2023 RECORD OVERALL RECORD : 2-8 DISTRICT RECORD : 1-5
Grapeland SANDIES
TAYLOR HONEA Sports Writer sports @ palestineherald . com
Under the direction of Head Coach Jordan Wood , the Grapeland Sandies are making strides in their football futures , rebuilding the program from the ground up . The Sandies have spent two seasons playing in one of the most competitive 1-2A districts in the state , and will look to use the experience gained as they move down in classification starting next season . The Sandies 2-8 overall record may not reflect all the positives coming out of Grapeland , and should not deter the Sandies faithful , as the team played with conviction and passion in every contest . Grapeland simply dealt with a rash of injuries this season , somewhat hampering the Sandies , and not allowing their full true potential to come out . Grapeland featured a large offensive line this season , using their size and strength to their advantage when possible . While he would have to fight through injuries , senior leader Justin Ellington anchored a group of talented blockers , setting the tone for their tough and physical approach to the game . Justin ’ s little brother Jesse will look to step into that role going forward . The Sandies season started off promising in 2023 , as they would win in week one of the season over Frankston 36-22 . The win over the Indians proved that Grapeland has the talent and ability to play with some of the heaviest competition in the area , as Frankston has been a consistent playoff contender , reaching the postseason each of the last four years . While Grapeland would only win one more game over the course of the season , it proved to the Sandies and their supporters that this team is not going to simply fold and go away , they will be back to prominence sooner or later .
Grapeland will have great pieces returning in 2024 , such as quarterback Sean Walker and lineman Rickie Gilmore , as well as getting one of their key players , Keavy Bruins , back from injury . Bruins , who exploded onto the scene as a freshman , was injured before the start of the year , and missed the entirety of the 2023 season . The Sandies will face a new lot of district opponents next season , as they were the sole area team to be reclassified in the 2024-26 University Interscholastic League ’ s reclassification and realignment period , dropping from 1-2A to 2-2A . This will ensure that Grapeland is playing schools more equal to their enrollment size , as they have been one of the smallest 1-2A schools for the last few years , based on school enrollment . This , combined with another offseason of hard work , sets the stage for the Sandies to have a big bounce back year in 2024 .
22 WINTER EDITION 2024