The year was 1986, the Kennedale Wildcat Football team had just moved back up from 2A to 3A after a successful two year stint playing 2A ball. The year before they had played in their first play-off game ever. {{more:[read more]}}
Coming into the season, the Wildcats under Dan Yokeley were picked to finish 5th in their new 3A district that included Alvarado, Glen Rose, Aledo, Ferris and Hillsboro. They parlayed their 2A success into 9-2 record and went undefeated in district play at 5-0 while earning a playoff berth for the third consecutive year.
Kennedale lost out to Carroll in the playoffs. This year would mark the meteoric rise of Southlake Carroll that would propel them from the ranks of 3A through 6A, winning titles all the way.
Kennedale earned eleven all-district spots that year. Making all-district for defensive were Mike ?Dog? Snelson (Defensive Player of the Year and 1st team linebacker), Marty ?Moose? Davis (1st team lineman), Rodney ?Lips? Bishop (1st team defensive end), Paul Washington (1st team defensive secondary) Darren Lacy (1st team defensive secondary), Brad Neal (2nd team lineman) and Jeff Byrns (2nd team defensive back). Making all-district for offense were Shane Fincher (1st team quarterback and kicker), Brad Neal (1st team lineman), Darren Lacy (1st team running back), Mark Wright (1st team wide receiver), Rodney Bishop (2nd team running back), Paul Washington (2nd team running back), Jeff Byrns (2nd team wide receiver), Mike Snelson 2nd team lineman), Tim Pinkerton (2nd team tight end). Honorable mentions for offense were Kevin Pistokache, Kenneth Michaels, Marty Davis, Kenny Young and Steve Feasel. For defense Kenny Oyung, Steve Feasel, Bubba Plunk, Ruben Lopez and Tim Pinkerton.
Mike Snelson was also named All Tarrant County (141 tackles, 5 interceptions, caused 4 four fumbles and recovered one)
Coaches for the team included Richard Barrett offensive coordinator, Charles York defensive coordinator, Mark Biondi secondary coach, Mike Burke line coach/?computer whiz?. Also with the assist of Junior high coaches Jet Teague and Paul Basaldu.
For the third straight year, Dan Yokeley was named district Coach of the Year. He won Tarrant County Coach of the Year in 1985. In a commentary by the Kennedale News ?Danny Yokeley, you have truly been a godsend for Kennedale and our youth!Other photos from issue:
Spelling Bee Winners at James Arthur Elementary
Kennedale High School National Honor Society annual toy drive
KHS All-District Lady Kat Volleyball playersIf you like old photos and a look back, consider joining the Kennedale Historical Society during their membership drive now. Find our more at KennedaleHistorical Society Facebook
