Sports

Almendarez Breaks 1,000 Yards

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Just before Thanksgiving, Fort Stockton senior running back Nick Almendarez sat down with student host Nacho Ramirez on the latest episode of Tumbleweed Talk, sharing an honest and personal look back at his breakout season — one that officially placed him in the Panthers’ record books. Almendarez entered Fort Stockton’s final game against Lubbock Estacado sitting just shy of the 1,000-yard milestone.

Panthers Battle Through Pre-Break Challenges

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The Fort Stockton Panthers closed out their final contest before Thanksgiving Break still searching for their first win of the young basketball season. The varsity squad hosted Midland on Tuesday, where an experienced Bulldogs team controlled the pace and handed Fort Stockton an 80–57 loss.
Fort Stockton JV guard Frankie Ramos brings the ball up the floor during the Panthers’ home game at Panther Gym. Courtesy Photo

Fort Stockton Basketball Presses Through November

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FSMS Teams Surge The high school basketball season continued this past week as the Fort Stockton Panthers and Prowlers navigated a challenging set of non-district matchups, while the middle school programs put together several impressive showings against Pecos and at the Andrews Tournament. The Panther Varsity Boys extended their in-season road stretch with a difficult trip to Levelland on Friday, where momentum proved hard to come by in a 100–52 loss.

Hanson Makes Area, Shares Her Journey Through FFA Creed Speaking

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Fort Stockton High School sophomore Meagan Hanson has continued her rise in FFA competition this fall, earning her way back to the Area level in Creed Speaking—one of the organization’s most tradition- rooted leadership events. Hanson sat down with TumbleweedTalk host Carla Vazquez for a student-produced interview, sharing insight into her preparation, her love for public speaking, and the role FFA has played in her growth as a communicator and leader.
FSHS students Carla Vazquez and Meagan Hanson record an episode of TumbleweedTalk, where Hanson discussed her advancement to Area in FFA Creed Speaking. Screenshot courtesy of Tumbleweed+ Student Broadcasting

Howell Outlines Panther Vision

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Fort Stockton High School Athletic Director and Head Football Coach DJ Howell used his Nov. 19 staff report to the Fort Stockton ISD Board of Trustees to deliver a clear and candid message regarding the future of the Panthers program.
Fort Stockton Athletic Director and Head Football Coach DJ Howell holds one of the Panthers’ Gold Ball trophies from seasons past during the Decals with Dads event earlier this year. Howell has emphasized that honoring the program’s history is part of building an “elite” future—reminding his players that every new standard begins with the legacy they choose to carry forward. Photo by Tristian Barragan, Fort Stockton Pioneer

Fort Stockton Basketball Opens Season Across HS and MS Courts

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Fort Stockton basketball season is officially underway across both the high school and middle school levels, with the Panthers and Prowlers stepping into their early contests and setting the foundation for the months ahead. From varsity matchups to middle school tournament preparation, the opening week offered a clear look at each team’s energy, potential, and emerging standouts.
The Panthers gather in prayer before their opening tip-off under new head coach Marcus Klingsick. Photo by Tristian Barragan, Fort Stockton Pioneer
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