There is no official list of greatest players, but based on performance and accolades, the individuals listed here are arguably among the best to ever play or coach at Port Neches-Groves High School.
PLAYERS
Don Miller (1948-1950) – Offensive Lineman, All-State 1950. The first Port Neches player to be selected to an All-state team, went on to star at the University of Texas.
Bobby LaBorde (1953-55) – Running back, All-State 1954-55, gained 3,193 yards rushing while at Port Neches. Starred for the Rice Owls
Gordon LeBoeuf (1953-55) – Running back, All-State 1953-55, All-American 1955, Holds record for most yards gained in a season, and is the all-time leader in rushing yards with 4,794 yards. Starred at Texas A&M, drafted by the AFL New York Titans 1960 .
Buster Wilson (1955) – Center, 3-year starter, All-District 1955, later played for SMU.
James Cooper (1958-60) – Co-captain of the 1959 Indians football and 1960 basketball team, lettered three years in each sport including track. All-district defensive back in 1959. Won the 1960 class 4A state championship in Austin in the high hurdles. Ran the mile relay in the 1960 district track meet with Richard Briggs, Bill Worsham, and Jerry Toups winning the district track championship. Attended the University of Texas and lettered three years in track, co-captain in 1964.
Mike Allman (1961) – DB, 1st team All-District, All-State. 4 year letterman Lamar University, member of Lamar’s first Southland Conference championship team in 1964, 1965 All-Southland conference defensive back. Was instrumental in their 1964 Southland Conference Championship (SLC) in the inaugural year of the SLC. Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Signed and played 2 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.
Mike Simpson (1963-1964) – WR/DB, All-District 1964, member of national record setting 440-yard relay team, state champion in 220-yard dash. Played with Wade Phillips at the University of Houston, drafted by NFL San Diego Chargers, also played for San Francisco 49ers.
Wade Phillips (1964) – QB/Linebacker, All-District 1964, 3-year starting linebacker at the University of Houston, longtime NFL coach, former NFL head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans. Acknowledged as one of the best defensive coordinators in the history of the NFL, he currently serves that role for the Denver Broncos, and was chosen as the 2015 NFL Assistant Coach of the Year. Inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
Robert Hall (1964-66) – Offensive tackle and defensive end. All-district in 64-66, All-State in 1966. Played in the 1966 THSCA game, the 1966 Big 33 All Star Game, and the 1966 Oil Bowl Game. Attended the University of Houston starting two years on the Cougar MADD Dog defense.
Randy Lee (1966-67) – Middle Linebacker, 1967 Dave Campbell Super Team, 1967 1st Team All-State, Starting Linebacker at Rice for 2 years and Offensive Guard for 1 season (after a serious knee injury) at Rice University. His description from DCTF – RANDY LEE, Port Neches-Groves 6-1, 192, senior. Among the best in a splendid crop of linebackers, also works at tackle. “A great football player,” testifies coach Ken Watson. “He has the size, speed, agility, strength and loves to hit”. Literally a destructive tackler, Lee smashed 4 sets of shoulder pads as a junior. An outstanding team player, honor student.
Tommy Landry (1967-69) – All-District, starred for the University of Texas Longhorns
Robert Giblin (1969-1970) – Defensive Back, 2-Time All-American linebacker at Univ. of Houston, Giblin was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1978. He was later traded to the New York Giants. A member of the Gulf Coast Museum.
Floyd Keeney (1969-70) – Linebacker, All-District 1970, All-SWC linebacker at Texas Tech.
Brad Burnett (1971-73) – Defensive End, All-District 1971-72, 1972 Golden Triangle Super 22, 1972 TSWA All-State
Jeff Bergeron (1970-72) – Running back, 1971-72 All-State, 1972 All-American, Univ. of Houston/Lamar University. Drafted by Seattle Seahawks in 1978.
Matt Burnett (1973-74) – Defensive Lineman, 1974 All-State, All-Southland Conference at Lamar University, Tried out with Houston Oilers. Assistant coach at PN-G (1987-93) Head coach at PN-G (1993-2008).
Jim Bob Helduser (1973-1974) – Offensive Lineman on the 1974 state semifinalist team. All-District offensive guard in 1973 and 1974. Played college football at Texas Lutheran followed by an illustrious 30-year career in coaching. 1979-1983 Rice (TE/WR), 1984-1985 Alief Elsik High School (coach), 1986-1991 Texas State (QB/WR/OL), 1992-1996 Texas State (Head Coach), 1997 Lake Travis High School (Head Coach),1998-2000 TCU (OL), 2001-2002 Alabama (OL), 2003-2007 Texas A&M (OL), Bryan HS (Off. Coord.) 2007-2009.
Kyle Aguillard (1974-75) – Tight End, 1975 All-State, A prototypical tight end at 6’6″ 220 pounds, “Aggie” was always a dangerous target in the Indian passing attack and a strong blocker. He later starred for the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
Wilson Weber (1973-75) – Linebacker, 1975 All-State, Texas Longhorns.
Mark Buchanan (1973-75) – Receiver/Running back, three year starter, 2,678 yards total offense, All-District 1973-75, 1974-75 District 22-4A MVP, 1975 All-State.
Randy Johnson (1973-75) – All-state defensive back.
Ted Brack (1976-77) – Linebacker, 1976 All-District, 1976 Super Team, 1976 All-State, 1977 District 22-4A MVP, 1977 Defensive Player of the Year, 1977 All-District, 1977 Super Team, 1977 All-State, starred for the TCU Horned Frogs.
Jeff Cooley (1975-77) – Offensive Lineman, three year starter, 1976 All-District, 1976 Super Team, 1977 All-District, 1977 Super Team, 1977 All-State.
Jackie Havard (1975-76) – Defensive Back/Quarterback/Punter, 1976 All-District, District 22-4A MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, All-State.
Richy Ethridge (1975-76) – Quarterback, 1976 All-State, Eldest son of PN-G coaching legend Doug Ethridge, led the potent Indian offensive attack for two seasons including the 1975 championship season. A talented passer and a powerful runner at 6’0′ 200 pounds, he was selected to the All-State team in 1976. He later starred for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Robert DeRutte (1977) – Defensive Back, 1977 All-District, 1977 Super Team, 1977 All-State, a formidable defensive back at 6’7″ 200 pounds with 4.6 speed, later starred for the LSU Tigers.
Justin Eicher (1977) – Runningback, 1977 All-District, 1977 Offensive Player of the Year, 1977 Super Team, 1977 All-State. 200 pound tailback who, along with fullback James Shipley, led a potent Indian running game through an undefeated season and a state championship appearance.
James Shipley (1975-77) – Runningback, 1977 All-District, 1977 Super Team, 1977 All-State. Quick, hard running fullback that was a key in the potent Indian running game. Rushed for 1,240 yards during the 1977 season.
Howard Kern (1975-77) – Offensive Lineman, 1976 All-District, 1976 Super Team, 1977 All-District, 1977 Super Team, 1977 All-State.
Keith Waguespack (1988-1990) – Kicker, 1989-1990 All-State, 1990 All-American, Texas A&M
Ron McGill (1988-1989) – Runningback, In 1989 gained 1,493 yards rushing, scored 27 touchdowns, and was named 20-4A MVP and selected to the All-State team.
David Whitehead (1988-1990) – Offensive Lineman, All-State OL 1989, All-State OL and DL 1990, starred for Baylor Bears.
Dustin Long (1997-1999) – Quarterback, Led Indians to 30 wins during his three seasons, Passed for 6,173 yards and 56 touchdowns in his high school career, All-District 1998, 1999, All-State 1999, Southeast Texas Offensive MVP 1999, Record setting QB at Texas A&M and Sam Houston State, Played one season NFL Europe.
Jeremy Davis (1999-2001) – Offensive Lineman, All-State 2001, Division II All-American – Northwest Missouri State.
Chris Gohlke (1998-1999) – Safety, 1999 All-District, Super Team. Hard hitting free safety who led the 1999 state finalist team defensive secondary.
Chase Bertrand (2010-2011) – Runningback, All-State 2010 and 2011, in 2011 rushed for 1,885 yards, second only to Gordon LeBoeuf, and 24 touchdowns. In 2010 rushed for 1,264 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Jayce Nelson (2010-2011) – Wide Receiver, led Indians to a 7-3 overall record in 2011 … District 20-4A Offensive MVP as a senior … Honorable mention all-state selection as a junior and senior … Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold First Team as a junior and senior … Named to Port Arthur News Super Team as a junior and senior … Caught 62 passes for 1,033 yards and 10 touchdowns, setting school records at the time for receiving yards, touchdowns and receptions in a single season … Second all-time in career receiving yards (2,173). Second all-time for most receiving yards in a single game (210). All-State Academic selection as a senior.
Jeremiah Rose (2012-2013)- Wide Receiver, caught 90 passes for 1,176 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior at Port Neches-Groves High School on the way to District 20-4A Offensive Most Valuable Player honors … Named the area’s Offensive MVP by the Port Arthur News … Honorable mention All-State and first team Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold Team selection. All-time leader in career receptions (154), second all-time in season receptions (90),Third all-time in career receiving yards (1,860).
Adam Morse (2013-2015)- Quarterback, passed for 6,298 yards, 475 completions, 67 touchdowns while starting two seasons. Holds record for most career yards passing (6,298), most pass completions in a single game (34), most yards in a single game (383) , most touchdowns in a single game (6), most touchdowns in a single season (36), and second most passing yards in a season (2937) and completions in a season (216), passed for 250+ yards in 12 games during his career. Named All-State in 2014 and 2015, Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold in 2014, PA News 22-5A Offensive MVP in 2015, Willie Ray Smith Award finalist in 2014 and 2015, All-District 2014-2015.
Preston Riggs (2016-2017) – 2-year starter at Wide Receiver, caught 72 passes for 1,403 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior, 53 passes for 1,045 yards and 9 touchdowns as a junior. Most receiving yards in a career (2,448), most career touchdown receptions (28), most receiving yards in a single game (227) and most touchdown catches in a game (4). Three games with 150+ yards receiving, third most catches in a game (12). District 20-5A Offensive Most Valuable Player honors … Named the area’s Offensive MVP by the Port Arthur News … Named TSWA All-State wide receiver in 2016, 2017, AP All-State WR in 2016, Port Arthur News Super Team 2016 and 2017, 2017 Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold Team. Soccer: 4-year varsity starter, 2017 22-5A Offensive Player of the Year, 2018 Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold Boys Soccer Player of the Year, Graduated holding All-time leader in career goals scored (93), 2017 All-State Soccer. Track: and Field 2017 5A All-State Track Meet (High Jump).
Roschon Johnson (2016-2018) – Quarterback – All-American quarterback who was a three-time all-district player … finished as Port Neches-Groves all-time leading passer with 7,710 yards and second all-time leading rusher with 4,900 yards … posted 85 touchdowns both passing and rushing … selected to play in the 2019 Under Armour All-American Game … participated in the 2018 Nike Elite 11 … ranked No. 50 in the state and No. 9 as a dual-threat quarterback by Rivals … listed as the No. 49 player in Texas and No. 14 dual-threat quarterback by 247Sports … No. 86 nationally, No. 12 in Texas, No. 14 regionally and the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback nationally according to ESPN … listed at No. 27 on the Austin American-Statesman’s Fab 55 … named 2018 second-team “Tops in Texas” and to the Super Team by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football … chosen MVP and unanimous first team in District 12-5A II … Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold Player of the Year … Port Arthur News Super team MVP… completed 161-of-282 passes for 2,343 yards and 24 touchdowns, while rushing 244 times for 1,623 yards (6.65 ypc) and 26 touchdowns in 2018 … led an offense that averaged 37.4 points per game … led Port Neches-Groves to a 9-4 overall record, including a 6-1 district mark and a district championship, and an appearance in the 5A Division II regional playoffs in 2018 … chosen first-team Super Team by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and among the Top 30 quarterbacks entering 2018 … selected MVP of district 22-5A in 2017, Willy Ray Smith Award winner for offensive play … Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold Player of the Year … Port Arthur News Super team MVP… completed 181-of-279 passes (64.9%) for 2,918 yards and 35 touchdowns with only five interceptions, while rushing 227 times for 1,627 yards (7.17 ypc) and 29 touchdowns as a junior … led an offense that averaged 48.3 points per game … totaled 598 yards (326 passing/272 rushing) and 10 touchdowns (six passing/four rushing) in a 72-69 playoff win against Crosby … helped Port Neches-Groves to a 10-2 overall record, including a 7-1 district mark and a district title, and an appearance in the 5A Division II regional playoffs in 2017… named honorable mention 5A All-State by the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2016 … selected MVP of district 22-5A … Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold First Team Offense … Port Arthur News Super team MVP… completed 143-of-232 attempts (61.6%) for 2,318 yards and 26 touchdowns with only six interceptions, while rushing 250 times for 1,650 yards (6.60 ypc) and 30 touchdowns as a sophomore … led an offense that averaged 36.8 points per game … threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 264 yards in a playoff win against Willowridge … helped Port Neches-Groves to an 11-2 overall record, including a 7-1 district mark and a share of the district title, and an appearance in the 5A Division II regional playoffs in 2016 … also competed in track and field in high school … an honor roll student in high school who maintained a 4.0 GPA entering this semester, graduating early in December 2018. Committed to University of Texas December 2018 with plans to enroll in Spring 2019. Accepted offer from The University of Texas.
Jaylen Garth (2017-2019) – Offensive Line – An all-district honoree who missed the 2019 season due to a knee injury … No. 152 nationally, No. 18 at offensive tackle, and No. 23 overall in Texas according to 247Sports … rated No. 193 on the ESPN300, No. 24 at offensive tackle and No. 31 overall in Texas by ESPN … ranked No. 40 at offensive tackle and No. 52 overall in Texas by Rivals … listed at No. 26 on the Austin American-Statesman’s Fab 55 … named first-team 2019 Super Team and to the Texas Top 300 by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football … tabbed first-team All-District 12-5A Division 2 in 2018 … missed the second half of his junior season with a knee injury … part of an offense that averaged 37.4 points per game in the seven games in which he played, including three games of 48 points or more … helped block for 474 total yards, including 227 rushing and 247 passing against Silsbee … part of a line that paved the way for 518 total yards, including 221 rushing and 297 passing against Baytown Lee … blocked for an offense that amassed 545 total yards, including 382 passing and 163 rushing against Dayton … helped Port Neches Groves to a 9-4 overall record, including a 6-1 district mark and title, and an appearance in the 5A Division 2 region playoffs in 2018 … named to the Port Arthur News Super Team in 2017 … part of an offense that averaged 48.3 points per game, including five games of 50 or more points with a high of 72, and 480 total yards per game as a sophomore … its 579 total points were the second most in school history … helped block for 543 total yards, including 342 passing yards and 201 rushing yards against Baytown Sterling … part of a line that paved the way for 638 total yards, including 336 rushing yards and 302 passing yards against Crosby … blocked for an offense that produced 478 total yards, including 300 rushing yards against College Station … helped Port Neches Groves to a 10-2 overall record, including a 7-1 district mark and title, and an appearance in the 5A Division 2 region playoffs in 2017. Accepted offer from The University of Texas.
COACHES
Gene McCollum (1946-1954) – Record: 69-27-3, 1946 Regional Champion, 1953 State Championship, 1954 State Finalist, Texas Coaches Hall of Honor.
Lewis Ford (1955-1957) – Record: 26-7, 1955 State Championship.
Bum Phillips (1963-1964) – Record: 12-6-2 , Played football at Lamar University and Stephen F. Austin State University. Later became one of the United States Marine Corps elite Marine Raiders duting WWII. Coached at the high school level in various Texas cities, including Nederland, Jacksonville, Amarillo High School, and Port Neches–Groves (1963-1964). Coached at Texas A&M with Bear Bryant (1958), University of Houston (1965–1966), SMU, OSU (1973) and was head coach for Texas El Paso (1962). Assistant coach for the NFL San Diego Chargers (1967–1970), Defensive Coordinator for Houston Oilers (1974), and Head coach of the Oilers (1975–1980) and New Orleans Saints (1981–1985).
Ken Watson (1965-1972) – Record: 59-19-3,
Doug Ethridge
Doug Ethridge (1973-1983) – Record: 88-38-2, 1975 State Championship, 1977 State Finalist, 1974,1976 Semi-Finalists, 1975-77 District 22-4A Coach of the Year, Texas Coaches Hall of Honor, 1989, Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, 1997. Coach Ethridge also won a state championship at Hobbs, NM. He passed away in 2020.
Matt Burnett (1993-2008) – Record: 95-66, 5 District Championships, 1999 State Finalist,1999 Fox Sports 4A Coach of the Year, Player info: 1974 All-State, Lamar University All Southland Conference, Lamar University Cardinal Hall of Honor, 1999, Houston Oilers.
Butch Troy – Assistant Coach and Offensive line coach 1968-1983, head coach 1984-1988. Coach Troy’s legacy as the greatest offensive line coach in PN-G history, and one of the best in the state will be difficult to surpass.
Greg Davis (Player 1967-68, Coach1975-1977) – Quarterback, All-District 1968, starred at McNeese State, coached at Tulane, McNeese State, longtime OC at University of Texas including 2005 National Championship.
PNG quarterback Blake Bost, left, head football coach Brandon Faircloth, center, and UT running back and former PNG quarterback Roschon Johnson.
Brandon Faircloth (2009-2021) – Record: 102-51, Most wins in PN-G football history, first PN-G head coach to win 100 games. Coach Faircloth’s teams won 5 district championships, appeared in the playoffs 12 of 13 seasons, reached the 3rd round 5 times, and featured the most prolific offense and quarterback play in PN-G history. 42 players were recognized as all-state during his tenure, including 1 All-American.
2011 U.S. National Team Offensive Coordinator
2012 U.S. National Team Offensive Coordinator
2013 U.S. National Team Offensive Coordinator
2014 U.S. National Team Head Coach
2016 U.S. National Team Head Coach
2018 Under Armour All-American Game Quarterbacks Coach
2009 20-4A Coach of the Year, Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold Coach of the Year
2009 Texas Football Magazine Class 4A Coach of the Year
2015 22-5A Co-Coach of the Year
2019 Port Arthur News Super Team Coach of the Year
HONORARY MEMBERS
Tip Durham – Legendary announcer James “Tip” Durham was considered the voice of the Indians for nearly half a century. His deep voice, purple boots and hat were a fixture at PN-G football games beginning in 1963 until his final years. Durham’s signature words “Bon soir mes amis. Laissez les bon temps roulet”, meaning “Good evening, friends. Let the good times roll!”, are still announced in his honor before each halftime band performance. A resident of Port Neches for 67 years he was a retired PN-G ISD Teacher with 31 years of service. A 1951 PN-G graduate and vice-president of hs senior class, he was an all-district center for the Port Neches Indians in 1950. Fans and former players will always remember his voice and undeniable support of the school and community.
Dr. Kenneth Young – Kenneth Young, a.k.a. Indian Ken lived in Groves for 39 years. He received his PhD at Lake Charles Bible College. He was a licensed Funeral Director and an ordained minister with World Ministries Fellowship. He was a member of the Emmaus Community, Walk l6. He served in the US Air Force and was an Amateur Radio Operator, K5NDN. He was an avid supporter of the PNG Indians. Ken passed way at the age of 60, January 30, 2009 at Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, AZ.
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