The 2024 football season brings a lot of storylines to the Anderson and Houston County areas with a new coach and changes throughout the area .

The biggest storyline for this season is a new leader at Palestine High School following the retirement of Lance Angel . He is replaced by coach James Reyes , who brings a wealth of knowledge to the Wildcats program .

Reyes comes from Lumberton Independent School District , where he spent the past three seasons leading that program . With his 25-11 record , two district championships and qualifying for the playoffs in all three seasons , fans should expect to see the Wildcats in the playoff once again .

Reyes also coached Lumberton to a 54-29 win over the

Wildcats in the 2022 playoffs . We are also expecting to see big things from the Westwood Panthers , Frankston Indians , Cayuga Wildcats , Elkhart Elks , Oakwood Panthers and Grapeland Sandies during the 2024 season .

New season , new PHP sports staff

We have a change to the Palestine Herald-Press Sports Department as I am coming back to the sports side after two years as the graphic designer here . I have 24 years of experience covering sports

in Henderson County for the Athens Daily Review and Sulphur Springs News-Telegram . I am excited to return to a spot which feels like home to me and hope you , our readers , will enjoy what they see on the sports pages .

I am excited for the opportunity to return to the sidelines starting with the Palestine Wildcats on the road at Nacogdoches .

I am thankful for the past year that Taylor Honea spent leading the department . He gave you guys a side of sports which was strong and informative for the readers .

A special thanks to our advertisers for making this magazine possible and supporting our youth and local journalism .

It takes a team to make this type of project happen and I ’ m

grateful for all the individuals on our team and their hard work . From our sales staff to our photographers – Penny- Lynn Webb , Stuart Whitaker and Laurie Gould – thank you . Without your help , we could not make this project happen and highlight the amazing student athletes we have across our coverage area .

We hope you enjoy this edition of the EndZone Magazine and everything coming your way from the sports department at the Palestine Herald-Press .

The scrimmages are over and now it is time for the games which count . Bring on the Friday Night Lights and to all of the athletes , Go Hard or Go Home .

Sincerely , Joe Elerson