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FBCA's Bennett Warren
DESTINY AWAITS: FBCA’s Warren becoming hot commodity
With offers from several of college football’s biggest names, including Texas A&M, Kansas, and Oklahoma, it’s clear that the tremendous potential of the young offensive lineman is being recognized.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“It’s a really amazing experience to see people around the nation respect the work that you put in,” said Warren. “It means a lot to hear that somebody likes what they see in my game film, and see how I’ve improved over the years.”
Considering Warren has the luxury of choosing which prominent school he’d like to attend, it would appear that the world is his oyster. However, the opportunity wasn’t just handed to him. It was earned.
“I can’t take all the credit,” Warren said. “I feel that as a team and a family, we’ve all come really far and we began to realize that it’s not about playing for the scouts or the views. It’s about playing as a family to reach a goal we collectively hope to achieve. There’s no sense of jealousy or hatred within us.”
Thus far, FBCA has proven to be incredibly beneficial for Warren and his teammates. Of course, winning a State Title will garner the attention of college scouts seeking potential recruits, but the three years played at FBCA means so much more to No. 76 .
The 2022-23 TAPPS 5A-D2 State Champions, Fort Bend Christian Academy FootballJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
“I feel that playing at FBCA has helped me grow as a person in general,” said Warren. “Initially, I thought our team may be small in comparison to some 6A schools. But, the love is real and there are no gaps in how we treat each other. Me and my friends, Max Granville, Ivan Jimmy-Ducksworth and Cobey Sellers, have all been set on the same goal and have always been there for each other.”
Furthermore, his teammates aren’t the only ones who have made an impact on his life.
“I feel that my biggest inspiration would be our coach,” Warren said. “Coach [Jordan] Black leads us as men, and teaches us things to help us grow in life.”
Warren will have one more year to play for the Eagles before he advances to the collegiate level. With the momentum generated from their Championship season, who’s to say FBCA won’t repeat next fall?
“Winning a State Title was an incredibly unreal experience,” said Warren. “I’m happy we got it done, but we’re hoping to run it back once more.”
Fort Bend Christian Academy's star players
TITLE TOWN: FBCA football, Black continue school's firsts
So, who was next?
After not having enough players to make a full roster a few seasons back, coach Jordan Black entered the picture and the rest is history. Last season, the Eagles fell to division-rival Second Baptist School in TAPPS Semis. The program was gaining momentum.
Despite losing once again to Second Baptist in district play this fall, FBCA played their best football down the stretch. Their postseason was different this time around, knocking off Second Baptist in the Semifinal rematch (41-14).
Ultimately, the Eagles emerged from the postseason as State Champs, knocking off All Saints 42-30 in the TAPPS-D2 Title Game.
“My goal here [FBCA] was to change the culture,” said coach Jordan Black. “I wanted to see the young men that go to this school, whether they play football or not, have more of a competitive spirit. I wanted to see them be the best at whatever they competed in. That’s the attitude that I wanted to see, and that’s the direction that our football program is going.”
Led by senior offensive playmakers QB Brady Dever and WR Bryan Domino, FBCA racked up points throughout their phenomenal year.
QB Brady DeverBradley Collier (VYPE)
“Since his [Dever’s] junior year, there’s been no reason not to trust him,” Black said. “He is one of the most prolific quarterbacks that Houston has ever seen. And Domino is so elusive. I mean, he could juke you out in a phone booth if he had to. Even though he was usually the focus of opposing defenses, we had so many other weapons to turn to.”
WR Bryan DominoBradley Collier (VYPE)
Said weapons included RB Ethan Williams, WR Noah Brooks and WR/Safety Braylon Gardoni, who had a particularly exceptional year stepping up on both sides of the ball.
“Obviously, he [Gardoni] is a phenomenal receiver,” said Black. “But, he just has such a high football IQ, He was a kid that we could put in defensively, and he could make plays. He has a tremendous understanding of the game and is a competitor. Any kid that has a big heart, I love putting them in situations like that because they thrive. He certainly did.”
WR/Safety Braylon GardoniBradley Collier (VYPE)
After winning the State Title, Black’s goal of “changing the culture” at FBCA seems to be coming to fruition. He has already noticed a difference in the atmosphere.
“What’s great about it as a coach, is this is the first time I’ve ended the season on my own terms,” Black said. “It is great to win a State Championship because we continue to be the State Champions throughout the year. Everybody around the school has a joke. We’ll greet each other as ‘State Champion athletic director, State Champion teacher, etc.’ It’s just been really fun.”
Their looks to be no slowing down for FBCA as sophomore QB/Flex Cobey Sellers will be taking the reins from Brady Dever as the next signal-caller.
QB/Flex Cobey SellersBradley Collier (VYPE)
Furthermore, coach Black and his team hope to continue to lead by example at FBCA as they prepare for next season.
“Now that we’ve done it [won a TAPPS-D2 Title], it’s only going to improve the culture,” said Black. “I think these kids know exactly what it takes now to win the State Championship. So, it’s only going to help us going forward.”