Month: August 2013

FOOTBALL ROUNDUP: Memorial claims first win since 2010, defeating Pearsall

Highlands beats Floresville with late field goal

East Central, McCollum coaches win debut games

Teams included: Brackenridge, Burbank, East Central, Harlandale, Highlands, Jefferson, Kennedy, Lanier, McCollum, Memorial. Sam Houston, South San.

Memorial not only won its first on-field victory since 2010 Friday at Pearsall, it did so in decisive fashion.

The Minutemen (1-0) led the entire way to claim a 31-14 victory over the Mavericks. It was the first road victory for Memorial in, possibly, a decade.

“We never let (the lead) go, but it was interesting,” second-year Memorial coach Alex Guerra said. “With the history of the school and the program, you want the kids to be excited but you need to keep them grounded. Being able to keep them focused on the sideline is crucial.”

The previous on-field win for the program was Sept. 16, 2010 at Frank Mata Stadium over Austin Eastside Memorial.

“You’d have to go way back,” Guerra said. “It was a little bit before my time. I imagine it’s been a while.

“It’s been a long time coming, and the kids have been working very hard. We stress the little things every day, and everything fell into place.”

The seeds of the win were planted during the offseason.

“These kids have a lot of character,” Guerra said. “Last year, when our season ended on a Friday, by Monday they were back in the weight room – and they never left. We have our core group of guys, and they’ve worked very hard. They knew we’d have to get physically stronger to compete.

“Pearsall is a physically tough team. Coach (David) Silva has those guys going. Our kids stood up to the challenge.”

The Minutemen took an early lead on a long pass from junior quarterback Alfred Ramos to David Manzano.

“It was a botched play and a quarterback scramble,” Guerra said. “The defensive backs seemed to come off their coverage, because Alfred can run. He kind of stood up and found David wide open. David had stayed on his route.”

Ramos later broke a 65-yard touchdown run.

“He’s deceptively fast,” Guerra said. “I like to say he has football speed. If you throw him in a track meet, I don’t think you’d win a100-yard dash with him. But, on a football field, he’s hard to contain.”

Pearsall (0-1) eventually closed within 14-7.

“They moved the ball very well,” Guerra said. “We probably had two or three fourth-and-goal series inside the red zone. It was one of those days, but our defense stood up. It was difficult because a lot of our kids play both ways.”

Memorial sophomore Raymond Garcia returned one of his two interceptions Friday 100 yards for a key touchdown.

“He had some great blocks along the way,” Guerra said. “He was very excited. I’ve been him from Day 1, telling him he was going to have to grow up fast. He told me afterward, ‘Coach, I think I’ve grown up.’ I said, You grew up a little more today.’ ”

The Minutemen increased their lead to three touchdowns and added a field goal before Pearsall scored a late touchdown. Gabriel Robles was successful from 35 yards.

“We got that input from special teams, so that was good,” Guerra said. “Our kicker doesn’t do anything else. He just kicks and punts. He was champing at the bit to get a shot. He got a shot and he nailed it.”

The Memorial coach pointed out that his Edgewood district rival Kennedy also won. The Rockets defeated Crystal City 27-7 Friday in their opening game.

“I don’t know how long its been since both Edgewood schools won their first game,” Guerra said. “They’ve handled their business. It’s been a while for us.”

Memorial takes the field again next Friday with a 7 p.m. game at Mata Stadium against  Fredericksburg, hoping to sustain the forward momentum.

“Now we have to get ready for Fredericksburg Friday,” Guerra said. “We need to get healthy. If we do and we have a good game plan, I think we have a chance.”

Highlands 17, Floresville 14

Senior Americo Ayala kicked a 32-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Owls a season-opening victory Friday in Floresville.

Highlands (1-0) didn’t take the lead until Ayala made the kick, although they tied it twice. Floresville jumped ahead with a touchdown from Gilbert Ortiz on a four-yard run at the 8:14 mark of the second quarter.

The Owls first 2013 score came on a 40-yard pass play from veteran quarterback Jordan DeLuna (20 of 36, 184 yards) to Sabian Santos (3 receptions, 54 yards).

Highlands answered again after the Tigers scored on a 35-yard pass from Koby Wilkerson to Zach Frantz that put the Owls behind 14-7 entering the fourth quarter. Elijah Garces re-tied it on a five-yard run with 6:46 remaining.

Qunidon Boston led Highlands in rushing with 55 yards on seven attempts. Tavon Johnson caught six passes for 52 yards.

Brackenridge 63, Sam Houston 0

The Eagles (1-0) announced their presence in a definitive way, routing neighborhood rival Sam Houston in the first high school football game to be played at the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex.

Any concerns about Brackenridge’s ability to replace the backs and ends it lost to graduation rapidly were put to rest. The Eagles rolled to 29 points in the first quarter, scoring on each of their four possessions.

Brackenridge gained 430 total yards while limiting the Hurricanes to 95.

Standout Eagles quarterback Ramon Richards (4 of 9, 91 yards) threw 34 yards to Jonathan King for the first touchdown. Richards also scored on runs of 15 and one yard in the quarter. He finished with 108 yards on 12 carries.

Junior Trey Mathis (68 yards, 6 carries) capped the first-quarter scoring with a 22-yard sprint. Brack ran for 330 yards on 39 tries.

Richards added a 43-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and threw a 28-yard scoring pass to speedy senior Rominique Anthony (3 receptions, 57 yards) 1:28 before halftime. The latter increased the Eagles’ lead to 42-0.

Brandon Toston (71 yards, 10 carries) ran for a pair of second-half touchdowns. Tyrus Mathis (55 yards, 7 carries) also recorded a touchdown run.

For Sam Houston, Jvoni Badie-Jones ran nine times for 36 yards. Erin Mack caught three passes for 29 yards.

East Central 21, Jay 14

The Hornets (1-0) pulled out a victory in East Central alum Clint Hartman’s first game as its coach.

A 30-yard touchdown run from Javion Polk (145 yards, 21 carries) provided the winning margin. East Central preserved the win by stopping the Mustangs (0-1) at the EC 30 on their final drive.

Rice University commit Jeremy Jones (10 of 14, 205 yards) ushered in the new era of Hornets football with an 81-yard scoring pass to junior Wanya Ward (153 yards, 3 receptions) midway through the first quarter. Jones also accounted for the second touchdown in the defense-dominated game. The senior ran 13 yards with 6:13 left in the third quarter.

New Mexico State recruit Johnathon Jackson (112 yards, 12 attempts) ran for the key two-point conversion, giving East Central a 14-0 lead. Jay tied it, strangely enough, with back-to-back fumble returns. Luis Trujillo’s 60-yard return with 5:04 remaining made it 14-14 while Jones was sitting out because of an injury.

Jay sophomore Moses Reynolds made an impressive debut as quarterback, completing 18 of 36 passes for 240 yards.

Like Hartman, Jay coach Gary Gutierrez is an East Central alum.

McCollum 35, Jefferson 0

In the night’s other stunner, in terms of margin of victory, the Cowboys (1-0) trounced Jefferson (0-1) in Juan Hinojosa’s coaching debut with McCollum.

McCollum scored twice in each of the first two quarters to win the non-district game at Harlandale Memorial Stadium. Sophomore running back Mike Ramirez (94 yards, 10 carries) accounted for the first two Cowboys touchdowns with runs of one and 42 yards.

Cowboys junior quarterback Ralph Vidal increased the lead to 21-0 with a 15-yard run. Vidal (8 of 13, 124 yards) also connected with Robert Salas with a 25-yard touchdown pass in the second half.

Stevie Diaz added the other McCollum score with a 27-yard touchdown run 25 seconds before halftime. Diaz finished with 44 rushing yards and 37 receiving yards on two catches. Jeff Valdez made three receptions for 33 yards.

Jefferson mustered 53 total yards while McCollum amassed 352.

Harlandale 31, South San 13

Senior quarterback Brandon Ramon engineered a season-opening victory for Harlandale, throwing for 215 yards and three touchdowns Friday at South San Stadium.

South San took the early lead, scoring on a 14-yard run from Christian Morales (50 yards, 10 carries). The 6-0 advantage lasted only until Harlandale ended the ensuing possession. Ramon threw 55 yards to Eddie Pedroza (70 yards, 3 receptions) to give the Indians a 7-6 lead.

Ramon also threw a pair of touchdown passes to James Mendoza (48 yards, 3 receptions), following a 77-yard touchdown from senior back Nick Martinez (150 yards, 15 carries). A 26-yard catch by Mendoza gave Harlandale a 21-6 halftime lead.

In the fourth quarter, Rueben Garcia kicked a 24-yard field goal for Harlandale and the Bobcats got on the board again when Justin Acosta scored from four yards away as time ran out.

Ian Martinez made four receptions for 50 yards and Nick Perez caught two passes for 47 yards for the Indians.

For South San, Darren Tinajero ran for 49 yards and passed for 38.

Kennedy 27, Crystal City 7

Senior Matthew Avalos ran 17 times for 166 yards and a touchdown as the Rockets romped at Frank Mata Stadium.

Avalos got things started for Kennedy with a 12-yard scoring run less than four minutes into the game. Fabian Flores returned an interception 13 yards to give the Rockets a 13-0 lead after a quarter.

Tomas Garcia also scored on an interception for Kennedy.

Isaiah Garcia (2 catches, 46 yards) notched the Rockets’ final touchdown with a 30-yard pass play from Blade Alvarado.

Somerset 39, Lanier 6

Major college prospect Koy Detmer Jr. completed 20 of 25 passes for 366 yards and five touchdowns, leading Somerset (1-0) to victory over the Voks (0-1) at the SAISD Complex.

Justin Guerra and Rocky Reyna each accumulated 170 reception yards for the Bulldogs.

Lanier gained 257 total yards, led by 128 passing yards and a touchdown from Nick Garcia. Garcia connected with Rodrigo Garcia (82 yards, 7 receptions) on a 29-yard touchdown with 6:22 remaining in the game.

Stephen Veliz ran 12 times for the Voks, gaining 80 yards.

Hays 61, Burbank 7

The Rebels (1-0) scored six first-half touchdowns on the way to a decisive victory over the Bulldogs (0-1) Friday in Buda.

Burbank senior Jeremy Sanchez completed four of nine passes for 149 yards in his first start at quarterback. He teamed up with Marcos Luna (2 receptions, 98 yards) for an 87-yard touchdown with 10:15 left in the third quarter.

Tru Bradford caught two passes for 51 yards for the Bulldogs. Hays limited Burbank to five rushing yards.

FOOTBALL: Devine abandons tradition in win over Southside

In past seasons, Devine was known for a grind-it-out running game – and the Warhorses were darned good at it. Joseph Sadler carried them to the Class 3A quarterfinals two years ago, setting a Texas single-season scoring record in the process.

Sadler is long gone, though, and the Warhorses (1-0) didn’t resemble their former selves Friday at Southside. In its 10th year under coach Chad Quisenberry, the ground-oriented program began the season with 236 passing yards in a 49-20 decision over the Cardinals.

“We knew their quarterback could throw,” Southside coach Paul Haberer said of Devine starter Hunter DuBose. “He has a pretty good arm. We didn’t know that they’d throw that much, but we knew they were capable. He did a good job.

“We blew a couple of coverages, but that will just get us better.”

Devine couldn’t move the ball in its first offensive series, after stopping the Cardinals (0-1) at its 30. On the Warhorses’ second try, after a 16-yard punt, DuBose (9 of 15, 147 yards) completed two passes to Chad Trevino (3 receptions, 90 yards) to fuel a drive that running back Pat Mares ended by scoring on a 24-yard sweep.

Following the first of Southside sophomore quarterback Johnny Trevino’s four interception, Devine reverted to the ground game, and Ricky Rios ran 31 yards for a touchdown. The Warhorses had a 14-0 cushion with 45 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

“We got better from last week to this week,” Haberer said. “Devine’s a class program. That’s why we schedule them the first week of the season. Now we know what we need to work on, what we need to get better at and what we’re capable of doing.”

The Warhorses added a third touchdown before the Cardinals were able to put points on the board.

A 67-yard scoring drive early in the second quarter was characterized by quarterback Eric Trogdon, who alternated with DuBose, completing two throws that covered all but 11 of those yards. Trogdon (4 of 6, 89 yards) scored on a five-yard carry.

Southside recovered the ensuing onside kick and found itself just 36 yards from the end zone.

On the first play of the series, Trevino (20 carries, 113 yards) displayed the deft ballhandling that made him a first-down threat each time he elected to keep the ball. The 6-foot-2 sophomore dashed 16 yards to the red zone.

He carried four times for 30 yards on the drive, completing it with a five-yard run 4:45 before halftime.

“Johnny has a great upside,” Haberer said. “He has a lot of great kids around him. Everybody will jump in and help him mature. We’ll get it going.”

Devine clearly fed off its growing momentum, while Southside’s was short-lived.

On the kickoff following Trevino’s score, Mares launched himself into a seam up the middle of the field. He ran 90 yards to increase Devine’s lead to 27-7.

An interception by Rios returned the ball to the Warhorses and another big play quickly developed. Trevino streaked down the left sideline on a fly route and was gone for a 69-yard touchdown.

A Devine penalty on the kickoff provided the Cardinals with a short field, and their quarterback was about to produce the finest moments of his first start.

Trevino ran for a yard, then completed five consecutive passes. The last was a perfect strike to a leaping Jake Ramos from the 10-yard line. The Cardinals were within 35-14 and halftime was 31 seconds away.

Neither team scored in the third quarter, so the next touchdown loomed large.

Devine seized the opportunity, yet again. An eight-yard pass from DuBose to Mares with 9:31 to play effectively sealed Southside’s fate.

“He’s a good, little back,” Haberer said. “When he caught that little slip screen, we had nobody home. He’s exciting.”

Last year, the Cardinals started two sophomore backs. Neither was in uniform Friday.

Aaron Porras sat out because of a knee injury. Cisco Flores has transferred to Holy Cross, where he’s the starting quarterback.

In their absence, Jimmy Rodriguez ran for 65 yards on 11 attempts. He gained an important five yards, following a 48-yard scamper from Trevino, leaving Southside at the Devine 1. Rodriguez also picked the game’s last 24 yards on three-consecutive carries.

“He can run,” Haberer said. “Those were his first varsity carries and he was running hard.”

Trevino’s second touchdown, on a six-yard run, closed the Cardinals within 42-20 with 2:21 remaining. However, Devine responded one last time. The Warhorses covered 51 yards on11 running plays, culminating with Joe Guerrrero’s 19-yard touchdown 43 seconds from the end.

The Cardinals will play at Southside Stadium next week, in the second of three-straight home games to start the season. Next Friday’s opponent is Sam Houston, which lost 63-0 to Brackenridge Friday.

“If we hang onto the ball,” Haberer said, “and don’t make big mistakes on defense, we’ll be all right.”

FOOTBALL: Week 0 previews

FRIDAY

Brackenridge (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Watch for big plays from electrifying Oklahoma State recruit Ramon Richards and Brack as well as the Hurricanes after a year of growth. Trey Mathis and Romonique Anthony will help keep the Eagles’ offense potent, while dynamic Devante Lewis and the defense make Brack the favorite. But Sam Houston should be much more potent as an experienced team. With Wheatley Heights making its high school football and a huge turnout from the community expected, the fun quotient should be extremely high for this one. 2012 score: Brackenridge 33, Sam Houston 6.

Burbank (0-0) at Hays (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

A very tough opening game for what should be an improved Burbank team. The Rebels were an area finalist last year and now are under the direction of former Roosevelt coach Neal LaHue. Six-foot-7 Hayden Cagle could start at quarterback. The defense seems to be especially loaded. 2012 score: Hays 57, Burbank 20.

Crystal City (0-0) vs. Kennedy (0-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

The Rockets will rely on fullback/linebacker Matt Avalos in their season debut. A key for Kennedy will be the performance of sophomore Eric Lira in his first start, but the Rockets return 15 starters from last season and should be ready for a big night on their home field. Crystal City also will be experienced, but the Javelinas are trying to rebound from a winless season. 2012 score: Kennedy 46, Crystal City 12.

Devine (0-0) at Southside (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Southside will try to control the tempo behind a defense that returns eight starters and is led by linebacker Diego Avila. Junior running back Aaron Porres will get the bulk of the carries and should be ready for a workhorse role. Either Brandon Herrera or Jonathan Trevino will get his first start under center. Most of the key Warhorses from their powerhouse team of two years ago have graduated, but Devine nonetheless is favored to win District 29-3A. Two-way starter Pat Mares is a player to watch for the Warhorses. 2012 score: Devine 45, Southside 6.

Harlandale (0-0) at South San (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Harlandale is gearing up for a big year behind quarterback Brandon Ramon and running back Nick Martinez. Speedy James Mendoza will help stretch the Bobcats’ defense for Ramon. The Indians’ defense also should be formidable with eight returning starters. South San should be a stronger team in its second year under Marcus Booker, but the improvement may not be as visible tonight against a seasoned Indians team. The top two receivers, Thomas Fonseca and Juan Zamarripa, should be the Bobcats to watch offensively. 2012 score: Harlandale 31, South San 6.

Highlands (0-0) at Floresville (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Highlands will be led by third-year quarterback Jordan DeLuna and will hope to build on a 2012 playoff season. Transfer Elijah Garces will bolster the defense and Quindon Boston will see increased carries out of the backfield. Floresville will pin its hopes on District 29-4A co-MVP running back Hector Villegas and a huge offensive line in Jeff Luna’s debut as coach. 2012 score: Floresville 17, Highlands 0.

Jay (0-0) at East Central (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

The excitement around East Central’s first game under alumni coach Clint Hartman will be palpable. With a wide-open passing game built around 6-7 Rice recruit Jeremy Jones the Hornets will have a different approach than during their successful run under Robert Walker. The ground game still should be strong, though, with  New Mexico State commit Johnathan Jackson returning. The Hornets plan to start 11 seniors on defense. They’ll want to set the tone for an outstanding season against a solid Jay team with EC alum Gary Gutierrez at the helm for his first game. The Mustangs will be young at the skill postions, but have a promising sophomore quarterback in Moses Reynolds. 2012 score: East Central 31, Jay 10.

Jefferson (0-0) vs. McCollum (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Defenses could dominate as two offenses try to find themselves. McCollum returns quarterback Ralph Vidal, which should help the process as the Cowboys learn first-year coach Juan Hinojosa’s offense. Jefferson will seek to get off to a fast start after struggling out of the gate in 2012. The Mustangs return five defensive starters from a team that was 5-1 in District 28-4A. Jefferson coach Doyle Redding’s son, Weston, or Brian Sebus will get his first start at quarterback. Don’t be surprised if this turns out to be another thriller. 2012 score: McCollum 22, Jefferson 21.

Memorial (0-0) at Pearsall (0-0), 7 p.m.

The Minutemen begin their second season under Albert Guerra with their big three offensive weapons – Alfred Ramos, Manases Cano and Raul Rangel – all in place. Sixteen starters return in all and Guerra was pleased with their offseason work. Memorial should be competitive again against a Pearsall team that went 3-7 last year and is breaking in a new coach, David Silva. 2012 score: Pearsall 48, Memorial 34.

Somerset (0-0) vs. Lanier (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Lanier should be a much better offensive team with quarterback Nick Garcia returning for his second season as a starter. The tandem of Steven Veliz and Matthew Carson should assure the Voks of a good ground game while Rodrigo Garcia will be a reliable target downfield. Somerset will be a tough test. The Bulldogs are favored to win District 28-3A. Junior quarterback Koy Detmer should solidify his status a major-college prospect in his second year as a starter. He was the district offensive MVP and threw for more than 2,000 yards last year. 2012 score: Somerset 42, Lanier 21.

FOOTBALL: Flores leads Holy Cross to 21-14 victory in Holy Bowl

Edison, Southwest struggle in season debuts

Teams included: Central Catholic, Edison, Holy Cross, Southwest.

Southside transfer Cisco Flores ran for two touchdowns and passed for another, leading Holy Cross to a 21-14 win over Central Catholic in the 2013 Holy Bowl.

The junior broke a 59-yard touchdown run with 11:49 until halftime Thursday to put the Knights (1-0) in the lead. They never trailed, despite having to fend off a second-half Buttons comeback for second-consecutive year.

Central Catholic (0-1) tied it with 8:35 remaining in the third quarter on a 10-yard pass from Josh Godfrey (16 of 25, 166 yards) to Will Barr.

Flores provided a 13-7 lead with a one-yard run late in the third quarter. Flores completed 15 of 22 passes for 183 yards. The converted running back also ran for 126 yards on 18 carries. Back Greg Scott led the Knights with 150 rushing yards on 29 attempts.

With 7:22 left in the game, Flores threw what proved to be a clinching 27-yard scoring pass to multi-purpose standout Greg Kelly (10 receptions, 134 yards). The senior made an interception, kicked an extra point and averaged 32 yards per punt.

Holy Cross added a very-important two points on a pass from Flores to Steve Villela. It meant Central Catholic would need to score twice and be successful on a two-point conversion themselves to steal a victory.

The Buttons reduced their deficit to seven with 2:40 remaining when Michael Gonzales hauled in a seven-yard touchdown pass from Godfrey. But the Knights were able to run out the clock.

Central Catholic junior running back Joseph Nava (119 yards, 18 carries). Gonzales and Ray Cortez each caught four passes for 42 yards.

Holy Cross recorded its third consecutive win in the series, but Central Catholic still leads with a 35-11 all-time record.

Laredo United 42, Southwest 14

The host Longhorns (1-0) passed for 244 yards as they scored the first 42 points Thursday at Laredo’s Bill Johnson Student Activity Center.

Southwest (0-1) scored fourth-quarter touchdowns on runs of 16 yards by Tyrone Middleton and one-yard by Josh Huron.

The Longhorns outgained the Dragons 402-202 in total yards. United quarterback Derek Esparza (12 of 23, 208 yards) passed for four touchdowns and ran for another.

Huron led Southwest with 38 rushing yards on 12 carries. Brian Donnell rushed for 32 yards on nine tries. Standout back Erin Mack kicked two extra points for Southwest, but did not carry the ball.

Cody Johnson made three catches for 18 yards as the Dragons passed for 32 yards.

Pleasanton 40, Edison 7

The Golden Bears (0-1) scored first, but Pleasanton (1-0) reeled off the next 40 points Thursday at the SAISD Complex.

Senior Andres Aguilar ran 15 times for 104 yards and the Edison’s only touchdown. Aguilar scored on a -yard run in the quarter. He also had 23 reception yards.

Edison quarterback Jonathon Hernandez ran for 68 yards and passed for 47.

Pleasanton scored four of its five touchdowns on the ground and featured two 100-plus-yard rushers. Quarterback Jacob Arevalo ran for 189 yards on 13 attempts and back Grant Jackson gained 158 on 16 attempts. The Eagles ran for 494 yards.

FOOTBALL: Week 0 results (updated Aug. 30)

NOTE: teams we cover are in boldface

Thursday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

Holy Cross (1-0) 21, Central Catholic (0-1) 14

Laredo United (1-0) 42, Southwest (0-1) 14

Pleasanton (1-0) 40, Edison (0-1) 7

Friday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

Brackenridge (1-0) 63, Sam Houston (0-1) 0

Hays (1-0) 61, Burbank (0-1) 7

Kennedy (1-0) 27, Crystal City (0-1) 7

Devine (1-0) 49, Southside (0-1) 20

Harlandale (1-0) 31, South San (0-1) 13

Highlands (1-0) 17, Floresville (0-1) 14

East Central (1-0) 21, Jay (0-1) 14

McCollum (1-0) 35, Jefferson (0-1) 0

Memorial (1-0) 31, Pearsall (0-1) 14

Somerset (1-0) 39, Lanier (0-1) 6

FOOTBALL: Week 0 previews

THURSDAY

Pleasanton (0-0) vs. Edison (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

There will be a lot of new faces in the starting lineup for Edison, but Golden Bears coach Albert Torres always finds a way to get the best out of his teams. Pleasanton looks to be stronger defensively than offensively. Expect a tight game, and less scoring than last year. 2012 score: Pleasanton 45, Edison 34.

Southwest (0-0) vs. Laredo United (0-0) at Laredo Athletic Complex, 7:30 p.m.

This shapes up as an interesting matchup between two potentially explosive offenses. Each is looking to take a step forward this year. United should test Southwest’s defense. 2012 score: Southwest 56, Laredo United 33.

Central Catholic (0-0) vs. Holy Cross (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

See separate story for Holy Bowl preview.

FOOTBALL: Holy Cross favored in Holy Bowl over intriguing Central Catholic

The variable Holy Bowl fans will gain some insight into in tonight’s Holy Cross-Central Catholic game is how much difference a year can make.

It’s a given that Central Catholic will be a more competitive team this season than they were in 2012, the Buttons’ first year under Don Byrd. They should be a stronger offensive team, but the measure of their improvement will be based on how prepared a defense that returns just one starter – albeit an outstanding one (Mike Gaston) – is for this first big test at 7 p.m. tonight at Harlandale Memorial Stadium.

The key variable for Holy Cross will be junior quarterback transfer Cisco Flores, who ran for 995 yards as a Southside back last year. Early reports indicate that Flores is fitting in quite well, but this will be his first start as a signal caller.

The Knights lost their leading passer, rusher and receiver to graduation. Replacing all that yardage will be a challenge, although they have the talent in place.

The performance of the running-back-by-committee – Greg Scott, Jacob Rodriguez and Rudy Gonzalez – could be a big key tonight.

“They’re very athletic,” Byrd said. “Their new quarterback, the times I’ve seen him, is playing great and doing a great job of running their offense. Ihe has stepped in like he’s been playing there all along. Their running back is outstanding and their free safety (Greg Kelly) is certainly a Division I prospect.

“They’ll have some very talented athletes on the field. We’ll have to play well.”

Central Catholic returns quarterback Josh Godfrey and running back Joseph Nava to lead the offense. The resulting stability should lead to more production.

“I think they’ll be much-improved,” Holy Cross coach Mike Harrison said. “I watched them against Sam Houston, and I see they’ve gotten more comfortable with the offense and Coach Byrd’s system. They definitely seem to be more aggressive. I expect them to come after us from the get-go.

“We have to match that early intensity. With so many new offensive starters, there’s some (concern) there. We expect a good battle. We expect Central Catholic to be much, much improved.”

One thing’s for certain: Both teams see this game as a gateway to greater success this season. Holy Cross won 37-32 last year in a game marked by a furious comeback by the Buttons in the second half.

This year’s renewal of the longstanding rivalry promises to be just as exciting and intense.

VOLLEYBALL: Defense enables South San to defeat Edison’s heavy hitters

South San’s biggest strength gave it the edge it needed to pull out a 25-19, 25-16, 25-21 non-district win at Edison Tuesday.

“They played very, very well last night,” South San coach Fernando Molina said. “They’ve been on an upswing since the (South San) tournament. The last match of the tournament, they played very well. Last night, they were clicking on all cylinders. It was a very positive sign. They communicated very well with each other.”

The Bobcats (7-4) were able to negate Edison’s height advantage.

South San finished third in its own tournament over the weekend. The match Molina referred to was the third-place game, which the Bobcats won 21-25, 25-17, 25-21 over Holy Cross.

“Our defense was outstanding,” Molina said of the Edison match. “We dug balls and we blocked their girls. We had some long defensive stands and long runs.”

The Bobcats also had sophomore setter Erica Jimenez (14 assists) and senior outside hitter Rebekah Rodriguez in sync as their statistical leaders.

“We have great senior leadership,” Molina said. “We have very good communication as a team. They worked hard in the offseason. They were here all summer. They were in a summer volleyball league, they went to open gyms. They really worked very hard.

“They really put in the time, and it’s paying off now. Their hard work and dedication on the court, you can see it.”

Junior Angel Salazar and basketball veteran Kim Tobias each made six digs. Junior Giselle Mata also helped in the setting department, recording six assists.

“They’re already the best defensive team I’ve coached,” Molina said, “and I’ve had state-ranked teams that ranked as high as fourth. Their defense is top notch.

“A lot of it is just effort. It’s effort and enthusiasm. A lot of people say hustle beats talent, but I always tell them that talent will win. But they have talent, and now they’re hustling. They’re hard to stop.”

For the Golden Bears, Karen Guerrero stood out with 12 digs, nine kills and two aces. Kalani Woods also was outstanding, with 6.5 blocks. Marissa Cortinas distributed 12 assists.

“Edison had a big-old block and they could swing on the ball,” Molina said. “But we were able to dig their blocks. We pick it up, shoot it to the opposite pin and put it down on the floor.”

VOLLEYBALL: Brackenridge beats Buffaloes in District 28-4A opener

Sam Houston wins close non-district match against Providence

 

Teams included: Brackenridge, Burbank, East Central, Edison, Fox Tech, Harlandale, Highlands, Holy Cross, Jefferson, Lanier, Providence, South San, Young Women’s Leadership Academy.

 

Fox Tech served tough and made Brackenridge (5-9, 1-0) battle for points Tuesday at the Buffaloes gym. However, the Eagles were equal to the task and pulled out a 31-29, 25-20, 16-25, 25-18 in the first game of the District 28-4A season for both teams.

Unfortunately, Brackenridge statistics are unavailable.

Fox Tech (7-10, 0-1) was led by six aces and eight assists from Ruby Zavala as well as 30 digs and two aces from Ruby Chapa. Elizabeth Narezo (14 digs, 7 kills), Adalind-Iris Sifuentes (10 digs, 6 kills) and Carla Ponce all recorded two aces.

Defensive leaders for the Buffaloes included Valerie Villarreal (8 digs), Brianna Campos (8 digs) and Deanna Rodriguez (5 digs).

District 28-5A roundup

Highlands (3-13, 1-0) and Jefferson (6-5, 1-0) also were winners on the district’s opening night

At Burbank, Highlands outlasted its hosts for a three-game win after the Bulldogs (3-10, 0-1) finished the first game within 25-22. The Owls won the next two, 25-9 and 25-14.

Highlands received six kills apiece from Jenna Thompson (6 aces), Bryten Mitchan and Jasmine Jackson. Analisa Garcia contributed 20 assists and Jessica Alvarez made 13 digs.

Burbank was led by Jenna Villanueva with 15 digs, three kills and three blocks. Antwanisha Riddle supplemented her three aces with three blocks.

Jefferson won for the sixth time in seven matches, overcoming a strong outing from Lanier (2-11, 0-1) 25-21, 25-17, 20-25, 25-17. Gabby Vasquez supplied 26 digs, seven kills and two aces. Selena Garcia also served a pair of aces. Courtney Garcia dealt eight assists. Melanie Sheppard slammed down three blocks.

The Voks got 10 kills from LeeAnna Martinez, 21 assists from Brenda Urbina and 28 digs from Emily Huerta. Anna Escobedo chipped in with two aces.

Also in district competition, favorite Brennan (13-2, 1-0) defeated Young Women’s Leadership Academy  (1-13, 0-1). 25-4, 25-6, 25-5. Alejandra Ramirez made six digs and Melanie Sanchez added four for YWLA.

South San d. Edison

The Bobcats (7-4) had setter Erica Jimenez (14 assists) and hitter Rebekah Rodriguez in sync in a 25-19, 25-16, 25-21 non-district win at Edison Tuesday.

Angel Salazar and basketball veteran Kim Tobias each made six digs. Giselle Mata also helped in the setting department, recording six assists.

For the Golden Bears, Karen Guerrero stood out with 12 digs, nine kills and two aces. Kalani Woods also was outstanding, with 6.5 blocks. Marissa Cortinas distributed 12 assists.

Sam Houston d. Providence

The Hurricanes (13-4) ran into a rather relentless storm themselves in this non-district match Tuesday at Providence.

The Provets (5-8) stormed to a 25-19 win in Game 1. Sam Houston answered by winning the second and third games, respectively, 25-19 and 27-25. Providence, however, didn’t wilt. It rallied to force a decisive fifth game with a 25-20 win. Sam Houston closed out the evening with a 15-12 decision in rally scoring.

Sophomore Rita Davis produced 14 assists, 12 kills and four digs for Sam Houston. Tiaria Mackey served five aces for the Hurricanes. Karisma Mitchell boomed four blocks.

Providence senior Logan Glick led the way with 24 assists and 14 kills. Mital Patel made 22 digs. Hannah Sasser served three aces.

Harlandale d. Lee

The Indians (9-6) received a wealth of contributions as they subdued Lee (7-11) 25-19, 25-19, 20-25, 25-20 in a non-district match at Harlandale.

Katie Neira delivered yet another superior performance with 18 kills and five digs. Sierra Sandoval added 20 assists. Catherine Silva made 11 assists and seven digs.

Up front, Madeline Mendez made six kills and Jackie Espinoza added five. Erika Arredondo (3) and Mendez (2) led in blocks. Kianna Sandoval contributed six digs. Alicia Garcia distributed six assists.

Holy Cross d. Uvalde

The visiting Coyotes proved a tough opponent, but Holy Cross (8-5) continued to build on its success this season. The Knights prevailed 25-19, 25-21, 25-21 over Uvalde (10-7).

Senior Mallory Ozuna showed her all-around skills for the Knights with 10 assists, eight digs and eight kills. Julia Ibarra provided 21 assists.

Clemens d. East Central

Clemens (13-3) maintained the momentum Tuesday in Schertz that led to a South San Tournament victory three days earlier, while the Hornets (6-8) got back on track after a rough weekend.

East Central showed its mettle by battling back from the brink of a sweep. The Buffaloes edged the Hornets 25-22, 25-21, 17-25, 11-25, 15-9.

Defensive dynamo Brandy Campos turned in 27 digs. Madison Simon also had a standout match with 14 kills. Denny Alvarez was credited with 20 assists. Lindsey Lubianski notched four blocks.

VOLLEYBALL: Jefferson takes its performance to new level at South San Tourney

South San edges Holy Cross to take third in own tourney

HERE’S THE LINK FOR THIS STORY ON THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/southside/news/article/South-San-tournament-showcases-talent-4762734.php

Between dawn last Friday and daybreak last Saturday, Jefferson had some time to reflect on what it had achieved in the first day of the South San Tournament and what was possible during the second.
The Mustangs (5-5) found the confidence and consistency they needed to grab second place in the two-day tournament. Jefferson rolled into the championship with three consecutive strong performances behind it.
“It was an exciting tournament for us this weekend,” Jefferson coach Theresa Ralston said. “The girls really had fun and played really hard. I think they grew as a team.”
Jefferson ended Day 1 of competition with a three-game win over St. Anthony. Although the Mustangs had gotten off to a solid start this year, they had lost three of their previous four matches coming into the tournament. During the weekend, they played more consistently than they had to date.
The Mustangs fought to a 25-22, 25-21 win over Jay in its and South San 25-23, 25-17 to reach the championship match. There, Clemens (11-3) prevailed 25-8, 25-18.
“Clemens was good,” Ralston said. “They were tall and athletic, and they were smart. I don’t know if we were just tired or not.
“The first game, we lost 25-8. We’d been so high emotionally. We won our fifth game in a row when we beat South San. Then we had two hours to sit, and we got out of our game.”
The Mustangs coach was glad her team made a much better showing in Game 2. After Clemens had taken control in the first game, Ralston challenged Jefferson to find the inner strength to compete through its fatigue.
“We limited their runs by how well we played,” Ralston said. “I was pleased that we got better in Game 2 and with how well we played.”
South San (6-4) finished third in its own tournament. Against Jefferson, the Bobcats took the early lead in Game 1.
“We were down in the first game, but we were able to come back,” Ralston said. “The key for us was conistent play, and we benefitted from our energy. We had a lot of enthusiasm, on the court and coming from the bench. We were communicating and playing with confidence.”
South San didn’t exactly fade away in Game 2, but the Mustangs kept their edge.
“I just told the kids to remain calm,” Ralston said. “I knew (South San) was going to come back at us full force, with all their effort. We had to get ready to endure. We had to remain calm and consistent.”
The Bobcats rebounded from the semifinal loss to Jefferson to outlast Holy Cross (7-5) 21-25, 25-17, 25-21 for third place. The Knights had lost 25-19, 25-17 to Clemens in the other semifinal.
Jefferson is trying to build on a 12-16 2012 season in which they finished 8-8 in District 28-4A . That they missed the postseason, undoubtedly, is fueling the fires of the many returning Mustangs.
“We have experience,” Ralston said. “We lost three or four seniors from last year, but we have seven seniors this year. I also have a couple of juniors who got experience last year as sophomores. It’s been working out. We’re starting to jell now.”
The Mustangs were represented by three selections on the all-tournament team. Senior libero Melanie Ybarra, senior setter/right-side hitter Courtney Garcia and junior outside hitter/left back Gabby Vasquez were chosen.
“I think the biggest thing is our senior leadership,” Ralston said. “We have really strong hitters and a couple of bigs in the middle. Melanie helps us pick up the spikes that are coming at us. We have a desire to win.”
Middle blockers Melanie Sheppard (a 5-foot-9 senior) and Marissa Vargas (a 5-5 junior who’s quick and an outstanding leaper) rose to the occasion for the Mustangs. Senior Selena Garcia, who shares setting duties with Courtney Garcia, and senior outside hitter Krystin Garcia also stepped forward in the tournament.
“I think we’re starting to find some role players,” Ralston said, “whom we can count on to step on the court in any given situation. That’s a positive for any team.”
Jefferson began the tournament with wins over Wagner and Fox Tech. They raised their intensity in the third game of Day 1, in order to defeat a mentally tough St. Anthony team.
“That was a really exciting match,” Ralston said. “We lost the first game, won the second and then won 25-21. That match was back-and-forth the whole way. I knew it’d be tough to win that match.”
The resulting victory ended up propelling the Mustangs to a new performance level.
“This year, I keep telling my kids, it’s going to be a special year for us,” Ralston said. “They’ve been working really hard. They’ve taken ownership of every aspect of the game.
“(The seniors) are contributing and leading. They’re taking ownership of their season. It’s been nice.”
Among other area teams at South San, Sam Houston (12-4) and Southside (4-10) each claimed a pair of victories Saturday.
Sam Houston downed Fox Tech (7-9) 25-15, 25-20 and then the Hurricanes rallied to win a three-game match against Lytle 22-25, 25-10, 25-17.
Southside edged Fox Tech 25-18, 25-22. The Cardinals also made a show of strength in Game 2 to pull out a tough match against Eagle Pass Winn 21-25, 25-9, 25-22.
Floresville Tournament
Southwest (8-10) concluded the Floresville Tournament by splitting two of its last four matches.
The Dragons defeated Edison (4-12) 25-7, 25-13 Saturday and fended off Eagle Pass 26-24, 25-17. Southwest lost to Laredo United and Medina Valley, in a 25-21, 18-25, 25-16 decision.
Southwest notched three wins Friday during the tournmament’s first day. The Dragons defeated Burbank 25-12, 25-15, Eagle Pass in rally scoring 25-14, 30-29 and the Floresville junior varsity 25-10, 25-9. Stevens defeated Southwest 22-25, 25-15, 25-18 win over the Dragons.
Harlandale (8-6) picked up a victory over Eagle Pass by identical scores of 25-19, 25-19. The Indians also lost a tough one to Laredo United 23-25, 25-17, 25-9 and fell to Taft.
The Indians had defeated Laredo United Friday, but had to play the Longhorns shortly after the Taft match ended.
“We played a good match against Taft,” Harlandale coach Sylvia Cardenas said. “We stayed with them until the end. But then we went to a back gym and played United right away. We didn’t have any (energy) left.”
In Friday’s matches, Floresville defeated the Indians 25-23, 25-18 in their first match. However, Harlandale was undefeated the rest of the day, winning 25-14, 25-11 over Pearsall, 25-8, 25-13 over the Highlands JV and 25-21, 14-25, 25-15 over Laredo United.
The Indians won the Harlandale ISD Tournament the previous weekend.
“We have an experienced group. It’s the same group as last year,” Cardenas said. “We play with a lot of heart. We’ve been doing really well, but we didn’t do as well this weekend as I expected. We need to do a lot of work on our endurance.”
Highlands (3-13) downed Burbank (3-9) 25-18, 25-10 Saturday in a battle of District 28-4A rivals.

VOLLEYBALL Jefferson surges into second place in South San Tourney

South San edges Holy Cross to take third in own tourney

HERE’S THE LINK FOR THIS STORY ON THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/southside/news/article/South-San-tournament-showcases-talent-4762734.php

Jefferson rode a wave of momentu m into the championship match Saturday at the South San Tournament.

The Mustangs (5-5) defeated Jay 25-22, 25-21 and South San 25-23, 25-17 to reach the championship match. There, Clemens (11-3) prevailed 8-25, 25-18.

“It was an exciting tournament for us this weekend,” Jefferson coach Theresa Ralston said. “The girls really had fun and played really hard. I think they grew as a team.”

The Mustangs were represented by three selections on the all-tournament team. Senior libero Melanie Ybarra, senior setter/right-side hitter Courtney Garcia and junior outside hitter/left back Gabby Vasquez were chosen.

South San (6-4) rebounded from the semifinal loss to Jefferson to outlast Holy Cross (7-5) 21-25, 25-17, 25-21. The Knights lost 25-19, 25-17 to Clemens in the other semifinal.

Among other area entries, Sam Houston (12-4) and Southside (4-10) each claimed a pair of victories Saturday.

Sam Houston downed Fox Tech (7-9) 25-15, 25-20 and then the Hurricanes rallied to win a three-game match against Lytle 22-25, 25-10, 25-17.

Southside edged Fox Tech 25-18, 25-22. The Cardinals also made a show of strength in Game 2 to pull out a tough match against Eagle Pass Winn 21-25, 25-9, 25-22.

Floresville Tournament

Southwest (8-10) concluded the Floresville Tournament by splitting two of its last four matches.

The Dragons defeated Edison (4-12) 25-7, 25-13 Saturday and fended off Eagle Pass 26-24, 25-17. Southwest lost to Laredo United and Medina Valley, in a 25-21, 18-25, 25-16 decision.

Harlandale (8-6) picked up a victory over Eagle Pass by identical scores of 25-19, 25-19. The Indians also lost a tough one to Laredo United 23-25, 25-17, 25-9 and fell to Taft.

The Indians had defeated Laredo United Friday, but had to play the Longhorns shortly after the Taft match ended.

“We played a good match against Taft,” Harlandale coach Sylvia Cardenas said. “We stayed with them until the end. But then we went to a back gym and played United right away. We didn’t have any (energy) left.”

Highlands (3-13) downed Burbank (3-9) 25-18, 25-10 in a battle of District 28-4A rivals.

Statistics from Saturday’s matches were not available.

 

VOLLEYBALL Harlandale, Southwest net three wins in Floresville Tourney

Harlandale (7-4) and Southwest (6-8) fared the best of the six area teams competing Friday at the Floresville Tournament. Both teams won  of four matches on the opening day of the tournament.

Harlandale incurred its only loss against former district rival and tournament host Floresville (5-6). The Dragons fell only to Stevens (10-1).

Southwest defeated Burbank 25-12, 25-15, Eagle Pass in rally scoring 25-14, 30-29 and the Floresville junior varsity 25-10, 25-9. Stevens senior Lexis Vallejo recorded 13 kills and three blocks in leading the Falcons to a 22-25, 25-15, 25-18 win over the Dragons.

Harlandale won 25-14, 25-11 over Pearsall, 25-8, 25-13 over the Highlands JV and 25-21, 14-25, 25-15 over Laredo United. Floresville defeated the Indians 25-23, 25-18.

Highlands (2-11) won two matches, defeating the Southwest JV 25-20, 20-25, 25-18 and the Taft JV 25-9. 25-5.

Burbank (3-7) and Edison (4-9) also won matches during Day 1 at Floresville.

Burbank defeated the Floresville JV 25-21, 25-18. The Golden Bears won 25-21, 25-16 over Cole (4-7).

Individual matches were unavailable for the tournament matches.

South San Tournament

Fox Tech, Jefferson and South San won matches in the first day of the South San Tournament, althought complete results apparently were not available.

Jefferson (3-4) trounced Wagner (6-6) 25-7, 25-13. Fox Tech (7-7) also defeated the Thunderbirds, winning 25-14, 25-20.

South San won in three games over Jay. The score was unavailable.

Other tournament results and statistics from all tournament matches were unavailable.

According to the South San ISD Twitter feed, four teams that were scheduled to participate did not compete.

 

FOOTBALL: 2013 Master Schedule (complete)

NOTE: teams we cover are in boldface

INFORMATION: This is a 2013 master schedule for all of our area teams. We have complete schedules for each team and for their districts as well. Opponents, dates, times, locations on this unofficial schedule nonetheless are subject to change.

WEEK 0 SCHEDULE

(Aug. 29-31)

Thursday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

Central Catholic (0-0) vs. Holy Cross (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Pleasanton (0-0) vs. Edison (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

Southwest (0-0) vs. Laredo United (0-0) at Laredo Athletic Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Friday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

Brackenridge (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports
Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Burbank (0-0) at Hays (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Crystal City (0-0) vs. Kennedy (0-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Devine (0-0) at Southside (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Harlandale (0-0) at South San (0-0), 7 p.m.

Highlands (0-0) at Floresville (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Jay (0-0) at East Central (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Jefferson (0-0) vs. McCollum (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Memorial (0-0) at Pearsall (0-0), 7 p.m.

Somerset (0-0) vs. Lanier (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

WEEK 1 SCHEDULE

(Sept. 5-7)

Thursday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

Pearsall (0-0) vs. Burbank (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

Friday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

Carrizo Springs (0-0) vs. Edison (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

East Central (0-0) vs. Marshall (0-0) at Farris Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Floresville (0-0) vs. Brackenridge (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Holy Cross (0-0) at Antonian (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Fredricksburg (0-0) vs. Memorial (0-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7 p.m.

Jefferson (0-0) at Pleasanton (0-0), 7 p.m.

Sam Houston (0-0) at Southside (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

South San (0-0) vs. McCollum (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Southwest (0-0) at Central Catholic (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

Harlandale (0-0) vs. Lanier (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

Uvalde (0-0) vs. Highlands (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

WEEK 2 SCHEDULE

(Sept. 12-14)

Thursday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

East Central (0-0) vs. Brennan (0-0) at Farris Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Friday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

Burbank (0-0) vs. Harlandale (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Edison (0-0) at Pearsall (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Holy Cross (0-0) at Navarro (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Kennedy (0-0) vs. Jefferson (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

McCollum (0-0) vs. Highlands (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Memorial (0-0) at Lytle (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Lanier (0-0) at Pleasanton (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Lee (0-0) at Southwest (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Central Catholic (0-0) at Southside (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

South San (0-0) at Victoria West (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

Devine (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

Victoria East (0-0) vs. Brackenridge (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

WEEK 3 SCHEDULE

(Sept. 19-21)

Thursday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

Jefferson (0-0) vs. Lee (0-0) at Heroes Stadium, 7 p.m.

South San (0-0) vs. Burbank (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

Friday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

Brennan (0-0) at Southwest (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Del Rio (0-0) vs. Brackenridge (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Sam Houston (0-0) vs. Edison (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Highlands (0-0) at Central Catholic (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Judson (0-0) at East Central (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Lanier (0-0) at Floresville (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Pearsall (0-0) vs. Kennedy (0-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7 p.m.

WEEK 4 SCHEDULE

(Sept. 26-28)

Thursday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-4A

Highlands (0-0) vs. Burbank (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

Friday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-4A

Brackenridge (0-0) vs. Jefferson (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex,  7:30 p.m.

District 29-4A

Harlandale (0-0) at Medina Valley (0-0), 7 p.m.

Kennedy (0-0) at Uvalde (0-0), 7 p.m.

McCollum (0-0) at Floresville (0-0), 7 p.m.

Southside (0-0) vs. Memorial (0-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7 p.m.

TAPPS District 3-II

Austin Hyde Park Baptist (0-0) at TMI, 7:30 p.m.

San Marcos Academy (0-0) at Austin Regents (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Holy Cross (0-0) at San Antonio Christian (0-0), 7 p.m.

Non-district

Central Catholic (0-0) at South San (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

East Central (0-0) at New Braunfels (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

New Braunfels Canyon (0-0) at Southwest (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Sam Houston (0-0) at Navarro (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-4A

Brennan (0-0) vs. Edison (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

WEEK 5 SCHEDULE

(Oct. 3-5)

Thursday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 29-4A

Memorial (0-0) vs. McCollum (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Friday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-4A

Burbank (0-0) vs. Jefferson (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Lanier (0-0) vs. Highlands (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

District 29-4A

Floresville (0-0) vs. Harlandale (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Medina Valley (0-0) vs. Kennedy (0-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7 p.m.

Uvalde (0-0) at Southside (0-0), 7 p.m.

District 28-3A

Sam Houston (0-0) at Gonzales (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

TAPPS District 3-II

Austin Hyde Park Baptist (0-0) at San Marcos Academy (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Austin Regents (0-0) at Cornerstone Christian (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

San Antonio Christian (0-0) at Victoria St. Joseph (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-4A

Brackenridge (0-0) vs. Brennan (0-0) at Farris Stadium, 7 p.m.

TAPPS District 3-II

TMI (0-0) vs. Holy Cross (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 3 p.m.

WEEK 6 SCHEDULE

(Oct. 10-12)

Thursday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

 Jefferson (0-0) vs. Lanier (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

Friday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-5A

Corpus Christi Carroll (0-0) at East Central (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Corpus Christi King (0-0) vs. Steele (0-0) at Robert Lehnhoff Stadium, Schertz, 7:30 p.m.

Southwest (0-0) at South San (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

District 28-4A

Brennan (0-0) vs. Burbank (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Edison (0-0) vs. Brackenridge (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

District 29-4A

Floresville (0-0) vs. Memorial (0-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7 p.m.

Kennedy (0-0) vs. Harlandale (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

McCollum (0-0) at Uvalde (0-0), 7 p.m.

Southside (0-0) at Medina Valley (0-0), 7 p.m.

District 28-3A

La Vernia (0-0) at Pleasanton (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Poteet (0-0) at Somerset (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

TAPPS District 2-I

Antonian (0-0) at Corpus Christi John Paul II (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Austin St. Michael’s (0-0) at Central Catholic (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

TAPPS District 3-II

Cornerstone Christian (0-0) at Austin Hyde Park Baptist (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Holy Cross (0-0) at San Marcos Academy (0-0), 7 p.m.

San Antonio Christian (0-0) at TMI (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Victoria St. Joseph (0-0) at Austin Regents (0-0), 7 p.m.

Saturday’s games

TAPPS District 2-I

St. Anthony (0-0) at Brownsville St. Joseph (0-0), 1 p.m.

WEEK 7 SCHEDULE

(Oct. 17-19)

Friday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-5A

Corpus Christi Carroll (0-0) vs. Corpus Christi King (0-0) at Buccaneer Stadium, Corpus Christi, 7:30 p.m.

East Central (0-0) at Southwest (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

South San (0-0) vs. Steele (0-0) at Robert Lehnhoff Stadium, Schertz, 7:30 p.m.

District 28-4A

Burbank (0-0) vs. Edison (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Highlands (0-0) vs. Jefferson (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

District 29-4A

Harlandale (0-0) vs. Memorial (0-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7 p.m.

Kennedy (0-0) at Southside (0-0), 7 p.m.

Medina Valley (0-0) vs. McCollum (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Uvalde (0-0) at Floresville (0-0), 7 p.m.

District 28-3A

Pleasanton (0-0) at Poteet (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

TAPPS District 2-I

Austin St. Michael’s (0-0) at Corpus Christi John Paul II (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

St. Anthony (0-0) at Central Catholic (0-0), 7 p.m.

TAPPS District 3-II

Cornerstone Christian (0-0) at San Marcos Academy (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

San Antonio Christian (0-0) at Austin Hyde Park Baptist (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

TMI (0-0) at Victoria St. Joseph (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-4A

Lanier (0-0) vs. Brennan (0-0) at Gustafson Stadium, 7 p.m.

District 28-3A

Somerset (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

TAPPS District 2-I

Brownsville St. Joseph (0-0) at Antonian (0-0), 2 p.m.

TAPPS District 3-II

Austin Regents (0-0) vs. Holy Cross (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

WEEK 8 SCHEDULE

(Oct. 24-26)

Thursday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 29-4A

Southside (0-0) vs. Harlandale (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Friday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-5A

Corpus Christi King (0-0) at South San (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Southwest (0-0) vs. Corpus Christi Carroll (0-0) at Cabaniss Stadium, Corpus Christi, 7:30 p.m.

Steele (0-0) at East Central (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

District 28-4A

Brennan (0-0) vs. Highlands (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Edison (0-0) vs. Lanier (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

District 29-4A

Floresville (0-0) at Medina Valley (0-0), 7 p.m.

Memorial (0-0) at Uvalde (0-0), 7 p.m.

McCollum (0-0) vs. Kennedy (0-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7 p.m.

District 28-3A

Poteet (0-0) at LaVernia (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Sam Houston (0-0) at Pleasanton (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

TAPPS District 2-I

Corpus Christi John Paul II (0-0) at Central Catholic (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

St. Anthony (0-0) at Antonian (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

TAPPS District 3-II

Austin Hyde Park Baptist (0-0) at Austin Regents (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Cornerstone Christian (0-0) at TMI (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Holy Cross (0-0) at Victoria St. Joseph (0-0), 7 p.m.

San Marcos Academy (0-0) at San Antonio Christian (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-4A

Brackenridge (0-0) vs. Burbank (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 2 p.m.

TAPPS District 2-I

Brownsville St. Joseph (0-0) at Austin St. Michael’s (0-0), 1 p.m.

WEEK 9 SCHEDULE

(Oct. 31-Nov. 2)

Friday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-5A

Corpus Christi Carroll (0-0) vs. Steele (0-0) at Robert Lehnhoff Stadium, Schertz, 7:30 p.m.

East Central (0-0) at South San (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Southwest (0-0) vs. Corpus Christi King (0-0) at Cabaniss Stadium, Corpus Christi, 7:30 p.m.

District 28-4A

Lanier (0-0) vs. Brackenridge (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

District 29-4A

Harlandale (0-0) at Uvalde (0-0), 7 p.m.

Kennedy (0-0) at Floresville (0-0), 7 p.m.

Medina Valley (0-0) vs. Memorial (0-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7 p.m.

Southside (0-0) vs. McCollum (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

District 28-3A

La Vernia (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Pleasanton (0-0) at Somerset (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

TAPPS District 2-I

Central Catholic (0-0) at Antonian (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

TAPPS District 3-II

TMI (0-0) at San Marcos Academy (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Victoria St. Joseph (0-0) at Austin Hyde Park Baptist (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Austin Regents (0-0) at San Antonio Christian (0-0), 7 p.m.

Saturday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-4A

Jefferson (0-0) vs. Brennan (0-0) at Farris Stadium, 7 p.m.

Highlands (0-0) vs. Edison (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

TAPPS District 2-I

Austin St. Michael’s (0-0) vs. St. Anthony (0-0) at Incarnate Word University, 7:30 p.m.

Corpus Christi John Paul II (0-0) at Brownsville St. Joseph (0-0), 3 p.m.

TAPPS District 3-II

Cornerstone Christian (0-0) vs. Holy Cross (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

WEEK 10 SCHEDULE

(Nov. 7-9)

Friday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-5A

Corpus Christi King (0-0) at East Central (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

South San (0-0) vs. Corpus Christi Carroll (0-0) at Cabaniss Stadium, Corpus Christi, 7:30 p.m.

Steele (0-0) at Southwest (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

District 28-4A

Brackenridge (0-0) vs. Highlands (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

District 29-4A

Floresville (0-0) at Southside (0-0), 7 p.m.

McCollum (0-0) vs. Harlandale (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Memorial (0-0) vs. Kennedy (0-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7 p.m.

Uvalde (0-0) at Medina Valley (0-0), 7 p.m.

District 28-3A

Sam Houston (0-0) at Poteet (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Somerset (0-0) at LaVernia (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

TAPPS District 2-I

Central Catholic (0-0) at Brownsville St. Joseph (0-0), 6 p.m.

Antonian (0-0) at Austin St. Michael’s (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Corpus Christi John Paul II (0-0) vs. St. Anthony (0-0) at Incarnate Word University, 7:30 p.m.

TAPPS District 3-II

Holy Cross (0-0) at Austin Hyde Park Baptist (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

San Marcos Academy (0-0) at Victoria St. Joseph (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

TMI (0-0) at Austin Regents (0-0), 7 p.m.

Saturday’s games

FOOTBALL

District 28-4A

Burbank (0-0) vs. Lanier (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7 p.m.

Edison (0-0) vs. Jefferson (0-0) at Incarnate Word University, 8 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL: Lanier sweeps Poteet for season’s first victory

Lanier came close to recording its first win this year in its opening match at the Devine Tournament Thursday. The Voks (1-8) came up a little short in that three-game contest against Jourdanton, but they didn’t come up empty-handed in the first day of pool play.

Lanier finished the day with a 25-17, 25-11 win over Poteet (1-8). It was the Voks’ third match, following a 25-9, 25-14 loss to Devine (4-2). The host team prevailed behind five kills and four digs from DeAnn Greehey.

The Voks began the day with a tough loss to Jourdanton (6-3) in Game 1, 25-23. They won the second game against the Squaws – yes, that’s Jourdanton’s actual nickname – 25-22. However, Jourdanton claimed the match, winning by the same score in Game 3.

District 29-4A rival Brackenridge also is competing at Devine this weekend. The Eagles will play their first pool match against D’Hanis at 1 p.m. They’ll also face Hondo (3 p.m.) and Boerne (4 p.m.) today.

Three other tournaments involving area teams begin today. Those are the South San, Floresville and NEISD tourneys.

VOLLEYBALL Mid-Week Roundup: Juniors lead East Central to sweep of Lee

Holy Cross picks up two more victories

Juniors Brandy Campos and Nichole West showed the way as East Central (6-3) recorded an efficient 25–20, 25-19, 25-16 non-district win over Lee Wednesday.

The Hornets received 11 digs and eight kills from West. Campos supplied 25 assists at East Central.

Kaylin Mills distributed 10 assists and Alex Pena added eight for the Hornets. Christi Crosper finished with eight kills. Lisa Lopez had two blocks.

Holy Cross, Southside

Holy Cross probably needed a breather Wednesday after a marathon match Tuesday at Southside.

The Knights (7-3) made that happen on their home court, smashing Schertz John Paul II 25-11, 25-10, 25-21. Senior Mallory Ozuna distinguished herself with an impressive 11 aces to go with 19 assists. Julia Ibarra notched eight digs. Victoria Gonzalez was credited with six kills for the Knights.

In a back-and-forth match against Southside, Holy Cross prevailed with a strong fifth game. The Knights won 15-25, 25-15, 25-14, 19-25, 15-8.

Holy Cross statistics from the match were not available.

The Cardinals were led by freshman Alyssa Gallardo with 16 aces, 12 digs and four kills. Ariana Cisneros recorded 22 digs. Cristina Guerra made seven kills and served two aces. Amber Munoz finished with 12 digs. Mayra Sendejo supplemented her seven digs with four kills. Analee Uriegas showed a well-rounded game with five assists, four digs and three kills.

NOTE: Holy Cross and Southside will be at the South San Tournament Thursday-Saturday, and Sports on SA’s South Side will be there. Other area teams competing include Fox Tech, Jefferson, Sam Houston, Young Women’s Leadership Academy and the host school, South San. Watch this space for updates throughout the tournament.

FOOTBALL: Week 0 results (updated Aug. 29)

NOTE: teams we cover are in boldface

Thursday’s games

FOOTBALL

Non-district

Holy Cross (1-0) 21, Central Catholic (0-1) 14

Laredo United (1-0) 42, Southwest (0-1) 14

Pleasanton (1-0) 40, Edison (0-1) 7

Friday, Aug. 30

FOOTBALL

Non-district

Brackenridge (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0) at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

Burbank (0-0) at Hays (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Crystal City (0-0) vs. Kennedy (0-0) at Frank Mata Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Devine (0-0) at Southside (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Harlandale (0-0) at South San (0-0), 7 p.m.

Highlands (0-0) at Floresville (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Jay (0-0) at East Central (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Jefferson (0-0) vs. McCollum (0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Memorial (0-0) at Pearsall (0-0), 7 p.m.

Somerset (0-0) vs. Lanier (0-0) at SAISD Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL Harlandale executes turnaround in winning own tourney

Memorial claims Edgewood ISD Tournament title

Harlandale entered the Harlandale ISD Tournament winless and exited it as champions.

The Indians (4-2) defeated Holmes in the semifinals and previously unbeaten Stevens in the title match Saturday at McCollum. Harlandale won its fourth-consecutive tournament match 25-27, 25-15, 25-17 over Stevens (5-1) to finish first.

Holy Cross (4-2) placed fourth, despite losing to Stevens and Holmes Saturday. The losses were the Knights’ first this season.

Tournament most valuable player Katie Neira led Harlandale with 14 kills, four digs and three aces in the championship match. Fellow all-tournament selections Sabrina Esparza (11 kills, 12 digs) and Sierra Sandoval (12 digs) also filled key roles.

Kianna Sandoval also was a standout for the Indians, finishing with nine digs, seven assists and three service aces. Erika Arredondo recorded 11 kills and two blocks. Catherine Silva dealt 20 assists and picked up seven digs. Yolanda Garcia (2 blocks), Madeline Mendez (1.5 blocks) and Kelly Landin (4 digs) contributed.

Against Holmes, Silva notched 13 assists, three blocks, three digs and two aces in a 25-15, 23-25, 25-17 victory. Sierra Sandoval was credited with 25 digs. Neira had 11 kills, four assists and two blocks. Kianna Sandoval added nine assists and five aces. Landin made eight digs. Arredondo and Mendez provided three and two blocks, respectively.

Holy Cross lost a tough match to Stevens 25-16, 25-17 and fell 25-12, 25-15 in the third-place match. Knights statistics were unavailable.

South San (5-2) won a pair of matches Saturday. The Bobcats defeated McCollum (1-4) 25-13, 25-19 and  Brackenridge (2-4) 25-13, 26-24.

Brack took a three-game win over St. Anthony in its other match of the day. Renee Osife led the way with 25 assists, 18 digs and three aces. Darlene Jackson finished with 12 kills and four blocks. Kathy Sifuentes made 19 digs. Jolicia Shelton-Brown notched 10 kills, five digs and two blocks. Ana DeLeon added six kills and two blocks. Miranda Flores also made six kills. Dominique Ramirez made nine digs.

Burbank edged District 28-4A rival Lanier 25-14, 24-26, 25-17 in its only match Saturday.

Edgewood ISD Tournament

Memorial (9-2) secured the title Saturday by winning three-game matches over Fox Tech (6-6) and Sam Houston (7-1).

The Minutemen edged Sam Houston 25-20, 19-25, 25-16 as the teams needed a third game to decide the outcome for the second-straight day. Memorial pulled out both of those matches.

Memorial was led by Miranda Puente with nine kills, nine blocks and two aces. Larissa Lopez and Sarah Trevino also served two aces apiece. Bridget Gomez distributed 14 assists. Jatziry Duarte made 11 digs.

For the Hurricanes, Tiaria Mackey recorded 10 kills. Karisma Mitchell stepped up to make five blocks. Rita Davis dealt 15 assists.

Memorial defeated the Buffaloes 20-25, 25-16, 25-20. No statistics were available from the match.

Sam Houston rallied to defeat Providence 20-25, 25-17, 25-10 and swept Young Women’s Leadership Academy (1-9) 25-17, 25-9 in its previous two matches Saturday.

Fox Tech defeated Kennedy 25-22, 25-18 and lost to Providence 25-17, 25-14 in its other matches Saturday.

Providence (5-5) also claimed a 25-15, 25-22 sweep over Eagle Pass Winn.

Kennedy (4-5) received 12 digs from Clara Lopez, four kills from Omni Garcia and two blocks from Celeste Saed against Fox Tech. The Rockets defeated Winn 25-18, 25-23 behind 29 assists and 11 kills from Ashley Garza. Lopez made 11 digs. Taylor Martinez recorded two aces. Saed again had two blocks.

Northside ISD Tournament

East Central (5-3) was victorious in two of three matches Saturday, including a 25-19, 25-13 decision over District 28-5A rival Southwest (3-6) at Paul Taylor Gymnasium.

The Hornets also defeated Pasadena Dobie 25-18, 25-15 and fell in three games to Madison 21-25, 28-26, 25-18 despite 18 digs from Brandy Campos and six kills from Kaylin Mills.

Against Southwest, Madison Simon finished with eight digs and seven kills. Nichole West added five kills. Campos made eight digs. West notched 11 assists.

For the Dragons, Megan Hernandez (11 digs) and Ashlyn Sulaica (10 digs) were defensive leaders. Softball standout Kamerie Vidales led Southwest with seven kills. Dori Martinez finished with eight assists. Melissa Garza made two blocks.

East Central was led by West with seven kills and two aces against Dobie. Simon recorded four kills and 11 digs. Campos had a team-best 14 digs. Mills dealt nine assists and Alex Pena added five.

The Dragons lost all three of their matches Saturday.

Wagner Tournament

Edison (3-6) won two of three matches on the final day of the Wagner Tournament.

The Golden Bears pulled out tough matches against 28-4A rival Highlands (0-8) 25-23, 21-25, 25-18 and Jay 22-25, 25-18, 25-15.

Edison put up a strong blocking front against Highlands with Kalani Woods recording three blocks and Paula Moreno and Elizza Torres (4 digs) adding two apiece. Karen Guerrero led with five kills. Marissa Cortinas finished with 10 assists. Amy Marcos made 11 digs and Joanna Benavidez seven.

Highlands statistics were unavailable.

In the Jay match, Cortinas and Marcos each made 17 digs. Guerrero (5 kills) recorded 13 digs and Benavidez had 10. Woods added four kills.

The host team handed Edison its only loss Saturday. Wagner won 25-8, 25-12.

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR AN UPDATED VERSION OF THE STORY

VOLLEYBALL: Harlandale, Holy Cross thrive in Day 1 at Harlandale Tourney

Memorial wins three matches at Edgewood ISD Tourney

Harlandale and undefeated Holy Cross each won all four of its matches during the first day of the Harlandale ISD Tournament, which was played at Harlandale and McCollum.

Harlandale (2-2) picked up its first two wins of the season after two tough non-district matches. The Indians won a pair of close matches, prevailing 25-19, 25-21 over Jefferson and 25-23. 25-20 over Marshall.

The Indians, who will play Holmes (3-1) in their first match Saturday, received contributions from several players.

Senior standout Katie Neira supplied 13 kills against Marshall and nine against Jefferson. Catherine Silva made accross-the-board contributions in the Marshall match with 11 assists, five aces and eight digs. Kianna Sandoval added nine assists. Sabrina Esparza made nine digs and seven kills. Jacqueline Espinoza made eight digs. Kelly Landin finished with five digs.

Sierra Sandoval had a strong game against Jefferson with 12 digs and four service aces. Esparza had seven digs and four kills. Silva distributed 12 assists and provided four digs. Kianna Sandoval added four assists. Madeline Mendez made two blocks.

Jefferson statistics from the match were unavailable.

Holy Cross (4-0) will be matched up against Stevens (4-0) Saturday, after logging wins over Laredo United 25-14. 25-19 and St. Anthony 25-9, 25-18. Knights statistics from both matches were unavailable.

Brackenridge, Jefferson, McCollum and South San each won one match.

McCollum (1-3) downed Brackenridge 25-15, 25-19 before running into Stevens. The Falcons won 25-16, 25-18. No McCollum statistics were available.

Brackenridge bounced back to defeat Weslaco East 20-25, 25-9, 25-19 behind 16 assists, six digs and four aces from Renee Osife. Kathy Sifuentes made 13 digs. Jolicia Shelton-Brown made seven kills and four digs. Ana DeLeon added five kills. Alyssa Quiroz was credited with five digs.

Against McCollum, Osife distributed nine assists and made six digs. Sifuentes also made six digs. Darlene Jackson added two blocks.

South San (3-1) lost its first match of the season, falling to Stevens 19-25, 25-13, 25-8. The Bobcats recovered to defeat Laredo United 25-14, 25-16.

Jefferson defeated District 28-5A rival Burbank 25-11, 25-15.

Edgewood ISD Tournament

Memorial raised its record to 7-2 with three victories Friday.

The Minutemen defeated red-hot Sam Houston (7-1) 25-19, 16-25, 25-19 in a key match. Memorial also won over Providence 25-22, 25-18 and Eagle Pass Winn 25-20, 21-25, 28-26.

Sam Houston won 25-20, 25-21 over Young Women’s Leadership Academy and 25-12, 25-12 over the Memorial junior varsity.

Providence (3-4) defeated Fox Tech (5-4) in a three-game match, 25-19, 22-25, 27-25. The Provets also won 25-21, 25-8 against YWLA.

Fox Tech edged Kennedy 25-15, 25-18 and Winn 26-24, 25-21. Kennedy defeated YWLA 2516, 25-17.

Northside ISD Tournament

East Central and Southwest all picked up victories over Floresville in the highly competitive tournament.

East Central (3-2) defeated the Jaguars 25-16, 25-23. The Hornets were led by Brandy Campos with 12 digs. Six-foot-three sophomore Lindsey Lubianski made two blocks and served two aces. Danny Alvarez distributed nine assists. Madison Simon and Christi Crosper each finished with five kills. Nichole West added five digs.

Southwest (3-3) defeated Floresville 25-17, 25-15. The Dragons were led by eight digs apiece from Megan Hernandez and Zoe Marin. Hernandez and Kamerie Vidales each had four kills. Angie Aguilar was credited with seven assists.

Wagner Tournament

Edison defeated Southside 15-25, 25-23, 25-17 in a tournament match.

Joanna Benavidez finished with 10 digs, Amy Marcos added eight and Karen Guerrero had five for the Golden Bears (1-5). Marissa Cortinas dealt nine assists. Elizza Torres made three blocks.

Statistics for Southside (1-4) were unavailable.

VOLLEYBALL Mid-Week Roundup: Hurricanes off to strong start in Edgewood ISD Tournament

Memorial defeats YWLA for second-straight day

Sam Houston won three matches and lost only two games during the opening day of the Edgewood ISD Tournament Thursday.

The unbeaten Hurricanes (5-0) defeated co-host Kennedy 25-12, 11-25, 25-18, won 25-20, 18-25, 25-18 over Eagle Pass Winn and downed Providence 25-10, 25-17.

Sam Houston defeated Fox Tech 25-21, 25-17, 25-21 Wednesday in a non-district match. Hurricanes statistics were unavailable from that match. Fox Tech received 10 assists and six digs from Ruby Chapa. Ruby Zavala had six kills and Elisabeth Crane produced five. Brianna Campos, Elizabeth Narezo and Cassandra Salazar each contributed five digs.

In tournament matches, co-host Memorial defeated Fox Tech 25-14, 25-21 and Young Women’s Leadership Academy 25-14, 25-20.  The Minutemen also had won 25-22, 25-21, 25-17 against YWLA Wednesday in a non-district match.

In that match, Larissa Lopez, Miranda Puente and Areli Reynoso all had five kills for Memorial. Lopez also served five aces. Jatziry Duarte made five digs.

Alejandra Ramirez (8 digs), Tatiana Sorwell, Serina Trevino and Karease Williams (9 assists) all served seven aces for YWLA. Jylian Bolton made three kills.

YWLA defeated the Kennedy junior varsity 25-20, 25-10 in the tournament. No individual statistics were available for any of the tournament matches.

Kennedy defeated Winn 25-18, 25-23. Fox Tech defeated Kennedy’s JV 25-11, 25-5. Providence edged Kennedy 24-26, 25-21, 25-17.

Jefferson d. Kennedy

The Mustangs won 25-11, 25-13, 15-25, 25-7 over Kennedy behind an outstanding, 40-dig effort from senior Melanie Ybarra Wednesday at the Rockets’ gym.

Courtney Garcia finished with 14 assists and five aces for Jefferson. Krystin Garcia and Gabriella Vasquez added seven kills.

Ashley Garza led the Rockets with six kills. Alexandra Arzola distributed four assists.

Holy Cross d. Providence

The Knights claimed a victory over their former district rival Providence 28-26, 25-16, 25-13 Wednesday at Holy Cross.

Mallory Ozuna and  Henrianna Ibarra each made seven kills for Holy Cross. Julia Ibarra dealt 28 assists.  Daisy Flores served three aces.

Senior Logan Glick led Providence with nine digs, six kills and two aces. Juliet Alanis also served two aces. Hannah Sasser made four blocks. Sabrina Casares had nine assists.

East Central

The Hornets (2-0) won their first two matches of the season Tuesday in Navarro. East Central swept Lockhart 25-23, 25-13, 25-10 and defeated the host school 19-25, 25-18, 16-25, 25-21, 15-10.

Nichole West led the Hornets in the Lockhart match with seven kills. Kaylin Mills finished with 12 assists and two aces. Brandy Campos recorded eight digs. Six-foot-three sophomore Lindsey Lubianski had 1.5 blocks.

East Central statistics against Navarro weren’t available.

Burbank d. Providence

The Bulldogs finally prevailed under rally scoring, edging Providence 25-20, 21-25, 22-25, 25-18, 16-14.

Burbank senior Jenna Villanueva manufactured 15 kills and 12 blocks. Alejandra Martinez was credited with 32 digs. Leticia Gomez served four aces.

Glick paced the Pro-vets with 16 digs, 15 kills and three aces. Sabrina Casares distributed 22 assists. Emily Pearson produced three blocks.

FOOTBALL: Wheatley Heights to pick up slack this fall while Rock Pile takes a rest

 

HERE’S THE LINK FOR THIS STORY ON THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/southside/news/article/Wheatley-to-handle-Alamo-Stadium-s-games-4744209.php

For the potential benefit of the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, the timing couldn’t have been better.

Alamo Stadium is taking a much needed sabbatical from competition this fall. The San Antonio Independent School District needed a facility to share the load of middle school and high school football games with the SAISD Complex.

Fortunately for both parties, the Wheatley Heights complex has been up and running since February 2012.

“I think it’s a really positive deal. It’s something that helps both of us,” said Wheatley Heights executive director Frank Dunn, a Highlands High School alum.

“For us, it’s like a huge advantage. We’re going to have a lot of people coming in here who’ve never really known where this place was.”

Until the Alamo Stadium renovations are complete and football returns to its artificial turf next fall, Wheatley Heights should fill the bill of what the school district was looking for. Although it lacks Alamo Stadium’s 23,000 seating capacity, the like-new pinch-hitter brings a lot to the plate. 

“We needed to find another place to play football games,” SAISD athletic director Gil Garza said. “The reasons we liked Wheatley Heights is because it was inside the district and very similar in bleacher space to the sports complex. It has a very good turf field. So we came to an agreement on using it.

“It’s a really nice facility. I think it’s going to work out really well for us, and it’s good for the east side.”

Thirteen varsity football games will be played at the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex. At least one will take place in each week of the season, with one exception. During the week of Sept. 26-28, when many area teams have a bye week, Wheatley Heights won’t play host to any varsity games.

However, a hefty schedule of middle school and underclass high school games will be played on its Paragon turf surface throughout the season.

“I’m going to miss Alamo Stadium. I’ve been in the district for quite some time – 30 years,” Brackenridge coach Willie Hall said, “It’s been a showcase in the city since it was first built. It’s still the largest stadium in San Antonio.

“But (Wheatley Heights) is a beautiful facility. I think there’ll be great deal of enthusiasm about it. I think it’ll be a little short on seating but, outside of that, I think it’ll be a nice venue. It’ll be a change and I think it’ll give us something to look forward to.”

Area varsity teams that will play at Wheatley Heights this year are: Brackenridge, Burbank, Edison, Highlands, Jefferson, Kennedy, Lanier and Sam Houston.

“It’ll be a great place to play,” Highlands coach Bert Lopez said. “It’s a different venue and it’s close to home. We’ve never had a varsity game there, but we’ve had several track meets. It’ll be interesting to see how it works out.”

Dunn isn’t certain whether the first move to establish a football partnership between the SAISD and the facility was made by Wheatley Heights’ representatives or the district’s.

“They were in need,” he said, “and since I do a lot of work with the school district, we just started talking one day. It kind of worked out. They needed a facility, and we had one.”

The facility was funded through a venue tax as part of Bexar County’s Community Venues Program in conjunction with the City of San Antonio. The $7.5 million grant enabled Wheatley Heights to offer a nine-lane, all-weather track, four soccer fields suitable for AAU and UIL usage and other amenities.

It’s located on the east side, close to I-10. It’s adjacent to the expressway’s intersection with south W.W. White Rd.

Youth football has dominated the landscape at the facility so far. Although, as Lopez indicated, Wheatley Heights got its SAISD christening when several track meets took place there last spring, including the District 28-4A meet. Middle school track meets also were shifted from Alamo Stadium to the new track.

“We hosted fall events last year, but they were mostly Pop Warner football and track,” Dunn said. “Now, going into high school, it opens us up to a whole different audience.”

The first varsity game at the venue will be Brackenridge versus Sam Houston in Week 0. The Aug. 29 neighborhood rivalry game figures to be a great shakedown cruise for how well-prepared Wheatley Heights’ staff is for its new challenge.

“Playing Sam Houston, it’s two inner-city schools in kind of a neighborhood brawl,” Hall said. “A lot of kids from both schools are very friendly with each other. It’s a great opportunity for both schools to get off to a good start on their season.

“The Hurricanes always have great athletes. We never look past them.”

The crowd should be sizeable as a companion to the electric atmosphere.

“It’s going to help that the crowd is going to be closer to the field,” Hall said. “It’s going to be different than playing in front of 20-plus-thousand. It could bolster the fan base we do have. It may seem like there are tons of people in there, even if it’s no more than we usually have.”

The rivals will be two of the most frequent visitors. It’s the first of five games the Eagles will play at Wheatley Heights. Sam Houston has four games scheduled at the venue.

“We wanted to be as equal as we could with who played there and who played at the sports complex,” Garza explained. “But some of the schools that bring bigger crowds couldn’t play at Wheatley Heights. We wanted to give our kids an equal opportunity to play at both places, as much as we could.”

Although it’s one of the closest schools to Wheatley Heights, Highlands will make its only appearance on Sept. 7, in a non-district game against Uvalde. That is due, in part, to its ability to fill the stands.

“Unfortunately, we only have one game there this year,” Lopez said. “Most of our games are at the sports complex. When this was first proposed, it was said that ourselves and Jefferson would never be “visitors” at Wheatley Heights because of our crowds.”

Although Alamo Stadium lends a big-time ambiance to any game played there, it had one detriment the Highlands coach won’t miss. In fact, it’s an aforementioned strength at Wheatley Heights.

“It’s one of the (varieties) of field turf, so it’s a really good turf,” Lopez said. “It’s going to be a big improvement on the old carpet at Alamo Stadium.”

The venerable old stadium, nicknamed The Rock Pile, was built as part of a Works Progress Association project in 1940. Make no mistake, its absence will be felt by players, fans and coaches.

“I guess the kids are used to playing at Alamo Stadium, but they don’t know any different,” Lopez said. “It’ll be nice for them to play in their community.”

To prepare Wheatley Heights for much larger crowds and demands on its facilities, some changes have been made. Temporary seating has been imported along with portable locker rooms in the form of double-wide trailers.

“The artificial surface is very, very good,” Garza said. “That’s probably one of the biggest pluses. They’ve also got a very good track. It’s one of the best around.

“The bleacher space and seating is adequate for our needs. Our biggest concern was that they didn’t have locker rooms, but we’ve brought in these double-wides, so teams will have some place to meet at halftime and dress after games.

“There are no showers, but then a lot of schools didn’t shower at Alamo Stadium anyway. For the teams that do need to shower, we can make arrangements to take them to a high school.”

Dunn has heard the concerns about being able to accommodate the crowds that area games will attract, and has addressed them. He said he’d recently gotten approval to bring in portable bleachers on both sides of the field. He said they will raise the seating capacity to nearly 7,000.

“I did a study on San Antonio school district games the last two years,” Dunn said. “I think the average attendance was about 2,400, with the exception of one game.

“I guarantee you this: More people will come to games at Wheatley than ever went to Alamo Stadium. We’re more community-based. When schools like Sam Houston, Highlands and Brack play, we’re going to be busting at the seams. I think it will get a bigger number of fans.”

One reason Dunn said he believes that crowds will flock to the stadium is because it’s close to east-side homes. Another is the concessions.

“We have Bob’s Smoke House and a guy who does chicken wings,” he said. “That’s one thing people who’ve been here for track ask about, will we have those same concessions (for football). It’s going to help bring those people back. The athletes went wild for barbecue sandwiches and the chicken nuggets The Wing Man sells. It’s all fresh.”

Dunn said one of the founding principles when the complex opened was that it would continue to expand to meet the community’s needs.

“We want to add a community center that will double as a weight room with shower facilities,” Dunn said. “We want to get that on the radar for the city council and the county. People will be in there all day long.”

With a first-class field and 700 parking spaces, including a separate section for buses, Dunn is hoping schools will book Wheatley Heights for playoff games at season’s end.

Garza said some SAISD boys and girls soccer games will be played there in the spring. Of course, the track meets will continue.

The track already is well-known among area track and field fans. In addition to the SAISD meets, it’s home to Dunn’s San Antonio Heat track club.

Next fall, football will return to renovated Alamo Stadium. Asked what he liked about the revisions that are being done to the stadium, Garza’s answer was “everything.”

The new Alamo Stadium will have a smaller seating capacity of 16,000 to 18,000, but a wider playing field that will especially benefit soccer. The estimated completion date currently is late spring or early summer of 2014.

“As it was, it was a great old stadium,” he said. “It just has so much history. But it was built in 1940, so what it needed was a facelift. Other than the scoreboard, goalposts and track, nothing had really been done to the infrastructure. It had antiquated locker rooms, concession stands and restrooms.

“It needed a facelift, and it’s finally getting it, but we kept the structural integrity. Everything will be new, but it’ll still have the same look about it.”

Even so, this might be the beginning of a long-lasting relationship, depending on the arrangement works for both parties. The SAISD athletic director stated that it was possible for district teams to continue playing at Wheatley Heights in future seasons.

“I’d like to keep our options open,” Garza said. “One thing I like is the enthusiasm Highlands and Sam Houston are going to generate when they play there. We don’t want to lose Alamo Stadium. But there’s probably a very good chance Highlands and Sam Houston will play there in the future.

“We’ll have to see how many games we want to play there.”

The executive director thinks Wheatley Heights made its mark on the athletes who ran there in the spring.

“When they came over and saw our field,” Dunn said, “they loved it. They wanted to stay on the field. We had to run them off of it.”

Dunn recalled a conversation he overhead this spring during a middle school track meet.

“We had some people who came over from Judson (High School),” Dunn said. “Some guy told his family, “This facility is awesome. I didn’t even know this was here.’ ”

Because of that conversation and the general reception Wheatley Heights has received in its relatively short life, Dunn is confident others soon will have similar thoughts about it – and they’ll be reflected in the bottom line over time.

“Eventually,” he said, “we’ll get business out of it.”

GAMES AT WHEATLEY HEIGHTS

Friday, Aug. 30

Brackenridge (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 6

Floresville (0-0) vs. Brackenridge (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 7

Uvalde (0-0) vs. Highlands (0-0), 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 13

Kennedy (0-0) vs. Jefferson (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14

Devine (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0), 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 20

Del Rio (0-0) vs. Brackenridge (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 4

Burbank (0-0) vs. Jefferson (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 11

Edison (0-0) vs. Brackenridge (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 18

Burbank (0-0) vs. Edison (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 19

Somerset (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0), 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 25

Edison (0-0) vs. Lanier (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 1

La Vernia (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 9

Burbank (0-0) vs. Lanier (0-0), 7 p.m.

FOOTBALL: Games at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex this year

Friday, Aug. 30

Brackenridge (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 6

Floresville (0-0) vs. Brackenridge (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 7

Uvalde (0-0) vs. Highlands (0-0), 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 13

Kennedy (0-0) vs. Jefferson (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14

Devine (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0), 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 20

Del Rio (0-0) vs. Brackenridge (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 4

Burbank (0-0) vs. Jefferson (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 11

Edison (0-0) vs. Brackenridge (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 18

Burbank (0-0) vs. Edison (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 19

Somerset (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0), 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 25

Edison (0-0) vs. Lanier (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 1

La Vernia (0-0) vs. Sam Houston (0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 9

Burbank (0-0) vs. Lanier (0-0), 7 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL: Knights recover to defeat Jefferson in season opener

Kennedy, Sam Houston, South San and Southwest record sweeps

Holy Cross came close to putting away Jefferson in three games Monday  in the season-opener for both teams, but the Mustangs weren’t going down without a fight.

The Knights had to rally in Game 4 of the non-district match at Jefferson to claim a 25-19, 25-16, 23-25, 25-16 victory.

Senior setter Julia Ibarra led Holy Cross with 20 assists. Freshman Henrianna Ibarra contributed seven kills. Daisy Flores was credited with five digs and Mallory Ozuna served three aces.

Jefferson statistics were unavailable.

Sam Houston d. Lanier

The Hurricanes defeated Lanier 25-17, 25-19, 25-15 Monday at the Voks’ gym.

Sam Houston statistics were unavailable.

Lanier received 13 kills and four digs from junior Elizabeth DeHoyoa. Samantha Ibarra added five kills and five digs. Brenda Urbina provided seven assists and four digs. Alejandra Martinez recorded a team-high nine digs and Vanessa Trevino supplied six. Yulisa Beltran made five blocks.

Edison-Southwest-Southside

Southwest defeated Edison 25-21, 25-22, 25-11 and host Southside defeated Edison 25-21, 21-25, 27-25, 25-23 Monday in a triangular at the Cardinals’ gym. The Edison-Southwest score was unavailable.

Senior libero Ariana Cisneros led Southside with 34 digs against Edison and 21 against Southwest. Senior middle blocker Cristina Guerra had 10 kills, four digs and two blocks in the win over Edison. She finished with six kills against Southwest.

Cardinals freshman Alyssa Gallardo made a splash in her varsity debut. In her first match, Gallardo added 10 assists and nine digs against Southwest. Against Edison, she produced 11 digs and 21 assists. Michelle Reyes also made 11 digs in the Edison match and five against Southwest.

In the Edison match, Southside’s Aimee Wood chipped in with eight digs and three aces. Chloe Davis made five digs and four kills.

Fox Tech-Memorial-South San

South San built momentum early to down Fox Tech 25-9, 25-7, 25-23 in a triangular  Monday in a triangular at Edgewood Gym.

Fox Tech began the day with a four-game win over host Memorial. The Minutemen won the first game 25-18. The Buffaloes prevailed in the match with 27-25, 25-13, 25-23 victories.

Junior Brianna Campos dealt 19 assists and made 10 digs to lead Fox Tech against Memorial. Senior middle blocker Elisabeth Crane led with match highs of eight kills and three blocks. Ruby Zavala offered  her support up front with five kills and two blocks.

Cassandra Salinas contributed 15 digs and served two aces for the Buffaloes. Briana Rangel chipped in five digs and four kills. Adelind-Idris Sifuentes also made five digs.

For Memorial, senior Jatziry Duarte finished with a team-high eight digs. Miranda Puente had a well-rounded match with five kills, two aces and two blocks. Bridget Gomez was credited with nine assists.

In the South San match, Salazar (8 digs) and Rangel (5 digs) were defensive standouts for Fox Tech. Crane made two blocks. Elizabeth Nareso served two aces.

South San statistics were unavailable.

Kennedy d. YWLA

The Rockets stormed to a 25-13, 25-19, 25-9 win over the Young Women’s Leadership Academy Monday at Kennedy. Statistics were unavailable from the season-opener for both teams.

FOOTBALL: Brack QB Richards commits to Oklahoma State

Ramon Richards relishes a challenge.

That’s no small factor in the explanation of how the Brackenridge quarterback helped raise the Eagles’ sights in the postseason last fall. After guiding Brack to its first football playoff victory in 15 years, the senior’s ambition was a key factor in his choice of Oklahoma State University as a college destination on July 13.

Oklahoma State is No. 14 in the USA Today preseason rankings for the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.

“First of all, I like the team,” Richards said. “They’re a great team, and they get to bowl games. I’m happy that I’m going to a big-time school.”

Richards, who is entering his third year as the Eagles’ starting quarterback, will make the transition to the secondary in the Big 12 Conference. Oklahoma State recruited the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder as a defensive back.

“Coach (Van) Malone and Coach (Tim) Duffie, they like me as a person,” he said, referring to the Cowboys’ cornerbacks and safeties coaches, respectively, “not just as an athlete.

“When I was on my visit up there (in June), I noticed the freshmen were getting along like they’d been there for years. I know I’ll be comfortable and fit in at Oklahoma State.

“They want me to play defensive back, and I actually like playing defensive back. I just haven’t had a chance to do it much, except in certain situations.”

As the Eagles’ quarterback last year, Richards passed for 1,995 yards and led the team in rushing with 1,183 yards in 12 games for the 7-5 team. He completed 131 of 246 passes for 18 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. He used his 4.4 40-yard-dash speed to run for 19 touchdowns.

Richards made two interceptions last year in limited secondary duty.

“Ramon took a trip up there and he was very excited about it,” Brackenridge coach Willie Hall said. “He was keeping his options open. He’s the kind of kid who wants to do what’s best for you and for the team. But, at the end of the day, (recruiting) is all about you.

“He loved the school and he loved the facilities. He told me he liked the practice situation more than the game situation. And he really liked the coaches there. He wanted to play there and it was in a conference he wanted to play in.

“That was where he wanted to be. And, if he’s happy, I’m happy.”

Richards played for Brackenridge’s basketball team each of the last two years. He started at forward last year and averaged 9.9 points a game. Richards used his 32-inch vertical leap, which will aid him in the secondary, to be a strong rebounder and also was an adept distributor of the ball.

Before selecting OSU, Richards considered a wide variety of schools and was recruited for several positions.

The Cowboys were one of the few teams that considered Richards’ best future position to be defensive back. Oregon State University, another program that has been in the NCAA Division I top 25 in recent years, and Texas State University in San Marcos were looking at him as a wide receiver, Richards said.

Rice University and Yale University looked at him as a collegiate quarterback. The University of Memphis was scouting him under the athlete heading, meaning that Richards could end up any of four or five positions.

Other schools that were looking at Richards included Harvard University, the University of Houston and Sam Houston State University.

Oklahoma State offered Richards a football scholarship in June. At that point, he was still deliberating over which school, and which position, would be best for him.

“When they offered me, at first I was considering (committing) but decided to wait,” Richards confessed. “I was waiting to see if a closer school, like Texas State or Baylor would offer. But then I came to my senses.

“I realized an offer like this doesn’t come around that often. When I went up for my campus visit, it was amazing. I couldn’t let an opportunity like that slip through my hands.”

Richards is verbally committed to attend Oklahoma State for the 2014-15 school year. Players  can’t officially sign a National Letter of Intent, which binds them to their college of choice, until Feb. 5, 2014.

He’s one of 17 players committed to Oklahoma State, including Medina Valley punter Zach Sinor.

 

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