Are you ready for some district 16-4A?

With fall practices for most of the teams just a few days away, its time to start thinking about high school football in Texas. District 16-4A should prove to be a very competitive district again, and there have been a few changes in the off season that may play a part.

There are two new head coaches in the district, with Phil Castles making the jump from Tyler Chapel Hill to the Navarro county school. Castles will bring a smash-mouth style of football that could be very successful for the Tigers. Ennis fans may remember that almost 12 minute drive in last season's game with Corisicana thanks to the pounding running. Former coach Dave Henigan remains in the area as he takes over for departing coach Gary Mullins at class 5A Grapevine.

Down in Waco, Johnny Tusa, who had been the Waco Lions head coach for 23 years, finally called it quits, and starts retired life. He's replaced by first-year head coach Danny Ramsey, who most recently was offensive coordinator at Cypress Creek.

No other changes in the district, other than this will probably be the final call for Midway's Kent Bachtel. He announced late in the spring that he would be retiring soon. Midway will play all their home games this year at Floyd Casey Stadium as their home field is being completely rebuilt.

One note to Ennis fans is new defensive line coach Bill Dalke. Dalke comes from Burkburnett, where he took the Bulldogs to two consecutive post season trips, and was expected to contend for the district title again as head coach. Dalke told the Wichita Falls Times-Record News that he left Burkburnett so his son would have greater opportunities to play golf. It doesn't hurt that Dalke is a defensive-minded coach that should help a trouble spot for the Lions.

A couple of other changes involve radio broadcasts in the district. Look for Corsicana Daily Sun sports editor Todd Wills to call the games. Todd is currently hosting a show on KAND 1340. He'll be assisted in the booth by Rusty Hitt. Could be a very entertaining broadcast.

The other changes are in Waco, where Midway moves from 88.9 to KBCT-FM 94.5, and Waco High and Waco University move to.. .well, they won't have a radio home this fall for the first time in many years (unless something happens in the next few weeks).