James Sides

James Sides was the workhorse of the running attack for the Lubbock High School 1951 State Champion Football Team. He was a senior and a tri-captain of the talented-laden team. Sides rushed for a total 1,143 sides during the season, scoring 23 touchdowns while averaging 8.7 yards per carry. He scored on 63 and 37-yard runs as the Westerners beat Baytown 14-12 at the Cotton Bowl to win the 1951 State Championship. He was named All-District and All-State.

Sides received a football scholarship to Texas Tech University, where he played from 1953 to 1955. He was named All-Border Conference as a fullback in all three seasons. He was twice mentioned Honorable Mention All-American. He was also selected as a co-captain of the 1955 team. Sides still holds the school career record with 6.2 yards per carry. Amazingly, he lost only three yards his career, and did not lose a fumble.

After college, Sides was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles and played professionally in Canada. He was inducted into the Texas Tech Athletic Hall of Fame in October of 2012. He passed away shortly after his induction.