My name is Zoey Taylor, I am 17 years-old. I am a Senior at Ridge point High School. In my spare time, I like to cook, help my mom around the house, chill with my little brother, and watch sports. When I grow up, I want to be a Sports Agent. I am looking forward to covering the sports at Ridge Point to shine a light on our amazing programs. When it comes to being a VypeU Ambassador, I am most excited to learn and understand all that goes on behind the scenes of sports, learning how articles can help players and key attributes in producing my best body of work. With this experience I'm hoping to learn how to be more confident when doing in-person interviews, how to utilize the skills I have learned about writing, understanding how media could help and harm players in the sporting industry and I also want to be able to improve my skill set when it comes to writing to better articulate what I'm seeing as a media source for the masses.
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VYPE U: Ridge Point vs Atascocita Recap
The Ridge Point Panthers are moving on to the 6A Region 3 Division I Quarterfinals, after a 55-44 win over the Atascocita Eagles improved their overall record to 8-2.
The Panthers struggled to score at the beginning of the game allowing the Eagles 14 unanswered points until dual-threat QB Bert Emanuel Jr. ran for a 19-yard touchdown. Making the score at the end of the first-quarter 14-7.
After the Panthers recovered a muffed punt, they capitalized off the Eagles turnover with a pass from QB Bert Emanuel to WR Micah Ceaser to tie the game at 14. Another touchdown by RB, and UNT commit, Keith Jackson pulled the Panthers ahead for the first time in the game 21-14 with 7:05 left in the half. The Eagles, however, would go on to score ten points before the half with a touchdown by WR Landen King and a field goal. The Eagles led the Panthers 24-21 at halftime.
The Panthers looked great on the opening drive of the second half with a great kick return by WR Marvin Session, a run by QB Emanuel Jr. to bring the Panthers to the Eagles nine yard line, and a strong run by RB Keith Jackson to get the Panthers in the end zone, bringing the score to 27-24 Ridge Point. The Panthers went on to score 13 more unanswered points with touchdowns by QB Emanuel Jr. and WR John Paul Richardson. The Panthers ended the third quarter with a 41-24 lead over the Eagles.
The Eagles didn't let up though. They went on to score on the first drive of the fourth quarter, closing the gap to 41-31. After a great kick return from Panthers' WR Richardson, the Eagles forced a turnover, creating another opportunity for the offense. The Eagles capitalized on the turnover with a touchdown to make the score 41-38. Another touchdown by Panthers' WR Richardson would pull the Panthers' lead to 48-38. Both teams will go on to score again making the final score 55-44 with the Panthers on top.
The Ridge Point Panthers ended the Atascocita Eagles season Saturday evening, and advance to the 6A Divison 1 Region 3 Quarterfinals. They will face off against the undefeated North Shore Mustangs at 2 P.M. on January 1, 2021, at Galena Park ISD Stadium.
VYPE U: Ridge Point Advances to the Regional Finals
The Ridge Point Panthers have had a rough few years when it came to deep playoff runs. Last year they were knocked out in the first round after a tough loss to the Katy Tigers 35-28. Though this year has been such an up and down year the Panthers have managed to earn a district championship title and make it to the third round with the plan to continue past it.
The Panthers are currently 7-2 going into this weekend game against the also 7-2 Atascocita Eagles.
The Panthers' offense is packed with elite players like Sr RB Keith Jackson, Sr. WR John Paul Richardson, and Jr. QB Bert Emanuel. While on the defensive side they have Sr. MLB Frank Osagiede and So. DB Taylor Davis. Alongside many other playmakers, the Panthers are bound to put up a great fight against the Eagles this week.
VYPE U has caught up with Panthers' Head Coach Rick Lafavers to ask him a few questions about him and his team...
VYPE U: It has been such an up and down season for everyone this year with Covid going on. How have you kept your boys focus throughout the season not only on the field but when it comes to staying healthy as well?
RICK LAFAVERS: It definitely has been challenging. We really communicated daily with both players and parents the importance of everybody doing their part in this and follow protocols and safety measures. It was a constant reminder. As far as focus goes, they are doing what they love and it's much easier to focus on something you love and is important to you. They have all been great in that regard! Very proud of them and their maturity and focus day in and day out. We talked early in the summer (via zoom) and throughout the season of just focusing on the moment and getting better each day. To not look ahead…Focus on the now! Control what you can control!
VYPE U: You and your team have advanced to the third round for the first time in about five years. How does it feel to come into a program and make a change like that in such little time?
RICK LAFAVERS: Well it certainly feels good obviously but it isn't me, it is these kids and this staff! The kids have bought into what we are trying to do and believe in and trust each other and trust our staff. The love and chemistry on this team are incredible! That is the secret sauce. Yes, we have tremendous individual talent, but we are much stronger together than we are individuals.
VYPE U: What are three things the Panthers need to adjust before going into their next game against Atascocita?
RICK LAFAVERS: We need to continue to get better. I asked each player today to find something they can get better at. Whatever that one thing is, get better! When we do that collectively we will have improved this week. As a team, we have to do better on 3rd down both offensively and defensively. We struggled last week on 3rd down and it allowed Jersey village more opportunities. We have to convert 3rd downs on offense and continue to move the chains and be efficient on offense. Defensively we need to get off the field on 3rd down and force our opponent to punt and get the ball back to our offense.
VYPE U: What are three advantages you think the Panthers have going into their next game against Atascocita?
RICK LAFAVERS: Well I am not sure we have any particular advantage over Atascocita! They are a very, very good team and very well-coached. They have athletes at every position. We both have the same record. It will definitely be a dog fight and heavyweight match-up! We are excited and blessed for the opportunity to play and represent our school and community.
VYPE U: Do you have any pregame rituals you must do before every game?
RICK LAFAVERS: Yes – I don't eat my pregame meal (Chick-fil-a) at the school. I save it. Once I get to the stadium I take my meal, put my AirPods in and walk the field down to the far endzone and I go up into the stands and sit down and eat my CFA meal while listening to music and watching my players throw the ball around. I love it because the whole team is out. Some have their own routines. Some are stretching and are to themselves. Others are throwing the ball around. Lineman is pretending to be WRs and QBs. They are just like little kids out in the front yard having fun! I absolutely love just sitting there and watching them! Then right before we go out as a team for the game, we circle up in the locker room, I say a few words of encouragement and give some last-minute reminders. We then grab hands and a player will lead us in prayer and then we finish by saying the Lord's Prayer all together, then we immediately exit the locker room and run through the Big Panther and Smoke! Love every second of it!
The Panthers will take on the Atascocita Eagles this Saturday at 1 pm at the TDECU Stadium to determine who will continue on to the Region 3 6A Division 2 Quarterfinals. It will be a game full of competition that you don't want to miss.