THEgames !

YOUR Most Memorable "MOJO MEMORIES"!
as told by those who visited my "In Your Words" page.

NAME : mojo@swbell.net

Comments : The trip back from Austin after winning the '72 State Championship. Scott Mann had pulled out a bottle of Boones Farm wine on the plane ride back. We were all resting in the semi-darkness. The plane was completely dark except for the few overhead lights that were on. We had just defeated Baytown Sterling. We were State Champs. We were tired. We were complete. The ride from air terminal was in assorted law enforcement vehicles. Some of us were in Odessa PD. Some in DPS and some in Ector Sheriff Office cars. The utter thrill of victory was hightened by the fact that this all transpired during the week of Christmas. The festive atmosphere was magnified by the win and the red & blue lights pulsing around. Plus, because we flew we would get home to Odessa before our parents.

SCHOOL : PHS

Favorite All-time Players : Daniel Justis, Larry Bates, Joe Bob Bizzell

YEARS: 1970's

NAME : Amanda (cateyes116@aol.com)

Comments : As a kid, nothing excited me more than the thrill of going to Permian High School some day. I can remember driving to playoff games along Interstate 20. Everywhere we stopped we saw groups of Permian High School fans. Often there was a long line of MOJO clad cars caravaning to watch yet another Mojo playoff team. I like to think that I-20 is Mojo's second home. Last year when I started college in Mississippi, I experienced first hand the popularity of Permian High School. First, my history professor stopped class to ask me how it felt to be a graduate of Permian High School and pointed out that he had read Friday Night Lights several times. Later that year, a Delta State football player saw a picture of me at Ratliff Stadium and for the next hour questioned me about Permian. He explained that he wanted to know us as much as possible so he could later brag to my college's football team. Returning to Texas Stadium during the 1998-1999 playoffs while I was home for the Thanksgiving holidays, I watched Permian play in the playoffs like I promised one of the football players I would do if he made it to the playoffs with his team before he graduated. He was a starting player. I was proud of how the team played that day even though they lost.

School : Permian

YEARS : 1990's

NAME : ryangauna@msn.com

Comments : Best MOJO memory

I was a senior Track Prep All-American from Amarillo High School at the 1992 playoff between AHS and Odessa Permian. There was a blanket of snow on the turf at Jones Stadium in Lubbock. Well, Amarillo won.

I think Permian is good for the state of Texas because it contributes to the mystic of Texas high school football. I ended up at The University of Texas at Austin as an All SWC Big12 member but I always explained my experiences of Permain football, especially Lloyd Hill and Bret Hager's dominating play. Because many of my Longhorn teammates were from New Jersey, New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania I always explained the mystic of Permian football to my Yankee teammates. The funny thing was they all knew of the Texas high school team with the large "P" on the helmet. As far as I'. concerned, West Texas high school football is the best in America. Go Panthers, Sandies, and Rebels.

School : Amarillo High School - Amarillo, Texas

Years: 1990's

NAME: mebesson@aol.com

Comments: I am an avid Permian fan from Beaumont, Texas. My favorite game has to be the State game, Permian vs. Beaumont French which ended in a tie. I vividly remember the last play of the game when French QB Mark Gilbeaux fumbled the ball, only to have it picked up by a Permian defender who then ran it about 50 yards for what looked like the winning TD. However, you could not advance fumbles back then so both teams shared co championships. My goal is to one day sit in Ratliff watching Mojo in person. I have read the book and listen to the games via the netcast on the web. I can relate to all the excitement as my school, Beaumont WestBrook won the AAAAA title in 1982. I first heard of Mojo in the mid 70's when they played Port Neches Groves in the playoffs. Port Neches is only about 20 miles from Beaumont. Anyways, thanks to the internet, I am able to keep up with how you all are doing. I would love an address to order shirts, etc. if anyone has one.

Mike Besson

School: Beaumont WestBrook

Favorite all-time players: Stoney Case, Dal Watson, Lloyd Hill, Kofie Powell

YEARS: 1980's

NAME :Jeremy Myer (jmyer@umich.edu)

Comments: I just finished reading "Friday Night Lights" for the third time, and am still amazed at the school pride, the football program, and the support the town gives Permian High School.

I am a student at the University of Michigan and now being a part of a big time winning football program, I can see how life depends on the win-loss record. When I was in high school my two varsity years held a record of 1-17, with the seventeen losses starting a thirty game losing streak for my high school. We played in front of maybe 200 (mostly parents) fans each night. I would like to believe that had we brought 20,000 people to the field each night to watch a bunch of high school kids, we might have won some games but that is the past. I'm happy to see this season is going well, except for last week's loss to Lee. I have never been to Texas, but for some reason hate the Rebels ! no the less. Someday I hope to make a pilgrimage to Texas to see a Permian game firsthand. Possibly if Michigan plays somewhere close by or if the Wolverines have an off week. Once again, I'd like to thank Permian for the "Friday Night Lights".
Jeremy Myer

School: Stockbridge Michigan

Favorite all-time players: The only ones I know are from the book,Winchell, Comer, Hill, and Chavez

NAME: Todd Crump

Comments:
Favorite: Beating Houston Aldine in 1989. Beating Marshall twice that year.
A Least Favorite: 3A Lee stomping PHS at Ratliff in 1987.

School: PHS

Favorite all-time players: Todd Crump, Jeff Garrett, Clint Duncan, Billy Steen, Jaime Jones, Brian Chavez

YEARS: 1980's

NAME: tennille johnson

Comments: My favorite MOJO memory would have to be my first day of high school when I took a deep breath and walked through the door. For 18 years of my life MOJO was a name of extreme pride and then I became part of it. Now that I have graduated, I carry that pride with me always.

School: Permian

Favorite all-time players: Hill, Case, Strambler, Waite

YEARS: 1990's

NAME : Sheliah Freitag Safford

Comments : Our senior year, we made it to the state play-offs. We were playing Houston Smiley in the semi-final game. It was 0-0 at half-time and our band was late performing. The Panthers and Houston players were all standing at the entrance of the locker room waiting for the band to finish before they came back on the field. Our band always played the fight song last and spelled out PHS. But that day they played the fight song and spelled out MOJO instead of PHS! MOJO started our senior year. The crowd went crazy and the football team went crazy and we went on to win 22-0 to go to the state game. We started MOJO and I am so proud of the tradition that remains and continues..

School : Permian

Favorite All-Time Players : Tommy Stewart, Mike Marshall, Tooke Berry, Danny Harries, Bill Able, Larry Palmer

YEARS : 1960's

NAME: drewfox@mail.utexas.edu

comments: I have to say that the 1992 Temple-Permian game was the best HS game I've ever seen. As a THS sophomore at the time, I think that game was the springboard to our state title. It was just an overall exciting atmosphere pitting two of the best all-time programs. Of course, the following year when we got whipped at Ratliff wasn't as much fun, but you win a few, you lose a few. I was really hoping Permian would beat Amarillo in 92 so we could rematch in the semifinals. Although the Sandies upset Mojo, y'all were a much better team. Actually, Permian was better than Judson that year,too. Anyways, I saw someone talking about the recent Temple-Permian game. I didn't see it, so I can't comment. But I heard it was a close game.

School: Temple

YEARS: 1990's

Name: Scott

Comments: Being a 1985 graduate of Midland Lee, I must admit that this page brings back some good memories.

You have an excellent page and done very tastefull. I now live in Arkansas and am starved for any high school football information thus finding this page very entertaining.

Some of my greatest memories include the 1984 or 1983 season which Lee ended up beating Permian twice and advancing to the State Finals. I see that season as a pivotal season for the begining of a strong football team for Lee. Without a doubt, Permian has helped Lee achieve the success it has by offering a stong rival and opponent.

Submitted by: Michael (think he's a Permian fan?)

(Tie)

OPHS (Odessa Permian High School) one point loss to Trinity High @ Texas Stadium, 1982,

OPHS shutout loss to Yates, State Finals, 1985,

OPHS loss to OHS, 1997, oh, that was sweet, sweet news and we heard the Bronchos yell at games end all the way over in Dallas Fort Worth!!

OPHS playoff loss to (???) at Ratliff Satdium (I HATE it when I see a playoff game set for "Saturday, 2pm, Ratliff Stadium" as I feel NO high school football playoff game should be in someones home stadium! Anyway, I believe OPHS lost 10-0 and I was so elated!!! I said to many people that day, "Well I guess they can take that "Saturday, 2pm, Ratliff Stadium" and stick it up old MOJO's hind end!!",

MOJO loss in state finals in 1995,

OPHS 1988 semi-final loss to Dallas Carter (although that day I wanted OPHS to win soooooooo bad!), and finally,

"Friday Night Lights" was a fantastic book and don't ever forget what *!*!*!'s (webmaster's editing) the book made of you all out there in West Texas. You'd think high school football was the only thing going on out there!! Oops! I guess it is!!

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My response:

Hi Michael, I'll be glad to post your "favorite MOJO memories" on my page. Do you want me to include your name and/or email address? I would imagine you would since it seems you are trying to get a response. :-)

I'm responding, but you'll be sorely disappointed because I will not be rude. Sorry! Not my style. You might be interested to know that there are things that are MUCH MORE IMPORTANT to me than Permian High School. If you'd like you can visit my home page...linked below and see just what (who) that is.

Please let me know about the name and email address. As for right now, I will omit it until I hear from you again. Take care.

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Michael's gracious response back (proof that people aren't always how they seem).... Michael is really a nice person! :-)

Tamara, Well now who looks like a *!*!* (webmaster's editing)? Answer: ME!!!!!

After I write you that saracastic and nasty e-mail, attacking your school, your area, and you personally, you respond with kindness. I have no excuse for what I did other than I thought I was amusing myself, but as I re-read my original message to you just now all I feel is embarrasment. I can only offer my sincere apologies to you, Permian High School, their loyal fans, and all of West Texas. I am ashamed of myself. I would love to say I was drunk or something, and pass it off to that, but I don't even drink...so instead all I can admit to is acting a complete fool. And I'm really sorry. If you would forgive me I would feel better. However, in order to make me pay, you should go ahead and post my awful letter complete with email address so that I can get the pounding I deserve!!

Did you ever stop to realize though, how jealous the rest of this state is of you and your wonderful MOJO football progarm! That more than anything else was the motivation for my letter! You see, I just LOVE high school football and if I had landed in your area instead of where I am, you better believe I would be wearing that Black and White and screaming like an mad man every Friday Night! You better believe I'd drive hours to Texas Stadium for a playoff game!! You better believe I'd hate those stinking Midland Lee Rebels more than anything else in life, and you better believe that I'd scream MOJO louder than anybody in the waning seconds of a close game. In short, I feign resentment at OPHS only because I'm not a part of it!! And I think a lot of folks feel that way, so actaully you should be proud that non Permian fans despise you, i think its because they also respect you very much.

So you did good. I showered you with garbage and you just smiled and answered graciously. I am humbled. And I will never attack Permian High school again. (If you want to know a secret, there were times I saw ya'll play and was rooting for you!!!) Why should I care that you all are proud of your school?? Shoot, the town I live in now won state in football just a little while back, and I stood there as the seconds ticked off in the state finals with victory assured, and cried like a baby! ;-) I'm just kidding but I would've if no one was looking!!

Thank you for your kind letter. NOW GO BEAT MIDLAND LEE!!!

Michael

WEBMASTER's NOTE: I included this exchange because I feel it's a wonderful example of how we (myself included) become so engrossed in sports at times where we aren't true to ourselves and our beliefs. Michael didn't have to respond to my email the way he did.... It speaks LOUDLY of his TRUE SELF. I'm thankful for this exchange.

September 25, 1998... will remain in my memory for a long time. Never before have I seen referees WATCH as young men punch, kick and slap the opponent. It was obvious that part of Temple's plan was to try to get us to fight back and thus bring about penalties. Our boys were able to maintain their composure which I'm VERY proud of! This happened several times through out the game and the referees ignored it. I was shocked. I'm not talking about throwing one punch and the ref not seeing. I'm talking about throwing 3 or 4 punches... kicking repeatedly, slapping the Permian players helmets (hard, not in a friendly way), etc. Mind you, this was not all on one play... this behavior occurred several times through out the game. I used to have respect for Temple. We've lost to them before and I didn't blame the refs but it's a bitter loss when the refs watch this kind of behavior all night and then the game is won (by Temple) because the refs throw a flag for a late hit on 4th and long (which was MORE than a little questionable). Temple was given the ball deep inside their territory, around the 10 yard line or something. The young man who had the ball was almost stopped but kept going so the Permian boys were trying to stop him. I THINK that's called tackling.... I THOUGHT you were SUPPOSED to tackle so the other team didn't score. Pitiful, pitiful refereeing. Shameful in fact. You can call me a "spoil sport", call this "crying", what ever, but unless you were there... you'd never believe what we witnessed. I've watched Permian lose several games, but this one takes the cake.

NAME:erconley@gateway.net
School: Permian
Years: 1990's

Fave MOJO Memories:
Had to be the '80 State Champ game... my grandfather had just lost most of his business due to the worst fire in Odessa's history, but we were still at Texas Stadium 2 days later.
Close second is definitely Arlington game.

Favorite all-time players:

Britt Hager, Dal Watson, The Case Brothers, Greg Anderson, Lloyd Hill, Shawn Crow

NAME:MojoGrl00@aol.com
school:PERMIAN
Years: There now

Fave MOJO Memories:
The 32 yrs. that Permian beat OHS and OHS finally broke that record last year but THIS year is going to be different! GO TO STATE IN '98!!!!
FROM THE PANTHER, COLLIN ASHING - MOJO MASCOT 97-99

Favorite all-time players:

Jason Rhodes, Sr 98; David Granberry, Sr 98; Roy Williams, Sr 00; Koeffie Powell, Sr 99; Nick Ratliff, Sr00; Wayne Childs Sr 99

NAME: pmtlsf@40aol.com
school: Port Neches-Groves High School

Fave MOJO Memories:
1975- Advanced on to the State Championship only to be beaten by a much stronger Port-Neches Groves team

NAME: Mi3ninas@aol.com

Fave MOJO Memories:
Wow my favorite is the same as the webmasters!

It was my 18th birthday and we beat Longview on Russell's "62 yard field goal. 62 not 52. Your Brad's sister! Interesting.

NAME: Mi3ninas@aol.com
school: Permian class of 76
YEARS: 1970's

Fave MOJO Memories:
I was a green freshman on the 73 team which began the Wednesday night meetings. Do they still perform these meetings as a team? So many traditions. So many good memories. Just after the release of "Friday Night Lights" I called a local bookstore in San Francisco where I was living and working at the time and ordered a book. In two days when I went to pick up my copy there were 4 Mojo graduates in the bookstore to pick up their reserved copy. Wow!

Favorite all-time players:

Ray Nunez, Darrel Hunt, Kevin Steen, JOHN WILKINS, Ronnie Freeman, Kris Howard, Bucky Driggers

Submitted by: Tamara (Webmaster)
School: Permian High School
Years: 1970's

Fave MOJO Memories:
Well, I guess I'll start with one of my many favorite memories...
This one is personal because it involves my brother and the "Cardiac Arrest Kids" of 1975! Remember them? The team that everyone marveled over because they weren't supposed to have alot of talent... but boy did they have heart and teamwork!

Permian was playing in the playoffs (I believe it was the quarterfinal game)at Jones Stadium. I know who the team was but in the interest of not starting something they will remain anonymous. The game was extremely close and hard faught. At one point the whole OTHER team (coaches and all) ran onto the field wanting to fight. Permians' coaches and players remained on the sidelines. That was NOT one of my best memories. It was scary because it was my brother and 10 other guys on the field with a whole other team wanting to fight them. But the Permian guys did not fight.
Sorry for the side note... Here's my memory... actually three of them from that memorable game.

Russell Wheatley (Permian's kicker) kicked a 62 yard field goal (a National record at the time)
My brother (a captain) intercepted the ball in the last few minutes
Permian won by a score of 10 to 9 and advanced to the State Championship game!
Favorite all time players:
Joe Bob Bizzell, David Shipman, Brad Brown, Shawn Crowe, Case brothers, Lloyd Hill.

:-)
You can submit YOUR favorite memories by filling out this form!