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Whataburger Team of the Week: Alief Elsik Soccer on the verge of claiming another State Title
What a year it has been for the Elsik soccer program!
While the team’s talent was expected, the level of success they’ve achieved has been truly impressive.
Much of the Rams’ success can be attributed to the strong sense of unity instilled by head coach Vincenzo Cox.
That cohesiveness was on full display last Tuesday when Elsik shocked the reigning back-to-back State Champions, Seven Lakes, in the Region III-6A-D1 Final. The Rams not only defeated Seven Lakes but did so with an emphatic 5-1 victory in front of an energized home crowd.
“The word that I like to use for us is ‘unit,’” said Cox. “These guys have grown together and have been through some rough patches. They came back this year determined to push themselves to the max, and the results have spoken for themselves.”
With that win, Elsik secured its fourth-ever appearance in the State Final Four, a remarkable achievement for the program.
Following that dominant performance, the Rams continued their postseason success, earning a spot in the 6A-D1 title game after outlasting Vista Ridge 1-0 on Friday.
According to Cox, the team has leaned on the talents of Chris Guillen (Sr. D/MF), Jacob Ordonez (Sr. MF/D), Michael Ochoche-Ochoche (Sr. D), Asa Marsh (Sr. MF), and Jhon Marulanda-Morena (Sr. MF) to help propel the group to this point.
Now, with a 24-2 record, Elsik stands just one victory away from capturing its second state championship. The Rams previously won the title in 2018 with a 1-0 victory over San Antonio Reagan.
However, standing in their way is Klein Cain (23-2-3), a formidable opponent. Fans can expect a thrilling showdown when the two teams meet on Saturday in Georgetown at 6:30 PM.
BÉISBOL ES MI VIDA: It's More Than Just A Game For Elsik's Morales
NEXT TO SOCCER, BASEBALL IS A SPORT THAT TRANSCENDS CULTURES WORLDWIDE. THE CURRENT MLB DEMOGRAPHIC IS A TESTAMENT TO THE SPORT’S GLOBAL APPEAL, WHICH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND THE UNITED STATES.
For Alief Elsik senior Abraham Morales, baseball is more than just a pastime—it’s his passion and his life.
Having moved from Cuba to Texas just two years ago, Morales has faced his share of challenges, particularly with the language barrier, which he continues to adjust to.
Despite these obstacles, his love for the game remains unwavering, and he has quickly become one of the key players in the Alief Elsik baseball program.
With the help of his bilingual teammate, Danny Zelaya, we were able to connect with Morales to learn more about his journey.
VYPE: In your experience with Elsie, have you noticed any changes with the team, since you started playing?
MORALES: “I used to see things differently here in the program. Now, I notice that there are different expectations for us and myself. I’m hoping that we can build off of each other and execute the way that we’ve envisioned.”
VYPE: What would you say is your greatest strength as a player?
MORALES: “I think it relates to my adaptability. I was originally an outfielder, but given my experience in Cuba, where I played everywhere, I was able to transition over to pitching pretty quickly. I’m comfortable being on the mound, but I know that I’m capable of playing any role that’s needed for the team.”
VYPE: What would you say has been the biggest difference since moving to the U.S.? MORALES: “There are a lot more possibilities here. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given and I’m hoping that I can make the most of them.”
VYPE: What got you into baseball? What do you love about it?
MORALES: “Baseball is my life. It’s always been everything to me, because it’s been passed down through my family and country. This game is always by my side, so I make sure to bring it with me at this stage.”
VYPE: Has it been difficult adjusting to life here in the U.S.?
MORALES: “It’s a little hard, having to get used to the English. But, like I said, the opportunities are worth taking on something new, and I’m still working on it.”
VYPE: What do you hope to do after you graduate?
MORALES: “The first goal is to play in college, whether that be at a big university or at a JuCo. The MLB is the main objective for me, but I’m just trying to find something that comes around my way to begin with.”