Larson, Clarke Record Patriot First.

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[size=12pt]Larson, Clarke record Patriot first[/size]

By Nathan Hague
The Baytown Sun
Published February 4, 2010


Goose Creek Memorial saw its first two athletes sign at the college level Wednesday morning.

Quarterback Cody Larson signed with Concordia University of Seward, Neb., and offensive lineman Darrell Clarke signed with Northwestern Oklahoma State in Alva, Okla.

Northwestern Oklahoma is a Division I school in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Concordia is a Division II school in the NAIA.

Both Larson and Clarke are proud to be the first student athletes to come out of Goose Creek Memorial and move up to the next level.

GCM football coach Bret Boyd said his two football stars have set a precedent.

“It’s really exciting,” Boyd said. “They’re role models for the program who will use their ability to further their education. They’re the first to do it and we’re excited about seeing others do it in the future.”

Earlier in the month, Larson visited his future school and said it didn’t take long to decide that was where he wanted to attend college.

“It’s a long way, but when I went for a visit, I liked the atmosphere,” Larson said. “It had a small town atmosphere which was nice.”

Larson plans on majoring in kinesiology and says he eventually plans on coaching.

Clarke, who plans on majoring in business and criminal law, said he liked what he saw at Northwestern Oklahoma.

“I liked the facilities and the atmosphere of the campus,” Clarke said. “The overall atmosphere was great.”

Sterling had no players sign scholarships on National Letter of Intent Signing Day, but the day was an active one at other area schools.

District 19-4A Most Valuable Player Payton Ploch of Dayton signed with Lamar University, which will play as an independent in 2010 before joining the Southland Conference in 2011.

His Dayton teammate, 19-4A defensive player of the year Tony Hill, signed with Stephen F. Austin State of the Southland Conference.

A third Bronco, offensive lineman Chance McCormack, signed with Blinn College.

Barbers Hill lineman Tim Barton signed with Kansas Wesleyan College, a Division II school in the NAIA.

“They called and really wanted me to come,” said the 6-4, 270-pound Barton. “They have a good sound team.”

Crosby’s cornerback M.J. Mathis signed with Kilgore College, a two-year school in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference of the NJCAA.

“It’s just like Crosby,” he said. “It’s in the middle of the country.”

Mathis also decided to sign shortly after visiting the campus and he said he plans to try out for the basketball team as well.

Another player with area ties who has signed with a four-year school is former Sterling and La Marque player Erroll Garrett, Jr.

Garrett, who moved from Baytown to La Marque after his father was named principal there, played the last two years at linebacker for Navarro College’s two-time JUCO conference champs. He signed to continue his career at Nazarene University, an NAIA school in Oklahoma City