GAMES
RANKINGS
RUN THIS TOWN: "Air Jordan" shoots its shot against super-power Katy; photo gallery
The Warriors are 4-0; 2-0 in district play and will have a huge challenge this week against the legendary Katy Tigers.
“I loved the opportunity of opening up a new school,” Rabe said of taking the Warrior job. “I was hired to take over rebuild jobs in the past, and this was something new.
“I don’t know if I would do it again, though,” he laughed. “Did I mention it was during a pandemic?”
Rabe is no-nonsense leader with a simple culture.
“It’s really six things,” he said. “Commitment and consistency, first. Holding each other accountable is key, while attitude and effort are pillars to success. Finally, you just have to go out and execute.”
Pretty simple, right? Especially when you have great kids and a ton of talent.
“These guys were thrust on varsity at an early age,” he said. “They are really passionate about the game and have just matured physically and mentally over the past three years. It’s been really rewarding to watch.”
Leading the "Air Jordan" offense is QB Colin Willetts, who has thrown for over 1,100 yards and 12 scores. He has some serious weapons. Junior RB Chad Gaspar is a national recruit with the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, Baylor, Oregon and Wisconsin positioning for his eventual commitment.
The receiving corps is special. Zechariah Sample is committed to Arizona State and has over 300 yards and five receiving scores. He also plays cornerback.
National recruit Andrew Marsh is just a junior but is arguably the best 2025 WR in Texas. He has nearly 500 yards receiving. VanKieth Brown transferred from Paetow and has double-digit offers, and Deacon Stanfield has committed to Houston Christian University.
“Colin has received varsity coaching for four years,” he said. “He understands the offense and executes very well. Our skill position athletes can go out and make plays. They are really fun to watch, while our offensive line has developed really well with another offseason.
“We are really explosive on offense, but we just take what the opponents are giving us. Our coaches make great adjustments during the game, which makes us tough to defend,” he said.
On defense, Jordan welcomed Katy transfers Jimmy-Phrisco Alo-Suliafu, Dallas-Patrick Alo-Suliafu, Jeremy Alo-Perry and Rocky Alo-Perry to Warrior-nation over the offseason… the Polynesian Pipeline.
Zion Jones is the QB of the defense at safety, while Brayden Coffie controls the linebacking box for the Warriors, according to Rabe.
As Jordan is on the eve of the “Katy Game”, Rabe steadies his message.
“We don’t treat any game differently on any given week,” he said. “We focus on our football team as we try and get better every day. The rest will take care of itself.”
Come on coach, it’s the “Katy Game”.
Katy Jordan's Deacon Stanfield presents cleats he designed at Super Bowl LVI
BRAND RECOGNITION: Jordan’s Stanfield chases dream of shoe design, football
Not only is Stanfield a speedy WR for the Jordan Football team, but he also happens to be an accomplished artist. This has prompted him to create his own shoe-designing business known as DeacDesign.
Photo acquired via Twitter: @DeaconStanfield
Surprisingly, he didn’t paint much in high school.
“I’ve only really taken one art class my entire high school career,” said Stanfield. “High school art wasn’t really for me, since I kind of like to let my creativity flow and don’t like to be super confined. But, I’m a huge sneaker-head, I have a huge collection of shoes. This business I do just puts both of my hobbies/passions together.”
Standfield has become so accomplished, in fact, that his designing has garnered the attention of several big-name athletes, including Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets, recent draft-pick Jaxon Smith-Njiba of the Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy.
Stanfield provides new designs to 49ers QB Brock PurdyPhoto provided by Deacon Stanfield
“Being an athlete myself, I get to understand how the mind works,” Stanfield said. “What the pregame is like, how they go about their day, and the busy atmosphere of it. I think that will help me a lot, down the road--knowing what the dudes like to wear, what’s fashionable, what isn’t, etc.”
Since his business has taken off, Stanfield has enjoyed several opportunities, such as when the trading card company Panini flew him out to the Super Bowl in Los Angeles [Super Bowl LVI], where he painted cleat designs for several athletes.
But, just how has Stanfield’s work gained such popularity, despite his young age?
“My Dad has been a huge help in this whole process,” he said. “So, my Dad [Dusty Stanfield] is a marketing agent for a whole bunch of NFL players. He really helped lift off my brand and my company. The first professional athletes I made cleats for were Case Keenum and Andy Dalton. It’s really just skyrocketed from there.”
One can imagine that being surrounded by athletes you see on TV can be overwhelming. However, given some time with them, Stanfield’s mindset adjusted.
“Well it’s my dream to run my own business and that revolves around professionals,” Stanfield said. “Being around all these dudes, you get kind of star stuck at first. But, at some point you realize they’re normal people, but they just do things on a much grander scale.”
“A lot of these athletes are as humble as anyone. They don’t let the money or the fame really get to them--they’re still some of the nicest people you’ll meet. That’s what I hope to be like. I don’t want money or the people I’m around to change me--I want to keep being who I am, as I pursue my dream.”
Photo provided by Deacon Stanfield
Stanfield claims that his upbringing is what’s kept him on the path to success.
“I think growing up in a Christian household and the impact my family has had on me has really helped to shape me in my football and business career,” he said. “Football can be a bit of a struggle sometimes, when you’re surrounded by all these talented people who are getting offers.”
“But, trusting in God and his path has been the best thing for me. Trusting in that has allowed me to see a lot of things come true, like the opportunities with my business and finally getting some offers [currently with the University of Houston, and Valpo University] of my own.”
As he prepares for his final season with Katy Jordan Football, Stanfield seems to be destined for big things in his future, whether it be through football, his business, or both.