Hollis plays both ways for state champion

Gilmer, Texas safety Kevin Hollis was scheduled to visit Kansas State in early December, but his football season was still going. The future Wildcat safety now has a title in his pocket and an official visit on the calendar.

"Kevin had to put off the visit earlier because they were playing in the playoffs," Hollis' father, Curtis, said. "They did win the state title and it is something he'll remember for a long time."

The championship game ended with a 49-47 victory for Gilmer over Jasper to claim the Class 3A Division II title. An unsuccessful two-point attempt by Jasper allowed the Buckeyes to head home as champions.

"Kevin played well," Mr. Hollis said. "He finished up on offense with one more catch than the school record for 81 and he tied the school record for touchdowns with 13. He ended up just short of 1,000 yards receiving. On defense, he moved around from safety to outside linebacker part way through the year. I don't know how many tackles he ended up with. He was third on the team, but that doesn't tell how many he had."

Other schools continue to try to recruit Hollis, but the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder is set in his mind where he is going to school.

"Others are trying to recruit him, but he's set on K-State. I know he has scheduled a visit there for Jan. 14. We'll have to see if that one will work out or not with the basketball schedule. If it won't, then he'll go in February sometime. We'll know as that date gets closer."