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Chloe Morgan of Barbers Hill Volleyball
DOWN TO THE WIRE: This Week's Can't-Miss Match-ups
Given that fact, it’s time to detail some of this week's most anticipated match-ups, as the race for a district title and playoff positioning continues....
Fort Bend Austin Bulldogs v. Ridge Point Panthers (Volleyball)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Bulldogs (25-14; 11-2 in district) have been on a hot-streak throughout the Fall season, and currently rank second in their district.
Senior MH Adell Murray has been the war-hammer for Austin, as she has already surpassed 400 kills and 100 blocks on the year. Junior libero Gabrielle Kennedy (738 digs) and senior OH Bailey Blackburn (336 kills) have each been equally essential weapons on offense, while newcomer Tinsley Welker (Fr. S) has stepped up in a major way from the setter position, as she nears 1,000 assists on the year.
For Austin, the only team that stands in their way from a district title is Ridge Point.
The Panthers (28-13; 13-1 in district) fell to Austin earlier in the season (3-2), but as it stands, they are on track for a district championship.
Kennedi Rogers (Jr. OH) leads the team in kills and digs, while Madison Flores (Jr. DS), Lauren Battle (Sr. OH), and Taylor Jory (Sr. S) have been exceptional pieces in Ridge Point's surge throughout district contention.
Whichever team emerges victorious from this bout will likely become the district champions, so this matchup will be a must-see.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Atascocita Eagles vs. C.E. King Panthers (Football)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
District 21-6A is an absolute juggernaut in the H-Town football scene.
Alongside North Shore, the Eagles (7-0; 4-0 in district) are on the fast-track towards a district championship and they don't plan on slowing down.
The Eagles' offense appears to be nearly unstoppable, with a balanced mix of rush and air attacks. It all starts with senior QB Zion Brown, who has seamlessly stepped into the leadership role over the past two seasons. Alongside a powerful duo-rush scheme of four-star Tory Blaylock (Jr. RB) and Cardae Mack (So. RB), Atascocita has had no trouble lighting up the scoreboard.
On the other hand, C.E. King (6-1; 3-1 in district) have been a handful for defenses in their own right. Vincent Jones (Sr. WR) is averaging over 110 yards receiving per game, with seven total scores. Additionally, sophomore RB Dionne Sims is establishing himself as a mainstay, now that he has rushed over 80 yards per game, while leading the team in touch downs (8).
Don't discount the Panthers defense either, since K'Mard Kimble (Sr. DT) already has eight sacks on the year and should play a key role in C.E. King's pass-rush.
Lorin Cook (VYPE)
Barbers Hill Eagles vs. Baytown Sterling Rangers (Volleybal)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Barbers Hill is as dominant as they come.
The Eagles (34-7; 11-0 in district) have led our weekly rankings in the Class 5A for over a month now, and they don't plan on breaking their 16-game win-streak anytime soon.
Chloe Morgan (Sr. MH) and Kynlea Gibbs (Jr. OH) have been rock-stars on the offensive side of the net, with over 300 kills a piece. Furthermore, senior setter Peyton Fadal is orchestrating the whole operation, with nearly 1,000 assists to her name, while Mia Rivers (Sr. L) has taken care of business on the defensive end (414 digs).
Sterling has been on a hot-streak of their own, with 8-3 district record that plants them firmly in the No. 3 spot. ahead of the imminent postseason.
Houston Christian-commit Katy Barger (Sr. OH) has been one of the Rangers' key contributors, after coming back from her mid-season injury. She, alongside fellow play-makers Bailee Payne (Sr. OH), Kennedy Birdsell (Sr. S), and Kyilee Whittington (Jr. S), have made Sterling one of the most formidable groups around.
After being defeated by Barbers Hill earlier in the season, the Rangers will surely be looking to pose an upset against their district counterparts. This is one you won't want to miss.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Atascocita LB Jadon Ducos
DING DING: Atascocita's Ducos ready for Eastside Bowl
Despite the fact that North Shore has been the big brother over the past few years, Atascocita’s defense -- led by LB Jadon Ducos -- will have something to say about that when they face off on Friday.
“I will always tell the guys it’s win or go home,” said Ducos. “Against North Shore, there is only one option... WIN. So we are attacking every day with that mindset.”
Ducos has enjoyed a stellar senior season, leading much of the city of Houston in total tackles. He was all over field against North Shore in a heartbreaking loss in the regular season 16-13 on VYPE's Thursday Night Showdown.
“I can’t take credit at all [for my success],” Ducos said. “It’s God and willing, unselfish teammates. They do their jobs, even if it means not making the big plays and tackles.”
But this game just means more... it's for a trip to the State Semis. It could also mark the last time Ducos and his squad suit up in the red, white and blue.
“It is very exciting to have made it this far,” said Ducos. “I am thankful for another opportunity to go play ball. We are just taking it in and playing one day at a time.”
The Headliners of Atascocita FootballBradley Collier (VYPE)
This thought process is sure to bring up some nostalgic memories for the players, Ducos included. Coincidentally, the majority of the Atascocita roster grew up playing ball against, or with, the athletes in North Shore.
“I know a few of those [North Shore] guys, personally,” Ducos said. “I grew up two minutes away from North Shore Middle School, so I would go to their field with my uncle and brother and play with the kids there. That’s what sparked my love for the game.”
Ducos and the Eagles intend to flip the script in Friday’s rematch, to keep their hopes of a State title alive.
“It’s going to take all we’ve got,” said Ducos. “It doesn’t matter who we play. But, I’m just glad we have another opportunity against these guys.”