TRIBUTE TO OUR CHAMPS
Accolades pour in for Jasper's Dawgs

Of the four teams in the Class 3A state baseball championship, Jasper was ranked fourth.

They entered the tournament with the most losses with seven and for many, were expected to be a footnote for some other team's rise to 3A power.

Someone forgot to tell the Bulldogs of Jasper.

The Dawgs scored early and often Thursday, June 7 to defeat Texarkana Liberty Eylau 14-4 to claim the Class 3A state baseball championship in Round Rock.
"Coach (Shawn)
Mixon runs a great
program and he
doesn't like to take too
much credit but he did
a super job in showing
this team leadership. I
am just glad I came
along at the right time
to go along for the
ride."
- Jasper Athletic
Director Thomas
Brooks

Jasper outscored their fellow state opponents 25-7 as the Dawgs rapped out 28 hits and stole 16 bases en route to their first state championship in baseball in the school's history.

Jasper finished their championship season at 34- 7.

Senior Ryan Ellis was named the most valuable player of the state tournament. Ellis drove in four runs with three hits and pitched the final 2 1/3 innings.

There was not letdown for the Bulldogs when they reached the state playoffs. The Bulldogs became not only the best in the state but had to become the best in Southeast Texas to get there.

There are no big superstars on this team. No one was drafted in the Major League Baseball draft. No one signed with any major baseball programs.

But behind the leadership of Shawn Mixon, the Dawgs were a team that battled better than any other squad in the state.

In fact, many baseball experts believe it was the battle fought in District 21- 3A that more than prepared Jasper for the wars at the state level.
"Congratulations to
the Jasper High School
baseball team on their
state championship.
Success at such a high
level requires hard
work and determination.
This is an accom-

-plishment that the
athletes and their community
can treasure
for years to come."
- State District 3
Senator Robert
Nichols

After battling through a tough district schedule to claim the title, Jasper advanced to the playoffs.

But right before the start of the playoffs, the Dawgs had to overcome the loss of starting senior outfielder Jaylon Clotiaux, who suffered a head injury during a practice.

Any other squad might have suffered a letdown after seeing one of their own carted off the field, but this pack of Dawgs only stepped up their resolve during their playoff run.

How fitting it was in Round Rock after the Dawgs were crowned the best in Class 3A that Clotiaux accepted the championship trophy on behalf of the team.
"There are few
times in any communi-

-ty that bring all of us
together, as those when
our young people
achieve their dreams.
Jasper's Texas State
Champion Team now
makes history as their
achievement will
always bring proud
memories in years
ahead. The coaches
who led by teaching
and example are to be
commended and honored.
Youth who have
learned the value of
teamwork and how
working together for a
common goal by following
their leaders
and the rules of the
game, are life lessons
that should never be
lost. Your neighbors in
Texas House District 9
and I, extend our congratulations
and want
all of Jasper's State
Champion Team to
know, you've made us
all proud."
- District 9 State
Representative Wayne
Christian

It was in the Region III Championship that Jasper met it toughest challenge of the post-season and not surprisingly it was against a fellow District 21-3A opponent.

The Dawgs faced off against district rival Bridge City in a classic three-game playoff series. When it was all over, Jasper had claimed the Region III championship and a berth at the state tourney.

As the two squads battled in Beaumont, it was almost as if the Class 3A state championship was being decided then and not a week later in Round Rock.

As it turned out, it was decided then.

Once at state, the Bulldogs simply showed their competition that they were no match for this team from a small Southeast Texas town.

No, Jasper was not expected to be in the winner's circle for the Class 3A championship. Oh, they were good but many didn't believe they were good enough to win it all.

Someone forgot to tell the Bulldogs that, as well.
"I think it is wonderful
for the team and
the community. The
Bulldogs showed a lot
of class and a lot of
poise. They went to the
state finals, not only to
play, but to win."
- U.S.
Congressman Kevin
Brady

Oh, the Dawgs knew they were good enough to win it all. And for the past couple of weeks, they made believers of everyone else in Southeast Texas as well.

And for that, we will forever remember that the 2007 Class 3A baseball champions are the Jasper Bulldogs.

- Jimmy Galvan