GAMES
RANKINGS
VYPE U: Episcopal Take Down the Mavericks 26-7
The Knights take the win during their Friday night lights homecoming game. Alarmingly the score was closer than expected as the Knights beat the Mavericks 26-7 at TDECU Stadium. The Episcopal community made sure to show their love with showing out in their nerd attire and having the whole stadium reserved for the Knights, talk about a home field advantage. Along with it being homecoming, it was also "Senior Knight." The varsity football team happily honored its 30 seniors.
Seniors: Reed Bourlon, Robert Buzbee, Lulu Chavarria, Cooper Corenblith, Colin Crane, Aaron Deutsch, Colton Deutsch, Cooper Deyo, Nick Florescu, Parker Forque, Charles Galtney, Jake Giesler, Billy Hall, Trey Hernandez, Gage Herrold, Donovan Jackson, Miles Jones, Sam Kant, Cooper Kincannon, Quon Marion, Paul McGarry, Jack McGreevy, Will McKinnie, James Mifflin, Cullen Montgomery, Zach Nguyen, Reid Sheppard, Truette Tumey, and Will Turlington.
Cheerleaders: Paris Bailey, Elise Branch, Elena Cokinos, Morgan Garrett, Mallette Havens, Randall Holstead, Elizabeth McLauchlin, Lindsey McNear, Annelise Miller, Caroline Miller, Mia Mithoff, Lindsay Rorschach, Payton Smith, Claire Spedale, Victoria Vella, Emma White, Mckenna Whitney.
First half, the Knights weren't expecting the intensity the Mavericks had to offer. With gun blazing, the mavericks wanted to change the narrative of having lost to Episcopal consecutively for the past nine years. Surely, the Knights felt they had stooped down to their opponent's level of play and the first half was a rocky start. The Knights successfully scored twice in the first half slowly gaining momentum. Both touchdowns for Episcopal were from quarterback, Chase Jenkins. The Mavericks retaliated with a touchdown of their own, this would be their only touchdown of the game.
Halftime was dedicated to honoring the seniors for both football and cheer. Lulu Chavarria, senior lineman, stated "It was a great experience, and I'm sure it was the same for the rest of the guys." The seniors had the opportunity to take pictures with their parents and then proceeded to take pictures with the rest of their team/squad.
By second half, the Knights kicked into full throttle. There was definitely a change in momentum and the Knights got back to playing their style of football. By fourth quarter the Knights scored two more times. Chase Jenkins managed to score his third touchdown of the night and Quon Marion, senior running back, also ran in for a touchdown of his own. This would advance the lead for the Knights leaving the Mavericks behind in the dust for a final score of 26-7.
One-School Towns Feel The Loss Of High School Sports
Spring semester of senior year is supposed to be full of excitement and joy, but the Class of 2020 is faced with a radically different experience. It started with the postponement of in-school studies, sports, and activities like prom and the signing of yearbooks, but that changed to permanent cancellations on Friday. First, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that in-state schools would remain closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 academic year. Then, hours later, TAPPS and UIL cancelled their remaining competitions for the same time frame.
The day's news hit close to home for Central Texas senior athletes because the Texas state government and University Interscholastic League are both based in Austin, especially those that didn't get to finish their final high school sports seasons. This came at the worst time for competitors like Lockhart pitcher and first baseman Logan Hersom, who needed every workout session, practice and event to achieve new career goals before graduation.
"When I first heard the news about the season actually ending, it was heartbreaking," said Hersom. "I had so much planned out this year and too much to accomplish this senior year."
While the 2020 baseball season was in limbo, the Coastal Bend College commit was working towards his season aspirations and staying on track for his collegiate career.
"Every day, I'll run a mile then go throw the ball with my brothers for a bit outside to keep the flow going," he said. "I don't regret none of it because I still need that work for the next level."
High school sports reign supreme in one-high school towns like Lockhart, Lexington and Elgin. These types of communities schedule their lives around their local teams and athletes, but COVID-19 didn't allow them to show their full support at late season games and senior night celebrations in 2020.
"Even though things ended way before I expected them to, I'll forever be thankful for this school and my coaches," said Lexington pitcher/infielder and 2020 Sam Houston State signee Kylie Hobbs. "Lexington athletics will always have a piece of my heart."
Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
The 2020 softball season may have been a short one, but that didn't prevent Hobbs from experiencing an opportunity that was a long time coming.
"My sister [Kinsey] was also a freshman this year and I've been looking forward to getting the chance to play on the same team as her since I started high school," she said. "She's a beast, so having her out there with me was super cool."
Not far away in Elgin, an exciting new era was beginning. The town experienced a homecoming when alum Adam Adams took over as the high school's head softball coach before the 2020 season. Senior shortstop and Nicholls State commit Kiana Gibson liked the start of his tenure.
"Elgin softball got a new coaching staff this year and I enjoyed playing with a new dynamic this year," said Gibson.
Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
Even though Gibson's partnership with Adams didn't last long, she has more softball to look forward to in her career.
"I can't wait to play for Nicholls State softball," she said. "I have dreamed of college ball since I was a little girl. I am going to be so excited to be a part of my family and to have a home away from home when I move to Louisiana. Getting to play with them is going to be a blast."
For more sports coverage, follow Thomas (@Texan8thGen) and VYPE (@VYPEATX) on Twitter.
Looking to get more involved? Check out ShopVYPE for fresh gear that supports local schools and the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To sign up for the VYPE U Program, apply at VYPEU.com.