By Chris Moore

Special to The News

PORT NECHES — Burnt orange and Cardinal red were sprinkled into the mass of purple teachers, friends and family that showed up to Port Neches-Groves High School on Wednesday to see Jackson Christian and Mason Wuenschel sign letters of intent to play college ball.

Christian, one of the top offensive linemen in the state, signed with the University of Texas Longhorns, while Wuenschel, who plays linebacker for PNG signed to play both football and baseball for the Lamar Cardinals.

Christian said he felt good to get the signing out of the way, even though he made the decision to choose Texas public back in May.

“A lot of stress is gone,” he said. “I am very excited that I picked a good school. I am very excited to get there and start working.”

The lineman said Texas started recruiting him early in the process, offering him his fourth scholarship.

“They have great coaches, and I believe they are the best at what do,” he said.

Christian said it felt good to share the moment with his teammate.

“Right now, I am still a PNG Indian,” he said. “I haven’t closed that chapter of my life. I hope I get three more weeks to do that.”

Wuenschel said he is grateful to be able to be able to be a dual-sport athlete at the next level.

“I am just thankful for the coaches to allow me to be able to play two sports at Lamar,” he said.

Wuenschel is coming off one of his most impactful games as an Indian. He forced a fumble on the first play of the game against Texas High School in the third-round playoff match up. Wuenschel also threw a TD pass and ran one in out of the team’s wildcat package.

“It’s all about my teammates and them putting me in positions to make plays,” he said.

PNG Head Coach Jeff Joseph said the two players’ dedication is unmatched.

“They are gifted with good size,” he said. “They are athletic, but they didn’t take that for granted. They go to work every single day. Despite being bigger than most people, they put in work in the weight room and in practice. They do everything at full speed and to the best of their ability. I know they are going to get the most out of themselves in college.