Category: Week of Sept. 7-13, 2014

WEEKLY VOLLEYBALL REPORT: McCollum knocks Jefferson out of first in 28-5A

Brackenridge benefits from Cowboys win

TEAMS INCLUDED: Brackenridge, Burbank, Edison, Harlandale, Highlands, Jefferson, Lanier, McCollum, Sam Houston, South San, Southside.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/South-Side-s-big-high-schools-seek-to-retain-5757409.php

In a match destined to shake up District 28-5A, McCollum (12-8, 4-0) outlasted Jefferson (17-5, 4-1) for a 21-25, 25-13, 25-16, 23-25, 15-12 win last Friday at the Cowboys’ gym.

The Cowboys’ win dropped Jefferson out of first place and elevated surprising Brackenridge (8-18, 5-0) to sole possession of the district lead. McCollum and Highlands (15-9, 4-0) were tied for second.

McCollum’s Neyda Sanchez and Victoria Yzaguirre each pounded 13 kills. Savannah Borjas and Alysia Garcia distributed15 assists apiece. Emily Solis led the Cowboys with 20 digs. Cassandra Maldonado served five aces.

Jefferson received 19 kills and two blocks from Gabby Vasquez. Marisol Montejano also made two blocks. Cecilia Campos made a whopping 36 digs. Angela Hardcastle produced 20 assists and three service aces for the Mustangs.

Brackenridge 3, Burbank 0

The Eagles, who only won three non-district matches, now rule the roost in 28-5A. They downed Burbank (6-17, 0-4) 26-24, 25-16, 25-12 last Friday in the nightcap at Alamo Convocation Center.

Senior Jolicia Shelton-Brown led Brackenridge with 10 digs, nine kills and two aces. Other top hitters for the Eagles were Eshe Malone (8 kills) and Skyler Reyna (7 kills). Jacky Nevarez served four aces and made four digs.

Marquanique Freeman dealt 24 assists for the Eagles. Kathy Sifuentes added 10 digs. Jasmin Gutierrez made two blocks.

For Burbank, Savannah Casiano was the team leader with five kills and three blocks. Katherine Regalado added five digs.

Southside 3, Uvalde 0

The Cardinals (11-10, 1-0) began their District 29-5A season with an impressive 25-13, 25-20. 25-21 win over Uvalde (3-12, 0-1) last Friday at Southside.
Briana Martinez (11 kills), Mia Soto (11 kills, 4 digs) and Ashley Sanchez (10 kills, 8 digs, 3 aces) all recorded double-digit kills for Southside. Analee Uriegas (2 aces) led the Cardinals with 18 assists.

Alyssa Gallardo contributed 16 assists, six digs and two aces. Tyler Bolton supplied 14 assists, five digs and three aces. Amanda Esparza had four digs.

South San 3, Harlandale 2

Junior Erica Jimenez had 20 assists and senior Nicolette Lopez made four blocks as the Bobcats (13-12) came from behind to defeat Harlandale (9-12) 20-25, 25-18, 24-26, 25-13, 15-10 in a non-district match Friday at Harlandale.

Mariah Gonzalez chipped in with 11 digs and Angel Salazar dished seven assists for South San.

Harlandale was led by Dominique Delgado with 22 digs. Kianna Sandoval finished with 12 assists and nine digs. Keana Ramos served five aces and Alicia Garcia (7 kills) served four. Brandie Herrera had 10 assists.

Other kill leaders for the Indians were Tanya Ramos (13 kills, 5 blocks), Madeline Mendez (9 kills, 2 blocks),

Lauren Gutierrez (8 kills), Angel Huron (6 kills, 4 digs) and Valeria Stokes (4 kills, 5 blocks).

Edison 3, Lanier 0

The Golden Bears (8-17, 1-3) notched their first District 28-5A win Friday, defeating Lanier (3-15, 0-5) in 25-8, 25-14, 28-26 at Alamo Convocation Center.

Marissa Cortinas led Edison with 19 assists and nine digs. Lauren Gutierrez also had nine digs while Destiny McCarty recorded seven. Kalani Wood had eight kills.

For Lanier, Emily Huerta tracked down 25 digs and served two aces. Elisa DeHoyos also recorded two ace. Lauren Viduarri had a team-high two blocks.

Highlands 3, Sam Houston 1

The Owls (15-9, 4-0) held second-place with a 25-14, 25-27, 26-24, 25-15 victory over Sam Houston (11-10, 1-4) Friday in a 28-5A match at Alamo Convocation Center.

Highlands’ Bryten Mitchan and Emily Pearce each smacked 12 kills. Analisa Garza contributed 37 assists. Libero Kiara Pesina chipped in with 26 digs. Sara Denton and Jenelle Rodriguez each had two blocks.

Sam Houston received eight kills from Jordyn Stewart. Rita Davis distributed 20 assists. Dajah Thomas and Karisma Mitchell led the Hurricanes with seven digs and 2.5 blocks, respectively.

VOLLEYBALL: Hornets battling doldrums at end of non-district schedule

East Central falls to Steele, Canyon

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

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Maybe it’s best to be in a district with eight to 10 teams.

That’s a question the UIL might want to consider at some point. For the area’s District 28-6A representatives – East Central, South San and Southwest – being among the few teams not already engaged in district play appears to be exacting a toll.

Combined, the three teams posted a 2-4 record in their matches last week.

“This is the hard part of the season,” East Central coach Todd Dorgan said. “They start to get tired legs. I’m trying to find some (motivation techniques) to keep them playing with enthusiasm.”

The Hornets (12-14) lost both of their matches last week, falling 25-20, 26-24, 25-15 at Steele (15-16) Tuesday and 25-20, 19-25, 25-21, 25-22 to New Braunfels Canyon (15-16) Friday at East Central.

Playing without defensive wizard Brandi Campos, who had a minor injury, the Hornets took the early lead in the first two games at Steele.

Madison Simon put down a kill to end a long point and Lindsey Lubianski added another kill that staked East Central to an 11-8 lead in Game 1. The Hornets committed a serving error and a hitting error on consecutive points, enabling the Knights to seize a 15-14 advantage. Two straight kills from Jessica Stohlman (5 kills, 2.5 blocks) gave Steele separation.

The Hornets’ Alex Pena served an ace on game point, sparking a mini-rally. Junior Kaylin Mills recorded a block to make it 24-19, but the Knights’ standout hitter Jada Gardner finished the game with one of her 21 kills.

East Central capitalized on two Steele hitting errors and a crosscourt kill from freshman Skyeler Embry to build a 4-2 lead in Game 2. Senior Christie Cosper added a block and a kill on a slide play off a set from Mills to increase the lead to 8-3.

Steele quickly erased its deficit, but East Central rallied in response. Embry slammed a kill and Nichole West served an ace to give the Hornets a 14-13 lead. Mills set Embry for a kill and a Steele passing error re-established it at 17-16. After a three-point Knights run, however, the Hornets never led again in the match.

East Central tied it at 19-19, 20-20 and 23-23. Cosper appeared to tally a kill down the out-of-bounds line with Steele ahead 25-24, but it was ruled out and the Knights was a game away from victory.

“We’ve got to execute all phases together,” Dorgan said. “We’re struggling with consistency. Right now, we’re struggling with offense, more than anything else.”

Gardner carried the Knights in Game 3, crunching seven kills.

“I like playing Steele,” Dorgan said, “because I feel like they’re good competition for us. The girls always get up for them. For some reason, I think we’re closer to them than we are.”

Against Canyon, Campos returned to the lineup with 26 digs. Mills finished with 22 assists, 13 digs and two aces. West also served two aces and had 17 digs.

Embry led with 11 kills. Simon had 12 digs, two aces and seven kills.

WEEKEND FOOTBALL ROUNDUP: Hurricanes dominate Burbank in first half for initial win

Southside stays undefeated with rout of Austin Travis

TEAMS INCLUDED: Burbank, Central Catholic, Harlandale, Jefferson, Lanier, McCollum, Sam Houston, Southside.

Central Catholic receiver William Prouse catches a pass in an earlier game.

Central Catholic receiver William Prouse catches a pass in an earlier game.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

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Sam Houston scored enough in the early stages of the game Friday that it was immune from the late heroics that plagued it the first two weeks of the season.

The Hurricanes (1-2, 1-0) jumped out to a 20-point lead in the first half of its District 28-5A opener. Although Sam Houston wasn’t able to build on its lead in the last 24 minutes, it hung on to defeat Burbank (1-2, 0-1) 26-6 at Alamo Stadium.

Sam Houston had lost to Bandera with three seconds left in its Week 1 game and on a field goal to Southside with 2:29 to play last Friday.

“We got off to a good start and we kind of held on,” Sam Houston coach Gary Green said. “In the second half, we didn’t do nearly as well as we had early on.”

Sam Houston amassed 303 total yards with a balanced offensive attack.

Junior back Devin Harris (85 yards, 16 carries) accounted for two of the first three touchdowns, with a one-yard run near the end of the first quarter and a 42-yard reception from Raymonte Prime 2:21 before halftime.

“Devin Harris had a couple of long runs that got us going in a big way,” Green said. “Our defense really played well. We were able to limit their drives. I think we were able to go three-and-out the first three times they had the ball and our offense capitalized.”

Prime (5 of 9, 155 yards) connected with Travon Vaughns (80 yards, two catches) on a 78-yard pass play with 5:08 left in the second quarter.

“We tried to stay within ourselves,” Green said. “The run being more successful, we were able to play off that and get a couple of touchdown passes.”

Burbank quarterback Daniel Tello turned in another strong performance, running for 87 yards and passing for 85. For the most part, however, the Hurricanes’ defense was able to limit Tello’s big plays.

“He is a very big weapon in their arsenal,” Green said. “He got loose two or three times, but we were able to keep him from having a big game. We sent a lot of people at him. We had to stop him to stop them.

“We were always aware of where Tello was on every play.”

Tello engineered the Bulldogs’ only scoring drive. The senior escaped a possible sack to throw seven yards to Rubyn Salazar, who scored Burbank’s winning touchdown a week earlier, with 11:12 left in the game.

“We needed to be more consistent,” Green said of the second half. “We had an opportunity to sack Tello seven or eight times, but we let him get away. We really didn’t let up. We just got a little sloppy.”

Sam Houston added an insurance touchdown when Marquis Keno ran 15 yards on a faked field goal.

The Hurricanes will face McCollum 7:30 p.m. Friday at Harlandale Memorial Stadium. The Cowboys which also won their 28-5A opener, defeating Lanier by 12.

“They’ve got some big boys,” Green said. “We’ll have to make sure to win the line of scrimmage, which is one of our big goals. They have an athletic defense. They returned two fumbles for touchdowns. It was hard for Lanier to get anything going after that, from what I could see.”

Southside 51, Austin Travis 28

After a defensive-oriented win in Week 2, the undefeated Cardinals (3-0) showed their versatility by winning a scoring fest Friday over Austin Travis. Southside is the area’s last undefeated team.

Although the host Rebels (0-3) scored in each quarter at Burger Stadium in Austin, they couldn’t work off a 22-7 first-quarter deficit. Southside broke a 7-7 tie on a 22-yard touchdown run from Eluid Mendez and a 33-yard pass from Johnny Trevino to Erik Luna to close the quarter.

Trevino ran for three touchdowns, including the game’s first, and finished with 92 yards. Sophomore Matt Collier ran for 206 yards and two scores on 31 attempts.

Austin Travis quarterback Vondel Hargrove (200 yards, 15 carries) ran for 95 and 79 yard touchdowns. Hargrove reportedly has 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash.

Southside’s Marc Garza caught three passes for 44 yards and threw for 50 yards. Trevino passed for 40 yards.

The Cardinals will take the coming week off and then put their unbeaten record on the line Sept. 26 at Eagle Pass Winn in their District 29-5A opener.

Harlandale 34, Jefferson 25

The Indians (2-1, 1-0) found winless Jefferson (0-3, 0-1) to be a tough opponent in their District 28-5A opener Friday at Harlandale Memorial Stadium.

Harlandale couldn’t claim victory until senior back John Aguirre (131 yards, 24 carries) scored his second touchdown, 48 seconds into the fourth quarter. That score gave the Indians a 34-19 lead.

The Mustangs were within 14-6 after a quarter and 21-13 at halftime.

Senior receiver Ian Martinez (50 yards, 3 receptions) gave Harlandale two first-half touchdowns. He caught a nine-yard pass from junior quarterback Jacob Delgado (11 of 23, 153 yards) with 6:29 to play in the opening quarter. He also corralled a pass for a 26-yard score as time elapsed in the half.

Jefferson closed within 7-6 with 4:18 left in the opening quarter when junior Jesse Flores (199 yards, 26 carries) scored the first of his two touchdowns on an eight-yard ramble. Weston Redding answered a touchdown pass from Delgado to Vincent Hernandez with a 33-yard strike to Henry Bocko (81 yards, 6 catches) to again cut the margin to a point.

Martinez’s second tally and a six-yard touchdown from Aguirre gave Harlandale breathing room at 28-13 in the third quarter. Flores broke a 64-yard run with 3:46 remaining in the third to keep Jefferson in striking distance. Bocko also scored on a seven-yard reception.

Redding produced one of the best games of his three-year career, completing 13 of 19 throws for 137 yards. Eric Flores finished with 51 rushing yards on six attempts. The Mustangs committed four turnovers.

McCollum 19, Lanier 7

Defense was the key for the Cowboys (1-2, 1-0) as they downed Lanier 19-7 in a District 28-5A game at the SAISD Complex. Although the Voks (0-3, 0-1) outgained McCollum 191-175 in total yardage, the visitors scored two touchdowns on fumble returns and didn’t allow a Lanier score until 3:50 remained.

Noe Trevino returned a fumble 53 yards for McCollum’s first touchdown at the 10:42 mark of the first quarter. Alex Herrera cashed in a fumble with a five-yard return with 8:28 left in the second quarter.

That took pressure off the Cowboys’ offense, which was performing without junior back Mike Ramirez. Allen Ojeda built a 19-point advantage with 10:39 left in the fourth quarter when he hooked up with senior quarterback Ralph Vidal (3 of 7, 83 yards) for a 31-yard pass play.

Senior back Joe Orta, in his first action this year, scored Lanier’s touchdown. Orta reached the end zone on a two-yard run.

Central Catholic 35, Holmes 19

The Buttons (2-1) recorded season highs in passing yardage and points scored Saturday at Gustafson Stadium, as they smashed Holmes (0-3).

Central Catholic senior quarterback Joseph Nava completed 21 of 33 passes for 342 yards and five touchdowns. Four Buttons receivers scored touchdowns, with Troy Lozano (81 yards, 5 receptions) notching two scores on passes of 49 and seven yards.

William Prouse (71 yards, 4 receptions) started the scoring less than three minutes into the game on a 24-yard pass from Nava. Sophomore Thomas Palomera was targeted on the second score, 55 seconds into the second quarter.

The Huskies cut the lead to 14-13 with 31 seconds left in the half, but Central Catholic responded with the 49-yard throw to Lozano.

Jaime Nava scored on a 40-yard pass play late in the third quarter.

Joe Barrera led the Buttons with six receptions for 92 yards. Joseph Nava ran for a team-high 72 yards and Jimin Suh added 60.

FOOTBALL: Brackenridge rallies behind passing game to beat Edison

Golden Bears cool after scoring first 3 touchdowns

 

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

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PLEASE FOLLOW THIS STORY LINK TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS STORY:

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Brackenridge did a 180-degree turnaround in Saturday’s District 28-5A game at Alamo Stadium. Edison seemingly had the Eagles on the ropes early in the game, but Brack dominated the second half for a 48-31 victory.

“On both sides of the ball, we were playing hard,” Brackenridge senior quarterback Antonio Lopez said. “But we needed to step it up a notch. We weren’t playing Brackenridge football.”

The Eagles (1-2, 1-0) scored the game’s final 20 points, including a clinching six-yard touchdown run from Trey Mathis (150 yards, 19 carries) with 1:09 left. Like the Golden Bears, Brackenridge had lost its first two games.

“We were on a two-game slide,” Brackenridge coach Willie Hall said. “We didn’t get off to a good start (tonight), but we were able to get the win.”

Brackenridge lost a shootout to Jay 66-45 in Week 1 and fell 34-28 at Devine Sept. 5 in its first two games. Edison’s style was more similar to Jay’s and the Golden Bears (0-3, 0-1) began the game pushing the pace.

“Devine plays more of a power game, running the football,” Hall said. “Edison is more wide open, they spread you out. So you have to be ready to cover the whole field. They’re both good football teams.”

Edison produced the game’s first three touchdowns as senior Jonathan Hernandez (12 of 23, 240 yards) passed twice to Bryan Bolton and once to Michael Benavidez for scores.

Bolton had three catches for 17 yards in Edison’s first two games. He finished with 153 yards on seven receptions, catching touchdown passes of six and 29 yards for the game’s first two scores.

“He has the ability to have games like this,” Edison coach Albert Torres said. “He’d had bad luck as far as that, but Bryan had a great offseason. He got stronger. He’s had to play both ways, so that’s slowed him down a little bit.”

In his first varsity action, sophomore back Matthew Garcia enabled Edison to achieve offensive balance. Garcia made an immediate impact and finished with 145 yards on 30 carries.

Garcia carried the ball six times as the Golden Bears scored on the game’s opening drive. He ran five times for 33 yards on Edison’s second scoring drive, including a 20-yard dash into Brackenridge territory.

“He’s something,” Torres said. “We’ve kind of had our eyes on him for a while. Due to injuries, we had to bring him up. He still has to get better, but I was pleased with his effort.”

The Eagles tied it in the third quarter, only to fall behind again. Recovering a fumble at their own 2 early in the fourth quarter turned the tide. Two plays later, Lopez (20 of 28, 382 yards) found Lee Terrell for a 99-yard score.

“We knew they weren’t going to relax,” Torres said. “Our goal was to continue scoring. They’re explosive.”

Facing a three-touchdown deficit with 9:01 left in the first half, Brackenridge had little choice but to throw the ball.

The Eagles got on the board with a 45-yard pass play from Lopez to Macco Marble, who reversed field after the catch to shake off a defender. Lopez completed nine of 10 passes for 169 yards in the second quarter.

A seven-yard touchdown run from Mathis tied it 28-28 with 5:26 remaining in the third quarter.

The Golden Bears were only able to add a 26-yard field goal from Joseph Delgado after intermission. In addition to the fumble recovery, Brackenridge stopped them at its 10 with 5:42 left and the Eagles ahead 41-31.

“Brack’s a good team. Coach Hall does a great job with them,” Torres said. “Coming in we knew, No. 1, they had speed and, No. 2, they were going to throw the ball.

“They mixed coverages up on us and made it tough to make some passes.”

Edison matched Brack’s first touchdown with a 14-yard scoring pass from Hernandez to Steven Sanchez with 5:10 left in the first half. The Eagles kept pace. Lopez threw to Marble in the left corner of the end zone, for a four-year touchdown.

“Anthony’s been an asset to us,” Hall said. “When he was behind Ramon (Richards, the Eagles quarterback the previous two years), we knew he’d come up and play well. He was the one that really got us rolling.”

Terrell (230 yards, 7 receptions) also scored on a 76-yard pass play, after breaking two tackles. That touchdown brought Brackenridge within 28-21 at halftime.

Lopez threw the ball about 30 yards down the left sideline and the speedy senior did the rest. This time, Terrell was wide open when he received the pass.

After Delgado’s field goal and the second-half bomb to Terrell, Brackenridge got a leaping touchdown pass from Jordan Beasley on a 10-yard toss from Lopez.

“Brack averages nearly 500 yards of offense,” Torres said. “They’ve put points up on a lot of people. You always game plan to stop them or slow them down. The idea wasn’t to get into a shootout with them.

“We knew they weren’t going to relax. Our goal was to continue scoring. They’re explosive.”

On their final drive, the Eagles put their aerial display to bed and let Mathis run the ball to eat time off the clock. The senior back picked up most of his rushing yards on the possession, which started at the Brackenridge 5.

“(The running game) definitely makes it a little easier,” Lopez said. “I’ve got great wide receivers and a great line, so that helps everything we do.”

Brackenridge and Harlandale were considered the top two preseason contenders for the district title.

“We’re not going to be satisfied with just this one win,” Lopez said.

FOOTBALL: Week 3 previews (Friday’s games)

# – denotes current San Antonio South Side Sports area ranking

FRIDAY

Boerne Champion (2-0, 0-0) vs. Memorial (0-2, 0-0) at Edgewood Veterans Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

And so the District 27-5A adventure begins for Memorial.

It will be a little bit like being tossed into the deep end of the pool, as Boerne Champion certainly is a playoff contender in the district.

The Chargers won each of their non-district games by virtually the same score. They downed Stevens 48-24 last Thursday.

Running back Travis Pospisil and receiver Cort Cowart have been Champion’s most publicized offensive players. Pospisil ran for 139 yards last week. Cowart caught three passes for 76 yards, but was topped by teammate Dillon Manz. Manz went for 102 yards and two touchdowns on just two receptions.

Champion junior quarterback Josh Green has thrown for 522 yards and nine touchdowns with just two interceptions. He accounted for 268 of those yards and five scores against Stevens.

Defensively, the Chargers gave up 396 yards to a balanced Falcons attack and 484 yards to Hays (two more than Champion gained) in their opener.

Memorial isn’t really equipped to engage in a shootout with the Chargers, even though its senior quarterback Alfred Ramos would welcome the idea.

Ramos has thrown for a respectable 353 yards so far, but has as many interceptions as touchdowns. Standout defender Jose Pargas has emerged as the leading receiver with an eye-popping 199 reception yards last week in a 56-34 loss to Pearsall. Pargas had touchdown receptions of 65 and 90 yards.

Jacob Martinez has 94 rushing yards this season, as he continues to grow into the featured back slot.

Strong improvement in the runnng game and avoiding turnovers are keys if Memorial is to make a solid showing against Champion.

Series leader (record): none, first meeting. 2013 score: did not play. 2014 favorite: Boerne Champion.

Brooks Academy (1-1) at Cornerstone Christian (1-1), 7:30 p.m.

Coming off its first win since 2011 – 44-6 over Hawkins last Friday – enthusiasm will be high for Brooks Academy. To keep the momentum rolling, the Bengals will need to keep Cornerstone Christian’s speed in check.

Quarterback Dennis Perales has been growing into the role nicely, scoring on the ground last week, in addition to well-executed scoring plays through the air. Michael Galata and Rafael Quezada also have proven to be threats. Marco Reyes could soon step forward.

Brooks Academy didn’t allow an offensive touchdown for the first time in its history last Friday. For a repeat performance, the Bengals will need to do a solid job against the pitch-and-catch combo of Ryan Huerta (291 passing yards) and Davon Collins (146 yards, 6 receptions).

The Bengals will need to keep the pressure on Huerta, who has thrown for four touchdowns with just one interception. Brooks put up a good pass rush against Hawkins.

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

#14 Burbank (1-1, 0-0) vs. #9 Sam Houston (0-2, 0-0) at Alamo Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Burbank recorded a hard-fought win over Kennedy last week, the type that has so far eluded Sam Houston.

The Bulldogs edged Kennedy 38-33 last Friday on the Rockets’ field. Rubyn Salazar scored the game-winner with 6:28 remaining.

Sam Houston has been outscored just 36-29 in its two games. Bandera scored the winning touchdown with three seconds to play in Week 1. Last Friday, Southside nipped Sam Houston 15-14 with a field goal when fewer than three minutes remained.

For the clock to become Sam Houston’s ally in the District 28-5A opener for both teams, the Hurricanes must win the fourth quarter and they should become better in that regard as their juniors gain experience.

That likelihood probably hinges on its ability to keep Burbank quarterback Daniel Tello under wraps as much as possible. Finally healthy after two injury plagued seasons, Tello ran for 194 yards and passed for 175 against Kennedy.

Salazar and Daniel Gonzales could see increased duty running the ball, as Sam Houston has a bit more defensive speed to deal with Tello than Kennedy. Jordan Santos produced 110 receiving yards, including a 67-yard touchdown, and 47 rushing yards versus the Rockets. The Bulldogs undoubtedly will look for ways to get the ball into his hands.

For Sam Houston, junior quarterback Raymonte Prime will need to become more proficent throwing the ball. Against Southside, he only completed one pass. But Dewayne Brown turned the reception into a 53-yard touchdown.

Devin Harris has been a solid back in the last two games as a starter. He gained 158 yards and scored on a 71-yard gallop last week.

Sam Houston’s defense has shown great improvement. The unit limited Southside to just 192 total yards. Burbank has looked a little stronger offensively, so the Hurricanes defense could use a bit more assistance and fewer turnovers from its offense.

The Bulldogs’ last win in the series was 8-6 in 2000. Sam Houston has won the last seven games.

Series leader (record): Sam Houston (31-3). 2013 score: did not play. 2014 favorite: Sam Houston.

#1 East Central (1-1) at Smithson Valley (0-2), 7:30 p.m.

East Central walks into a proverbial hornets nest (pun intended), playing on the road against a Smithson Valley team unaccustomed to and, certainly, unhappy about being 0-2.

The Rangers haven’t slipped. They’ve lost to quality opponents.

Midland defeated Smithson Valley 33-26 in Week 1. Brennan shocked many by thumping the Rangers 41-10 before a TV audience last Thursday.

Smithson Valley only mustered 220 total yards and gave up 368 to Midland in its opener. Cord Given ran for 97 yards, but the Rangers tossed up three interceptions. Smithson Valley had another against Brennan, while allowing

At quarterback, Josh Adkins ran for a team-best 73 yards and threw for 137. Derek Housler caught two passes for 86 yards.

After losing a season-opening shootout to San Marcos, East Central turned up the defense last Friday to stomp New Braunfels Canyon 21-6 last Friday. The Cougars’ only touchdown was scored on a first-quarter punt return.

Javion Polk and Jauwan Hall have given East Central a formidable 1-2 punch coming out of the backfield. Justin Upshaw-Mendoza is a dual-threat quarterback.

Kyle Lamey racked up 148 receiving yards.

With a high-powered offense, the Hornets had to be thrilled by holding Canyon to 85 total yards. East Central, which always has quality defensive backs, made two interceptions, which should concern Smithson Valley.

Series leader (record): Smithson Valley (3-0). 2013 score: did not play. 2014 favorite: Smithson Valley.

Jefferson (0-2, 0-0) vs. #6 Harlandale (1-1, 0-0) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

These are two teams searching for an identity.

After a disappointing 40-15 loss to Somerset and its potent offense, Harlandale will be looking for more consistency, on both sides of the line. The Indians defense kept Devine to seven points in its opener and should be capable of getting back on track in its first District 28-5A game.

Harlandale also has the assets it needs on offense in quarterback Jacob Delgado, receiver Ian Martinez and back John Aguirre.

Jefferson took it on the chin last Friday 55-10 from Lee and QB Kyle Fuller, who threw for 595 yards and six touchdowns. The Mustangs actually limited the Volunteers to -10 rushing yards.

Offensively, the Mustangs couldn’t overcome four turnovers, despite an outstanding game from Jesse Flores. Flores ran for 133 of the team’s 286 total yards and is averaging more than 140 yards through the first two games.

Better execution in the passing game and improvement on defense are essential if Jefferson is to defeat Harlandale for the first time since 1962.

Jefferson won the first three games in the series, which launched in 1938. Harlandale has a seven-game winning streak in the series, which hasn’t been contested since 1999.

Series leader (record): Harlandale (7-3). 2013 score: did not play. 2014 favorite: Somerset.

#15 Kennedy (0-2, 0-0) at Alamo Heights (1-1, 0-0), 7:30 p.m.

Like its sister school, Memorial, Kennedy has not received a break from the District 27-5A schedule.

Actually, the Rockets have it a little tougher on paper. Alamo Heights was the preseason district favorite and hasn’t damaged that status.

The Mules lost 34-24 to O’Connor last Friday in a meeting of powerhouses, after shutting out New Braunfels in their opener.

Dalton Banks, Alamo Heights’ offensive leader, is one of the best quarterbacks in the San Antonio area. He has thrown for 573 yards and leads the Mules in rushing.

The ground game hasn’t been very successful so far, but the Rockets’ key will be putting pressure on Banks in the pocket and forcing him to settle for secondary receivers, rather than his intended targets.

Defensively, the Mules held New Braunfels to 247 total yards.

Kennedy gained 313 against Burbank in a 38-33 loss last Friday.

Kennedy’s Jesus Hernandez ran for 92 yards against the Bulldogs after gaining 100 in his first start. Raul Hale also is a viable option out of the backfield.

Eric Lira threw for 115 yards and two touchdowns in the game.

Kennedy will need to be multifaceted in its attack to keep it reasonably close against Alamo Heights. The Mules have won all six games in the series. The teams met most recently in 2007.

Series leader (record): Alamo Heights (6-0). 2013 score: did not play. 2014 favorite: Alamo Heights.

#12 McCollum (0-2, 0-0) vs. #13 Lanier (0-2, 0-0) at SAISD Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Once again, the key for McCollum is going to be the health of back Mike Ramirez and quarterback Ralph Vidal.

For Lanier, the return of every-down back Joe Orta will be key.

Without, or with lesser game-breaking ability from those playmakers,

McCollum only has scored 14 points this year, while giving up 79. That feels like an aberration, but it should be noted that Victoria West and Uvalde are likely playoff teams.

The Cowboys gained 119 yards, including 75 from Vidal through the air, in a 52-6 loss to Victoria West last Friday. Ramirez was not able to play because of a Week 1 injury.

Lanier has only scored six points in two games, while allowing a respectable 45.

Junior Julian Castillo ran for 43 yards after totaling 84 in Week 1. Passing has been an issue for the Voks, who only allowed 183 total yards to Pleasanton in a 15-6 loss last Friday.

Lanier only managed to gain 71.

McCollum has won the last 11 in the series, but the teams haven’t played since 1995. Lanier’s last win was in 1967.

Series leader (record): McCollum (14-3). 2013 score: did not play. 2014 favorite: McCollum.

#4 South San (2-0) vs. MacArthur (0-2) at Comalander Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

MacArthur has lost two games by eight points, while South San has found ways to win in outscoring their opponents 28-13. The Bobcats scored twice in little more than four minutes last Friday to seal a 14-6 win over Central Catholic.

An aggressive, opportunistic defense and a ball-control ballgame have been the hallmarks for South San so far. They will need to support the Bobcats again to ward off a hungry Brahmas team.

An added bonus emerged down the stretch of the Central Catholic game as Bobcats quarterback Isaiah Gutierrez was able to engineer drives built on short passes. If receivers Rafael Lopez and Tyrell Courtney make plays downfield, it will bode well for South San.

MacArthur is coming off a 41-34 overtime loss to Clemens last Saturday that proved it can be a handful.

Brahmas quarterback Josh Jung threw for 244 yards. Isiah Dennis ran for two touchdowns and caught a short pass for another.

The teams previously have only played in the playoffs. Those meetings, each won by the Brahmas, were in 1975, 1990 and 1998. 

Series leader (record): MacArthur (3-0). 2013 score: South San 31, Central Catholic 24. 2014 favorite: South San.

#7 Southside (2-0) at Austin Travis (0-2) at House Park Stadium, Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Southside has been the area’s most surprising team so far. Now they’ll have the test of a playoff-length road trip to Austin.

Southside’s offense has thrived behind sophomore back Matthew Collier, who rushed for 90 yards in the 15-14 win over Sam Houston last Friday. Johnny Trevino and Marc Garza have split quarterback duties.

Defense, though, has been the key for the Cardinals. Southside has outscored its opponents by 24 points thus far with a unit led by linebacker Diego Avila. Avila even caught a 14-yard touchdown pass in the win over Sam Houston.

Austin Travis has allowed 115 points in its first two games while scoring 48. Fredericksburg defeated the Rebells 48-35 last Friday.

Travis is not to be underestimated. The Rebels outscored the Billies 28-20 in the second half and feature Vondell Hargrove and his 4.4 speed at quarterback. Hargrove ran for 153 yards and passed for 64. Eric Strait added 130 rushing yards.

Series leader (record): none, first meeting. 2013 score: did not play. 2014 favorite: Southside.

Series leader (record): none, first meeting. 2013 score: did not play. 2014 favorite: Southside.

VOLLEYBALL: Area rankings (thru Sept. 10)

Through Sept. 10

 

TOP 15:

 

Rank-Team-Last week

1. Holy Cross – 2

2. East Central – 1

3. Southwest – 4

4. Highlands – 3

5. Jefferson – 5

6. McCollum – 6

7. Southside – 8

8. South San – 7

9. Harlandale – 10

10. Providence – 9

11. Brackenridge – 12

12. Sam Houston – 11

13. Edison – 13

14. Burbank – 14

15. Kennedy – 15

 

NR = not ranked

FOOTBALL WEEKEND REPORT: Brooks Academy thumps Hawkins, ends long streak

Burbank edges Kennedy for first win; Southside is 2-0 after narrow escape vs. Sam Houston

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Brooks Academy, Burbank, East Central, Kennedy, Sam Houston, Southside, Southwest.

Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: kjtoso.photoshelter.com

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PLEASE FOLLOW THESE LINKS TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Apaches-trounce-Knights-5742191.php

Roy Bragg’s column on Brooks Academy:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Feisty-Brooks-Academy-keeps-on-going-5741935.php

Brooks Academy (1-1) recorded its first win since 2011 last Friday at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, defeating Hawkins (0-2) 44-6 in a non-district game.

“We’ve been hoping three years for it,” third-year Brooks Academy coach Eric Hernandez said. “It finally came around. All that hard work the kids have been putting in paid off.”

The Bengals roared to a 22-0 halftime lead as they sought to end a 27-game losing streak.

Senior quarterback Dennis Perales threw 25 yards to Michael Galata for the first touchdown. Rafael Quezada ran 22 yards for the first of his two touchdowns, putting Brooks Academy in the end zone on its first two possessions. Perales scored on a one-yard run with about two minutes left in the half.

“On the play before, Dennis saw (Galata) open,” Hernandez said of the first score. “(Hawkins) was not able to give pressure, so we ran the exact same play. Dennis rolled out and Galata was waiting for the ball.

“Dennis understands the offense very well. He’s a very adept kid. He understands the plays very well and is able to make reads.”

The Wolfpack scored its touchdown on a 67-yard return of the second-half kickoff.

“We just tried to keep them hyped,” Hernandez said. “We’ve been in that situation before, where we’ve been up at halftime. Also, we have a different group of kids. We’ve got a good returning group of 14 or 15 seniors and big junior and sophomore classes.”

Brooks added a safety shortly thereafter to boost its lead to 18 points. Off the ensuing free kick, the Bengals broke a 30-yard touchdown run and led 30-6. Early in the fourth quarter, Perales scored on a 16-yard run and ran for the two-point conversion at the climax of a 54-yard drive.

Marco Reyes and Jordan Pena also scored in the second half for the Bengals.

“I think we were more excited about our first defensive shutout ever,” Hernandez said of the 44-point outburst. “To know that the defense could stop people and we could score that many points, shows the kids are more versatile in what they’re able to do.”

The Bengals’ defensive leaders included defensive linemen Christian Cordova and Christien Pedraza, junior Chandler Osborne and rover Galata.

Brooks typically has from 22 to 25 players in its program. This year, those numbers are pushing 50. The school is playing its first-ever junior varsity football game this year against Cornerstone Christian.

The Bengals will be challenged to extend their winning streak 7:30 p.m. Friday at Cornerstone Christian (1-1), but Hernandez and staff primarily are trying to sell the team on accountability. The Warriors will have an edge in athleticism, but Hernandez is confident his team will rise to the challenge.

“Friday was a very good example of perseverance,” Hernandez said of his first win as a varsity coach. “People don’t believe in Brooks. Our kids are trying to write their own history books.”

Burbank 38, Kennedy 33

The Bulldogs (1-1) scored the go-ahead touchdown on a six-yard run by Rubyn Salazar (53 yards, 7 carries) with 6:28 left in the non-district game Friday to defeat Kennedy (0-2) at Edgewood Veterans Stadium.

A two-point conversion run from senior quarterback Daniel Tello (194 rushing yards, 21 carries) helped Burbank stave off Kennedy’s comeback efforts. Tello (10 of 15, 174 passing yards) ran two yards for the game’s first touchdown and threw for a pair of scores.

Kevin Garduno kicked field goals of 27 and 32 yards for the Rockets. The latter, with 8:47 remaining, gave Kennedy a 33-30 lead.

Jesus Hernandez gained 92 yards on 25 carries for Kennedy. Rockets quarterback Eric Lira completed eight of 13 passes for 115 yards.

Southside 15, Sam Houston 14

The Cardinals (2-0) remained undefeated by the slimmest of margins, prevailing over Sam Houston (0-2) on a 28-yard field goal from Zach Henry with 2:29 remaining. It was the Hurricanes’ second loss in the waning moments.

Sam Houston built a 14-6 lead through three quarters.

The Hurricanes answered a one-yard touchdown from Southside quarterback Johnny Trevino with a 53-yard pass from Raymonte Prime to Dewayne Brown. Devin Harris (158 yards, 17 carries) dashed 71 yards with 2:31 left in the third quarter for Sam Houston’s second score.

The Cardinals closed within 14-12 on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Trevino to defensive standout Diego Avila. There was 6:42 left in the final quarter.

Sophomore Matt Collier ran 27 times for 90 yards and had a 25-yard pass reception.

East Central 21, New Braunfels Canyon 6

The Hornets (1-1) certainly demonstrated their versatility in their first two games. After losing a shootout to San Marcos in Week 1 and surrendering 59 points, East Central essentially shut down New Braunfels Canyon (0-2), limiting the Cougars to 85 total yards and forcing two interceptions Friday in New Braunfels.

East Central never trailed, scoring on a 22-yard run from Jauwan Hall (72 yards, 7 carries) with 5:11 remaining in the first quarter. The Cougars cut the lead to 7-6 shortly before the quarter ended with a 38-yard punt return from Jordan Holmes.

Senior Javion Polk (65 yards, 20 carries) scored the Hornets’ second touchdown on a seven-yard run. Kyle Lamey (148 yards, 4 catches) accounted for the game’s final score on a 78-yard pass play from Justin Upshaw-Mendoza (9 of 13, 144 yards) with 1:26 remaining until halftime.

Upshaw-Mendoza also ran for 51 yards.

Southwest 35, Taft 18

The Dragons (1-1) used three touchdowns from sophomore back Tyrone Middleton and a strong defensive effort to defeat Taft (1-1) Friday at Southwest.

Southwest gained 320 yards on the ground while limiting Taft to 106 rushing yards. Taft senior back Christian Mallard, who ran for 328 yards in the Raiders’ opener, could only muster 69 yards in 17 carries.

Senior Reilly Riggs scored on a 32-yard run and Middleton added a 30-yarder, staking Southwest to a 14-0 lead. Following a three-yard scoring run from Taft quarterback Christian DeHoyos, who threw for 185 yards, Middleton hooked up with Bowen Crisp (3 of 5, 87 yards) on a 73-yard pass play. The Dragons led 21-6 at halftime.

In the second half, Southwest senior Jon Cruz (150 yards, 15 carries) and Middleton (113 yards, 10 attempts) added rushing touchdowns. Cruz broke a 68-yard run with 1:14 left in the third quarter. Middleton scored from 34 yards out just 54 seconds into the final quarter.

VOLLEYBALL: This week’s results (thru Sept. 13)

NOTE: teams we cover are in boldface

Matches of Sept. 7-13

 

Monday’s matches

no matches scheduled

Tuesday’s matches

District 27-5A

Alamo Heights (26-5, 4-0) 3, Seguin (15-14, 2-2) 0 (25-13, 25-12, 25-9)

Floresville (18-11, 2-1) 3, San Marcos (8-12, 0-4) 0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-10)

Boerne Champion (9-9, 3-1) 3, Kennedy (3-18 ???, 1-2) 0 (25-8, 25-11, 25-4)

Kerrville Tivy (17-9, 3-1) 3, Lockhart (14-13, 1-2) 0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-13)

District 28-5A

Jefferson (17-4, 4-0) 3, Burbank (6-16, 0-3) 0 (25-14, 25-9, 25-20)

Harlandale (9-11, 1-3) 3, Edison (5-14, 0-3) 1 (25-19, 20-25, 25-18, 25-22)

Highlands (14-9, 3-0) 3, Lanier (3-14, 0-4) 0 (25-14, 25-22, 25-14)

TAPPS 4-4A

San Antonio Christian (3-7 ???, 1-3) 3, Providence (12-9, 3-1) 2 (25-16, 25-19, 22-25, 15-25, 15-13)

Holy Cross (20-12, 4-1) 3, Laredo St. Augustine (8-8 ???, 1-6) 0 (25-9, 25-13, 25-18)

TMI (5-8 ???, 2-1) 3, Corpus Christi Incarnate Word (3-6 ???, 1-2) 0 (scores unavailable)

Cornerstone Christian (2-6 ???, 2-3 ???) 3, Corpus Christi John Paul II (2-5 ???, 0-3 ???) 0 (scores unavailable)

Non-district

Brooks Academy (1-0 ???) at St. Gerard (1-0 ???) (scores unavailable)

Steele (19-10) 3, East Central (12-13) 0 (25-20, 26-24, 25-15)

St. Anthony (10-2 ???) 3, Southside (9-10 ???) 2 (25-16, 18-25, 17-25, 25-16, 15-13)

McCollum (11-8) 3, Somerset (10-7 ???) 1 (23-25, 25-21, 26-24, 25-18)

MacArthur (14-14) 3, South San (12-12) 0 (25-7, 25-20, 25-12)

Southwest (14-10) 3, Wagner (3-14 ???) 0  (25-8, 25-13, 25-19)

Wednesday’s matches

District 28-5A

Brackenridge (6-19, 4-0) 3, Sam Houston (11-9, 1-3) 0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-16)

Non-district

Young Women’s Leadership Academy (6-14) 3, Fox Tech (4-21) 0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-22)

Thursday’s matches

TAPPS 4-4A

Victoria St. Joseph (28-1, 7-0) 3, TMI (7-10 ???, 3-2) 0 (25-17, 27-25, 25-8)

Friday’s matches

District 27-5A

Boerne Champion (10-9, 4-1) vs. Memorial (3-26, 0-4) 0 (25-7, 25-9, 25-11)

Alamo Heights (27-5, 5-0) 3, Kennedy (3-19 ???, 1-3) 0 (25-6, 25-5, 25-11)

Kerrville Tivy (18-9, 4-1) 3, Floresville (18-12, 2-2) 2 (26-24, 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 15-13)

Seguin (16-14, 3-2) 3, Lockhart (14-15, 1-3) 0 (25-9, 25-10, 25-14)

District 28-5A

Edison (6-14, 1-3) 3, Lanier (3-15, 0-5) 0 (25-8, 25-14, 28-26)

Highlands (15-9, 4-0) 3, Sam Houston (11-10, 1-4) 1 (25-14, 25-27, 26-24, 25-15)

McCollum (12-8, 4-0) 3, Jefferson (17-5, 4-1) 2 (21-25, 25-13, 25-16, 23-25, 15-12)

Brackenridge (7-19, 5-0) 3, Burbank (6-17, 0-4) 0 (26-24, 25-16, 25-12)

District 29-5A

Medina Valley (15-7 ???, 1-0) 3, Laredo Martin (0-2 ???, 0-1) 0 (25-9, 25-11, 25-10)

Laredo Nixon (1-2 ???, 0-0) at Eagle Pass Winn (5-8 ???, 0-0) (scores unavailable)

Somerset (10-7, 0-0) at Laredo Cigarroa (13-13 ???, 0-0) (scores unavailable)

Southside (11-10, 1-0) 3, Uvalde (3-12 ???, 0-1) 0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-21)

TAPPS 4-4A

Holy Cross (21-12, 5-1) 3, Corpus Christi Incarnate Word (3-7 ???, 1-3) 0 (26-24, 25-7, 25-12)

Non-district

Gervin Academy (0-2 ???) at Brooks Academy (1-0 ???) (scores unavailable)

St. Mary’s Hall (17-9) 3, Fox Tech (4-22) 0 (25-9, 25-14, 25-11)

South San (13-12) 3, Harlandale (9-12) 2 (20-25, 25-18, 24-26, 25-13, 15-10)

Young Women’s Leadership Academy (6-14 ???) at Pearsall (3-4 ???) (scores unavailable)

New Braunfels Canyon (15-16) 3, East Central (12-14) 1 (25-20, 19-25, 25-21, 25-22)

Boerne (23-5) 3, Southwest (14-11) 0 (25-23, 25-11, 25-15)

Saturday’s matches

TAPPS 4-4A

TMI (7-10 ???, 3-2) 3, Cornerstone Christian (2-6 ???, 2-3 ???) 0(25-16, 25-20, 25-14)

Laredo St. Augustine (8-8 ???, 1-6) at Corpus Christi John Paul II (3-5 ???, 1-5)  (scores unavailable)

Victoria St. Joseph (29-1, 8-0) 3, Providence (12-10, 3-2) 0 (scores unavailable)

VOLLEYBALL WEEKLY REPORT: Brack ends losing streak, rises to top in 28-5A

Providence stays unbeaten in 4-4A; Highlands wins pair

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Brackenridge, East Central, Edison, Harlandale, Highlands, Holy Cross, Lanier, Providence.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/McCollum-surges-to-three-way-tie-for-first-in-5742053.php

Everything started falling into place for Brackenridge (6-18, 3-0) recently, after a challenging non-district stretch of the season.

As the Eagles hit their first District 28-5A matches, senior leader Jolicia Shelton-Brown returned from a knee injury and they put their struggles behind them. After defeating Harlandale (8-12, 0-3) 13-25, 21-25, 25-15, 25-23, 15-9 Tuesday and Lanier (3-13, 0-3) 25-13, 25-19, 25-18 Friday, Brackenridge found itself in a three-way tie for first place in 28-5A with Jefferson (16-4, 3-0) and McCollum (10-8, 3-0).

After winning its first district match against Edison Aug. 26, the Eagles lost all seven matches they played in the Mizuno Texas Showdown last week at Smithson Valley.

Shelton-Brown notched 18 digs and six kills against Lanier. Marquanique Freeman dealt 16 assists and served two aces. Eshe Malone added two blocks.

For Lanier, Emily Huerta contributed 11 digs. Jenny Flores finished with seven kills and Rae Ann Douglas had nine assists.

In a thriller against Harlandale, Brackenridge erased a two-game deficit to win 15-9 in Game 5. Brack statistics were not available.

For the Indians, sophomore Kianna Sandoval produced 18 assists, six digs and two aces. Lizette Pedroza smashed 11 kills and Angel Huron added 10. Breanna Soto made a team-best 11 digs. Alicia Garcia added 12 assists. Valeria Stokes and Tanya Ramos (5 digs) each had five kills. Dominique Delgado produced seven digs and Kana Ramos was credited with five.

Providence

The Provets (12-8, 3-0) remained undefeated in TAPPS District 4-4A with a pair of victories this week.

Providence defeated Corpus Christi Incarnate Word 25-21, 25-19, 25-18 Tuesday and Cornerstone Christian 25-17, 25-20, 25-17 Friday.

At Providence against Cornerstone, freshman Jazzmyne Williams recorded 14 kills and 14 digs. Mia Ybarra distributed 16 assists and served three aces. Freshman Baleigh Creighton also served three aces.

In Corpus Christi, senior Mital Patel led the Provets with 16 digs. Creighton dealt 16 assists. Williams finished with 12 kills and Hannah Sasser notched four aces.

Highlands

The Ows (13-9, 2-0) notched two wins in District 28-5A competition this week, defeating Harlandale 25-22, 17-25, 25-19, 25-27, 15-13 Friday in the Indians’ gym and Edison (7-16, 0-2) 25-21, 25-16, 25-12 Tuesday at the Alamo Convocation Center.

Junior Analisa Garza distributed 38 assists and senior Emily Pearce made 25 digs to lead Highlands in its thriller at Harlandale. Bryten Mitchan (15 kills) and Kiara Pesina each served two aces. Jazmine Jackson and Mitchan each made two blocks.

For Harlandale, Pedroza (13) and Madaline Mendez (12) each provided double-digit kills. Garcia (19), Brandie Herrera (16) and Soto (12) were the assists leaders. Delgado and Kassandra Munoz each added 11 digs. Ramos made six blocks and Stokes had three.

In the Edison match, Jackson led the way with 12 kills and four blocks. Pearce had a team-high 20 digs. Garza distributed 19 assists.

Edison received 13 assists and seven digs from Marissa Cortinas. Kalani Wood put down five kills. Tori Valle added four aces.

Holy Cross

The Knights (17-11, 2-1) won four of six matches over the weekend at the St. Mary’s Hall Tournament, in addition to picking up a TAPPS District 4-4A victory over Corpus Christi John Paul II.

Holy Cross defeated Comfort 24-26, 25-17, 25-10 and Forth Worth Country Day 25-15, 25-14 Friday. On Saturday, the Knights defeated Medina Valley 25-19, 25-12 and St. Mary’s Hall 27-25, 23-25, 25-20.

The Knights only loss in the tournament were to Houston Kinkaid, 25-18, 24-26, 17-15 Friday and 25-22, 25-16 Saturday.

Holy Cross defeated John Paul II 25-13, 25-14, 25-20 behind 14 kills apiece from Victoria Gonzalez and Henrianna Ibarra. Ibarra also served five aces. Freshman Autumn Lopez finished with 10 assists. Daisy Flores chased down 21 digs.

East Central

The Hornets (12-12) split a pair of matches this week. East Central defeated La Vernia (then 6-14) 25-14, 21-25, 25-22, 25-8 Tuesday at the Bears’ gym.

Five East Central players recorded at least seven kills, led by freshman Skeyler Embry (3 aces) with 15. Madison Simon (12 kills, 25 digs, 2 aces), Lindsey Lubianski (9 kills, 4 digs, 2 blocks), Kaylin Mills (8 kills, 22 assists, 10 digs) and Christie Cosper (7 kills, 2 aces) were the offensive leaders.

Brandi Campos led the Hornets defense with 32 digs. Nicole West added 16 digs, four kills and three aces. Alex Pena distributed 13 assists and had six digs. Kirstin Bradley and Montana Heald each served two aces.

Smithson Valley defeated the Hornets 25-20, 25-15, 25-20 Friday at East Central.

VOLLEYBALL: McCollum finds consistency, climbs into 28-5A lead

Cowboys to battle Jefferson for share of lead

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Burbank, Jefferson, McCollum, Sam Houston.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS STORY LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/McCollum-surges-to-three-way-tie-for-first-in-
5742053.php

McCollum’s veteran team is starting to test its limits as it ventures into the District 28-5A season. That is opening some eyes, including those belonging to the Cowboys.

“I think we surprised ourselves,” McCollum senior Neyda Sanchez said, referring to the Cowboys’ performance at the Seguin Tournament Aug. 28-30. “We beat some really good teams, like Taft. We kept up with the best.”

The Cowboys (10-8, 3-0) won five of eight matches at the tournament. They added two more wins this week, defeating Sam Houston (11-8, 1-2) 25-19, 25-20, 25-13 Tuesday at McCollum and Burbank (6-15, 0-2) 25-11, 25-13, 25-9 Friday at the Bulldogs’ gym.

The victories left McCollum in a three-way tie for first place in 28-5A with Jefferson (16-4, 3-0) and Brackenridge (6-18, 3-0). Highlands (13-9, 2-0) is a half-game behind in fourth.

“I think everyone has really stepped up,” McCollum coach Rose Ann Martinez said. “They’re playing really confidently right now. I’m excited. I’m happy to be where we’re at.

“We haven’t been letting our mistakes affect us, and that’s been a key for us.”

McCollum needed a little reminder in its match against Sam Houston.

The Hurricanes — who also lost 25-17, 25-7, 25-23 to Jefferson Friday – pushed the Cowboys from the outset, making the first two games close.

“We fought hard,” Sam Houston coach Courtney Davis said.

The Cowboys broke the third game open with their serving,

A pair of service aces from Catie Gonzalez (6 aces, 15 digs) opened an 11-2 lead over the Hurricanes. Casey Maldonado increased the lead to 15-3 with another ace. Victoria Yzaguirre (5 aces) produced a fourth ace to give McCollum a 21-11 advantage.

Sanchez then put down two of her 11 kills, the last of which brought the Cowboys to match point. She said McCollum was ready for the challenge of a possible battle for the district title.

“I think we’ve grown up as a team, and as a program,” she said. “We have to be mentally strong and physically strong. We really want it bad. We’re going after it.”

Dajah Thomas led Sam Houston with seven kills and seven digs. Karisma Mitchell made nine blocks. Tiaria Mackey finished with 16 assists.

Savannah Borjas dealt 22 assists for McCollum.

On Friday, the Cowboys’ standout serving carried over to their match at Burbank. McCollum served 12 aces, led by five from Yzaguirre and four from Alysia Garcia.

“We’ve had a couple of girls who had a few aces,” Martinez said. “It even helped get other girls in.

“They put up a good front. They had a couple of good blocks on us as well.”

Burbank received four blocks apiece from Antwanisha Riddle and Savannah Casiano. Rebekah Valma dished four assists and Katherine Regalado made four digs.

Borjas had 13 assists and Garcia contributed 11. Gonzalez led the team with 10 digs. Yzaguirre led the Cowboys with eight kills to go with five digs. Rich and Sanchez each contributed five.

“Victoria really shined Friday,” Martinez said. “She has played very well, which is really nice. She and Miranda (Rich) have taken a lot of pressure off Neyda. That’s helped us out a lot.”

Jefferson defeated Sam Houston Friday at the Alamo Convocation Center with help from 12 kills and five aces by Angela Hardcastle. Cecilia Campos chipped in with 14 digs.

Rita Davis led Sam Houston with 12 assists. Mitchell added nine kills and five blocks. Thomas served five aces.

The Mustangs will play 6:30 p.m. Friday at McCollum in a match that could clarify the 28-5A standings, if only temporarily.

FOOTBALL: Holy Cross can’t overcome adversity in loss to Antonian

Knights lose QB Flores on first possession

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Holy Cross, football.

PLEASE RETURN TO THIS STORY TUESDAY FOR A LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

A promising start for Holy Cross quickly degenerated into a train wreck Saturday at Harlandale Memorial Stadium.

The Knights (1-1) moved the ball nearly to midfield on their first possession. Senior quarterback Cisco Flores effectively employed short, quick passes to reach the Antonian 43-yard line.

There the drive stalled and the Apaches (2-0) took over. Within six minutes, Antonian had established a nine-point lead and was well on its way to a 30-0 rout.

“Holy Cross is a great team,” Antonian coach Van Fuschak said. “They had some adversity right at the start, and it seems like they had that last year, too.

“It wasn’t like we ran up and down the field on them. We got two scores in there early, and it grew from there.”

The Knights were rolling on their first play, with a screen from Flores to senior back Greg Scott netting a 27-yard gain. Flores then dumped a three-yard pass to Steve Villela. Following an incomplete pass, Flores scrambled for a five-yard gain that served as his final salvo of the contest.

That left Holy Cross with a fourth-and-2 at the 43. The Knights elected to punt, and they went on without their starting quarterback. Flores sustained an apparent knee injury on his only carry of the game.

“We’ll just have to hope for a good diagnosis,” Holy Cross coach Mike Harrison said.

Antonian manufactured an 11-play drive off the punt. Although the Knights defense prevented the Apaches from scoring on the possession, they pinned Holy Cross deep in its own territory and a botched snap resulted in a Holy Cross safety.

“Any kind of jump you can get in a game like this,” Fuschak said. “That’s a big play.”

After the resulting free kick, Antonian’s two-point lead quickly grew to 9-0.

With help from a 15-yard penalty against Holy Cross and a 33-yard pass from Peyton Bryan to Steven Wynn, the Apaches drove 51 yards in five plays. Standout junior back Dan Rosenfeld (62 yards, 13 carries) scored on a two-yard touchdown run.

Rosenfeld added a second score on a five-yard sweep to the right side with 10:47 left in the second quarter. He sustained an apparent ankle injury on the play.

“I’m not really sure what it is,” said Fuschak, who previously coached at MacArthur. “It could be broken or sprained. He’ll see the doctor (later tonight).”

Holy Cross reached the Antonian 28 on its final drive of the first half. An 18-yard pass play from sophomore quarterback Steven Gutierrez to Scott took the Knights across midfield, but the drive ended in an interception.

Gutierrez completed three of eight passes for 24 yards in his debut.

“Having an injury like that early in the game,” Holy Cross coach Mike Harrison said, “is devastating, as far as (morale) is concerned. I thought, defensively, our kids played well. That’s a great football team, even without Rosenfeld.”

Without Flores, the Knights were forced to rely heavily on Scott. The second-year starter finished with 149 yards on 24 rushing attempts.

“I think Greg Scott handled it extremely well,” Harrison said. “That’s a tough, young man. That kid, I’m so proud of him. Knowing where he came from, what he’s done has been really fantastic.”

Antonian kept its offense moving by utilizing several backs and with increasingly effective passing from Bryan (5 of 10, 106 yards).

The senior quarterback connected with Matthew Tabet for a 56-yard touchdown on a streak route with 10:11 left in the third quarter and with Wynn on a six-yard throw with 1:56 on the clock. Wynn made a leaping catch in the end zone over a Holy Cross defender.

“We needed him to step in and be a leader,” Fuschak said. “He did a really great job. We don’t throw a lot in our offense, and that can be frustrating sometimes, but he plays hard and does what he can.”

Holy Cross is idle next weekend and has two weeks to prepare for a Sept. 19 game at Hondo (1-1).

“We got down so quick, it was tough coming back,” Harrison said. “I thought, a couple of times, we were maybe a play away from getting back into it. We moved the ball, but we made some mistakes.”

FOOTBALL: Area rankings (thru Sept. 6)

Through Sept. 6

 

TOP 15:

 

Rank-Team-Last Week

1. East Central – 2

2. Holy Cross – 1

3. Southwest – 5

4. South San – 10

5. Central Catholic – 4

6. Harlandale – 3

7. Southside – 12

8. Brackenridge – 6

9. Sam Houston – 11

10. Highlands – 7

11. Edison – 8

12. McCollum – 9

13. Lanier – 13

14. Burbank – NR

15. Kennedy – 14

 

NR = not ranked

FOOTBALL: This week’s results (thru Sept. 13)

NOTE: teams we cover are in boldface

WEEK 3 SCHEDULE

(Sept. 11-13)

Thursday’s games

Non-district (out of area)

Corpus Christi King (2-1) 28, Weslaco (1-2) 7

Friday’s games

District 27-5A

Boerne Champion (3-0, 1-0) 42, Memorial (0-3, 0-1) 2

Alamo Heights (2-1, 1-0) 41, Kennedy (0-3, 0-1) 0

Kerrville Tivy (2-1, 1-0) 50, Floresville (2-1, 0-1) 40

Lockhart (3-0, 1-0) 14, Seguin (0-3, 0-1) 13

District 28-5A

Sam Houston (1-2, 1-0) 26, Burbank (1-2, 0-1) 6

Harlandale (2-1, 1-0) 34, Jefferson (0-3, 0-1) 25

McCollum (1-2, 1-0) 19, Lanier (0-3, 0-1) 7

Non-district

Cornerstone Christian (2-1) 50, Brooks Academy (1-2) 6

Smithson Valley (1-2) 39, East Central (1-2) 3

MacArthur (1-2) 42, South San (2-1) 14

Southside (3-0) 51, Austin Travis (0-3) 28

Non-district (out of area)

Austin Regents (3-0) 40, Austin St. Andrew’s (1-2) 17

Houston Christian (2-1) 48, Austin St. Michael’s (1-2) 46

Brownsville St. Joseph (3-0) 34, La Villa (1-2) 28

Schertz John Paul II (2-1) 40, Corpus Christi John Paul II (0-3) 7 

Corpus Christi Ray (3-0) 37, Sharyland Pioneer (2-1) 8

Eagle Pass (3-0) 27, Eagle Pass Winn (1-2) 7

Hondo (2-1) 27, Medina Valley (0-3) 21

Laredo Cigarroa (2-1) 28, Pharr Valley View (0-3) 0

Laredo Alexander (2-1) 43, Laredo Nixon (0-3) 0

Laredo United South (2-1) 41,Laredo Martin (0-3) 20

Odem (2-1) 42, George West (1-2) 14

Corpus Christi Carroll (3-0) 58, Port Lavaca Calhoun (1-2) 55

Mathis (2-1) 66, Poteet (0-3) 6

Austin Hyde Park Baptist (1-1) 28, St. Anthony (0-3) 14

TMI (2-1) 13, St. Mary’s Hall (2-1) 6 

San Antonio Christian (2-1) 28, Bandera (2-1) 0

Shiner (3-0) 34, Goliad (2-1) 29

Somerset (1-1) at Wimberley (0-0) (postponed because of lightning, no reschedule date yet)

Hallettsville (1-2) 26, Taylor (0-3) 14 

Uvalde (2-0) at Roma (2-0), 7:30 p.m. (postponed to 7 p.m. Saturday)

Weimar (3-0) 41, Victoria St. Joseph (0-3) 13

Saturday’s games

District 28-5A

Brackenridge (1-2, 1-0) 48, Edison (0-3, 0-1) 31

Non-district

Central Catholic (2-1) 35, Holmes (0-3) 19

Lee (2-1) 42, Southwest (1-2) 27

Non-district (out of area)

Uvalde (3-0) 14, Roma (2-1) 6