Page 34 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2024 - Online Magazine

LOCAL LEGENDS
practice squad scored more points
against them than all their other
opponents combined. Estacado
backup Jesse Bozeman mentioned
Willie Avery, Avance Green, and
others who prepared the team for
the game ahead. “We got beat up
pretty bad every week, but we
would score on them.” No one
would argue that the backups were
a big reason the starters were so
successful.
The last rung on the ladder of the
dream season was Refugio, whose
impressive season ended with a
score of 14-0, giving the Matadors
their nearly miraculous record of
14-0. Almost 50 years later, the
Henderson standout, Joe Wylie,
said, “Against the backdrop of
unrest in our country, a group of
young men banded together and
accomplished a feat unique in Texas
High School Football lore, a state
championship in their first varsity
season. This story is an inspiration
to all of us on how to face change
with hard work and teamwork—
even to those of us who gave our
34 Lubbock Senior Link
best to defeat the 1968 Lubbock the LISD Hall of Honor in 2013,
Estacado Matadors.” the ‘68 Dream Team are in their
70s now. They call themselves a
Coach Keeling told Al Pickett, “It “Band of Brothers,” and many of
was the best of times for me as a them still get together regularly
coach. I absolutely know that God for breakfast, zoom calls, reunions,
placed me at this particular place and, unfortunately, funerals. They
at this specific time in history, and stay in touch with the widows and
He placed each of the players there, children of the teammates they have
too. We coached these young men lost. Daughters of Kenneth Wallace,
very hard, but they stepped up and Tiffany and Tonya, like most of the
met every challenge. Even today, EHS “next generation,” consider
50 years later, this group of players their dad’s teammates family.
and their coaches have strong bonds Coach Keeling still loves his EHS
and stay in close contact. They have team like sons, and they all still look
made the most of the talents God up to him. Kenneth Wallace once
gave them. What they achieved as said, “I used to think I was special,
a team was exceptional, but what but then I found out Coach felt
they have achieved after that time the same way about all of us.” The
is even more rewarding. They story of the 1968 Estacado football
are incredible men who make a team doesn’t need any Hollywood
difference in the world.” embellishment. It is perfect just as it
is. Feel free to share it. We need to
Coach Keeling also said, “State “Remember the ‘68 Mighty Mighty
Championships are hard.” LISD Matadors.”
has not brought that trophy
home again in 55 years. And their
records still stand, including the
impressive Points Scored: 552, and
Points Allowed: 32. Inducted into