Category: Week of Aug. 30-Sept. 5, 2015

VOLLEYBALL: Southside outlasts South San in 5 games

Bobcats can’t hold late leads against stubborn Cardinals

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: South San, Southside.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Southside-outlasts-South-San-in-5-games-6493572.php

Five-game matches generally are something of a rarity in high school volleyball, but Sept. 1 was an exception.

Southside (9-10) was one of three that won marathon matches that day. East Central and Providence also prevailed in five games over La Vernia and Texas Military Institute, respectively.

For Southside, it was the second-consecutive, five-game match. The Cardinals learned from an Aug. 28 loss to Harlandale in order to win 25-20, 19-25, 18-25, 27-25, 15-12 at South San (9-10) with a late push.

“You can’t dwell on the past,” Southside senior Briana Martinez said, referring to Game 5. “As Coach (Rose Ann Soto) put it, you have to start over now. We came in ready to fight and we weren’t going to give up, no matter how (tough) it was.”

South San had a 2-1 lead in the match. The Bobcats also led 23-20 in Game 4 and 11-7 in Game 5 before the Cardinals rallied. Martinez and Tyler Bolton broke a 25-25 tie with kills in the fourth set. Southside setter Alyssa Gallardo scored match point with a clever tip that found open court.

“We came through as a team,” Martinez said. “We had many mistakes, but we were able to finish this. I feel like we played very well. It was probably our best match this year.”

The shot was reminiscent of a tip from Bobcats setter Erica Jimenez that started a winning three-point run in Game 3. A soft kill from Arantxa Saucedo and a block from Celeste Alfaro finished the game.

“The girls have to continue to work hard and keep wanting it more,” South San coach Evelyn Pineda said. “We have to execute on our serve-receives.”

Southside, which dealt with injuries earlier in the season, now is at full strength.

“I am senior-heavy,” the Southside coach said. “I have seven seniors and they want to get back to the playoffs. They’re determined to pick up where they left off and go even further than last year.”

 

MORE TO COME

VOLLEYBALL WEEKLY ROUNDUP: : Holy Cross wins third tourney title

Edison on the rise in 28-5A

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Edison, Fox Tech, Highlands, Holy Cross, Jefferson, Lanier, McCollum, Sam Houston.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Southside-outlasts-South-San-in-5-games-6493572.php

Holy Cross (25-6, 3-0) swept Dallas Parish Episcopal 25-22, 25-19 Sept. 5 in the championship match of the St. Mary’s Hall Tournament. It was the Knights’ third tournament title this season.

The Knights also picked up an important TAPPS District 4-4A victory Sept. 1 at Holy Cross, defeating perennial district challenger Victoria St. Joseph (9-6, 3-1) 25-15, 25-16, 20-25, 25-8 to maintain its hold on first place.

Victoria Gonzalez led Holy Cross with 15 kills against St. Joseph. Henrianna Ibarra, Daisy Flores and Auturmn Lopez (22 assists) all served five aces. Jasmine Flores produced a team-high 20 digs.

The Knights won five of six matches in the St. Mary’s Hall Tournament in two games. Dallas Parish Episcopal, in the second round, was the only team to win a game against Holy Cross.

Edison 3, Fox Tech 0

The Golden Bears (11-15, 2-0) seem to be rapidly improving now that they’re into their District 28-5A season. Edison won a pair of matches last week, defeating Highlands (11-7, 1-1) 25-16. 25-23, 25-18 Sept. 1 for a key district win and Fox Tech (1-19) 25-12, 25-11, 25-15 Sept. 4 in a non-district contest.

Against Highlands, Edison was led by Kayla Lyons with eight service aces. Marissa Cortinas supplied six assists, four digs and three kills. Kamryn Duque led the Golden Bears with 10 digs.

The Owls received 12 kills from Jazmine Jackson and four blocks from Sara Denton. Kiara Pesina produced 24 digs. Jazlyn Losoya added 14 assists and two aces.

In the Fox Tech match, Liann Mayen led Edison with 11 kills and Samantha Lara had eight. Cortinas finished with 15 assists, five aces and four kills. Duque had six digs and five kills. D’Anne Gonzalez added 11 assists.

Liliana Capistran was the Buffaloes’ leader in assists with eight and digs with three. Alicia Martinez finished with four kills.

Highlands recovered from the loss to defeat Harlandale (14-6, 2-1) 25-14, 25-22, 24-26, 26-24.

Sam Houston 3, Jefferson 0

The Hurricanes (6-10, 2-1) notched a 25-21, 25-23, 25-19 sweep of Jefferson (4-9, 1-2) Sept. 4 in a District 28-5A match at the Alamo Convocation Center.

Rita Davis led Sam Houston with 23 set assists and two aces. Natalie Coburn recorded 11 kills, five aces and seven digs. Alejandra Mendez added nine kills and five digs. Victoria Gallon also had five digs.

For Jefferson, Angela Hardcastle posted a team-high 10 kills. Madelyn Chavez dealt 17 assists. Victoria Masen slammed four blocks.

The Mustangs were coming off a 25-21, 21-25, 25-20, 25-21 win over Lanier Sept. 1 at the ACC. Stacy Hernandez had seven blocks in that match. Hardcastle added eight kills and Chavez had 19 assists.

For Lanier, Jackie Juarez and Cheyenne Torres each finished with nine kills. Esmi Garza hustled for 25 digs.

McCollum defeated Sam Houston 25-5, 25-17, 25-17 Dec. 1 at the Hurricanes’ gym. The Cowboys received 14 digs, nine kills and five aces from Victoria Yzaguirre. Miranda Rich produced 10 kills, six digs and three aces. Jumee Dimas also served three aces.

Sam Houston was led by Coburn with six kills and five digs. Davis had eight assists.

FOOTBALL DIGEST (Weeks 1-2): Sam Houston settles old scores in first two games

Defense keeps Central Catholic unbeaten; Kennedy rebounds with win over Burbank

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Burbank, Central Catholic, Edison, Highlands, Kennedy, Sam Houston, South San, Southside.

Sam Houston (2-0) seems bound to avenge its 2014 losses.

In Week 1, the Hurricanes reversed the outcome of a game against Bandera. Sept. 4, Southside (1-1) was the victim of a Sam Houston turnaround.

Last year, the Cardinals scored nine points in the fourth quarter to edge the Hurricanes by a point. This time, at the SAISD Complex, the second half of the non-district 40-24 victory belonged to Sam Houston.

Devin Harris (58 yards, 5 carries) ran for two touchdowns and Travon Vaughns (171 yards, 4 receptions) scored on a 70-yard pass play from Raymonte Prime to secure the win for Sam Houston. Southside was within 19-16 at halftime.

Taveon Jones produced his second interception of the game with 6:15 left in the third quarter. Jones made the pickoff in the Cardinals’ end zone as Southside was driving to take the lead. Prime found Vaughns for the touchdown on the ensuing drive.

Southside junior back Matt Collier (220 yards, 39 carries) scored his third touchdown with 3:03 remaining to cut Sam Houston’s lead to 33-24, but Harris responded with a 34-yard scoring run.

Collier scored on runs of three and 14 yards to keep Southside close in the first half. Prime (11 of 18, 340 yards), who has thrown for nine touchdowns in the Hurricanes’ first two games, staked Sam Houston to a 13-0 lead with scoring passes of 43 yards to Dewayne Brown and 14 yards to Jawon Anderson. Vaughns added a 74-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter.

Sam Houston’s only other loss in 2014 was to Kerrville Tivy in the bi-district round. The Antlers might be well advised to pay attention to the Hurricanes’ current trend – just in case the UIL sets up a rematch.

Southside began the season with a 49-14 win over Burbank as Collier ran for five touchdowns Aug. 29 at the SAISD Complex. Collier rushed for 238 yards on 33 carries.

Eddie Perez (70 yards, 4 carries) had a 16-yard rushing touchdown and quarterback Marc Garza added a 23-yarder. Garza passed for 50 yards.

Senior quarterback Devin Gusme scored both Burbank touchdowns on runs of three and 54 yards.

Central Catholic 16, South San 12

The Buttons (2-0) remained undefeated with a narrow non-district victory over South San (0-2) Sept. 4 at Bob Benson Stadium. Central Catholic’s defense has limited its first two opponents to 9.5 points a game and again was a key factor in the win.

An interception from Jeremy Medina with 10 seconds remaining sealed the win. Medina’s third pick of the young season.

South San scored all of its points after halftime, on runs from Justin Acosta (74 yards, 21 carries) and Chris Cardenas. Bobcats sophomore James Valencia ran for 85 yards on seven attempts.

A 25-yard field goal from Tavian Wilson and Clayton Townsend passed to Thomas Palomera to give Central Catholic a 10-0 halftime lead. The Buttons increased their lead to 16 with a fumble return from Marc Castillo in the third quarter.

Kennedy 14, Burbank 6

The Rockets (1-1) bounced back from a blowout season-opening loss to Victoria East to win a non-district defensive struggle against Burbank (0-2) Sept. 3 at the SAISD Complex.

Kennedy, which accumulated 211 rushing yards, ran for two touchdowns after Burbank took a 6-0 lead. The Bulldogs scored first, on a one-yard plunge from senior Rubyn Salazar little more than three minutes into the game.

Senior Dominic Franco (51 yards, 11 carries) tied the game 31 seconds before halftime on a two-yard run. Kevin Garduno gave the Rockets the lead with an extra-point kick. Christino Garcia scored the clinching touchdown with 3:26 remaining.

Edison 14, Floresville 7

The Golden Bears (1-1) shut down Floresville (0-2) in a non-district contest Sept. 3 at Alamo Stadium. Edison kept the Tigers scoreless after they claimed a 7-0 lead in the second quarter.

Edison tied it 7-7 on Joey Rodriguez’s five-yard run, 40 seconds into the fourth quarter. First-year quarterback Danny Cadena scored the game-winner on a one-yard keeper with 4:50 to play.

Junior Matthew Garcia gained 159 yards on 20 attempts for the Golden Bears. Cadena ran for 46 yards and completed seven of 15 passes for 52 yards.

Uvalde 42, Highlands 20

Uvalde (2-0) halted the Owls’ bid for a second-consecutive victory Sept. 4 at Alamo Stadium. Highlands (1-1) snapped a 11-game losing streak with a 32-23 win at Floresville Aug. 28 in its season opener.

Against Uvalde, a nine-yard run from Christopher Ferguson (158 yards, 23 carries) put Highlands within 7-6 with 4:41 remaining in the first quarter. Before Ferguson could score again on a 10-yard carry, Coyotes quarterback Elias Garza (15 of 23, 285 yards) connected with Trace Garcia on a 17-yard touchdown pass.

Uvalde back McRae Rutledge (242 yards, 31 attempts) scored the first of his two tochdowns with 9:10 until halftime, giving the Coyotes a 21-13 advantage.

Ferguson finished with three rushing touchdowns, including a 33-yard sprint with 5:06 left in the half. Uvalde scored the last 21 points.

In the win over Floresville, Highlands’ Bruce Moody returned the opening kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown that signalled the Owls’ competitiveness this season under first-year coach Juan Morales.

Moody also scored on an 11-yard run in the first quarter. A 14-yard pass from junior quarterback Dylan Camacho to senior Richard Saldana brought Highlands within 23-20 at halftime.

In the second half, the Owls kept Floresville scoreless while tacking on two touchdowns. it never relinquished. A 68-yard run from Ferguson with 6:44 left in the third quarter and a four-yard score from Camacho with 7:48 to play clinched the win.

FOOTBALL: Lanier can’t overcome Pleasanton’s early lead

Voks defense limits Eagles to 62 yards, 5 first downs

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Lanier.

 

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

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Lanier-couldn-t-overcome-Pleasanton-s-early-6493570.php

 

Lanier prevented Pleasanton from earning a first down over the last three quarters Sept. 5, but still couldn’t work off a three-touchdown deficit.

The Voks (0-2) tried mightily at the SAISD Complex, scoring twice in the final quarter. Although Lanier only allowed one offensive touchdown, Pleasanton (2-0) had enough cushion for a 21-12 non-district win.

“Joel Poth had an outstanding game,” Pleasanton coach Tab Dumont said, referring to the player who scored the Eagles’ first two touchdowns, “and Garrett Bosquez’s punt return was a great play, too. We scored oin all three phases – defense, offense and the kicking game.

“We work a lot on the kicking game, but that may have been the reason we won the game today.”

The Eagles led 21-0 long before halftime, despite being outgained 261-62 by the Voks in total yardage. Lanier’s third fumble of the game thwarted a third-quarter drive, but Julian Castillo (86 yards, 14 carries) dashed 15 yards for a score with 6:14 remaining and Jeremiah Esquivel threw 31 yards to Juan Palomino with 2:45 to play to give the Voks a chance for their first victory. However, Pleasanton recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock.

Lanier begins District 28-5A play Friday, Sept. 11 with a 7:30 p.m. contest against McCollum (0-2) at Harlandale Memorial Stadium.

“We got better defensively,” Lanier coach Don Gatian said. “Offense is where most of our struggles have been so far. We got a new offensive coordinator and we’re running new plays. It has taken a little time. We’ve got one week to see where we’re at.”

A 14-yard pass from Esquivel (14 of 26, 155 yards) to Adrian Lozoya and an Eagles pass interference penalty set up Castillo’s touchdown.

“We changed some things at halftime,” Gatian said. “We moved the ball well in the second half.”

Following a three-and-out, two more Pleasanton penalties aided Lanier’s final scoring drive. It appeared to stall after a pair of incomplete passes, but Esquivel found Palomino streaking down the right sideline on a fourth-and-16.

“We were getting a lot of pressure on them,” Dumont said. “So, they were able to get off some short pops. Their kids made some great plays. We had them covered well.”

Poth scored twice in little more than a minute late in the first quarter. The senior finished a long drive with a three-yard run at the 2:46 mark. Three plays after the kickoff, he recovered a Voks fumble on a and dashed 12 yards to the end zone for a 14-0 advantage.

Pleasanton only ran 12 plays in the second quarter, but increased its lead. Bosquez returned Raul Solis’ 44-yard punt 77 yards for a touchdown with 5:22 until halftime.

The Voks will be haunted by a dropped would-be touchdown pass two plays after Bosquez’s return. Steve Torres returned the ensuing kickoff 41 yards to the Pleasanton 34. Following a one-yard loss, Esquivel took a shot at the end zone but Lanier wasn’t able to connect.

Lanier fumbled four times in the first half, losing two. The turnovers inhibited the Voks’ efforts to build any offensive continuity.

 

 

MORE TO COME

FOOTBALL: Brooks Academy repeats history with win over Wolfpack

Bengals boot Lee Academy with fourth-quarter touchdown

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Brooks Academy.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Brooks-Academy-repeats-history-with-win-over-Lee-6493562.php

 

All Brooks Academy athletes went through a boot camp before their seasons. The value of the exercise surfaced Sept. 4.

The Bengals football team had a gut-check after securing the lead against Lee Academy late in a non-district game Sept. 4 at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex. Brooks Academy (1-1) contained the Wolfpack deep in their own territory to snap a nine-game losing streak and prevail 32-29.

“It just puts us through mental and physical exercises,” Bengals senior running back-linebacker Michael Galata said of the boot camp. “We jump over pylons, do a bunch of rolls and some speed work. It tests our limits.

Galata scored what proved to be the winning touchdown on a six-yard run with 11:22 remaining. However, Lee Academy (0-2) rallied to cut the lead to 32-29 with 4:02 left on an 11-yard run from backup quarrterback Jeremiah Reyna.

“This means a lot ot us,” Galata said. “Coach (Eric) Hernandez came here four years ago and he’s taught us not to quit.”

Brooks Academy’s previous win was a 44-6 decision over Lee Academy Dec. 5, 2014 – when the school was named Hawkins. That was the Bengals’ first victory in about four years.

Sustainability is an important word at Brooks Academy this year as the school with high academic ideals seems in the midst of an athletic upturn. Girls teams in basketball, volleyball and softball all qualified for the playoffs last year. Several boys and girls individuals qualified for state in wrestling and power lifting.

Hernandez said his team wanted to show it could beat the improved Wolfpack as a sign of progress and the ability to overcome adversity.

“This one feels better,” he said, “because we wanted to come back and make sure we could win again.”

Bengals senior quarterback Chris Llamas scored the only third-quarter touchdown on a two-yard sneak. Galata ran for two points, enabling Brooks Academy to take a 24-23 lead into the final quarter.

“We’ve just been targeting our senior year,” Galata said. “This is my last homecoming. We needed to do it. We’re all brothers. We’re one big family.”

Brooks Academy wasted no time in taking the initial lead. Edwin Lopez returned the opening kickoff 86 yards to the end zone.

The Bengals’ 8-0 lead held up only until 5:15 remained in the quarter, when Lee Academy quarterback

Deviontray Pitts bolted 26 yards around right end, then ran in the two-point conversion. The Wolfpack took an eight-point lead on the first play of their next possession when Taurean Dumas broke a 54-yard run up the middle.

Galata scored his first touchdown with 2:31 until halftime after Brooks Academy recorded a defensive stop and drove 41 yards to tie it 16-16. Twenty-three seconds later, Dumas went 51 yards to regain the lead.

“They guys just got out there and played,” Hernandez said of the second half. “We stopped thinking so much.

“We had been blitzing a lot, but we just went back to our basic defense, We put the kids in situations where they could be successful.”

 

MORE TO COME

VOLLEYBALL: Area rankings (thru Sept. 3)

Through September 3

 

TOP 15:

 

Rank-Team-Last Week

1. Holy Cross – 1

2. Southwest – 2

3. McCollum – 3

4. East Central – 4

5. Harlandale – 5

6. South San – 6

7. Highlands – 7

8. Southside – 8

9. Providence – 9

10. Edison – 10

11. Lanier – 11

12. Brackenridge – 12

13. Sam Houston – 13

14. Jefferson – 14

15. Memorial – NR

 

NR = not ranked

VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP: Provets put Centurions away in first 4-4A match

Harlandale edges Southside, wins 28-5A opener

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Brackenridge, Edison, Harlandale, Jefferson, Providence, Southside.

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

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Provets-put-away-Centurions-in-first-TAPPS-6481486.php

 

Providence embarked on its TAPPS District 4-4A schedule Aug. 29 with what might prove to be a valuable road victory at Corpus Christi John Paul II.

The Provets (9-9, 1-0) swept the Centurions 28-26, 25-12, 25-15 for their first victory of the week. Providence lost 25-17, 25-17, 25-14 to St. Anthony (12-4) Aug. 25 and 19-25, 25-15, 25-10, 25-21 to Lee (7-11) Aug. 28 in non-district play.

“I’m really pretty satisfied with where we’re at,” Providence coach Elise Denoux said. “Emily Pearson is our only senior. Our goals are really long-term. If we don’t win non-district matches, it’s not our whole focus as a coaching staff.”

In fact, Denoux said a competitive performance against Lee helped pave the way the 4-4A win.

“We lost to Lee the night before, but they have some very strong players,” she said. “That carried over to John Paul II. We had a lot of people score with kills, so that was great.”

Sophomore setter-right-side hitter Alyssa Tijerina, who played on the junior varsity in 2014, led the Provets with 32 assists, 5 aces and12 digs in Corpus Christi. Tijerina has shared setting duties with freshman Serina Leon.

“Alyssa has grown a lot in every single match,” Denoux said. “She was very efficient. She got the ball to the right players at the right times.”

Sophomore Hannah Sasser hammered 15 kills in the district match. Sasser produced 18 kills and 11 digs against Lee as well as 11 kills versus St. Anthony.

“Hannah has done a lot of work,” Denoux said. “She has really stepped up as a leader. Hannah really has learned and she’s doing the things she’s supposed to do on the court.”

Sophomore Jessica Banuelos led the Provets against St. Anthony with 14 digs.

With several returning players, Providence aims to return to the playoffs in a district that has been governed by Holy Cross and Victoria St. Joseph in recent seasons.

“On any given night, you can have a very competitive match with anyone,” Denoux said. “John Paul II had some really strong hitters. That’s why we’re trying to get our kids to the point where everybody knows her role. They have to commit to it.”

Harlandale 3, Southside 2

The Indians (13-6, 1-0) began their District 28-5A season with a win and capped off the week with a key non-district victory over Southside (7-10) Aug. 28 in the Cardinals’ gym.

Tanya Ramos led Harlandale with 12 kills and three blocks in a 25-9, 25-16, 25-23 win at Jefferson (3-8, 0-1) Aug. 25. Esme Molina finished with eight kills. Kianna Sandoval tallied 13 assists, four digs and two aces. Pamela Sandoval had a team-best 15 digs and Cassandra Munoz produced seven.

Jefferson statistics were unavailable.

At Southside, the Indians won a marathon match 25-23, 21-25, 25-22, 18-25, 15-13. Maddy Mendez and Tanya Ramos led the Indians with 12 and 11 kills, respectively. Brandie Herrera dealt 23 assists and Kianna Sandoval produced 17. Pamela Sandoval led Harlandale with 21 digs. Ramos also had two blocks.

Sophomore Mia Soto unleashed 18 kills for the Cardinals. Amber Martinez chipped in 14 digs and 13 kills Tyler Bolton played an impressive overall match with 21 assists, 10 digs and two blocks. Alyssa Gallardo added 13 assists. Klaryssa Vela and Allie Herrera had nine digs apiece while Amanda Esparza contributed eight.

Edison 3, Brackenridge 0

The Golden Bears (4-8, 1-0) began their District 28-5A season Aug. 25 by defeating Brackenridge (5-18, 0-1) 25-19, 25-12, 25-10 at the Alamo Convocation Center.

Marissa Cortinas led Edison with 20 assists, 10 kills, four digs and three aces. Liann

Mayen also had 10 kills while Samantha Lara recorded eight. Kamryn Duque (10 digs),

Kayla Lyons (9 digs) and Lara (7 digs) were the Golden Bears’ defensive leaders. D’Anne Gonzalez contributed 10 assists and Mayen added four blocks.

Liz Anguiano led the Eagles with 15 digs. Eshe Malone supplied eight kills. Marquanique Freeman dealt seven assists.

FOOTBALL: Central Catholic shuts down Lanier’s passing game

Three fourth-quarter interceptions seal win

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Central Catholic, Lanier.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Central-Catholic-shuts-down-Lanier-s-passing-6481458.php

 

Central Catholic took away Lanier’s chances for a season-opening comeback victory Aug. 28.

The Buttons utilized three fourth-quarter interceptions to squelch the Voks’ momentum in the first game for both teams. The hosts prevailed 14-7 at Bob Benson Stadium.

“Our defense was outstanding,” Central Catholic coach L.D. Green Sr. said. “Lanier wanted to establish the run, but they stepped up and forced them to pass. Those three interceptions were big, because they allowed us to control things.”

Lanier led 7-6 after blocking Central Catholic’s first extra-point attempt. With 3:05 until halftime, Voks senior tight end Raul Solis hauled in a six-yard pass from Jeremiah Esquivel and nailed the point-after-touchdown.

“We had a few interceptions and a failure to capitalize on some things that kind of hurt us,” Lanier coach Don Gatian said. “I thought the defense did a good job and we moved the ball in the first half, but we didn’t put it in the end zone enough. We had a touchdown called back.

“Overall, we didn’t play badly. The guys played hard up front.”

Buttons junior back Thomas Palomera (49 yards, 5 carries) registered the go-ahead touchdown with a 42-yard dash with 3:56 left in the third quarter. Palomera caught the two-point conversion pass from Harlingen South transfer quarterback James Morton (85 passing yards) for a seven-point advantage.

“It’s just that the line’s blocking on the edge let me get outside,” Palomera said. “Once I got outside, I was able to run past them.”

The Buttons had difficulty mounting a consistent offensive attack during the first half in Morton’s first start. Predictably, Central Catholic’s execution improved throughout the game.

“In our offense, everyone has to do their part,” said Green, who praised the offensive line. “If they do that, we have big-play potential.”

Central Catholic senior free safety Jeremy Medina produced the first of his two interceptions on the opening play of the fourth quarter. Cornerback Elijah Banda and Medina ended the Voks’ last two possessions with picks.

“The defense got us the win,” Palomera said. “That was our big thing going into the game.”

The Buttons scored little more than four minutes into the non-district contest on a 15-yard run from junior back Caleb Salinas (79 yards, 11 carries). A 64-yard pass play from Morton to junior Julian Oviedo set up the score.

Adrian Lozoya led the Voks with two receptions for 42 yards.

VOLLEYBALL: This week’s results (thru Sept. 5)

NOTE: teams we cover in boldface

Matches of Aug. 30-Sept. 5

Monday’s matches

No matches  scheduled

Tuesday’s matches

District 27-5A

Alamo Heights (20-10, 2-0) 3, San Marcos (18-8, 1-1) 0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-17)

Boerne Champion (9-8 , 2-0) 3, Kerrville Tivy (10-13, 0-2) 0 (17-25, 25-19, 25-13, 25-21)

Floresville (10-12 ???, 1-0) 3, Lockhart (10-16, 0-2) 2 (16-25, 22-25, 25-18, 25-23, 15-13)

Seguin (16-12 , 1-1) 3, Memorial (3-12 , 1-1) 0 (25-9, 25-9, 25-12)

District 28-5A

Jefferson (4-8 ???, 1-1) 3,  Lanier (7-9, 0-2) 1 (25-21, 21-25, 25-20, 25-21)

McCollum (12-8, 2-0) 3, Sam Houston (5-10, 1-1) 0 (25-5, 25-17, 25-17)

Harlandale (14-5, 2-0) 3, Brackenridge (5-19, 0-2) 0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-7)

Edison (10-15, 2-0) 3, Highlands (10-7 ???, 0-1) 0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-18)

TAPPS 4-4A

Providence  (10-9, 2-0) 3, TMI (5-10, 1-2) 2 (22-25, 25-14, 18-25, 25-14, 15-12)

Holy Cross (19-6, 3-0) 3,  Victoria St. Joseph (8-6, 2-1) 1 (25-15, 25-16, 20-25, 25-8)

Laredo St. Augustine (6-10, 1-2) 3, Cornerstone Christian (5-5 ???, 0-2) 1 (scores unavailable)

San Antonio Christian (5-7, 1-2) 3, Corpus Christi John Paul II (5-9, 0-3) 0 (scores unavailable)

Non-district

East Central (9-12 ???) 3, La Vernia (11-8) 2 (21-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-22, 15-10)

Uvalde (8-3 ???) 3, Kennedy (0-13 ???) 1 (25-8, 25-18, 23-25, 25-10)

Southwest (12-9 ???) 3, Lee (7-12) 0  (29-27, 25-14, 25-22)

Southside (8-10) 3, South San (8-10 ???) 2 (25-20, 19-25, 18-25, 27-25, 15-12)

Young Women’s Leadership Academy (3-7 ???)  at Gonzales (2-7 ???) (scores unavailable)

Burbank (4-11 ???) 3, Fox Tech (1-18) 0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-9)

Wednesday’s matches

No matches scheduled

Thursday’s matches

No matches scheduled

Friday’s matches

District 27-5A

Alamo Heights (21-10, 3-0) 3, Floresville (10-13 ???, 1-1) 0 (25-5, 25-9, 25-17)

Memorial (3-12 , 1-1) at Kerrville Tivy (10-13, 0-2), 6 p.m.

Boerne Champion (9-8 , 2-0) 3, San Marcos (18-9, 1-2) 0  (25-16, 25-14, 25-8)

Seguin (17-12 , 2-1) 3, Kennedy (0-14 ???, 0-2) 0 (25-9, 25-11, 25-9)

District 28-5A

Lanier (8-9, 1-2) 3, Brackenridge (5-20, 0-3) 0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-19)

McCollum (13-8, 3-0) 3, Burbank (4-12 ???, 0-2) 0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-14)

Highlands (11-7 ???, 1-1) 3, Harlandale (14-6, 2-1) 1  (25-14, 25-22, 24-26, 26-24)

Sam Houston (6-10, 2-1) 3, Jefferson (4-9 ???, 1-2) 0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-19)

TAPPS 4-4A

Corpus Christi Incarnate Word (10-8, 3-0) 3, Providence (10-10, 2-1) 2 (25-23, 21-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-10)

Non-district

Southside (9-10) 3, Wagner (2-15 ???)  0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-15)

Hawkins (3-6 ???) d. Brooks Academy (0-3 ???) (scores unavailable)

Poteet (3-10 ???) vs. Young Women’s Leadership Academy (3-7 ???) (scores unavailable)

South San (9-10 ???) 3, Roosevelt(2-24)  0 (22-25, 25-16, 25-15, 25-21)

Smithson Valley (22-5) 3, East Central (9-13 ???) 1 (26-28, 25-10, 25-12, 25-21)

Steele (10-19) 3, Southwest (12-10 ???) 2 (23-25, 25-18, 25-14, 23-25, 15-8)

Edison (11-15) 3, Fox Tech (1-19) 0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-15)

St. Mary’s Hall Tournament

Holy Cross (22-6) 2, Bulverde Bracken Christian 0 (25-12, 25-13)
Holy Cross (22-6) 2, Dallas Parish Episcopal 1 (25-18, 21-25, 15-11)
Holy Cross (22-6) 2, Devine 0 (25-21, 25-16)

Saturday’s matches

TAPPS 4-4A

Victoria St. Joseph (9-6, 3-1) 3, Cornerstone Christian (5-6 ???, 0-3) 0 (scores unavailable)

TMI (6-10, 2-2) 3, Corpus Christi John Paul II (5-10, 0-4) 1 (scores unavailable)

San Antonio Christian (6-7, 2-2) 3, Laredo St. Augustine (6-11, 1-3) 0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-14)

Non-district

St. Mary’s Hall Tournament

Holy Cross (25-6) d. Arlington Oakridge (scores unavailable)
Holy Cross (25-6) 2, Boerne Geneva 0 (scores unavailable).

Championship
Holy Cross (25-6) 2, Dallas Parish Episcopal 0 (25-22, 25-19)

FOOTBALL: Area results (thru Sept. 5)

WEEK 2 SCHEDULE

(Sept. 3-5)

Thursday’s games

Non-district

Edison (1-1) 14, Floresville (0-2) 7

Kennedy (1-1) 14, Burbank (0-2) 6

Somerset (1-1) 21, Harlandale (0-2) 0

Friday’s games

Non-district

Brooks Academy (1-1) 32, Lee Academy (0-2) 29

Antonian (2-0) 20, Holy Cross (1-1) 6

New Braunfels Canyon (1-1) 36, East Central (0-2) 16

Pearsall (2-0) 43, Memorial (1-1) 14

Central Catholic (2-0) 16, South San (0-2) 12

Sam Houston (2-0) 40, Southside (1-1) 24

Taft (1-1) 28, Southwest (0-2) 7

Uvalde (2-0) 42, Highlands (1-1) 20

Victoria West (2-0) 42, McCollum (0-2) 7

Saturday’s games

Non-district

Devine (2-0) 31, Brackenridge (0-2) 21

Lee (2-0) 35, Jefferson (0-2) 15

Pleasanton (2-0) 21, Lanier (0-2) 12

FOOTBALL: Area rankings (thru Aug. 29)

Through August 29 

TOP 15:

Rank-Team-Last Week

1. Holy Cross – 3

2. Southside – 4

3. Sam Houston – 2

4. East Central – 1

5. Southwest – 5

6. Central Catholic – 8

7. Brackenridge – 6

8. Edison – 9

9. Harlandale – 7

10. South San – 11

11. Highlands – NR

12. Lanier – 14

13. Burbank – 10

14. Jefferson – 12

15. Memorial – NR

 

NR = not ranked

 

FOOTBALL: Sam Houston wins opener for Brown

Hurricanes avenge loss in 2014 opener

AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Sam Houston.

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS WEBSITE:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/high_school/high_school_football/article/Sam-Houston-tops-Bandera-in-season-opener-6474155.php

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

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Sam-Houston-beats-Bandera-in-Brown-s-coaching-6481476.php

A year ago, the season opener at Bandera was something Sam Houston had to recover from.

The Hurricanes gradually put the road loss behind them and went on to the District 28-5A championship. This year, Sam Houston won’t have as far to go after a 34-14 victory over the Bulldogs at Alamo Stadium.

“I just remember that late touchdown and losing (21-15),” said Hurricanes senior quarterback Raymonte Prime, who threw for 303 yards and five touchdowns. “We had to come back here tonight and get revenge.”

A new coach first installs his offensive and defensive philosophies. The next phase of pouring the foundation is setting a competitive tone.

Sam Houston coach Patrick Brown may have taken an important step in that direction with the Hurricanes in their season opener Aug. 29 at Alamo Stadium. Sam Houston overcame obstacles of its own making to record a 34-14 win over stubborn Bandera.

“No doubt that was one of the ugliest games you’ll ever see, but we have to learn to win ugly,” said Brown, who replaced retired Sam Houston coach Gary Green.

“We came in and changed everything they do. They’ve only had three weeks to learn it. I’m very confident they’ll pick it up quickly.”

Bandera, a District 14-4A Division I representative playing its first game under coach Jeff Hamilton, scored in the waning moments against Sam Houston in 2014. This year, the Bulldogs staked themselves to a 7-7 lead on senior Utah Hicks’ three-yard quarterback sneak with 6:50 remaining in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs never led again, although they did close within 20-14 on Dylan Bass’ 52-yard fumble return early in the fourth quarter. Sam Houston lost four fumbles in the second half.

“No doubt that was one of the ugliest games you’ll ever see, but we have to learn to win ugly,” said Brown, who replaced retired Sam Houston coach Gary Green.

“We came in and changed everything they do. They’ve only had three weeks to learn it.

The Hurricanes escalated the pace of the game in the second quarter, as Prime completed nine of 11 passes for 154 yards and three touchdowns.

His 18-yard throw to back Devin Harris, who made a leaping catch in the end zone, tied the score with 6:49 until halftime. Harris also contributed 119 rushing yards on 16 carries.

Prime (22 of 28) hooked up with basketball standout Jawon Anderson (195 yards, six receptions) about three minutes later on a 72-yard pass play. He also threw 13 yards to Travon Vaughns in the closing seconds of the half.

“We started looking for mismatches between our receivers and their corners,” Prime said, “and I started to hit them.”

Anderson also accounted for 32- and 65-yard receptions in the fourth quarter that put the Hurricanes’ win on ice.

“If not for a couple of fumbles,” Brown said. “I think the game would have been over in the third quarter. But give Bandera credit. They fought their behinds off.”

Brown is concerned that, in the opener, the Hurricanes put too much pressure on their defense, which limited Bandera to seven first downs.

Sam Houston will play another tough non-district game Friday, Sept. 3 against Southside (1-0). Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at the SAISD Complex. The Cardinals won a 15-14 nail-biter last year in a battle of two of the area’s most-improved teams.

“We’re going to work on our focus,” Prime said. “We’re going to go work on the long (passes) and our blocking, even though we had a great game run blocking.”