Front page and lead story in today's Gatesville Messenger.
Jonesboro taking early break
State championship game causes change in holiday schedules
With the Jonesboro Eagles playing for a state championship on Wednesday, the entire district will begin an early Christmas break that same day.
The Eagles are scheduled to face Gail Borden County at 7 p.m. Wednesday in AT&T Stadium for the Class 1A Six-Man Division I state championship. Jonesboro ISD Superintendent Matt Dossey reported school will close at noon Wednesday and students will not return until Jan. 2.
The district was scheduled to dismiss early Friday to begin the Christmas break, but since the state championship game is on Wednesday, the decision was made to begin the holiday early.
The district has chartered a bus to take fans to the game, and a school bus will be used for students.
The Eagles have enjoyed a great amount of success on the football field, but this is their first trip to the state championship game.
Jonesboro has a 46-game winning streak going for regular season games and have won seven consecutive district championships.
This year, the Eagles were bumped up to Division I, which has proven to be a good move. After going undefeated during the regular season, and despite injuries and illness to leading players, the Eagles have
defeated four straight postseason foes.
They have defeated Lometa, 40-32; Newcastle, 72-34; Zephyr, 46-44; and Union Hill, 50-44. (s/b 50-46)