Hilltop Securities Managing Director Jason Hughes reviewed the PID packages with the council and gave the city’s credit rating.

“These bonds are secured solely by or payable from assessments that are levied within the Creekview PID specifically on these improvement areas No. 2 and 3,” Hughes said.

He added that the city’s general fund, tax revenue, utility or other city revenues are not pledged to repay the bonds.

Council approved the agenda items related to the PID bonds; Hughes also noted that the city’s credit rating is an A-plus.

Council also approved the issuance and sale of city bonds to fund water and sewer projects.

Assistant City Manager Michele Sanchez discussed changes to the fee schedule across the departments.

One notable change was creating a $5 per month membership fee for the Senior/ Community Center. Sanchez explained that this will help offset some of the cost of adding additional classes.

“We did survey our surrounding communities,” Sanchez said. “Of our comparator cities, the only other city that has a senior center or community center that offers classes is the city of Celina. Their fee is much higher than $5 per month. That's why we're going with a very low nominal cost.”

The ordinance passed 5-1, with Mike Wilson dissenting.

“The city should be offering something for these senior citizens, not charging them,” Wilson said.

Building Official Jerry Carnes reviewed changes and modifications to building regulations to amend the code of ordinances, which the council approved.

Earlier in the meeting, residents Justin Cook and Daniel Cunningham spoke separately about issues with the code of ordinances, specifically accessory structures and dwellings and the requirement to obtain permits for structures under 200 square feet.

City Manager Britt Lusk explained since 2024, if an accessory structure is under 200 square feet, residents still must pull a permit even though it’s free to ensure it meets all setbacks. 

Council also approved a major waiver of design criteria for Henzler Village to reduce the curb radius to 20 feet at the intersection of West Holford Street and North Dallas Street for that specific access point instead of the city’s 30-foot standard to limit impact on the neighboring property.

Fresh off their first win of the season, the 1-3 Aubrey Chaparrals return home for their second district matchup to face the 1-3 Springtown Porcupines on Friday.

The Porcupines should be in a prickly mood coming into the contest after a last-second loss to the Lake Dallas Falcons, 22-21, in their district opener Sept. 25.

“Big, athletic, strong and fast are just a few words to describe them,” said Keith Ivy, Aubrey athletic director and head football coach. “… Springtown’s had a great football program for years now, and they’re typically in the Top 10 or Top 15 in the state. Their kids are tough, and they play a hardnosed brand of football, so we know they are going to get after it.”

Ivy added that Springtown may roll into Chaparral Memorial Stadium with an extra.

“They had a 28-yard field goal that would have won it against Lake Dallas, and they missed it, so their back is against the wall at 0-1,” he said. “We know they’re going to come into town extremely motivated and that we’re going to get their best shot.”

Springtown’s offense is led by field general Kaine Hill, who leads the team in passing with 705 yards and 4 touchdowns and rushing with 329 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Hill is joined by running back duo Jett Bryant and Teagan Hair, who have combined for over 400 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground.

“They have one of the best offensive lines we’ve seen all year, and they have good skill players everywhere,” Ivy said. “… They’re similar to us, and they like to rotate their running backs to keep them fresh, and their quarterback is deceptively good. He’s not the biggest kid, but he’s quick and a good runner and passer.”

Aubrey held Castleberry under 50 yards of total offense in Week 5, and Ivy said he hopes the unit continues to take steps forward.

“We’re going to have to be dominant up front defensively with the offensive line that they have,” he said. “… We need to keep their offensive linemen off of our linebackers and safeties and give them the space to scrape over and make tackles, and we’re going to have to stay focused when they take shots in the passing game.”

Offensively, the Chaps found their footing in Week 5, scoring four touchdowns in the first quarter, and will look to keep rolling against a Springtown defense led by linebacker duo Rome Ewell and Kasen Beaman, who have combined for 81 total tackles.

“We didn’t have any turnovers last week, and I thought that was key,” Ivy said. “… The more we can stick to our game plan, sustain drives, and not get behind the chains due to a negative play or penalty, it’ll give us the opportunity to have some success in this game. We don’t have to play perfect to win this game, but we’re going to have to play the best we have all year to beat this team.”

Aubrey and Springtown are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. Friday at Chaparral Memorial Stadium.

The Aubrey Chaparrals varsity football team got into the win column for the first time this season, going on the road and knocking off the Castleberry Lions, 60-0 on Sept. 25.

The Chaps dominated in all phases of the game, racking up over 400 yards of offense and eight touchdowns en route to their first district win.

“Our guys came out fast and extremely motivated and executed at a high level from the first play, and we were able to put up 50 points in the first half,” said Keith Ivy, Aubrey athletic director and head football coach. “Offense, defense, everybody played with a lot of energy, and our communication was great, and overall, it was a great start to district.”

It was all Aubrey from the opening whistle, with the Chaps finding the end zone early in the first quarter on a 7-yard run from running back Corbin Frazier, taking a 6-0 lead after a failed 2-point conversion.

The Chaps padded their first quarter lead with three touchdown passes from quarterback Connor Murphy, who connected twice with wide receiver Parker Thurman from 19 and 10 yards out and once with wide receiver Adrian Blanco for a 69-yard bomb.

Aubrey took a 27-0 lead into the second quarter, and it didn’t take them long to add to it, with Murphy finding Thurman again this time from 20 yards out, extending the Chaps' lead to 34-0.

Thurman made his way for the fourth time in the game with a 20yard rushing touchdown, giving the Chaps a 40-0 lead.

Aubrey closed out the half with wide receiver Cade Duncan catching a touchdown pass from Murphy, making the score 47-0 at the half.

The Chaps scored three more times in the second with two field goals and a 21-yard rushing touchdown from running back Nathaniel Duroseau, making the final score 60-0.

Murphy finished the contest going 8 for 11 for 152 yards passing and 5 touchdowns, while adding another 55 yards rushing.

Duroseau was the Chaps' leading rusher with 6 carries for 84 yards and 1 touchdown, while Thurman posted 69 yards of total offense and 4 touchdowns.

“Our offense line really took control, and we dominated Castleberry up front, and that allowed Connor and our running backs and receivers to do what they do best, and they had a lot of success,” Ivy said. “The first three weeks of the season, we had a tough time getting going, so this felt like the first game this year where we came out locked in from the first play.”

Ivy also spoke highly of the Chaps’ defense that held the Lions to 48 yards of offense in the contest.

“It was similar to our offense; it all started up front with our defensive line,” he said. “… Our linebackers and secondary also played extremely well, but we were making most of the tackles at the line of scrimmage. Our defensive coaches did a good job game planning, because Castleberry had a big offensive line, but our strength and quickness gave them fits. It was a great performance all around.”

Ivy added that he hopes the victory restores the Chaps’ belief in themselves going forward.

“The biggest thing is that it gives us a little more confidence in what we’re doing, not only as individuals but also as a team,” he said. “It’s all too easy to start secondguessing when things are not going perfectly and you fail a few times, but when you can come out and get a win like that, your camaraderie and confidence go up, and those things are crucial when it comes to having success in the game of football. … It’s a good feeling to get that first win, especially in district, and now we have a big matchup this week against Springtown.”

The Bulldogs’ successful road trip to Carrollton saw them rack up over 400 and 6 touchdowns in the win.

“It was a really good showing from our guys, and we’re exactly where we were hoping to be at the end of non-district,” said Zach Birdwell, Tioga athletic director and head football coach. “… We were able to come out and set the tone from the beginning by returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown, and our guys just rolled with it after that. We had a lot of big plays, and I’m just proud of them for their response the last three weeks.”

Tioga made its way into the end zone first when Camden Stephens wound his way through Prince of Peace’s kickoff coverage team and returned the opening kickoff for a 60-yard touchdown, putting the Bulldogs up 8-0 after a successful 2-point conversion.

Tioga’s defense secured the Bulldogs’ next score by blocking an Eagles’ punt for a safety, giving Tioga a 10-0 lead early in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs scored again when receiver Quesyn Arrington caught a quick pass behind the line of scrimmage, heading toward the edge of the Eagles’ defense before he reversed field and outran the defense for a 43-yard touchdown.

Stephens connected with receiver Jaxson Hurst on a screen pass, which Hurst turned into a 50-yard touchdown, giving the Bulldogs a 24-0 lead.

Tioga’s next score came when Arrington caught a bubble screen pass from Stephens and slipped through Prince of Peace’s defense for a 60-yard touchdown reception, extending the Bulldogs’ lead to 32-0.

A few minutes later, Stephens found Hurst for the duo’s second touchdown connection, this time from 27 yards out, making the score 39-0.

The Bulldogs got their final touchdown when Stephens scrambled out of the pocket and found Hurst open behind the Eagles' defense, putting Tioga up 45-0 at the half.

The Eagles were able to get on the scoreboard by returning a punt for a touchdown in the second half after the Bulldogs pulled their starters from the contest, but Tioga held on to win by the final score 45-6.

Stephens led the Bulldogs’ offense, completing 13 of 14 passes for 316 yards and 5 touchdowns, with Arrington and Hurst as his top targets, combining for 236 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns.

Birdwell highlighted the play of the Bulldogs' defense and special teams, which forced two turnovers, scored a touchdown and added a safety in the win.

“They set the tone,” he said. “It was 10-0 before our offense ever got the ball. Being able to come out, score and set the tempo for the rest of the night was really big. We leaned on our defense early in the year, and they’ve been playing well since the beginning of the season.”

With the season back on track after an 0-2 start, Birdwell expressed his appreciation for his team’s trust turnaround as they head into their bye week.

“We knew it would be a three-week journey to get back to a winning record, and the kids showed up, trusted our vision for nondistrict and stayed rooted in the process, and I’m just thankful for them,” he said. “… Moving forward everything is tied to winning gold footballs now, and what better way to start than with a backto- back state champion and the team picked to win the district in Muenster.”

The Bulldogs will return from their bye week Oct. 9 to face the No. 8 ranked Muenster Hornets at Bulldog Stadium in Tioga.

The two teams traded haymakers throughout the contest, but the Bearcats struck the final knockout punch with a touchdown and successful 2-point conversion to take the win.

“It was a tale of two halves,” said Chad Worrell, Pilot Point athletic director and head football coach. “… We had multiple fumbles the first few plays, but we dominated them the rest of the first half. In the second half, I felt like we came out a little flat, but we came back, and at the end of the fourth quarter, our offense made the plays we needed to make to win.”

Pilot Point received the opening kickoff but was forced to punt for the first time in three games after its drive stalled around midfield.

A few plays later, Farmersville made its way into the end zone for the game’s first points with a 10-yard touchdown run from Brandt Martinez, giving the Farmers a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

The Bearcats gave the ball back to the Farmers with a fumble on their next possession, but the Bearcats' defense held strong, forcing Farmersville to attempt a 48-yard field goal, which was missed.

After taking over possession, Pilot Point’s offense responded with a 10-play, 69yard drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Hastings Fischer, tying the score at 7 after a successful extra point kick by Jarell Rangel.

The Farmer's next possession ended with a punt, and the Bearcats would add to their lead, with a 10-play drive down capped by a 10yard touchdown run from running back Josh Chumley, putting Pilot Point on top 14-7 in the second quarter.

On Farmersville’s ensuing possession, the Farmers would drive down to the Bearcats' 17-yard line, where kicker Felix Maldanado would add a 34-yard field goal to cut the Bearcats' lead to 1410.

Pilot Point added to their lead with another touchdown run from Chumley, set up by a 63-yard run by Fischer, making the score 21-10 with a little over 3 minutes left to the half.

The Bearcats' defense made another stand on the Farmers’ next drive, giving Pilot Point the ball back, and the Bearcats capitalized on the opportunity, with a flea flicker pass to Fischer for a 50-yard touchdown, giving the Pilot Point a 28-10 lead at halftime.

The Farmers stormed back in the third quarter, scoring 21 unanswered and taking a 29-28 lead.

With their defense on the ropes, it was the Bearcats’ offense that ended the Farmers' scoring barrage when running back David Pickrel burst through a hole in the defense for an 85-yard touchdown, making the score 3629 heading into the fourth quarter.

“We’ve been running that formation for a while, just waiting to run that play, and when we called it, I took the ball, found a hole, broke a few arm tackles and when I looked around there was nobody there, so I just ran as fast as I could to the end zone,” Pickrel said.

The Farmers found the end zone again midway through the fourth quarter, tying the score at 36-36, and took the lead, 43-36, with a 5-yard touchdown run by quarterback Levi McAbee with under four minutes left in the game.

The Bearcats started on their own 35-yard line, marched down the field and scored a touchdown on a 7-yard run by Chumley.

Pilot Point elected to go for 2 to take the lead, and Chumley paid off the gamble by stretching the ball over the goal line, putting the Bearcats up by 1 with less than two minutes left on the clock.

The Farmers fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and the ball was recovered by Bearcats defensive back Stephen Campbell, sealing Pilot Point’s 44-43 win.

Worrell said he trusted his team to make the decision to go for 2 and the win after the Bearcats’ final touchdown.

“We were around the 30yard line, and we had the twominute time out, and I asked the offense, ‘What do you all want to do when we score?' and they said they wanted to go for the win, so there was never a doubt we were going for it,” Worrell said.

Bearcat tight end Grayson Whitley echoed his head coach’s sentiments.

“We came out confident on that last drive, and we knew what we were going to do when we scored,” he said. “… Being confident in everything that we do is a big thing for us, and we knew that we wanted to win.”

Now sitting at 4-1 as they head into their bye week, Worrell said the Bearcats will focus on healing up and preparing to open the district portion of their schedule against the Pottsboro Cardinals on Oct. 9.

Assistant editor Martin Edwards contributed to this report.

For Lisa Cave, being in banking is about more than the money—it's also about the person behind the account.

The vice president account executive of the Pilot Point PointBank location was recognized at the Point-Bank Business Breakfast on Sept. 23 as the Financial Services Champion of the Year for 2026 by the Dallas-Fort Worth District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

'For me, it's not just about bringing in business,' Cave said. '... It's the personal relationships I love to build. I can sit here with somebody who may have lost somebody in their life, who's going through a challenging moment. ... They're not just an account or a number.'

Bridget Moon, the economic development specialist for the district SBA office, came to present the Financial Services Champion of the Year Award to Cave to a full room.

'The Financial Services Champion of the Year Award recognizes someone who understands that small-business financing is about far more than numbers on an application,' Moon said. 'For an entrepreneur, access to capital can mean opening the doors for the first time, purchasing essential equipment, hiring another employee, or turning years of hard work into a lasting legacy.

'Behind those important moments is often a financial professional who listens, recognizes potential, explains the options, and believes in the person behind the business.'

Cave has served in the banking industry for over 30 years, according to the information shared at the breakfast, and Moon said she 'brings both knowledge and heart to her work.

'She has earned a reputation for building genuine relationships and for believing that bringing businesses and community leaders together is essential to helping local businesses flourish.'

The Dallas-Fort Worth SBA district serves 72 counties.

'I knew that there was a lot of competition out there,' Cave said.

Cave serves on several boards and volunteers for additional organizations, which include the Pilot Point Chamber of Commerce, the Pilot Point Educational Foundation, the 19th Century Club and Hearts for Homes.

'She shined because of outside of being in financial services [she serves through] her community involvement,' Moon said. 'I think that really hit harder, because that also touches your small business community.'

Paula McCain, a senior adviser with the North Central Texas Small Business Development Center nominated Cave for the award.

'It's a pleasure; it is a privilege to be able to nominate her,' McCain said. 'It really is because she works so hard. She works to make the community better. ... She is actually engaged with the community—well known and well loved.'

Moon said that was refl ected on the faces of the business breakfast attendees who were present for the award presentation.

'Lisa understands that strong small businesses create jobs, support families, strengthen local economies and keep communities vibrant,' Moon said during the presentation. 'Her work represents community banking at its very best—local relationships, personal service, and a sincere commitment to the success of the people and businesses she serves.'

Cave said she was grateful to McCain and Lori Logan Hines for the nomination.

'Sometimes I don't see myself like others do,' Cave said.

Moon closed out her comments before the group gave Cave a standing ovation.

'Lisa, this award recognizes your professional excellence, but it also represents the trust you have earned, the relationships you have built, and the many people you have helped move their dreams and businesses forward,' Moon said during the award presentation. 'We also recognize and thank the leadership and team at Point-Bank for fostering a culture that values relationships, community involvement, and service to small businesses.'

That being celebrated at a business breakfast felt just right to Cave.

'I want to bring people together so they can grow their business, so they can grow themselves personally,' she said. '... I wouldn't change anything about the day that I got that award because I was surrounded by the people that mean the most to me.'

SHOPLIFTING – Cross Roads PD officers were dispatched to a shoplifting report Sunday in the 11700 block of U.S. 380.

POSSESSION – A woman, 18, was arrested on a charge of possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1 Sunday by CRPD during a traffic stop in the 2400 block of U.S. 380.

DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE – A man, 30, was arrested Sunday by PPPD on a domestic disturbance call in the 14000 block of Kempt Drive.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS – Krugerville police responded to a criminal trespass call around 1:30 a.m. Sunday in the 5300 block of U.S. 377.

ASSAULT – A man, 46, was given a citation for assault Saturday by Cross Roads PD in the 11900 block of U.S. 380.

DWI – On Saturday, APD arrested a 52-year-old on a charge of driving while intoxicated third or more in the 11200 block of Yellow Rose Way.

THEFT – A man, 38, was arrested on a charge of theft of property, greater than $100 less than $750, during a Cross Roads police disturbance call Saturday in the 11700 block of U.S. 380.

ASSAULT – Aubrey PD arrested a 56-year-old Saturday on a charge of assault causes bodily injury/ family violence in the 3800 block of Tracewood Bend.

THEFT – A woman, 24, was arrested on a charge of theft by CRPD on Saturday in the 11700 block of U.S. 380. She was also given a criminal trespass warning.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION – A 36-year-old was arrested Saturday by Aubrey police on a charge of public intoxication in the 1000 block of Friesian Lane.

THEFT – A man, 49, was arrested on a charge of theft, greater than $100 less than $750, by Cross Roads police Sept. 25 during a shoplifting investigation in the 11700 block of U.S. 380. He also received a criminal trespass warning.

DWI – A 42-year-old was arrested Sept. 25 by Aubrey PD on a charge of driving while intoxicated third or more near the intersection of Meadow Lane and U.S. 377.

POSSESSION – A CRPD traffic stop investigation Sept. 25 resulted in the arrest of a man, 38, on a charge of possession of a controlled substance in the 2400 block of U.S. 380.

WARRANT – Aubrey police arrested a 27-yearold Sept. 24 on a Plano Police Department warrant in the 700 block of U.S. 377.

DWI – A traffic stop investigation Sept. 24 by CRPD resulted in the arrest of a man, 36, on a charge of driving while intoxicated in the 10000 block of U.S. 380.

SCAM – A man, 75, reported Sept. 24 to Cross Roads PD being scammed and transferring money into a bitcoin ATM in the 2000 block of Alamandine Avenue.

SHOPLIFTING – A woman, 34, was issued a citation for theft Sept. 24 by Cross Roads police during a shoplifting investigation in the 11700 block of U.S. 380.

ENDANGER A CHILD – A 73-year-old was arrested Sept. 24 by APD on a charge of abandoning/ endangering a child or individual with intent to return in the 3000 block of Noriker Drive.

ASSAULT – Cross Roads PD investigated the report of an assault involving a teenager on a school bus Sept. 23 in the 11700 block of U.S. 380.

POSSESSION – On Sept. 23, CRPD made a traffic stop that led to the arrest of a man, 38, on a charge of possession of a controlled substance penalty group 1 in the 8600 block of U.S. 380.

EVADING ARREST – Pilot Point police assisted other agencies on warrant service Sept. 22 for failure to identify fugitive with intent to give false information, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and reckless driving in the 14000 block of Donahue Street.

DISTURBANCE – A CRPD disturbance investigation Sept. 22 resulted in the arrest of a man, 46, on a Galveston County warrant charge in the 7300 block of U.S. 380.

ASSAULT – Pilot Point PD were dispatched to an assault causes bodily injury family member call Sept. 21 in the 600 block of Mbs Way.

-Kim Fleming

Every Weekday

•11 a.m. Congregate meals, conversation and games. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St. 972-838-3259.

Friday, Oct. 2

•8:30 a.m. Shepherd’s Storehouse, 1189 U.S. 377, Pilot Point. 940-686-2620.

•10 a.m. Exercise Class. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St.

•11 a.m. Early Childhood Storytimes (Ages 0-6). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive.

940-365-9162.

•2 p.m. Friends of the Pilot Point Community Library. Pilot Point Community Library, 324 S.

Washington St. 940-686-5004.

•5:30 p.m. Art Show Reception. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•7 p.m. Jam and Java. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•7:30 p.m. Karaoke with Pam and Dave. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Saturday, Oct. 3

•9 a.m. Fruit Jar Junction Market. Veterans Memorial Park, 301 S. Main St., Aubrey.

•9 a.m. Clifton and Nadene Irick Museum, 201 S. Jefferson St., Pilot Point.

•10:30 a.m. The Aubrey Area Museum opens for walk-in tours. Tours can also be scheduled by appointment. 209 S. Main St. 940-343-1313.

•Noon. Pioneer Baptist Food Bank. Pioneer Baptist Church, 100 Cumberland Trail, Valley View.

•7 p.m. Karaoke Night. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•8:30 p.m. Backroad Travelers. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Monday, Oct. 5

•8:30 a.m. Shepherd’s Storehouse. 1189 U.S. 377, Pilot Point. 940-686-2620.

•10 a.m. Exercise Class. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St.

•6 p.m. Cross Roads Town Council. Town Hall, 3201 U.S. 380, Ste.105. 940-365-9693.

•6 p.m. Pilot Point Main Street board. Pilot Point City Hall, 102 E. Main St. 940-686-2165.

•7 p.m. Recovery Care Group. Midway Church, 9540 U.S. 377, Pilot Point.

Tuesday, Oct. 6

•9:30 a.m. Games. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St. 972-838-3259.

•Noon. Lake Ray Roberts Rotary Club. PointBank Community Center, 739 E. Liberty St.

•1:30 p.m. Local Vocals Community Singers. Contact Charlotte Petermeier, 214-514-4892.

•6 p.m. Aubrey Parks and Recreation/ Keep Aubrey Beautiful.

Aubrey Council Chambers, 226 Countryside Drive. 940-4409343.

•6 p.m. Cross Roads Planning and Zoning. Town Hall, 3201 U.S. 380, Ste.105. 940-3659693.

•6 p.m. Jam Sessions. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•6:30 p.m. Aubrey Friends and Family FFA alumni meeting. Krugerville City Hall, 5097 U.S. 377.

•6:30 p.m. DivorceCare. Midway Church, 9540 U.S. 377, Pilot Point.

•6:30 p.m. Providence Village Economic Development Corporation. Providence Village Town Hall, 1755 Main St. 940-3659333.

•7 p.m. Poker tournament. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

•7:30 p.m. Providence Village Town Council. Providence Village Town Hall, 1755 Main St. 940-365-9333.

Wednesday, Oct. 7

•8:30 a.m. Shepherd’s Storehouse. 1189 U.S. 377, Pilot Point. 940-686-2620.

•9 a.m. Mountain Springs Quilters. Mountain Springs Community Center, 173 Mountain Springs Lane. 940-736-8013.

•10 a.m. Exercise Class. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St.

•10 a.m. Baby & Toddler Storytime (ages 0-2). Pilot Point Community Library, 324 S. Washington St. 940-686-5004.

•10:30 a.m. Little Readers Book Club (ages 3-5). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive. 940-365-9162.

•10:45 a.m. Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5). Pilot Point Community Library, 324 S. Washington St. 940-686-5004.

•Noon. Parks and Recreation board. Pilot Point City Hall, 102 E. Main St. 940-686-2165.

•1 p.m. Clifton and Nadene Irick Museum, 201 S. Jefferson St., Pilot Point.

•6 p.m. Cross Roads Municipal Development District. Town Hall, 3201 U.S. 380, Ste.105. 940-365-9693.

•6 p.m. Music Bingo. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•6 p.m. Pilot Point Bearcat Booster Club. Pilot Point High School fieldhouse, 1300 N.

Washington St., Pilot Point.

•6 p.m. Queen of Hearts. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

•7 p.m. Karaoke Wednesdays with Pam and Dave. Lowbrows Saloon, 200 S. Washington St.

•7 p.m. Pilot Point Friends and Family of FFA and 4-H meeting. Pilot Point High School cafeteria.

•7:30 p.m. Pool tournament. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Thursday, Oct. 8

•8 a.m. Coffee with a Cop. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•8 a.m. Pilot Point Chamber of Commerce board. Pilot Point City Hall, 102 E. Main St. 940686-5385.

•9 a.m. Clifton and Nadene Irick Museum, 201 S. Jefferson St., Pilot Point.

•9:30 a.m. Games. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St. 972-838-3259.

•10:30 a.m. Little Readers Book Club (ages 3-5). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive. 940-365-9162.

•10:30 a.m. Stitch & Sketch (ages 10-adult). Pilot Point Community Library, 324 S. Washington St. 940-686-5004.

•11 a.m. Tioga Senior Center open for refreshments, games and bingo. 305 N. Porch St.

•6 p.m. Aubrey Planning and Zoning. Aubrey Council Chambers, 226 Countryside Drive.

940-440-9343.

•6 p.m. Bingo Night. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•6:30 p.m. Pilot Point City Council. Pilot Point City Hall, 102 E.

Main St. 940-686-2165.

Friday, Oct. 9

•8:30 a.m. Shepherd’s Storehouse, 1189 U.S. 377, Pilot Point. 940-686-2620.

•10 a.m. Exercise Class. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St.

•11 a.m. Early Childhood Storytimes (Ages 0-6). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive.

940-365-9162.

•7:30 p.m. Karaoke with Pam and Dave. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

•8 p.m. Comedy Night. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

Community Calendar is published weekly. To add or change a listing, email abardwell@postsignal.com.

The new brick-and-mortar winery has partnered with NTX Mahjong for a Foundations Training on Sept. 23, where guests of all skill levels were welcome to learn or relearn the game in a low-stakes, informative setting.

“I love that people are supporting us and participating, and I think it's a good addition to activities in the community,” Bella Mia Winery co-owner Laurie Trevizo said.

Of the around 20 guests, some were Bella Mia Wine Club members.

Others heard about it by email, and a few were completely new to the winery, Trevizo said.

Most were new to mahjong. The all-inclusive ticket included two hours of mahjong instruction and play, a glass of wine and light snacks, which Trevizo said felt essential while gaming.

As she drifted from one table to the next, Trevizo checked on the guests.

“I just feel like when I grew up playing games, … we always had chips and dips and snacky things,” Trevizo said.

Debbie Brenner started NTX Mahjong in August, intending to bring more activity to the community and meet people.

Brenner has been playing mahjong for over a year.

The two businesses connected on Facebook and decided to partner for an evening of mahjong.

She first learned about the game over 40 years ago while dating her husband; her mother-in-law encouraged her to play, and she declined.

“At the time, in Michigan, that's all I saw were, like, the older ladies playing,” Brenner said.

A few years ago, after working on a stressful project and feeling consumed by work, she decided to take a mahjong class.

She was surprised to learn how much of a strategy game it was.

After leaving the first class, like many others, she felt overwhelmed by all the new information.

It wasn’t until the second time she went with her daughter that it clicked, as she describes it.

“If you don't play, you'll lose it; you'll be lost,” Brenner said to the guests. “So, that's the one thing I can recommend, whether you learn on your own or you get people together, that you continue practicing. That's one way that you're going to get better.”

Each table had its own mahjong set to learn with, as Brenner taught the game by National Mahjong League standards.

As she explained the rules, she walked around the room, answering questions and helping the tables that needed it.

The next Foundations Workshop at Bella Mia Winery is Oct. 14, and open/guided play is Oct. 21.

To register, go to bellamiawinery. com.

For other updates and events planned, visit Bella Mia Winery on Facebook and @northtxmahjong on Instagram.

Lusk explained that the city’s General Fund budget is $14.52 million, up about a million dollars from last year because of growth, with more than half of that money going to the police and fire departments.

“It's really important when we just look at our taxes and we look at what we're doing to realize that 54.9% of that is public safety,” Lusk said.

This year's tax rate remained flat at about $0.61 per $100 valuation, and property values dropped about $3,800 overall, so the average tax bill decreased by about $23, Lusk said.

Lusk explained that the notice posted in the Post-Signal said “tax increase” because the city made more money this year from taxes because of the new growth, so it’s considered a tax increase by the state.

According to the 2020 census, the city had a population of 4,381, and as of Jan. 1, 2026, it’s at 9,454.

From January to August, the city has issued 411 certificates of occupancy for homes, and he estimates that the city has surpassed 10,000 people.

Nearly 3,200 homes are in the early stages of development and could bring over 8,000 new residents, based on the city’s 2.53 persons-perhousehold assumption.

“So the good news is, since this is the business breakfast, you're going to get a lot more customers,” Lusk said. “The bad news is, like everybody in Pilot Point feels, we're getting a little more crowded. We are bringing more people, and it's a double-edged sword.”

As the 2027 Legislative Session approaches in January, Lusk shared Governor Greg Abbott’s latest property- tax agenda.

He explained that some of these changes would affect how the city pays for infrastructure and could create funding challenges, including: 

•No. 1 “Voter rollback power—give voters stronger tools to roll back local tax increases;” •No. 2 “Local Spending limits—impose new limits on growth in local government spending;”

•No. 3 “Two-thirds voter approval—requires twothirds voter approval for local tax increases;”

•No. 4 “Appraisal predictability— change the appraisal system to make future values more predictable;” 

•No. 5 “Appraisal growth limits—further curb appraisal growth for property owners.”

Although the city has a good working relationship with the state legislators, Lusk said, everyone needs to speak up about how these changes wouldn’t only impact the city but “impact everybody in them,” including the extraterritorial jurisdiction.

One matter Lusk is monitoring is changes to the ETJ and Senate Bill 2038, which allows an area to be released from a municipality's ETJ by petition or election.

“If they decide to stay out here and they want to get out of the ETJ, out of the city limits, if they're right here, they're still coming to Pilot Point,” Lusk said. “They're still using your police [and] your parks, and we don't have any funding to support that.”

That includes sales tax and property tax.

One example Lusk shared is how Senate Bill 2038 affects the city's control of data centers.

If the development were to deannex from the ETJ, the city would have no say in what happens.

“It's vitally important that we … work with developers so that we can move them into the city limits, so that we can serve that population, so that we can continue to fund the things that you love and care about with our city,” Lusk said.

He added that there might be another discussion at the next council meeting about creating a resident committee for governance to monitor and discuss statelevel bills that would have a direct impact.

At the Aubrey City Council meeting on Sept. 24, the subject of volunteering came up.

That's because right now there are several boards that need people to fill vacancies so the boards can function properly.

Don't be surprised if in the coming week or two you see an article spelling out the various vacancies throughout the area that are in need of someone to step up.

Volunteering is worth the effort.

I've said that time and time again, but it's true.

When we volunteer in our community, we get to help shape what it looks like.

When we take the chance to help, we fill a void that there might not be resources to fill otherwise.

One of my favorite ways to volunteer lately has been to take photos and videos at my children's activities.

Seeing the students respond to someone (or in the case of some of the activities, multiple people) caring enough to document their hard work and accomplishments makes the time worth it.

If you have goals of serving in grander ways, it's great to get in on the ground floor, such as with a city board or a school-based organization. It's much easier to know how to have an impact if you know how to navigate the organization you want to be a bigger part of instead of jumping in head-first to a council or board position.

Although we plan to put out a thorough explanation of the opportunities available throughout the Ranch Cities area, don't wait to reach out and offer your help.

You never know. Maybe the connections you make by volunteering in our area could change your life in positive ways.

The only way to find out is to put yourself out there and to serve.

Abigail Bardwell is the Editor & Publisher of the Post-Signal, and she serves on both the North and East Texas Press Association and the Texas Press Association boards. She can be reached at abardwell@postsignal.com.

The northern and southern Bearcats of Hwy 377 are coming together to support the Dill family! ONE BEARCAT FAMILY!

On Monday, September 28th, the Dill family was involved in an automobile accident in Pilot Point that tragically took the life of their son, Lucca, a first grader in Whitesboro. His mom has undergone surgery and faces more ahead. This family is navigating an unimaginable loss and needs our love, support, and prayers.

Use the link below to purchase a “One Bearcat Family” shirt. 100% of the proceeds will be donated directly to the Dill family!

Please wear your shirts the week we play Whitesboro during the games!

Orders are due by Oct. 9 at https:// www.ck2printing.com/product-page/ one-bearcat-family.

Stephanie Mohindra Pilot Point

Aubrey ISD Child Nutrition and food service provider Aramark hosted the event to mark the occasion and show what the team is providing to students.

“It's just wonderful that we have the opportunity to have so much more available to our students that we can be able to provide good nutrition and all of these options, but to do it more expeditiously during lunchtime,” Aubrey High School Principal Dr. Vanessa Zavar said.

As the Aramark Food Service Director, Coleen Laxalt serves as the liaison between the company and the district and makes sure students' needs are met.

“We're here for the kids and to make sure they get the best experience,” Laxalt said. “…We're trying to do some more innovative food and make sure that they're happy with what it is that we're doing.”

At the ceremony, students could try samples of the new menu items and pick up snacks at the “grab- and- go station,” provided by PepsiCo, General Mills and Dr. Pepper.

In addition to the menu changes, the cafeteria renovation added more lunch lines, increasing from three to five and making the process more efficient.

“Each line has [its] own section, so they have the space that they need,” Director of Child Nutrition Kristy Holt said. “They have the equipment that they need. So it's a lot more efficient. It's a lot more pleasant work environment.”

Zavar shared that a lot of thought went into the layout and design, from the serving line to the placement of the coolers and heaters.

“For example, the cooler and the freezer situation were built on site,” Zavar said.

Holt was equally excited for the new faculty as she was for the opportunity to connect with the students in a different capacity.

“This is an exciting event for us because we have a way to build a relationship with our students,” Holt said. “We can talk to them one-on-one. We can introduce them to what we have to offer this year.”

Holt shared that the work is not done as she and fellow staff prepare for the annual month-long Farm Fresh Challenge through the Texas Department of Agriculture this October.

“It just encourages us to use local farmers, and we partner with local farmers to bring in products that are … from Texas, and then we do an educational piece and teach all that, and so we're excited to do that … I think this is the first time Aubrey ISD has ever done it, so we're excited about that.”

Holt noted that every campus in the district is participating in the challenge from pre-K to 12th grade and will provide local milk, produce and vegetables.

“We're just excited this year; my crew is excited,” Holt said. “We're excited that we can [serve] more students this year because we have [a] bigger space.”

The annual Pilot Point Oktoberfest, organized by the Pilot Point Neighborhood Events, enticed area residents to brave the heat for Brave Combo and German-themed fun.

'Welcome, everyone, to Oktoberfest 2026,' PPNE President Monica David said. 'Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of German and Bavarian traditions, mouthwatering food, lively music, and, of course, plenty of delicious beer.'

David then welcomed Pilot Point Mayor Chad Major to the stage for an invocation.

'We thank you for the rich heritage and traditions that bring us together and for the opportunity to share in joy and laughter with our families, neighbors and visitors,' he said. '... May this festival be a time of renewal and connection.'

With dachshund Ivan in his arms, Denton County Judge Andy Eads shared his personal connection to the German roots within the area.

'On my way up here from Flower Mound today, I was thinking about my great, great grandfather ... who came all the way from Germany to Galveston, Texas, and settled in Denton County well over 100 years ago,' he said. '... As we have good fun today, ... I want us to think about and celebrate our German heritage that's alive and well. Germans are such a part of the fabric of Texas, are such a part of the fabric of Denton County.'

Eads, Major, City Manager Britt Lusk and County Commissioner Ryan Williams kicked off the festivities officially with a keg tapping, complete with steins.

Eads and his dog also took part in the fun throughout the day, with Ivan running in the wiener dog race.

Janet McGee took home the cash prize for the pretzel contest.

Volunteers from the Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550 served the official brews for the event at the corner of Washington and Liberty streets.

At Washington and Main sat the Hess Meat Market food truck, dishing up German sausage, potato salad and sauerkraut.

Emcee Justine Scott helped share details about each of the vendors, encouraging the festivalgoers to check out their wares.

Several additional vendors lined Main Street and Washington, with a collection of Volkswagens, including several classics such as VW Buses and VW Beetles, for people to peer into.

Aaron Johnson, who brought his orange and white 1970 VW Westfalia Campmobile, enjoyed having the chance to show off his beloved vehicle alongside his best friend and their fellow Das Klub members.

'We travel about 15,000 miles a year in it—go out to West Texas, go up to Oklahoma, Arkansas,' he said. 'The home is on your back.'

He said he loves seeing people check out the vehicles.

'All of us that own them, they've brought us so much joy, and there's nothing that makes us happier than other people looking at them and smiling,' Johnson said.

Elizabeth Bielicki and Marco Hernandez, who recently moved to Little Elm from Kentucky, brought their family out to enjoy the festival.

'It's a really cool experience,' she said. 'We're happy to be here.'

Hernandez said they're excited that Pilot Point is 'a historic town.'

'There's just a lot of history here that we can explore,' he said.

The free kids activities— a mini train, bounce houses and carnival swings, and next to the Kidz Zone was the dunk tank, where well-known members of the community took a dip in the drink for Lovepacs, the nonprofit supported by this year's event.

'It fills my heart with love to see people come out and enjoy,' David said. 'It's all worth all the work we put into it.'

The district issued a statement to Aubrey ISD families in response to the arrest.

'Aubrey ISD is aware of an incident involving a former district employee that resulted in an arrest by the Aubrey Police Department,' according to the letter from Superintendent Dr. Shannon Saylor. 'Immediately upon learning about the allegations, the District placed the employee on leave, and the employee submitted a resignation. Due to this being an active law enforcement investigation by the Aubrey Police Department, we are limited in what we can share." 

Wesley Huber, 21, was arrested by Aubrey PD.

A 2023 graduate of Aubrey High School, Huber served as a staff member and a coach.

'On September 21, 2026, the Aubrey Police Department (APD) received a report from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) outlining a possible relationship with an Aubrey Independent School District (AISD) educator and a student that attends an AISD school,' the police release stated. '… Working cooperatively with AISD Police Department the investigators were able to identify a suspect. Continuing investigation and forensic evidence obtained through search warrants confirmed the suspect as Wesley Huber 21YOA male of Providence Village.'

According to the Denton County Jail records, Huber bonded out of jail on Monday.

When asked whether the situation was an ongoing incident that the department was looking into, Aubrey Police Chief Richard Brooks said, 'I'm not prepared to answer that question because it's an ongoing investigation.'

More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Mackenzie Lewter of Tioga ISD and Eliana Abshier of Aubrey ISD were each named Commended Students, receiving Letters of Commendation from their high school principals and joining about 34,000 students nationwide recognized for their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Lewter received a Letter of Commendation in a similar surprising way while at school.

“I didn't know until [Principal] Kirkland called me down in the middle of the pep rally in front of the whole school, and then announced to everybody what was going on, and I still didn't know what he was talking about,” Lewter said. “And then he finished talking, and he turned to me … and handed me my letter and explained what that meant.”

She described the pep rally as both a pleasant surprise and a frightening moment, having forgotten that results would be released in September.

Since her sophomore year, she has worked diligently to improve her scores so she could qualify as a junior.

“It's difficult, but it's worth it to try on this,” Lewter said. “I know a lot of kids don't want to put in the effort on the SAT or the PSAT just because it's a lot of work. But it does pay off, and it is going to look really good for you.”

Lewter thanked her parents for their support throughout the process, and High School Principal Keith Kirkland said the district is very proud of her.

“It's something that we've really put an emphasis on here at Tioga with the last couple of years, knowing that we have the students that could absolutely achieve this type of success,” Kirkland said. “So, it's great for Mackenzie to kind of put our name out there a little bit and certainly a testament to all of her hard work.”

To become a commended student, both Abshier and Lewter placed in the top 50,000 students who entered the 2027 competition based on their 2025 PSAT/NMSQT scores.

Although they will not advance further in the 2027 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, it is still an impressive feat.

“I was happy to get it,” Abshier said. “I was worried that I wasn't going to; I had heard about it before, and I didn't think I made high enough to qualify.”

Achieving this accomplishment was something Abshier had hoped for but had forgotten about by the time the moment had arrived.

So, when she was taken into a room, with her school lunch tray still in hand, she didn’t know what to expect.

“I was more nervous than anything,” Abshier said. “I walk up here, and the principal's here. My counselor's here. My parents are here. And I'm thinking, what did I do?”

That’s when she was presented with a Letter of Commendation by High School Principal Dr. Vanessa Zavar.

After graduation, Abshier plans to go to medical school and subspecialize in neurology and/or sleep medicine.

“We're extremely proud of Eliana,” Director of Communications Eva Coleman said. “She is the only person here in Aubrey High School's class of 2027 to achieve this accomplishment.”

Abshier thanked her friends for being a big source of encouragement.

“We're so proud of her,” Coleman said. “We salute her and really look forward to seeing the pathway that she chooses in her health science journey.”

He pointed to the hostage situation the department handled in Providence Village.

'We were blessed that the perpetrator in this incident was more focused on the hostage rather than the operations of the police department, but had that been the case, it would have been an extremely dangerous situation for our personnel and our citizens,' Brooks said.

He pointed to the nearby agencies that provided such vehicles for use during the incident, for which he said he was grateful.

'The first armored vehicle was not on scene for about two hours, and had we had this piece of equipment, we would have been on scene with an armored vehicle in 20 minutes,' he said.

He also spoke about another call where such a vehicle could have been helpful.

'We also experienced an event this year where we were dealing with a suspect who was known to be carrying and using weapons with armor-piercing ammunition,' Brooks said. 'We were able to come up with a long-planned plan to take the suspect into custody, but if we wouldn't have had that opportunity, this armored vehicle would have been a very huge asset.'

The money will draw from the 2025 Certificate of Obligation bond, which allowed for up to $500,000 for the purchase.

The chief requested $353,985.28 for a Terradyne Gurkha MPV 'configured as an armored rescue vehicle' and the radio needed for it.

'The intended missions of the vehicle would be, of course, officer rescue, civilian rescue, emergency medical support, active threat incidents, barricade hostage incidents, highrisk incidents, mass casualty events, disaster response, high water rescue and mutual aid,' Brooks said.

The vehicle will come with gear for entering high-risk zones as well, he added.

Having its own armored vehicle, Brooks said, allows the department to train with it and become fully familiar so it will 'be prepared for the day when it happens again and we need this piece of equipment.'

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Fikes said the Denton County SWAT team uses the same vehicle.

'There may be some crosstraining opportunity,' he said.

Having one, too, means Aubrey can help its neighbors if the need arises there.

'That's the thing,' Brooks said. 'If you need this piece of equipment, you need it now, not in two hours.'

The council also approved a resolution supporting the Denton County Outer Loop Project.

'Two main alignments are proposed through Aubrey over Highway 377, or soon-tobe Ray Roberts Parkway,' Assistant City Manager Leanne Wilson said. 'The blue alternative, Alternative 2, is consistent with the Aubrey Master Thoroughfare Plan and runs generally around Blackjack Road. The other alignment crosses further north and is identified as the gold alignment. This resolution expresses Aubrey's preference for and support of the Blue Alternative based on city priorities.'

Resident William Cherry asked that the council amend its resolution supporting the Outer Loop.

'I'd argue for you not to pass the resolution before you, or, at the very least, to amend it so that within the whereases, there's an admission that community support for the Outer Loop at all is at least mixed,' Cherry said.

Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Perry responded.

'I don't think no is going to be an option, Mr. Cherry,' he said.

The resolution was Aubrey's way of having a voice regarding the final alignment of the Outer Loop project, the mayor and council members said.

Also at the Sept. 24 meeting, the council accepted an annexation petition to bring Belew Cemetery into the city limits.

'The Belew Cemetery was established in the mid-1800s with the first recorded land deed in October 1880, though the individual barrier markers have been identified to date back to 1848,' Wilson said. 'The staff is proud to receive a nonprofit cemetery and piece of important history into the city of Aubrey, and the owners are looking forward for policing services,' Wilson said.

City Manager Charles Kreidler also told the council the city staff plans to install an outdoor warning siren at the cemetery to extend its system reach on the northwest side of town.

Also at the meeting, the council discussed the many vacancies on its city boards and the opportunity for volunteers to serve in those positions.

The Ray Roberts Lake State Park Johnson Branch Unit, 100 PW 4153 in Valley View will offer Sounds of the Night, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30, Kid Fish Pond, and State Park Spook-Tacular, noon-10 p.m. Oct. 31.

The Isle du Bois Unit, 100 PW 4137 in Pilot Point will have Connecting with Nature: An Intro to Forest Bathing, 10 a.m. Saturday, Lost Pines Amphitheater; Box Turtles of North Texas, 10 a.m. Oct. 10, Lost Pines Amphitheater; North Texas Mammals, 2 p.m. Oct. 10, Lost Pines Amphitheater; and Batty Talk, 10 a.m. Oct. 24, Lost Pines Amphitheater.

All events are free with a paid entrance fee into the parks. For more information, call 940-6372294 or 940-686-2148.

Genealogy Workshop at PP library

The Pilot Point Community Library at 324 S. Washington St. will have Genealogy Workshop (adults), 2 p.m. Oct. 9; Cookbook Club (adults), 2 p.m. Oct. 16; and Trailblazer Trivia at the Museum, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 17, Clifton and Nadene Irick Museum.

Neighborhood Forest will give free succulents to children. To register, sign up by Oct. 23 at neighborhoodforest. org/registration-services- fall/?school=153686.

For more information or to register for classes, call 940-686-5004.

Senior Bingo at Aubrey library

The Aubrey Area Library at 226 Countryside Drive will have Senior Bingo (ages 55 and up), 10:30 a.m. Saturday; Folklorico Dance Performance (all ages), 1 p.m. Saturday; Book Nook Club (ages 2-10), 4:30 p.m. Tuesday; Inbetweeners Book Club (ages 9-13), 4:30 p.m. Wednesday; and Tween Club (ages 9-13), 4:30 p.m. Oct. 9.

For more information or to register for classes, call 940-365-9162.

City-wide garage sale planned in Tioga

The Tioga Ladies Auxiliary will sponsor a Fall City-Wide Garage Sale on Saturday throughout Tioga. No permits are required.

Chamber to sponsor Buddy Bass tourney

The Pilot Point Chamber of Commerce will host the fourth annual Buddy Bass fishing tournament Saturday with check-in open at 5:30 a.m. at Ray Roberts Lake State Park Isle du Bois Unit. To register, call 940-686-5385 or go to pilotpoint. org.

Community garage sales at Villages, Woodlands

The Villages at Cross Roads community will have a neighborhood garage sale from 7 a.m.-noon Saturday. Participants can enter from the entrance at FM 424 and Lake Way.

The Woodlands Neighborhood will host a fall garage sale from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 9-10 in Krugerville with entrances off U.S. 377 from Woodlands Drive, Surveyors Road and Texas Ash Drive.

Aubrey plans Peanut Festival

The 40th annual Aubrey Peanut Festival will open at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with a parade at 10 a.m. in downtown Aubrey. There will be a free kid zone, free pony rides, over 200 vendors, live music, photo ops, free petting zoo and food trucks.

Marching Classic set for Aubrey

The Aubrey Marching Classic will be held from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday at Aubrey High School, 510 Springhill Road with 20 marching bands competing. Finals will begin at 7:15 p.m.

National Night Out events for Ranch Cities

Annual National Night Out events will be held Tuesday in Aubrey, Cross Roads, Krugerville and Providence Village. Pilot Point will host multiple block parties throughout the city.

•Aubrey Police Department, 5-8 p.m. at Silverado, 2867 Silverado Parkway;

•Aubrey Police Department, 5-8 p.m. at Providence Village, 9001 Fair Oaks Drive;

•Aubrey Police Department, 5-8 p.m. at Highpointe Ranch, 2472 Fetlock Lane;

•Aubrey Police Department, 6-7:30 p.m. at Sandbrock Ranch, 1601 Sandbrock Parkway;

•Cross Roads Police Department, 5-7 p.m. at Cross Roads Chick-fil-A, 11851 U.S. 380;

•Krugerville Police Department, 5-9 p.m. at Woodland Park;

•Pilot Point Police Department, 6-8 p.m. at Pilot Point First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St.

Glow-In-One at Christie’s Golf

The Pilot Point Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the third annual Glow-In-One event at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Christie’s Golf Ranch, 920 U.S. 377. To purchase golf balls, go to pilotpoint.org by Thursday.

Proceeds will benefit the Pilot Point Police Department’s Officer Wellness Program.

United Healthcare at Lunch, Learn

The next Lunch and Learn will be held at noon Wednesday with guest speaker Cedric Flemming with United Health at the Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St. To register, call 940-6862639.

Main Street plans Bonnie, Clyde Days

The first annual Take the Money and Run 5K or 1-mile fun walk will begin at 8 a.m. Oct. 10 in historic Pilot Point in advance of the Bonnie and Clyde Days festival. Registration will be $40. The deadline to enter will be Sunday at pilotpoint.org.

The Bonnie and Clyde Days festival will be from 2-9 p.m. on the Historic Pilot Point Square with food and craft vendors, live music and a kids zone.

Community Market in Mountain Springs

A Community Market will be from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Mountain Springs Community Center, 173 Mountain Springs Lane in Valley View. Live music will be provided by Mason Adams and Mady Klement.

For more information, go to mountainspringscommunitycenter. com.

‘Cinderella’ tickets on sale for THS

The Tioga High School Theatre will present “Cinderella” at 6 p.m. Oct. 10 and 12 with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at 855 McKnight Road in Tioga. To purchase tickets, go to our.show/tiogacinderella.

Sabbath, food fair at Seventh-day Adventist

The North Texas Seventh-day Adventist Church will have an International Sabbath at 11 a.m. Oct. 10 at 11010 U.S. 377 with an International Food Fair at noon Oct. 11. For more information, go to northtexassdachurch. com.

Free college application week in Texas

Texas residents applying for undergraduate admission to a Texas public college or university through ApplyTexas are eligible to apply for free the week of Oct. 12-18. To learn more, go to highered.texas.gov/ free-college-application-week.

Aubrey Parks, Rec to offer Zumba

Aubrey Parks and Recreation will have Zumba from 6-7 p.m. Oct. 12 at 226 Countryside Drive. For more information, call Dusty Fife at 469-678-0889 or email dfife@aubreytx. gov.

Knowledge Nights planned in PP

A social security workshop will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St. presented by Brian Murrell with BNT Financial.

Eric Francois with Capital Plumbing will discuss cost-saving strategies, safety standards, emergency situations and quick fixes at 6 p.m. Oct. 15.

To register for either Knowledge Night, call 940-686-2639.

Starbright Center to feature ‘Hocus Pocus’

Starbright Center for the Arts will show the movie “Hocus Pocus” at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at 110 S. Washington St. Paint Your Pet (ages 10 and up) will be at 2 p.m. Oct. 18.

Starbright is seeking actors to participate in The Haunted Opera House Company from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 24. If interested, go to forms.gle/ YwgTVTrLzPv2NJoz9 by Oct. 18.

For more information or tickets, go to starbrightmpa.com.

Cross Roads to have BARKtoberfest

The town of Cross Roads will host the fourth annual BARKtoberfest from 1- 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at Cross Roads Town Park, 2042 FM 424. There will be a free microchip clinic.

AHS Theatre to present ‘Clue’

Aubrey High School Theatre Troupe 5435 will present “Clue High School Edition” at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 and 24 with a matinee at noon Oct. 24. Tickets will be $15 for performance only and $30 for performance and meal.

Truck or Treat at Springhill Park

Springhill Food Truck Park will have Truck or Treat from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 23 for trick-or-treating, face painting, snow cones, bubble show and music to celebrate the one-year anniversary at 558 Springhill Road in Aubrey.

Monaco PTO to have Trunk or Treat

The town of Providence Village is partnering with Monaco Elementary PTO for a community Truck or Treat at Monaco Elementary from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 23 at 9350 Cape Cod Blvd.

Stallion Showcase at Highpoint

Highpoint Performance Horses will host an open house and stallion showcase from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 24 at 11015 Cole Road. There will be vendors, live music and exotic animals. For more information, call 903-816-1428.

Scare on the Square in Downtown PP

Scare on the Square will be held on the Historic Pilot Point Square from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 24. There will be games and activities as well as a costume contest at 6:30 p.m. A Haunted Tour of the Opera House will be available from 5-9 p.m.

Horses, Hope benefit for Blue Sky

The 13th annual Horses and Hope will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at 5098 U.S. 377 in Krugerville to benefit Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding and Respite. To sign up or donate, go to givebutter.com/c/13thannual- horses-hope-tth6xv.

Haunted Harvest set for Aubrey

The city of Aubrey will host Haunted Harvest from 5-9:30 p.m. Oct. 31 in Downtown Aubrey.

Early voting for general election

The statewide general election day will be Nov. 3 with early voting Oct. 19-30 at 310 S. Washington St. For more information, go to votedenton. gov.

Herding Her Story student scholarship

Herding Her Story will offer a $5,000 scholarship to women pursuing careers in agriculture and the skilled trades. Applicants must be either enrolled in an accredited vocational/trade program or agriculture- related major, seniors in FFA/4H or students in graduate school and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in agriculture or related fields.

Applications are due by Nov. 13 at forms. gle/6zVANRGYeErQZmLaA.

Surviving the Holidays at Midway Church

Midway Church will have Grief-Share Surviving the Holidays from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at 9540 U.S. 377, Room 105A.

City of PP seeks choir performers

The city of Pilot Point is looking for performing choirs to be a part of Christmas on the Square on Dec. 5. If interested, email Jennifer Neal at jneal@pilotpointtx.gov.

Around Town is published weekly. Submit information to abardwell@postsignal.com.

Pilot Point libero Ava Koonce, center, and her teammates celebrate after picking up a point during the match against Callisburg. Pilot Point went on to beat Callisburg three sets to two for its first district win of the season.

That was the way the first Owens Fan Fest kicked off on Sept. 18.

'We are so proud of all of our students that you saw recognized here tonight, whether they represent Owens on the field, on the court, through music, academics, our leadership organizations, our student clubs—they are all Chaparrals, and tonight we are celebrating them,' Principal Pamela Foster said. Foster, who was celebrating and dancing along with the attendees throughout the night, said she was so grateful for the work the Owens Parent Teacher Organization poured into the event and that they continuously give to the school.

'Our PTO has worked so hard,' she said. 'They love us enough to give their time and their talents to bring this together, and [we thank] our families for coming out.'

She highlighted the importance of having places for the students to have fun together safely, which was a part of the focus of the night as well, with $5 buying the kids admission to the on-campus football field for games manned by volunteers from the PTO and the Junior Beta Club.

'We need to have a safe place for our kids to go and enjoy being a kid,' Foster said. 'And this is it. ... I want Owens to be that place where they all come because they know they feel safe here.'

Owens PTO President Kaitlin Sparks said it 'means the world' to put on such an event to bring the students, their families, the staff and local vendors together.

'What we're doing here is to make sure that we are creating a community and an involvement for all of the students,' she said. 'It's exciting. It's motivating. This whole thing is to get parents and teachers and kids all involved into the community.'

Sheena LeMay-Nelssen serves not only as the Owens PTO vice president but also as one of its teachers.

'It is a huge opportunity to get to know my students' families, get to know all the new families coming in,' she said. 'I think this is an excellent opportunity to showcase our students and the extracurriculars that they do and just being able to support these small businesses that ... I definitely support and am part of.'

She also said the kids showed their excitement with the way they behaved before running out to represent their teams, organizations and clubs.

'They were excited and pumped up,' LeMay-Nelssen said, adding a thank you to the band directors. 'The band teachers made all the signs for us.'

Both Sparks and LeMay-Nelssen were thrilled with the turnout, and they hope Fan Fest will become an annual tradition.

Sparks said the turnout was estimated at around 250300 people.

'We're hoping to continue this tradition going forward,' she said.

Ashley Strange, who was there as both a mom and a vendor with her business, Sparkle and Spirit Co., said she was also excited about the participation.

'There's a huge turnout,' she said. 'A lot of families are here. The kids are having so much fun. I love being here.'

Every Weekday

•11 a.m. Congregate meals, conversation and games. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St. 972-838-3259.

Friday, Sept. 25

•8:30 a.m. Shepherd’s Storehouse, 1189 U.S. 377, Pilot Point. 940-686-2620.

•10 a.m. Exercise Class. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St.

•11 a.m. Early Childhood Storytimes (Ages 0-6). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive.

940-365-9162.

•7 p.m. Live music with Edward Allen. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•7:30 p.m. Karaoke with Pam and Dave. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Saturday, Sept. 26

•9 a.m. Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding and Respite Purpose Mercantile, 5098 U.S. 377, Krugerville.

•9 a.m. Clifton and Nadene Irick Museum, 201 S. Jefferson St., Pilot Point.

•10:30 a.m. The Aubrey Area Museum opens for walk-in tours. Tours can also be scheduled by appointment. 209 S.

Main St. 940-343-1313.

•7 p.m. Karaoke Night. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•8:30 p.m. Live music with Limestone. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N.

Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Sunday, Sept. 27

•9 a.m. Krugerville Farmers Market. Woodland Park, 5200 U.S. 377, krugerville.org.

•Noon. American Legion Membership meeting. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point. 972-816-4353.

Monday, Sept. 28

•8:30 a.m. Shepherd’s Storehouse. 1189 U.S. 377, Pilot Point. 940-686-2620.

•10 a.m. Exercise Class. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St.

•7 p.m. Recovery Care Group. Midway Church, 9540 U.S. 377, Pilot Point.

Tuesday, Sept. 29

•8:30 a.m. Positive Pilot Point meets for breakfast and fellowship. PointBank Community Center, 739 E. Liberty St.

•9:30 a.m. Games. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St. 972-838-3259.

•Noon. Lake Ray Roberts Rotary Club. PointBank Community Center, 739 E. Liberty St.

•1:30 p.m. Local Vocals Community Singers. Contact Charlotte Petermeier, 214-514-4892.

•6 p.m. Jam Sessions. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•6:30 p.m. DivorceCare. Midway Church, 9540 U.S. 377, Pilot Point.

•6:30 p.m. Providence Homeowners Association board.

Providence HOA Clubhouse, 809 Oakcrest Drive, Providence Village. 940-440-2200.

•7 p.m. Poker tournament. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Wednesday, Sept. 30

•8:30 a.m. Shepherd’s Storehouse. 1189 U.S. 377, Pilot Point. 940-686-2620.

•9 a.m. Mountain Springs Quilters. Mountain Springs Community Center, 173 Mountain Springs Lane. 940-736-8013.

•10 a.m. Exercise Class. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St.

•10 a.m. Baby & Toddler Storytime (ages 0-2). Pilot Point Community Library, 324 S. Washington St. 940-686-5004.

•10:30 a.m. Little Readers Book Club (ages 2-5). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive. 940-365-9162.

•10:45 a.m. Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5). Pilot Point Community Library, 324 S. Washington St. 940-686-5004.

•1 p.m. Clifton and Nadene Irick Museum, 201 S. Jefferson St., Pilot Point.

•4:30 p.m. Music & Movement (ages 1-6). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive. 940365-9162.

•5 p.m. Aubrey Book Club. Aubrey Area Library, Community Center, 226 Countryside Drive.

940-365-9162.

•6 p.m. Music Bingo. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•6 p.m. Pilot Point Bearcat Booster Club. Pilot Point High School fieldhouse, 1300 N.

Washington St., Pilot Point.

•6 p.m. Queen of Hearts. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

•7 p.m. Karaoke Wednesdays with Pam and Dave. Lowbrows Saloon, 200 S. Washington St.

•7:30 p.m. Pool tournament. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Thursday, Oct. 1

•9 a.m. Clifton and Nadene Irick Museum, 201 S. Jefferson St., Pilot Point.

•9:30 a.m. Games. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St. 972-838-3259.

•10:30 a.m. Little Readers Book Club (ages 2-5). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive. 940-365-9162.

•10:30 a.m. Stitch & Sketch (ages 10-adult). Pilot Point Community Library, 324 S. Washington St. 940-686-5004.

•11 a.m. Tioga Senior Center open for refreshments, games and bingo. 305 N. Porch St.

•11:30 a.m. Women’s Lunch.

First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St., Pilot Point.

940-686-2338.

•6 p.m. Bingo Night. Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W. Main St.

•6:30 p.m. Pilot Point Planning and Zoning. Pilot Point City Hall, 102 E. Main St. 940-686-2165.

•7:30 p.m. Karaoke with Pam and Dave. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Friday, Oct. 2

•8:30 a.m. Shepherd’s Storehouse, 1189 U.S. 377, Pilot Point. 940-686-2620.

•10 a.m. Exercise Class. Pilot Point Senior Center, 310 S. Washington St.

•11 a.m. Early Childhood Storytimes (Ages 0-6). Aubrey Area Library, 226 Countryside Drive.

940-365-9162.

•2 p.m. Friends of the Pilot Point Community Library. Pilot Point Community Library, 324 S.

Washington St. 940-686-5004.

•7:30 p.m. Karaoke with Pam and Dave. Vaughn-Walling American Legion Post 550, 905 N. Foundation St., Pilot Point.

Community Calendar is published weekly. To add or change a listing, email abardwell@postsignal.com.

Martin Edwards/ The Post-Signal

The team earned first place in the 4A Division and first place as Overall Grand Champion.

After each ensemble’s performance throughout the contest, two clinicians— Joe Smith, director of percussion and beginner percussion at Wills Point ISD, and Addison Pellegrino, the percussion director at Burleson Centennial High School—provided feedback through an on-field clinic, with the focus on improvement.

“It's really important for us as judges to help out; many of these schools are 1A, 2A, 3A, and they may or may not have a percussion director,” Smith said. “So, we might be the real key feedback that takes what the hard work the students are already doing and amplifies it almost literally, if not figuratively, so that they get the credit they deserve.”

In their role, they answer questions and serve as a second pair of eyes, offering a different perspective that directors can benefit from when preparing for competitions, including UIL contests, Smith said.

“It's just reassuring that we're on the right track this season,” said Chris Mutz, assistant band director and percussion director at Aubrey ISD.

He added that none of the critiques the students received were a surprise, but that it can be good for the students to have that reinforced from other band directors.

“We're going to continue building from here and take it day by day and keep pushing to have a great season,” Mutz said.

The Pilot Point High School Drumline was the final performance of the event, performing an exhibition of their 2026 program titled 'Seasons In A Bottle.'

Afterward, the band also received feedback to help them build on their performance.

“I'm an educator by heart; I've done it for so many years,” Pellegrino said. “I like helping students anywhere. Before I joined my current program, I was just kind of a freelancer the past two years, working at programs all across DFW and Louisiana and all over the place. I like just seeing other drumlines and helping them out where I can.”

In addition to Aubrey, Muenster High School took home the 2A trophy and Howe High School took home the award for the top 3A band, and in the overall results, 4A Lake Dallas High School took second and Howe took third.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION – A man, 23, was arrested by Cross Roads police Sunday on a charge of public intoxication in the 11700 block of U.S. 380.

ROAD RAGE – A woman, 46, reported a road rage incident Sunday to Cross Roads PD near the intersection of U.S. 380 and Walmart Drive.

CRASH – On Sunday, CRPD investigated a twovehicle accident with no injuries near the intersection of U.S. 380 and FM 424.

ASSAULT – Krugerville police were dispatched to an assault call around noon Sunday in the 100 block of Faircrest Drive.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS – A juvenile was arrested Sunday by Aubrey police on a charge of criminal trespass in the 900 block of U.S. 377.

TRAFFIC – A traffic stop investigation Saturday by Cross Roads PD resulted in locating an unlawful license plate in the 10000 block of U.S. 380.

CRASH – A two-vehicle accident Sept. 18 was reported to Cross Roads police near the intersection of U.S. 377 and Fishtrap Road.

SHOPLIFTING – A woman, 43, was arrested Sept. 18 by CRPD on a charge of theft, greater than $100 less than $750, during a shoplifting investigation in the 11700 block of U.S. 380.

CRASH – On Sept. 18, Cross Roads PD responded to a two-vehicle crash with minor injuries in the 2400 block of U.S. 380.

THEFT – A retailer reported to Cross Roads police Sept. 18 that an unknown man got into a cash drawer and took loose change in the 11700 block of U.S. 380.

ILLEGAL DUMPING – At 4:12 p.m. Sept. 16, KVPD received a report of illegal dumping of boxed hot water heaters in the 5300 block of U.S. 377.

ASSAULT – A man, 45, was arrested Sept. 16 by Pilot Point PD on a charge of assault causes bodily injury family member in the 14000 block of Birch Farm Drive.

CRASH – Cross Roads police investigated a twovehicle crash Sept. 16 near the intersection of U.S. 380 and FM 424. No injuries were reported.

WELFARE CONCERN – Around 3 a.m. Sept. 16, Krugerville PD responded to a welfare concern call in the 800 block of Fairmeadows Circle.

FOUND PROPERTY – A local resident found a cell phone Sept. 15 and turned it in to the PPPD in the 1700 block of North Washington Street.

DWLI – A 33-year-old was arrested Sept. 15 by APD on a charge of driving while license invalid with previous convictions in the 2700 block of Main Street.

ACCIDENT – A twovehicle accident was dispatched to Cross Roads police Sept. 14 in the 7300 block of U.S. 377.

FRAUD – A man, 19, lost a credit card and reported unauthorized transactions Sept. 14 to CRPD in the 11700 block of U.S. 380.

TERRORISTIC THREAT – Pilot Point PD responded to a terroristic threat call Sept. 14 in the 600 block of Aspen Street.

CRASH – A three-vehicle crash with no report of injury was dispatched Sept. 14 to Cross Roads PD near the intersection of U.S. 377 and FM 424.

-Kim Fleming

The Bulldogs sent the Tomcats scrambling back to Tom Bean with an offense showcase, totaling over 600 yards and 7 touchdowns, headlined by quarterback Camden Stephens.

“Our thing early this season is to be a program rooted in the process, and it’s been a little different this year, but I’m just grateful to our kids for trusting us and playing well tonight, knowing how our nondistrict [schedule] is set up, and it paid off with a 60-0 score at halftime,” said Zach Birdwell, Tioga athletic director and head football coach.

It was all Tioga from the opening kickoff, with Stephens connecting with receiver Jaxson Hurst for a 63-yard touchdown pass on his first throw of the game, giving the Bulldogs an 8-0 lead after a successful 2-point conversion.

Stephens called his own number on the Bulldogs’ second touchdown, racing around the right edge of the Tomcats’ defense for a 35-yard touchdown run, making the score 16-0 midway through the first quarter.

Tioga turned the ball over with an interception on their next possession, but Stephens bounced back on the fourth drive, finding receiver Quesyn Arrington open behind the Tomcats’ defense for a 44-yard bomb that gave the Bulldogs a three-score lead.

On the ensuing Bulldogs’ drive, Stephens found receiver Kyson Kirkland wide open, hitting him in stride for a 74-yard touchdown connection.

A few plays later Stephens called his own number again on a designed run and sliced through Tom Bean’s defense for a 75-yard touchdown run, extending the Bulldogs' first-half lead.

The Bulldogs would add three more touchdowns before halftime, with a screen pass to Hurst, a fumble returned for a touchdown and a 20yard touchdown run by running back Jake David to take a 60-0 lead.

The Tomcats would score in the second half after the Bulldogs rested their starters, but Tioga held on to take the win 6020.

Stephens finished the night with 491 yards of total offense and 6 TDs, with Hurst finishing as his top target with 169 yards receiving on 4 catches and 2 TDs.

Stephens said he was at a loss for words after his first night as Tioga’s signal caller.

“I don’t even know how to describe it,” he said. “That first touchdown was an adrenaline dump. After all the stress we've dealt with and the work we put in this week, just to get the throw off and see it pay off like it did was perfect.”

Arrington added that the win was even more special because of the homecoming crowd.

“We were hungry; it's homecoming, and everybody was here to watch us, so we had to play our hearts out for them,” he said.

With Tioga’s record now sitting at .500, Birdwell emphasized that the Bulldogs still have all their season goals ahead of them.

“We were sitting at 0-2 after playing an unbelievable Fort Worth Southwest Christian team, and we challenged our kids to start a three-week process of getting back to 3-2, and they checked the second box tonight,” he said. “We’re looking to check the last one next week before we roll into district, so we have one more game to finish nondistrict and get some guys healthy.”

Tioga will conclude the nondistrict portion of its schedule on the road against Carrollton Prince of Peace High School at 7 p.m. Friday at Eagle Stadium.

With their season back on track, the 2-2 Tioga Bulldogs go back on the road this Friday to face the 0-5 Carrollton Prince of Peace Eagles.

Despite their opponents' record, Zach Birdwell, Tioga athletic director and head football coach, emphasized that the Bulldogs will look to continue building their momentum in their final nondistrict matchup before they head into their bye week.

“[Prince of Peace] is a ball club whose record doesn’t really reflect who they are as a team,” he said. “They’ve battled injuries early on, but they still have some weapons, and the last time we played a private school we were sitting at 0-2, and we decided that we would do whatever it took to be 3-2 rolling into district, and this is the last hurdle.”

Prince of Peace enters the contest still looking for their first win of the season after falling to McKinney Christian Academy 65-14 in Week 5. The Eagles offense is led by quarterback Tripp Wilcoxson, who has thrown for 293 yards and four touchdowns on the season, with receiver Graham Turner, who leads the team with 208 yards receiving, 113 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns, serving as their top weapon.

“They do some really good stuff scheme-wise, and there aren’t too many 2A private schools with a 6-foot-4-inch quarterback, like No. 2, that can run and throw, and not many that have a running back as good as what we’re about to see,” Birdwell said. “They’re a wellcoached team with some good skill players on both sides of the ball.”

Offensively, Birdwell said the Bulldogs are looking to clean things up before they enter district play.

“Right now, we’re viewing our offense the same way we view our defense in that we’re not looking to take any steps back after the progress we showed last week,” he said. “We had an interception and lost a fumble last week, so there are things we can fix because there are going to be games where two turnovers will be too many for us to be able to win in a big game, but last week was a good first step, and we hope to build on that this week.”

Tioga and Carrollton Prince of Peace are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. Friday at Eagle Stadium.

Pilot Point Lady Cat Ellasyn Chaney leads group of runners during the girls 5,000-meter run at the Ray Braswell Invitational. The Lady Cats finished ninth overall out of 29 teams at the event. Jennifer Neal/Contributing Photographer

The Lady Chaps hit the hardwood running in the early portion of the match but needed a late surge to come from behind and close out their third district win of the season.

“We’ve been working on some things, like playing on the other side of the net and tempo passing, and we did a good job of that tonight,” Aubrey head volleyball coach Whitney Marriott said. “Seeing us implement what we've been working on in practice was awesome, but we weren’t as crisp and clean as we would have liked to be through the sets. We had a long week after traveling to Sunnyvale, which was a big game, but I was very pleased to come out with the win tonight.”

Aubery took the opening set in convincing fashion, outscoring Lake Dallas 2512.

The second set was a much closer contest, with the two squads trading points until the Lady Chaps were able to pull away midway through the period to win 25-17.

Despite being down two sets, Lake Dallas turned the tables on Aubrey in Set 3, building a 4-0 lead early in the period.

The two teams traded kills, with the Lady Falcons finding themselves up 13-8 midway through Set 3, but that’s where the Lady Chaps found their footing and rallied from behind to take the final set 25-21.

“We did a really good job of making the adjustments that we needed in Set 3 and digging ourselves out of that hole,” Marriott said.

Senior outside hitter Chloe Miller led Aubrey with 12 kills, followed by junior middle blocker Paisley Hopper, who had 11 kills, while Miller and sophomore libero Emma Conley led the defense, combining for 41 digs.

Marriott also highlighted setter duo junior Landry Hampton and sophomore Reese Martino, who combined for 35 assists.

“They came in with some ginormous shoes to fill,” she said. “Baylee [Hampton] holds almost every volleyball record here at Aubrey, but they’ve been confident and have done a really good job, and at times you wouldn’t know that we have different setters from last year. … Those two are hungry and really want to go be the best versions of themselves that they can be.”

Landry said the two have worked hard to replace her older sister, Baylee, who was an all-state setter.

“We’ve been working on being offensive in practice, and we used that in this match where we really tried to focus on pushing to corners,” she said.

Martino added that Baylee helped provide the perfect blueprint for the Lady Chaps’ new duo.

“We’ve been putting in a lot of hours in practice and trying to put what we’ve learned into games, and while we could have been a lot cleaner, overall, we’ve been playing really well and just need to keep the same energy going into our next match,” she said.

The Lady Chaps followed their win over Lake Dallas with a clean sweep over the Lady Bobcats of Krum on Tuesday.

Aubrey is scheduled to face Sanger at 4:30 p.m. Friday at Aubrey High School.