Category: Week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2014

FOOTBALL WEEKEND REPORT: Southside survives scare from winless Nixon

Edison surprises Harlandale; Holy Cross rolls in 3-II

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Edison, Harlandale, Holy Cross, Southside.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Lanier-launches-comeback-to-edge-Highlands-5805022.php

After winning decisively the previous two weeks, undefeated Southside (5-0, 2-0) met a challenge from an unlikely source Friday in a 14-6 win at Southside. Winless Laredo Nixon (0-5, 0-2) was within 7-6 at halftime.

Sophomore Matthew Collier (80 yards, 22 carries) scored the game’s first touchdown on a 13-yard run with 8:13 remaining in the first quarter. Zachary Henry’s extra-point kick proved important.

The Mustangs closed the gap to a point when Rene Alvarado (118 yards, 17 carries) plunged in from the one-yard line just 1:45 before halftime.

The Cardinals secured the win when Johnny Herrera returned a blocked punt 24 yards for a touchdown with 7:01 to play in the third quarter.

Laredo Nixon outgained Southside 305-175 in total yards. The Cardinals lost junior quarterback Johnny Trevino to an injury in the first quarter.

Edison 31, Harlandale 21

The Golden Bears (2-3, 2-1) notched their second-consecutive victory Friday over Harlandale (3-3, 2-2) at Alamo Stadium. Edison relied on a three-pronged rushing attack.

Senior quarterback Jonathan Hernandez rushed for 63 yards on 10 carries, including touchdown runs of 28 and 37 yards. Hernandez also completed 10 of 15 passes for 168 yards.

Livan Hernandez stepped forward with 84 rushing yards on 12 attempts. Matthew Garcia added 77 yards on 16 carries as the Bears amassed 224 rushing yards.

Harlandale took the lead with a three-yard touchdown run from Vincent Hernandez and a 23-yard scoring pass from Jacob Delgado (25 of 41, 270 yards) to Ian Martinez (107 yards, 9 receptions). After taking a 14-0 lead a minute before halftime, the Indians didn’t score again until Noah Avina caught a five-yard touchdown pass with 3:39 remaining in the game.

David Sanchez (94 yards, 3 catches) and Bryan Bolton (47 yards, 4 catches) caught touchdown passes for Edison in the third quarter. Sanchez scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:55 left in the quarter.

Little more than four minutes into the final period, a 20-yard field goal by Joseph Delgado sealed the win.

John Aguirre ran for 96 yards on 20 attempts for the Indians. Jacob Rodriguez caught six passes for 66 yards.

Holy Cross 58, TMI 7

The Knights (4-1, 2-0) continued to cruise in TAPPS District 3-II Friday at TMI (1-5, 0-2). Holy Cross has outscored its first two district opponents 106-7.

Holy Cross scored four touchdowns in the first quarter and led 44-0 by the half.

David Sanchez scored on a 12-yard pass from Nazario Coleman (9 of 10, 143 yards) less than four minutes into the game for the first of his two touchdowns. Twenty-seven seconds later, T.J. Dennie reached the end zone on a 20-yard pass from Coleman.

Greg Scott, who saw limited action carrying the ball, produced a third-consective aerial touchdown on a 57-yard pass play. Dennie ran for 128 yards on just eight attempts. Jay Nava completed the first-quarter scoring with a six-yard run.

TMI scored the first touchdown Holy Cross had allowed in three weeks with 10:30 remaining in the game. Holy Cross held the Panthers to 50 total yards while amassing 479.

The Knights’ Gustavo Aguirre caught three passes for 73 yards.

FOOTBALL: Hurricanes stifle Highlands for fifth-straight win

Turnovers plague Owls in 28-5A loss

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Highlands, Sam Houston.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/high_school/high_school_football/article/Parents-want-teen-s-death-on-field-to-help-others-5812965.php

Sam Houston’s interceptions at halftime outnumbered Highlands’ completions. That was a problem for the Owls Thursday at Alamo Stadium.

The Hurricanes (5-2, 5-0) cashed in picks on each of Highlands’ first three possessions in the District 28-5A game. That got district-leading Sam Houston rolling for a 48-0 victory.

It was Sam Houston’s second shutout in 28-5A play and fifth concsecutive win.

“The first possession, (the defense) was a little down,” Sam Houston junior wide receiver Dewayne Brown said, “but they picked it up. When the defense is shutting them down like that, it makes it a lot easier on the other end.”

Sam Houston limited Highlands (0-6, 0-4) to 115 total yards and forced five turnovers. The Owls started junior quarterback Thomas Saleme for the first time.

“We wanted to keep the pressure on them with a first-time starting quarterback,” Hurricanes coach Gary Green said. “Quarterbacks don’t like pressure. Nobody does. Joe Montana didn’t like pressure.”

Senior fullback James Citrizen ran up the middle 5 yards for the Hurricane’s first touchdown following Jawon Anderson’s first interception of the season. The pick ended a nine-play drive by Highlands (0-6, 0-4).

Junior Devin Harris scored the next three Sam Houston touchdowns.

Harris caught an 18-yard pass from Raymonte Prime six seconds into the second quarter, following an interception by Zurick Woods. An interception by Darryl Bledsoe led to a seven-play Hurricanes drive, which Harris capped with a three-yard run. The back added a six-yard run with 5:29 until halftime.

“Without our defensive line, we’d be nothing,” Woods said. “(The secondary) just played football and did our job. That’s all we needed to do.”

Eight seconds before the half, Anderson scored on a seven-yard pass from Prime.

“They’re really fast,” Highlands coach Bert Lopez said. “Their defensive line is really fast. Our linemen had our hands full.”

Sam Houston ran only nine offensive plays in the second half, but the Hurricanes picked up two touchdowns. Defensive end Chaye Williams scored on a 72-yard fumble return in the third quarter. Brown took a pass in the left flat 63 yards to the end zone with 10:35 left.

With the touchdown and three carries for 14 yards as a backup quarterback, Brown accounted for all of the Hurricanes’ fourth-quarter yardage. Sam Houston finished with 255 total yards.

VOLLEYBALL: Holy Cross sweeps reigning TAPPS 4-4A champ

Knights hand Victoria St. Joseph first district loss since 2012

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Holy Cross.

Holy Cross sophomore libero Daisy Flores made 12 digs in the victory over Victoria St. Joseph.
Holy Cross sophomore libero Daisy Flores made 12 digs in the victory over Victoria St. Joseph.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Volleyball-roundup-5805122.php

Victoria St. Joseph (35-2, 11-1) has been the giants in what is now TAPPS District 4-4A, but the Flyers were slain by Holy Cross (29-13, 10-1) Sept. 30 in Victoria. It was the Knights’ first win over the perennial district champions, who have reached the TAPPS state finals each of the last two years.

Holy Cross not only handed St. Joseph its first district loss since 2012, but won in three games: 25-14, 25-19, 25-20. In fact, the Flyers hadn’t lost a game in district play in the last two seasons.

St. Joseph was No. 1 in the MaxPreps TAPPS 4A rankings and No. 3 in their TAPPS overall rankings. The loss ended a 20-match winning streak.

“They’re a great program,” Holy Cross coach Ruben Calderon said. “I just knew we had an opportunity to play great. It was a surprise that we did as well as we did. I never expected anything like that, but we’ll take it.”

Henrianna Ibarra (14 kills, 18 digs) and Victoria Gonzalez (7 kills, 8 digs, 3 blocks) each served four aces for the Knights. Anna Zuniga (17 aces, 9 digs, 1.5 blocks) chipped in three aces.

Daisy Flores contributed 12 digs and Stella Ramirez had eight. Kimberly Butcher dealt nine assists. Megan Hernandez added four kills.

“We’ve been changing our lineup and serving rotation,” Calderon said. “Henrianna’s first serves were workng really well, and that kept them off-balance. Our hitting percentage was really high as well.”

Holy Cross also defeated San Antonio Christian 27-25, 25-17, 25-19 Oct. 2 at Holy Cross. Ibarra led with 19 digs and 17 kills as the Knights recorded their sixth-consecutive win.

Butcher distributed 12 assists. Flores served four aces. Gonzalez made four blocks.

The Knights are utilizing Butcher and Anna Zuniga as their setters in a 6-2 alignment.

“They were like the last piece of the puzzle,” Calderon said. “We’re confident with everybody, that we have the right combination we’ll need going forward.”

FOOTBALL: Area rankings (thru Oct. 4)

Through Oct. 4

 

TOP 15:

 

Rank-Team-Last Week

1. Holy Cross – 1

2. Southside – 2

3. Southwest – 3

4. East Central – 4

5. Sam Houston – 6

6. Central Catholic – 5

7. Brackenridge – 7

8. South San – 8

9. Edison – 10

10. Burbank – 11

11. Harlandale – 9

12. Lanier – 13

13. Jefferson – 12

14. Highlands – 15

15. Memorial – NR

 

NR = not ranked

FOOTBALL: Tello reaps payoff for persistence, hard work

Burbank erupts for win over Jefferson

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Burbank, Jefferson.

Burbank senior Daniel Tello ran for 220 yards and passed for 130 against Jefferson.
Burbank senior Daniel Tello ran for 220 yards and passed for 130 against Jefferson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/high_school/high_school_football/article/Tello-has-Burbank-on-right-track-5802081.php

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Lanier-launches-comeback-to-edge-Highlands-5805022.php

After losing nearly all of last season to a concussion and a knee injury, Burbank senior quarterback Daniel Tello knows the value of perseverance.

This year, there has been tangible for rewards on the field for Tello’s faith and patience. The third-year quarterback amassed 350 yards of total offense and accounted for three touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 46-34 victory over Jefferson in a District 28-5A game at Alamo Stadium.

“It gives us a lot of confidence that we’re getting where we want to be,” Tello said. “I’m happy to have this very good feeling. I want to have it again.”

Burbank (3-2, 2-1) may have taken a big step toward the playoffs with the victory. The point total was the Bulldogs’ highest in the last five seasons.

“The boys came out and played well,” Burbank coach Mark Perez said. “They played with a lot of heart.”

Jefferson (1-5, 1-3) trailed by 32 points early in the fourth quarter, but forced three turnovers to slice 20 off the final margin. In the first half, the Mustangs were plagued by two turnovers and seven penalties.

Their closing flourish included a 40-yard touchdown run from Jesse Flores (204 yards, 24 carries), a 13-yard touchdown pass from Weston Redding to Drew Lopez and a 17-yard pass to Henry Bocko (96 yards, 4 receptions) for his second score of the game. Time expired as Bocko made a wide-open catch in the end zone.

Burbank senior Tru Bradford produced an interception on the game’s first play. Four plays later, the Bulldogs scored on a one-yard run from Rubyn Salazar (97 yards, 20 attempts).

The Mustangs tied it 7-7 with 2:16 left in the opening quarter. Redding scored on a five-yard keeper.

Exactly a minute later, Burbank was in the end zone again as Tello dashed 30 yards for the score.

Tello, who ran for 196 yards in the first half and 220 total, tacked on an 11-yard rushing touchdown with 7:47 until halftime. It capped a 79-yard, 10-play drive. He threw a short pass to the left flat on the Bulldogs’ next possession, which Jordan Santos (87 yards, 3 receptions) turned into a 48-yard score with a slick pivot move as he made the catch.

With the Mustangs trailing 28-7, Bocko made two catches on the ensuing drive for 69 yards. The last 59 came on a tight-end screen that he took to the house.

Salazar concluded the first-half scoring with a one-yard dive 32 seconds before halftime. The back has taken on an increased role in the Bulldogs’ offense the last two weeks. He finished with three touchdowns and 37 reception yards.

“Coach (James) McCall has given me the chance to play more,” Salazar said of Burbank’s offensive coordinator. “I’ve been asking.”

Another example of patience rewarded.

FOOTBALL: Week 6 previews (Saturday’s games)

# – denotes current San Antonio South Side Sports area ranking

 

SATURDAY

 

#11 Burbank (2-2, 1-1) vs. #12 Jefferson (1-4, 1-2) at Alamo Stadium, 7 p.m.

This might be the closest District 28-5A game of the weekend, even if it didn’t seem that way at midweek. The marquee value is Jefferson’s offense against Burbank’s defense.

I don’t think either unit will dominate, though. So, as often happens in this type of situation, it may come down to which is stronger between Burbank’s offense and Jefferson’s defense.

Burbank may have the advantage there with poised senior quarterback Daniel Tello. Tello had shouldered a disproportionate share of the offensive load, until last Friday’s 18-7 win over McCollum when Rubyn Salazar ran for a team-high 119 yards (Tello accounted for 110).

That two-pronged threat makes Burbank more dangerous. The Bulldogs didn’t need to throw much against the Cowboys.

Defensively, the Bulldogs held McCollum to 229 total yards and forced five turnovers.

Jefferson has seemed to make good progress each of the last three weeks, despite falling 55-34 to district-leading Sam Houston last Saturday. That may have been the Mustangs’ best offensive showing. The defense had stepped forward a week earlier in a 15-14 win over Lanier.

One encouraging sign for Jefferson was that Eric Flores accepted a larger share of the ballcarrying load to complement standout back Jesse Flores. Weston Redding threw for 74 yards.

The Mustangs will need to be able to throw well enough to keep the defense off the field, which puts the onus on the offensive line. Jefferson’s defense will be thankful not to be facing explosive Sam Houston, but must keep Tello contained as best it can.

This could be a key game for both teams in terms of their playoff hopes.

Jefferson won the first four game in the series and has dominated since. The Bulldogs’ win last year snapped a five-game losing streak in the series (including a forfeit in 2008).

Series leader (record): Jefferson (27-5). 2013 score: Burbank 40, Jefferson 33. 2014 favorite: Burbank.

FOOTBALL: Week 6 previews (Friday’s games)

# – denotes current San Antonio South Side Sports area ranking

 

FRIDAY

 

Brooks Academy (1-4) at Cotulla (1-4), 7:30 p.m.

After taking it on the chin the last two weeks, following its first win since 2011, Brooks Academy gets a game that’s a little more in its wheelhouse.

Last Friday, Cole blitzed the Bengals with 401 rushing yards in a 57-2 loss. The Cougars didn’t complete a pass. Brooks Academy scored on an extra-point return by Alejandro Gonzalez on Cole’s first touchdown.

The Bengals mustered just 89 total yards – 44 yards fewer than a week earlier. So, with the start of the District 15-3A Division I season a week away, Brooks desperately needs to get its offense going again.

Marco Reyes was Brooks’ most-effective back against Cole. The Bengals will need to get its running game established early against Cotulla to take some of the pressure off quarterback Dennis Perales.

Cotulla won’t exactly be a pushover.

The Class 3A Cowboys are only a week removed from a 25-0 win over La Pryor.

Three of their four losses have been by a margin of eight points or fewer.

Senior Matthew Luna leads Cotulla’s ground-oriented attack.

Winning this one on the road may be a tall order for the Bengals, but they’d like to have a more competitive game to hang their hats on with district season looming.

Series leader (record): unknown. 2013 score: did not play. 2014 favorite: Cotulla.

#9 Harlandale (3-2, 2-1) vs. #10 Edison (1-3, 1-1) at Alamo Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Both teams have shown improvement as the season progressed, and things may have clicked into place for Harlandale last Friday in a 20-0 shutout victory over Highlands.

Now it may be time for Edison to take another step forward. The Golden Bears took a week off from the District 28-5A season, coincidentally following a 23-20 win against Highlands on Sept. 19.

The Golden Bears survived five turnovers – three on interceptions – against the Owls. They’ll need to shore things up, because that won’t fly against an Indians defense that limited Highlands to 105 total yards. (The Owls outgained Edison 333-321).

Senior quarterback Jonathan Hernandez threw for 202 yards against Highlands. Edison will want to speed the tempo and try to outscore Harlandale. Their defense hasn’t shown an ability to get enough three-and-outs against a solid Indians offense.

For that to work, the Golden Bears need a strong showing on the ground from Matt Garcia in just his third varsity game. David Sanchez had his best game as a receiver against Highlands.

Harlandale won’t be afraid of a shootout, as junior Jacob Delgado grows into the quarterback job. Delgado completed 13 of 19 passes for 126 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown pass to steady receiver Ian Martinez.

Indians back John Aguirre went over the 100-yard mark a week ago. If he does tonight, that will be a bad sign for Edison.

Series leader (record): unknown. 2013 score: did not play. 2014 favorite: Harlandale.

#1 Holy Cross (3-1, 1-0) at TMI (2-3, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.

The central question here is whether Holy Cross can extend its shutout streak to three in a row.

The Knights are a heavy favorite against TMI, even with a retooled offense that – by the way – has been coming along nicely. Holy Cross produced 394 yards of total offense in its 48-0 rout of Cornerstone Christian last Saturday.

Nazario Coleman passed for 103 yards and ran for 40. Steven Villela had two receptions, including a 78-yard touchdown.

Greg Scott only carried the ball eight times, gaining 77 yards as the Knights went to their bench. Rudy Gonzalez gained 50 yards on seven carries.

Defensively, Holy Cross held Cornerstone to a miniscule 51 total yards and forced three turnovers.

TMI has been outscored 96-13 in losing its last three games. The Panthers return back Markell Henderson, who put them in the lead early last year against the Knights. However, Henderson hasn’t been as explosive and didn’t play last week in a 49-7 district-opening loss to Austin Hyde Park Baptist.

The Panthers only mustered 100 total yards, 76 on the ground. Quarterback G.W. Bodden was the leading rusher with 30 yards.

Series leader (record): unknown. 2013 score: Holy Cross 34, TMI 20. 2014 favorite: Holy Cross.

Laredo Nixon (0-4, 0-1) at #2 Southside (4-0, 1-0), 7:30 p.m.

How long can surprising Southside remain undefeated?

It sure looks like it’s going to be at least another week.

The Cardinals return home to face a 29-5A opponent in Laredo Nixon. The winless Mustangs may not be as bad as their record, based on the two touchdowns they put up in a 44-17 loss to Somerset last Friday. However, it must be noted that they’ve been shut out twice this season.

Southside hasn’t posted a shutout yet, but was close in its 29-5A opener. The Cardinals defeated a comparable Eagle Pass Winn team 34-7. They outgained the Mavericks 411-210 in total yardage.

Southside got 182 rushing yards from Matt Collier and 169 from quarterback Johnny Trevino, who only attempted 11 passes. David Garza has emerged as the Cardinals’ go-to receiver, averaging 16 yards a catch.

Diego Avila leads the defense, which has limited opponents to two touchdowns or fewer in three of its four games.

Nixon scored one of its touchdowns against Somerset (as did the Cardinals versus Winn. Brandon Herrera scored on a 49-yarder). The Mustangs mustered jus t 49 rushing yards on 21 attempts. They’ll need a better performance in that area if they hope to keep pace with Southside.

Mustangs quarterback Danny Ledesma racked up more than half his passing yards on a 26-yard touchdown throw to Oscar Trevino.

Series leader (record): unknown. 2013 score: did not play. 2014 favorite: Southside.

Memorial (0-5, 0-3) at Seguin (1-3, 1-1), 7:30 p.m.

Memorial has shown signs of progress in its last two games and is coming off a bye week, giving it a chance to add more wrinkles to its offense.

Quarterback Alfred Ramos has been a shining light for the Minutemen, throwing for 682 yards with eight touchdowns and just three interceptions. He passed for 73 of Memorial’s 142 total yards in a 38-6 loss to San Marcos, including a 10-yard touchdown pass to Greg Rosemond.

After netting negative rushing yardage against Lockhart, Memorial made a forward step against the Rattlers. Raymon Garcia gained 55 yards on two carries. However, the Minutemen will need to be more effective on first and second downs to challenge Seguin.

San Marcos ran for a whopping 401 yards against the Minutemen, but the Matadors don’t have the same caliber of offense.

After being outscored 96-42 in its first two games, Seguin lost by a point to Lockhart before prevailing 27-24 last week against rival San Marcos. The Matadors pulled it out on an 18-yard pass from Henry Young to Brock Gerlich with 1:12 remaining after matching scores with the Rattlers throughout the game.

The Matadors will be ready to flex some muscle this week.

Young and Koy Kunkel split quarterbacking duties last week, combining to throw for 170 yards. The Matador that Memorial must check, though, is Avion Dora (75 receiving yards, 52 rushing yards). Dora scored on a 25-yard run, 58-yard reception and 100-yard kickoff return.

San Marcos outgained Seguin 465-263 in total yardage behind explosive quarterback David Hamilton. So, there should be opportunities for Memorial to move the chains if the ground game is effective and Ramos is given time to throw.

Series leader (record): unknown. 2013 score: did not play. 2014 favorite: Seguin.

#6 Sam Houston (3-2, 3-0) vs. #7 Brackenridge (3-2, 3-0) at SAISD Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Cardiac Brack survived its first challenge to its district supremacy, coming from behind to defeat Harlandale 24-21 two weeks ago.

The latest test seems to loom a little larger, and not just because the Hurricanes also are undefeated after three District 28-5A games. It’s a neighborhood rivalry and one which the Eagles dominated 63-0 a year ago.

Sam Houston will see this as the biggest measure of its significant improvement.

Receivers Jawon Anderson and Trenton Jones have helped to open up the Hurricanes’ offense and give it a receiving corps that nearly rivals Brack’s. Quarterback Raymonte Prime showed poise and growth in throwing for 196 yards in a 55-34 decision over Jefferson last Saturday. The junior has only thrown one interception this year.

The margin shrunk a bit in the fourth quarter against Jefferson when Sam Houston went to the bench.

Back Devin Harris has been equally successful running both between the tackles and to the outside. The Eagles’ defense must keep him contained, especially on first down.

Brackenridge only erased a two-touchdown deficit in defeating Lanier 20-13 last Friday, after digging out of 21-point holes the previous two weeks. I feel confident in saying this phenomenon won’t repeat against Sam Houston.

The Hurricanes are just too explosive and to consistent on defense.

The Eagles really will need to get out of the gate faster this time. They’ll need to establish the run behind Trey Mathis and Macco Marble early, so Antonio Lopez can take deep shots at the Hurricanes’ secondary with Lee Terrell and a bevy of receivers.

Big plays are a given from both teams. Winning that war may be important. More likely, though, the biggest factor will be whether Brackenridge’s defense can put together the type of four-quarter effort it seems to be building up to.

Sam Houston has been more consistent in that regard.

Turnovers have been a problem for both teams at times this season. In this game, more than most, those mistakes can easily be converted into quick scores. Ball security will be vital.

Brackenridge has won the last two games by sizable margins. Believe it or not, last year’s 63-0 Brack rout wasn’t the biggest in series history. The then-Cherokees won 82-0 in 1989.

Sam Houston’s last win was 45-13 in 2011. Interestingly, since 2004 the teams have taken turns winning two in a row. So it’s the Hurricanes’ turn, if the pattern holds.

The closest game was a 6-2 Eagles win in 1970. This game figures to be more of that nature than the recent blowouts, but with a lot more points scored.

Series leader (record): Sam Houston (12-8). 2013 score:  Brackenridge 63, Sam Houston 0. 2014 favorite: Sam Houston.

FOOTBALL: Lanier takes pep talk to heart for first win

Voks blank Highlands in second half

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Highlands, Lanier.

Lanier back Julian Castillo ran for 101 yards and a touchdown.
Lanier back Julian Castillo ran for 101 yards and a touchdown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/high_school/high_school_football/article/State-of-Mississippi-is-center-stage-5797751.php

 

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Lanier-launches-comeback-to-edge-Highlands-5805022.php

Six days after Lanier lost a halftime lead and with it an opportunity for its first victory, the Voks came out of the locker room for the second half with determination.

The Voks (1-5, 1-3) scored two unanswered touchdowns against Highlands (0-5, 0-3) after halftime Thursday in a District 28-5A game at Alamo Stadium. They erased a halftime deficit to record the win, 28-24.

“We had a long discussion at halftime,” Lanier coach Don Gatian said. “The last three games, we’ve played good defense and our offense has been coming along. But the first half tonight, we weren’t getting anything done.”

Lanier senior back Joe Orta (118 yards, 17 carries) scored the winning points with a five-yard touchdown run 10:45 from the end. It was his third score of the game, matching three touchdowns from Highlands’ Quindon Boston (103 yards, 27 carries).

Orta had cut the Voks’ deficit to 24-21 with a three-yard scoring run at the 2:56 mark of the third quarter. Lanier drove 64 yards in 10 plays to score.

“We’ve got five weeks to get in the playoffs,” Orta said. “It’s my senior year. We’re going to be going all out for it.”

Highlands came out throwing a little more often than usual on its first possession and the Voks were playing catch-up the rest of the half. Owls quarterback John Cervantes completed all three of his passes on the drive for 58 yards.

Boston scored the first of his three first-half touchdowns with 7:10 remaining in the first quarter. The senior also scored on a 28-yard sweep before the quarter ended.

“We played great the first half,” Highlands coach Bert Lopez said. “We just couldn’t finish it. Turnovers tonight killed us.”

Lanier sliced the lead in half with a 10-yard touchdown run Julian Castillo. The Voks first TD wrapped up an 84-yard drive. Following a 21-yard field goal from Highlands senior Americo Ayala, Orta powered in from the 10-yard line just 1:04 before halftime.

Thanks to a 44-yard pass play from Cervantes to sophomore Darius Prescott, Highlands had time to increase its halftime lead to 24-14.

“We got the monkey off our backs,” Gatian said. “The last three weeks we’ve been so close. This could pick us up.”

FOOTBALL: Week 6 previews (Thursday’s games)

# – denotes current San Antonio South Side Sports area ranking

THURSDAY

#13 Lanier (0-5, 0-3) vs. #15 Highlands (0-4, 0-2) at Alamo Stadium, 7 p.m.

To state the obvious, one of these teams will win its first game of the 2014 season tonight. And, frankly, that would have been surprising to know six weeks ago.

Both teams have solid defenses and each has one of District 28-5A’s best backs: Highlands senior Quindon Boston and Lanier senior Joe Orta.

Highlands had been making good progress offensively, scoring 49 points in its previous two games before being blanked 20-0 by Harlandale last Friday. The Owls mustered just 105 total yards, 83 from Boston on the ground.

The passing game has been Highlands’ Achilles heel. Although John Cervantes was able to throw for 99 yards against Uvalde Sept. 5. He can be effective with short passes if the line gives him time.

De-Morriay Richardson-Jackson was a big weapon for the Owls at times last year, but he’s seen limited duty this year. If he’s healthy enough to step up his production, that will be a big boost for Highlands.

Highlands’ defense has forced seven turnovers – including five in a heart-breaking 23-20 loss to Edison two weeks ago – while the Owls have committed just four in the last three games. The turnover margin could give Highlands a lift toward its first victory.

Lanier hasn’t exactly been turnover-prone, but the Voks have lost key turnovers in two of the last three games and trail their opponents 5-3 in turnover margin.

Last Friday, in a game the Voks led until the fourth quarter and one in which they did the unthinkable, outgaining Brack 378-250. Against McCollum in its district opener, Lanier lost two fumbles that the Cowboys returned for touchdowns.

Keeping Orta and Julian Castro rolling on the ground is Lanier’s biggest priority. Orta showed that he’s back to full strength with 187 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries against the Eagles. The Voks don’t miss a thing when their power runner is on the bench, as the elusive Castro went for 131.

As with the Owls, the Voks’ passing game continues to be a work in progress. Lanier completed just two of nine throws with an interception last week.

The series began in 1972, but was interrupted in 1995 for 17 years as Highlands experienced an enrollment surge. The Owls had a 16-game winning streak when the series resumed in 2012, but Lanier has won the last two. This one, shapes up as essentially a coin flip.

Series leader (record): Highlands (20-4). 2013 score:  Lanier 21, Highlands 8. 2014 favorite: Lanier.

VOLLEYBALL WEEKLY REPORT: Bobcats, Hornets win 28-6A openers

Highlands vaults Brack, Jeff into second place in 28-5A

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Brackenridge, East Central, Highlands, South San, Southwest.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Harlandale-eyes-revenge-5788913.php

East Central (15-15, 1-0) and South San (15-13, 1-0) each began their District 28-6A seasons with a win Friday, Sept. 26.

South San swept Corpus Christi Ray 25-18, 25-23, 25-23 in their home gym. The Hornets also were in their nest when they blanked Corpus Christi Carroll 25-8, 25-11, 25-17.

Skeyler Embry (9 kills), Madison Simon (8), Lindsey Lubianski (7) and Christie Cosper (6) were the offensive leaders for East Central. Kaylin Mills (4 digs) dealt 28 assists. Senior Alex Pena served a team-high five aces. Brandi Campos (14 digs) and Nichole West (13) excelled defensively.

South San stats were unavailable.

Southwest (15-13, 0-1) nearly made it a San Antonio sweep on opening night. The Dragons extended their hosts to five games Friday at Corpus Christi King before falling 25-14, 22-25, 20-25, 25-14, 15-9.

Defensive standouts for the Dragons were Brandy Martinez (30 digs), Megan Hernandez (22) and Aashlyn Sulaica (22). Sulaica also contributed eight kills and three aces. Angelina Aguilar (20 assists) also served three aces. Lindsey Calderon notched seven kills. Senior Yasmine Garcia added 11 assists. Candice Kelley had three blocks.

Highlands 3, Brackenridge 0

The Owls (18-10, 7-1) secured second place as the first round of District 28-5A games came to a close, defeating Brackenridge (9-21, 5-3) in four games Friday, Sept. 26 at the Alamo Convocation Center.

Highlands won 25-14, 19-25, 25-18, 25-14 as junior Jazmine Jackson delivered 20 kills and Analisa Garza logged 35 assists. Emily Pearce served five aces. Angela Garcia had a team-high 16 digs. Sara Denton added 4.5 blocks.

Jolicia Shelton-Brown led Brackenridge with 17 digs and eight kills. Skyler Reyna also made 17 digs. Marquanique Freeman distributed 17 assists. Eshe Malone made two blocks..

VOLLEYBALL: Indians need to avenge 28-5A losses

Harlandale steering toward late playoff push

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Burbank, Harlandale, McCollum.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Harlandale-eyes-revenge-5788913.php

Revenge will be Harlandale’s motive in the second half of the District 28-5A season.

It’s not because the Indians feel they’ve been wronged. It’s because they have some catching up to do in order to return to the playoffs.

Harlandale (12-13, 4-4) finished the first half in fifth place after losing a heartbreaker 25-15, 23-25, 21-25, 25-14, 15-10 Friday Sept. 26 at district-leading McCollum (16-8, 8-0). The Indians also lost to second-place Highlands (18-10, 7-1) and co-third place teams Jefferson (19-7, 5-3) and Brackenrdige (9-21, 5-3) during the initial round of games.

“We definitely need to beat those teams,” Harlandale coach Sylvia Cardenas said. “We have to be able to split with them. We played Brackenridge and Highlands to five games. Jefferson was our first district match. We weren’t ready at all.”

Harlandale was able to rally after losing the first game to McCollum because of its serving. Sophomore Kianna Sandoval (14 assists) served a match-best four aces.

“Serving was the key for us,” Cardenas said. “(The Cowboys) were struggling with their passing, so that was the key for us to get back in the game.”

While disrupting the Cowboys’ serve-receive gained the Indians a 2-1 lead in the match, its own problems in that area enabled McCollum to snare the decisive game. Emily Solis served seven aces for the Cowboys.

“In the fifth game,” Cardenas said, “we struggled. We couldn’t get our offense going because they were serving tough.”

McCollum received nine kills, four digs and three blocks from senior leader Neyda Sanchez. Victoria Yzaguirre also made three blocks and had five kills. Miranda Rich contributed six kills. Setters Alysia Garcia and Savannah Borjas had 14 and 13 assists, respectively. Catie Gonzalez made 15 digs.

Lizette Pedroza led the Indians with nine kills. Dominque Delgado finished with 13 digs. Valeria Stokes recorded six blocks.

The Indians began the week with a sweep of Burbank (6-21, 0-8) Tuesday, Sept. 23. Harlandale won 25-16, 25-16, 25-16.

Sandoval again was Harlandale’s serving leader with five aces against the Bulldogs. Madeline Mendez slammed seven kills. Valeria Stokes made five blocks. Dominque Delgado and Kassandra Munioz each recorded four digs.

Sharriah Martinez led Burbank with five digs and four kills. Savannah Casiano chipped in with four kills and two blocks. Rebekah Valma was credited with six assists.

FOOTBALL WEEKEND REPORT: Tello leads Burbank to win over McCollum

Knights post second-straight shutout

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Burbank, East Central, Holy Cross, McCollum.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/SAM-HOUSTON-55-JEFFERSON-34-Hurricanes-honor-5789002.php

 

The Bulldogs (2-2, 1-1) picked up their first District 28-5A win Sept. 26 at the SAISD Sports Complex with a decision over McCollum (1-4, 0-2).

Senior quarterback Daniel Tello (110 yards, 21 carries) scored Burbank’s first two touchdowns on runs of 6 and 91 yards. McCollum’s Mike Ramirez (146 yards, 15 carries), who returned from a hyperextended knee and tibial fracture, responded with a 76-yard scoring run.

“Mike was only in there for a short time, but he definitely made a big impact,” McCollum coach Juan Hinojosa said. “We still weren’t able to win but, hopefully, it’ll be a big boost for our team.”

Rubyn Salazar (119 yards, 14 carries) capped his career-best rushing day with a 48-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Holy Cross 48, Cornerstone Christian 0

The Knights (3-1, 1-0) recorded their second-consecutive shutout in their TAPPS District 3-II opener against Cornerstone Christian (3-2, 0-1) Sept. 27 at Harlandale Memorial Stadium.

Greg Scott ran for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Nazario Coleman passed for 103 yards, including a 78-yard touchdown to Steven Villela. The Holy Cross quarterback also ran for an 18-yard score.

East Central 34, Del Rio 24

The Hornets (2-3) won its final non-district game Sept. 26 at Del Rio (2-2), erasing a 10-7 halftime deficit as Justin Upshaw-Mendoza threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns.

Senior Wanya Ward (155 yards, 4 receptions) was the recipient on East Central’s first two second-half scoring passes. Upshaw-Mendoza clinched the victory with a five-yard run with 4:14 remaining.

VOLLEYBALL: This week’s results (thru Oct. 4)

NOTE: teams we cover are in boldface

 

Matches of Sept. 28-Oct. 4

Monday’s matches

no matches scheduled

Tuesday’s matches

District 28-6A

Corpus Christi Ray (17-12, 1-1) 3,Corpus Christi Carroll (1-12 ???, 0-2) 1 (25-19, 26-28, 25-21, 25-21)

Corpus Christi King (6-5 ???, 2-0) 3,South San (15-14, 1-1) 1 (25-16, 25-13, 19-25, 25-19)

East Central (16-15, 2-0) 3, Southwest (15-14, 0-2) 0 (25-15 25-20, 25-18)

District 27-5A

Boerne Champion (13-10, 7-2) 3, Seguin (17-17, 4-5) 2 (25-14, 22-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-9)

Memorial (4-30, 1-8) 3, Kennedy (3-24 ???, 1-8) 0 (scores unavailable)

Alamo Heights (31-5, 9-0) 3, Kerrville Tivy (22-10, 7-2) 0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-14)

San Marcos (11-14, 3-6) 3, Lockhart (16-18, 3-6) 0 (25-22, 28-26, 25-17)

District 28-5A

Sam Houston (13-12 ???, 3-6) 3, Burbank (6-22, 0-9) 0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-15)

McCollum (17-8, 9-0) 3, Lanier (4-18, 1-8) 0 (25-11, 25-6, 25-21)

Edison (12-18, 5-4) 3, Brackenridge (9-22, 5-4) 2 (19-25, 25-20, 26-24, 19-25, 15-13)

Jefferson (20-7, 6-3) 3, Harlandale (12-14, 4-5) 1 (25-20, 26-24, 20-25, 25-10)

District 29-5A

Laredo Martin (1-4 ???, 1-3 ???) 3, Eagle Pass Winn (5-12 ???, 0-4 ???) 1 (25-15, 25-22, 23-24, 25-9)

Laredo Cigarroa (15-16 ???, 2-3 ???) 3, Laredo Nixon (1-6 ???, 0-4 ???) 0 (25-19, 25-15, 29-27)

Uvalde (7-13 ???, 4-2) 3, Somerset (15-8, 5-1) 2 (25-14, 25-18, 25-21)

Medina Valley (19-8, 5-1) 3, Southside (14-12, 4-2) 2 (26-28, 20-25, 25-21, 26-24, 15-9)

District 26-3A

Marion (14-9 ???, 3-0) 3, Brooks Academy (2-2 ???, 0-2 ???) 0 (25-9, 25-10, 25-13)

Natalia (18-7, 3-0) 3, Cole (4-16 ???, 0-2 ???) 0 (25-11, 25-11, 25-10)

Randolph (13-9 ???, 2-1) 3, Fox Tech (6-26 ???, 1-2) 0 (25-11, 25-8, 25-10)

TAPPS 4-4A

Corpus Christi John Paul II (4-8, 1-8) at San Antonio Christian (5-10 ???, 3-6) (scores unavailable)

TMI (13-12 ???, 8-3) 3, Providence (14-15, 5-5) 0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-22)

Laredo St. Augustine (9-12 ???, 2-9) 3, Cornerstone Christian (4-9 ????, 4-6 ) 2 (13-25, 17-25, 25-20, 25-19, 15-13)

Holy Cross (28-13, 9-1) 3, Victoria St. Joseph (35-2, 11-1) 0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-20)

Non-district

Highlands (19-10) 3, Young Women’s Leadership Academy (6-18 ???) 0 (25-16, 27-25, 25-11)

Wednesday’s matches

no matches scheduled

Thursday’s matches

TAPPS 4-4A

Holy Cross (29-13, 10-1) 3, San Antonio Christian (5-11 ???, 3-7) 0 (27-25, 25-17, 25-19)

Friday’s matches

District 28-6A

Corpus Christi King (7-5 ???, 3-0) 3, Corpus Christi Carroll (1-13 ???, 0-3) 0 (25-12, 25-7, 25-7)

East Central (17-15, 3-0) 3, Corpus Christi Ray (17-13 ???, 1-2),0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-14)

Southwest (16-14, 1-2) 3, South San (15-15, 1-2) 2 (22-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-13)

District 27-5A

Alamo Heights (32-5, 10-0) 3, San Marcos (11-15, 3-7) 0 (25-4, 25-18, 25-9)

Floresville (22-13, 6-3) 3, Lockhart (16-19, 3-7) 0 (25-20, 25-11, 25-20)

Kerrville Tivy (23-10, 8-2) 3, Boerne Champion (13-11, 7-3)  0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-23)

Seguin (18-16, 5-4) 3, Memorial (4-31, 1-9) 0 (scores unavailable)

District 28-5A

Highlands (20-10, 8-1) 3, Edison (12-19, 5-5) 2 (24-26, 25-16, 25-24, 20-25, 15-12)

Brackenridge (10-22, 6-4) 3, Harlandale (12-15, 4-6) 2 (25-23, 14-25, 18-25, 25-12, 16-14).

McCollum (18-8, 10-0) 3, Sam Houston (13-13 ???, 3-7) 0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-14)

Jefferson (21-7, 7-3) 3, Lanier (4-19, 1-9) 0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-19)

District 29-5A

Medina Valley (20-8, 6-1) 3, Eagle Pass Winn (5-13 ???, 0-5 ???) 0 (scores unavailable)

Somerset (16-8, 6-1) 3, Laredo Martin (1-5 ???, 1-4 ???) 0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-17)

Southside (15-12, 5-2) 3, Laredo Nixon (1-7 ???, 0-5 ???) 0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-15)

Uvalde (8-13 ???, 5-2) 3, Laredo Cigarroa (15-17 ???, 2-4 ???) 2 (18-25, 25-22, 19-25, 26-24, 16-14)

District 26-3A

Natalia (19-7, 4-0) 3, Brooks Academy (2-3 ???, 0-3 ???) 0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-11)

Marion (15-9 ???, 4-0) 3, Fox Tech (6-27 ???, 1-3) 0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-13)

Randolph (14-9 ???, 3-1) 3,Cole (4-17 ???, 0-3 ???) 0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-13)

TAPPS 4-4A

Corpus Christi Incarnate Word (6-12 ???, 4-6) 3, Providence (14-16, 5-6) 1 (21-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-23)

Non-district

Burbank (7-22) 3, Young Women’s Leadership Academy (6-19 ???) 2 (14-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-12, 15-9)

Saturday’s matches

TAPPS 4-4A

Laredo St. Augustine (9-12 ???, 2-9) at San Antonio Christian (5-10 ???, 3-6 ???)  (scores unavailable)

TMI (13-12 ???, 8-3 ???) at Corpus Christi John Paul II (4-8 ???, 1-8 ???) (scores unavailable)

FOOTBALL: This week’s results (thru Oct. 4)

WEEK 6 SCHEDULE

(Oct. 2-4)

Thursday’s games

District 27-5A

Alamo Heights (4-2, 3-1) 43, San Marcos (2-3, 1-2) 7

District 28-5A

Lanier (1-5, 1-3) 28, Highlands (0-5, 0-3) 24

Friday’s games

District 27-5A

Floresville (4-2, 2-2) 31, Lockhart (4-2, 2-2) 17

Boerne Champion (6-0, 4-0) 42, Kerrville Tivy (3-2, 2-1) 33

Seguin (2-3, 2-1) 62, Memorial (0-6, 0-4) 22 

District 28-5A

Edison (2-3, 2-1) 31, Harlandale (3-3, 2-2) 21

Sam Houston (4-2, 4-0) 40, Brackenridge (3-3, 3-1) 25

District 29-5A

Medina Valley (1-4, 1-1) 14, Eagle Pass Winn (1-4, 0-2) 7

Somerset (3-1, 2-0) 42, Laredo Martin (0-5, 0-2) 25 

Southside (5-0, 2-0) 14, Laredo Nixon (0-5, 0-2) 6

Uvalde (5-0, 2-0) 41, Laredo Cigarroa (3-2, 1-1) 21

TAPPS II-3

Cornerstone Christian (4-2, 1-1) 41, Corpus Christi John Paul II (0-6, 0-2) 0 

Holy Cross (4-1, 2-0) 58, TMI (2-4, 0-2) 7

Austin Regents (4-1, 1-0) 41, Victoria St. Joseph (1-5, 1-1) 0

Non-district

Cotulla (2-4) 51, Brooks Academy (1-5) 0

Non-district (out of area)

Antonian (4-1) 35, Schulenburg (0-5) 14

Columbus (3-3) 57, Hallettsville (3-3) 12

Falls City (4-2) 16, George West (1-5) 15

Mathis (5-1) 57, Freer (0-6) 7

San Antonio Christian (3-2) 28, Pleasanton (4-1) 10

Goliad (5-1) 56, Tidehaven (4-1) 20

Saturday’s games

District 28-5A

Burbank (3-2, 2-1) 46, Jefferson (1-5, 1-3) 34

FOOTBALL: Area rankings (thru Sept. 27)

Through Sept. 27

 

TOP 15:

 

Rank-Team-Last Week

1. Holy Cross – 1

2. Southside – 2

3. Southwest – 4

4. East Central – 5

5. Central Catholic – 3

6. Sam Houston – 8

7. Brackenridge – 7

8. South San – 6

9. Harlandale – 9

10. Edison – 10

11. Burbank – 14

12. Jefferson – 13

13. Lanier – 15

14. McCollum – 12

15. Highlands – 11

 

NR = not ranked