’s road win at West Orange-Stark, Gilmer’s win over Sunnyvale, Tatum’s victory over Daingerfield, and Hawkins’ defensive battle against Cayuga.

    Union Grove’s Kyle Adams on a 4-0 Start, Defensive Dogs, and a Big District Opener

  3. Sep 15

    Tarleton State’s Tylan Hines on a Huge Season Opener, Overcoming Injury, and Chasing a National Title

    On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, former Mount Pleasant Tiger and current Tarleton State Texans running back Tylan Hines joins the show after an explosive start to the season. Hines opened the year with 25 carries for 184 yards and two touchdowns in Tarleton State’s 49-30 victory over Prairie View A&M. He reflects on the electric game-day atmosphere, the excitement of breaking long runs in front of the home crowd, and the role of the offensive line in helping the Texans start the season with a big win. The conversation also looks back at Hines’ difficult previous season, when he suffered an injury on the opening drive of the first game and missed nine contests. He discusses the challenge of rehabbing, staying mentally positive, leaning on faith, and continuing to lead and encourage teammates from the sideline. Hines talks about returning healthy to a Tarleton State team with championship ambitions. He explains how the Texans are focused on working every day, trusting their coaches, and pursuing a national championship. The episode also explores Hines’ college football journey, including time at Air Force Prep and three seasons at the University of Hawai‘i. He shares what it was like living and playing football in Hawai‘i, developing as both a runner and receiver, and preparing for the modern running back role. Hines also reflects on his East Texas roots, growing up in Mount Pleasant, playing football at Sam Parker Field, and continuing to receive strong support from family, friends, and Tiger fans back home. He discusses his kinesiology and sports management studies, his interest in coaching after football, and the advice he would give to younger athletes: keep God first, stay disciplined, and remain consistent. Also in this episode, the show recaps an incredible Week Three of East Texas high school football, including Lindale’s dramatic 49-46 win over Van, Rusk’s undefeated start, Paul Pewitt’s historic win over Daingerfield, and reaction to the controversial 105-14 Dallas Life Oak Cliff victory over Bonham.

    Tarleton State’s Tylan Hines on a Huge Season Opener, Overcoming Injury, and Chasing a National Title

  4. Sep 10

    Cayuga’s Jacob Magee on Honoring the Jenkins Family, a 2-0 Start, and Wildcat Football

    On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Cayuga Wildcats head football coach Jacob Magee joins the show to discuss a meaningful and emotional night as Cayuga prepares to honor the family of the late Coach Jenkins before its game against Mount Enterprise. Coach Magee explains the deep connection between the Jenkins family and the Cayuga community, where generations of the family have played, coached, taught, and supported Wildcat athletics. With Mount Enterprise also closely connected to Coach Jenkins, both communities will come together for a special pregame presentation focused on service, remembrance, healing, and support for the Jenkins family. The Wildcats enter the matchup with a 2-0 record, including wins over Bishop Gorman and Ore City. Magee discusses what he has liked from Cayuga early in the season, including a defense that is flying to the football, a productive rushing attack, and an offense that has already posted back-to-back 400-yard performances. The conversation also looks at Cayuga’s team chemistry and leadership. After graduating a talented senior class, Magee says this year’s group has embraced an underdog mentality, plays with a chip on its shoulder, and genuinely cares for one another—qualities that make the Wildcats a fun team to coach. Coach Magee also previews a competitive district featuring teams such as Carlisle, Hawkins, Frankston, Kerens, Como-Pickton, Alba-Golden, and Cayuga. With multiple athletic teams, different playing styles, and strong coaches across the district, Magee expects a weekly battle for the four available playoff spots. As district play approaches, the focus remains on steady improvement, identifying the Wildcats’ strengths, correcting weaknesses, and making sure Cayuga is prepared when the games become must-win opportunities.

    Cayuga’s Jacob Magee on Honoring the Jenkins Family, a 2-0 Start, and Wildcat Football

  5. Sep 8

    Texas Tech Women’s Basketball GM Erik Deroo on NIL, International Recruiting, and Building the Lady Raiders

    On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Tyler native Erik Deroo joins the show after being named general manager of Texas Tech women’s basketball while continuing his role as an associate coach for the Lady Raiders. Deroo explains how the general manager position has become essential in the modern college sports landscape. With NIL opportunities, revenue-sharing agreements, player movement, and agent communication now shaping college athletics, he discusses the behind-the-scenes responsibilities of managing contracts, roster budgets, market valuations, recruiting conversations, and relationships with players, parents, agents, and donors. The conversation dives into the changing world of women’s college basketball, including how Texas Tech was among the early programs to announce a team-wide NIL initiative. Deroo also explains the challenge of evaluating player value in a landscape without the established salary structures found in professional sports, as well as why recruiting now requires a balance of relationships, roster fit, player development, and financial planning. Deroo shares his experience building Texas Tech’s international recruiting presence, which has taken him across more than 15 countries in the past three years. He discusses recruiting talent from Spain, France, Uganda, Nigeria, and beyond, along with the unique challenges of international player evaluation, immigration, visas, and helping athletes adjust to life in Lubbock. He also reflects on his East Texas roots, growing up in Tyler, attending Grace Community School, playing college basketball at UT Tyler and McPherson College, and how the blue-collar mentality and community support of East Texas helped shape his career. Looking ahead, Deroo previews the Texas Tech Lady Raiders’ upcoming season. After graduating nine seniors, the program has reloaded with a mix of transfer additions, six high school signees, top-100 talent, returning All-Big 12 performer Jaylen Bristow, and 7-foot-1 Nigerian prospect Stephanie Okechukwu. Deroo discusses the potential of the roster, the importance of staying healthy, and why the Lady Raiders believe they can make another NCAA Tournament run.

    Texas Tech Women’s Basketball GM Erik Deroo on NIL, International Recruiting, and Building the Lady Raiders

  6. Sep 4

    Benji Flowers: FC Dallas’ Youngest Signing on His Soccer Journey, Chelsea Future, and Big Dreams

    On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Benji Flowers, the youngest player ever to sign a professional contract with FC Dallas, joins the show to discuss his remarkable soccer journey and what comes next. Flowers reflects on signing his first professional deal at just 15 years old, a milestone that followed years of development in the FC Dallas Academy. He talks about working through a busy schedule of training, tournaments, schoolwork, and travel while staying focused on making the most of every opportunity. The former Longview resident also discusses growing up between Longview, Forney, Rockwall, and Frisco, his early introduction to soccer, and how the sport became more serious as he continued to develop. He explains the commitment required to play high-level youth soccer, including long road trips, expensive club tournaments, and the sacrifices made by his parents and family. Flowers shares what it was like training with FC Dallas’ first team and playing alongside professionals he had previously watched on television. He also talks about making his professional debut with North Texas SC and competing with the United States U-15 National Team, experiences that exposed him to top young talent from across the country and around the world. The conversation also explores Flowers’ connection to both the United States and Mexico. With family ties to Durango, Mexico, he reflects on being able to embrace both cultures and potentially having future opportunities with either national team. Looking ahead, Flowers discusses his future transfer agreement with Chelsea FC, which could allow him to join the English Premier League club when he is eligible to play professionally overseas. He shares why the opportunity is a dream come true and why he remains grateful for the people helping him along the way. Benji also talks about learning to play with both feet, modeling his game after players such as Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, and weighing the all-time great debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Above all, Flowers credits his parents, brother, sister, and extended family for their sacrifices, encouragement, training, academic support, and belief in his dreams.

    Benji Flowers: FC Dallas’ Youngest Signing on His Soccer Journey, Chelsea Future, and Big Dreams

  7. Sep 1

    Mount Pleasant’s Coach Joe Cluley on Veteran Leadership, a Tough 5A District, and Playing for Gavin Brooks

    On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Mount Pleasant Tigers head football coach Joe Cluley joins the show to preview the upcoming season as the Tigers build on a breakthrough year. Mount Pleasant is coming off a 5-7 season that included the program’s first playoff victory in 27 years. Coach Cluley reflects on last year’s difficult but valuable schedule, close losses to teams like Lindale and Marshall, and a major road playoff win over Montgomery. He explains how facing quality opponents helped the Tigers learn what championship-level football looks like after their season ended against eventual state champion South Oak Cliff. The Tigers return an experienced roster, including nearly 30 seniors, six offensive starters, and eight defensive starters. Coach Cluley discusses the team’s maturity, strong offseason buy-in, and why having players who understand the daily practice standard is so valuable. The conversation also breaks down Mount Pleasant’s roster, including young quarterback Heston Horn, running back Brandon McCoo, returning receivers Jaden Lohan and Terrance Beard, a more experienced offensive line led by Landon Cheatham, and a talented defense featuring Nehemiah “Nemo” Savage, Lincoln Dike, Brandon McCoo, and several returning all-district defensive backs. Coach Cluley previews a challenging 5A Division II district featuring Hallsville, Marshall, Nacogdoches, Whitehouse, Greenville, Terrell, Texas High, and Mount Pleasant. He also explains why the Tigers’ preseason scrimmage against Pleasant Grove matters—not because of the score, but because of the chance to evaluate players in important game situations. The episode also recognizes the memory of Mount Pleasant player Gavin Brooks, who tragically passed away alongside his sister in a car accident. Coach Cluley shares how Gavin’s teammates, family, school, and the East Texas football community have rallied around the Brooks family. The Tigers will honor Gavin throughout the season, including carrying his jersey with the team captains before games. Mount Pleasant enters the year with experience, belief, and a clear focus: improve every day, play for one another, and carry Gavin’s memory with them every Friday night.

    Mount Pleasant’s Coach Joe Cluley on Veteran Leadership, a Tough 5A District, and Playing for Gavin Brooks

  8. Aug 28

    San Augustine’s Tory Barnes on the Wolves’ Resurgence, Veteran Leadership, and the “SEC of 2A”

    On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, San Augustine Wolves head football coach Tory Barnes joins the show to reflect on the program’s resurgence and preview a promising new season. The Wolves are coming off a 10-4 season and a trip to the regional finals, a major step forward after the program totaled nine wins over the previous four seasons. Coach Barnes explains how a cohesive senior class, strong leadership, daily preparation, and attention to the small things helped San Augustine turn the corner. Barnes also looks back on the early stages of his tenure, including the challenge of moving from offensive coordinator to head coach. He discusses the importance of building the right culture, correcting attitudes and mindsets, and patiently laying a foundation after San Augustine’s previous run of deep state-semifinal playoff appearances. The conversation highlights the growing success across San Augustine athletics, from football’s regional final appearance to the boys basketball team’s state finals run, the girls basketball team’s state semifinal appearance, and success in track and field. Barnes explains why success across an athletic department can build confidence throughout an entire school community. Looking ahead, San Augustine returns key pieces on both sides of the ball. The Wolves bring back five offensive starters and eight defensive starters, including third-year starting quarterback Max Renfro, 1,500-yard rusher Jeremy Bluford, receiver Adrian Renfro, and a talented linebacker group led by returning all-state defenders. Barnes also discusses the addition of offensive lineman Damarious Ken, who could help anchor the offensive front. Finally, Coach Barnes previews one of the toughest districts in Texas: a 2A gauntlet featuring Garrison, Hemphill, Joaquin, Shelbyville, Timpson, and San Augustine. With every team capable of making a playoff push, Barnes explains why the Wolves must prepare every week, compete through adversity, and understand that even familiar district opponents may become postseason matchups again.

    San Augustine’s Tory Barnes on the Wolves’ Resurgence, Veteran Leadership, and the “SEC of 2A”
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About

East Texas Sports Now, hosted by Kyle Owens, delivers fast-paced coverage of East Texas high school sports. Featuring game recaps, weekly matchups, player spotlights, and coach interviews across football, basketball, baseball, softball, and more. Stay locked in for scores, rankings, highlights, playoffs, and recruiting buzz with expert analysis and local sports talk for fans across the region.

Information

  • Creator
    KLTV/KTRE Sports
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Gray Local Media, Inc. © 2026
  • Show Website
    East Texas Sports Now