"You can't judge a book by its cover"

That old proverb has held it truth over the centuries, reinforcing the idea that someone or something should not be judged simply on the outer appearance.

In regards to the book Down Trails of Victory, however, its cover is a perfect representation of the content within.

Stories sleep between the covers of a book. These stories awake when uncovered.

The stories of PN-G football are more than a collection of anecdotes and records. They are a genealogy of those who have gone before, and a passing along of a special spirit.

In this podcast, Buck and Wanda Carole discuss the fascinating development of this iconic book cover. Like the book itself, the book's cover is a classic--it will hold its truth forever.

Names of people mentioned in the podcast include Bubba Busceme, Gerry Mouton, Stephen Hellweg, Ed Blissick, Lew Ford, Shelby Ford, and Christine Morace.

Hear the never-told story about the iconic cover of Down Trails of Victory.

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"The Best High School Football Rivalry in the NATION!"--Sports Illustrated, October 2024

"Mid County Madness," the term coined by sportswriter Tom Halliburton to describe the football rivalry between Port Neches-Groves and Nederland, can trace its origin back to 1925, when each of these schools started their respective football programs.

In commemoration of 100 years of PN-G and Nederland football, Dr. Jon Buck Ford and Judge Brad Burnett discuss this historic rivalry with three legendary sportswriters who covered the players, coaches, personalities, and games at various times throughout the years: Burt Darden, Russ Devillier, and Tom Halliburton.

Names of people mentioned in the podcast include Luther "Red" Garner, C. O. Wilson, Jeff Bergeron, Doug Ethridge, Joe Heiling, Larry Neumann, Matt Burnett, Dr. Jeff Price, Joey Price, Darrell Royal, Steve Pate, Bill Yeoman, Cecil Green, Blake Green, Craig Guillory, Robert Giblin, Craig Harmon, Wilson Weber, David Findley, Andy Gilbert, Richey Ethridge, Herbie Atkins, Mike Havard, Kyle Aguillard, Ricky Matt, Neal Morgan, Pat Johnson, Gene McCollum, Bum Phillips, Steve DeRouen, Don Clayton, Scott Rich, Jeff Joseph, Bobby August, Danny Malone, Dustin Long, Keith Waguespack, Roschon Johnson, Kevin Barbe, Micah Mosley, Aubrey Brisendine, Richard Bethea, Zach Byrd, Wade Phillips, Ladd Herzeg, Donna Halliburton, Genie Montie West, Dennis Walsh, Larry Walsh, Jimmy Singletary, Larry Wiley, Bob Osius, Damon West, Grayson West, Dick Oliver, and Cotton Speyer, among others.

Also included in the podcast is a special tribute to three sportswriters who were a big part of this rivalry and Southeast Texas sports, but are no longer with us: Bob West, John Devillier, and Larry Bodin.

Hear these illustrious sportswriters celebrate Nederland and PN-G's 100-year rivalry, and also pay tribute to their distinguished deceased colleagues...

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"Sooner or Later, Your Cousin's DNA is Going to Solve a Murder"

--New York Times headline, April 25, 2019

In 2025, that time is NOW rather than sooner or later.

Detective Tina Lewallan of the Beaumont Police Department, and Shera Lapoint, a forensic genealogist known as "The Gene Hunter," discuss their role in solving the 25-year old cold case murder of Beaumont teacher Mary Catherine Edwards.

In March 2024, Clayton Bernard Foreman was convicted of the murder by a Jefferson County jury. The case was solved by matching DNA evidence found at the scene, with DNA matches on genealogical family trees.

The trial was widely covered by local media, and also was featured nationally on CBS's 48 Hours, ABC's 20/20, Texas Monthly, and Nancy Grace. It was the first high-profile case in Southeast Texas to reach a conviction using forensic genetic genealogy methods.

Detective Lewallan and Ms. Lapoint spearheaded the genealogical component of the investigation. Hear the story of their historic and remarkable journey on this case.

Names of people mentioned in the podcast include Detective Aaron Lewallan, Texas Ranger Brandon Bess, and Nancy Grace, among others.

Tina Lewallan and Shera Lapoint re-trace their journey solving the 25-year old cold case, immersing themselves into DNA and family trees, in their pursuit of justice.

Hear the incredible behind-the-scenes story.

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!