Pasadena holds home-court edge over Crosby in Tuesday matchup

Story and photo by Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (October 14, 2025) Tonight at 6:30 p.m., the Pasadena Eagles will host the Crosby Cougars in an important District 18-5A volleyball match. Pasadena comes in with a strong 20–9 record, while Crosby sits at 12–21.

Pasadena has been dominant at home, going 8–4 on their court, and their district play is rocking at 6–2.  Crosby, meanwhile, is 4–5 in district matches and 3–6 in away games.

In their last meeting on September 19, Pasadena defeated Crosby in straight sets: 25-23, 25-19, 25-20. That win gives Pasadena some confidence tonight. But Crosby isn’t a team to count out; they will try to show big improvement.

When you look at the stats, it’s close but leans Pasadena. For kills, Crosby has 838 and Pasadena 871. On serving aces, Crosby has 169, while Pasadena has 197, Pasadena holds a slight edge  In digs, Crosby has 1,659, just ahead of Pasadena’s 1,619

Pasadena will want to use their home crowd and solid serving to pressure Crosby. Crosby must be sharp with passing and staying consistent in rallies if they have hope.

The fans should get a competitive match. I expect Pasadena to pull ahead, but Crosby might make them sweat late.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC secures playoff berth with win over Indy Eleven

Goalkeeper Erik Dick with one of his three saves
for the Riverhounds.
Photo by Darla Tamulitus, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA (October 11, 2025) Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC locked up a

spot in the postseason for the eighth straight year with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Indy Eleven at Highmark Stadium on Saturday night. 

The win snapped a rough stretch for Pittsburgh against Indy, ending a five-match winless run in that matchup. The crowd of 5,618 cheered as Danny Griffin and Sean Suber scored for Pittsburgh, while James Musa netted a goal for Indy in the 88th minute. 

Griffin opened the scoring in the 38th minute. The play began with a long cross from Robbie Mertz. The ball dropped past Indy’s defense to Augi Williams, who sent a pass across the goal. Griffin slid in and turned it home for his sixth goal this season, a new career high. 

In the second half, Indy’s keeper Hunter Sulte made several big saves, keeping Indy in the match. The Hounds pushed on, and in the 76th minute, Sean Suber rose at the near post to head in a corner by Bradley Sample, giving Pittsburgh a 2–0 lead. 

Indy struck late in the 88th minute. After defending a long throw-in, Pittsburgh’s defenders cleared the ball to Jack Blake, whose volley glanced off a defender and landed at Musa’s feet. Musa scored from close range to make it 2–1.

Pittsburgh weathered five minutes of stoppage time to seal the win and send fans home happy. The victory extended their playoff streak, making it now the longest among Pittsburgh’s pro teams and second longest in the USL Championship. 

Up next, the Riverhounds have two matches left. They are aiming to move into the top four in the Eastern Conference so they can host playoff games on home turf.

Their next test is a long trip to face Monterey Bay FC on October 18 in California.

Duquesne overwhelms Saint Francis 52-7 in NEC football

Joey Isabella (5) eludes Colin Douglas in route to 
one of the Dukes' touchdowns.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA (October 11, 2025) On homecoming weekend, at Rooney Field, the Duquesne Dukes turned up the heat and crushed the Saint Francis Red Flash, 52-7, on Saturday. 

From the very first kickoff, it was clear the Dukes meant business. Joel Kpassou raced 94 yards on the opening kickoff for a touchdown; the first opening score of that kind for Duquesne since 2014. That set the tone for a fast start.

In the first quarter alone, Duquesne piled up 28 points, tying their highest first-quarter mark as an FCS team. Quarterback Tyler Riddell was sharp, throwing four touchdown passes to four different receivers; Joey Isabella, Ryan Petras, Jermaine Johnson, and B.J. Alexander. 

In the third quarter, backup Logan Kushner also got in on the fun, connecting with Alexander. The feat was Gochis' for his first career touchdown pass.

On defense, the Dukes were relentless. They forced two turnovers, holding Saint Francis to only 165 total yards; limiting their opponents to just 45 rushing yards. Tyson Meiguez returned a fumble, forced by DJ Cerisier, 40 yards for a touchdown. TJ Jones added an interception in the second quarter, further stifling any chance of a Red Flash rally. 

By halftime, Duquesne led 45-0, marking their largest halftime advantage since joining FCS in 1993. The offense and defense both delivered dominant performances. Duquesne outgained Saint Francis 323 to 165 yards and kept the game firmly in control.

With the win, Duquesne’s record improves to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in NEC play. They have now won six of the last seven seasons after starting 2-0 in conference play. The Dukes also extended their all-time series lead over Saint Francis to 41–10, including 24-3 at home. 

Looking ahead, the Dukes hit the road for a tough stretch. They will travel to Mercyhurst next Saturday with a 6 p.m. kickoff.

Photos from the game, by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, can be viewed here.

C.E. King tops Summer Creek 42-28

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 9, 2025)  The C.E. King Panthers broke their losing streak against Summer Creek in a big way Thursday night, earning a 42-28 win over the Bulldogs. The victory marked King’s fourth straight win and improved their record to 5-1 on the season.

King jumped out early and kept the pressure on, building a 42-21 lead by the end of the third quarter. Summer Creek tried to rally in the 4th quarter, but couldn’t close the gap.

Running back Dionne Sims led the Panthers’ offense with a huge performance on the ground, rushing for 168 yards and a touchdown while averaging nearly nine yards per carry. Quarterback Timothy Potts also had a strong night, completing more than 80 percent of his passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns.

For Summer Creek, it was their first loss of the season after opening 5-0. Quarterback Noah Spinks threw for 386 yards and two touchdowns, while wide receiver Benny Easter Jr. caught 17 passes for 176 yards and one touchdown. Braylin Causey also added two TDs for the Bulldogs.

The win keeps King rolling, as the Panthers have averaged an impressive 60 points per game during their four-game streak. They will look to keep that momentum going when they face Humble at home on October 17.

Summer Creek will try to bounce back when they host Goose Creek Memorial the next day. 

Dynamo fall 4-2 to San Diego FC in home finale

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 4, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC dropped their final home match of the regular season on Saturday night, falling 4-2 to San Diego FC at Shell Energy Stadium. Defender Felipe Andrade and forward Sergio Santos scored for the Dynamo, with Santos netting his first goal for the club.

Houston grabbed the early lead in the 15th minute when Andrade found the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season. Midfielder Júnior Urso set up the play, redirecting a low cross from Ondřej Lingr into the box, where Andrade finished from close range. The assist was Urso’s first of the year.

Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made several key saves in the first half, including a low stop on Hirving Lozano in the 11th minute and another diving save in the 28th to keep Houston ahead. Forward Ezequiel Ponce nearly doubled the lead in the 21st minute with a shot from distance that forced a save from San Diego’s CJ Dos Santos.

San Diego tied the match in the 53rd minute when Anders Dreyer converted a penalty following a VAR review. The visitors took the lead late in the match, with Luca De La Torre scoring in the 85th minute.

Houston responded quickly in the 87th minute when Santos capitalized on a San Diego mistake, collecting a loose ball near the top of the box and striking inside the far post for his first Dynamo goal.

However, San Diego finished strong, scoring twice more in the final minutes through Dreyer and Amahl Pellegrino to seal the 4-2 result.

The Dynamo close out the regular season on Saturday, Oct. 18, when they visit Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. CT.

GCU Huskies fall to UTRGV in Southland opener, 27-7

Photo courtesy HCU Athletic Media Relations

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

EDINBURG, TEXAS (October 4, 2025) The HCU Huskies football team dropped its Southland Conference opener on Saturday night, falling 27-7 to UTRGV at Vackar Stadium. Despite the loss, running back Xai’Shaun Edwards (shown left) and wide receiver Deuce McMillan, both reached major milestones.

Edwards rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown, marking his second 100-yard game of the season. McMillan finished with four catches for 40 yards, surpassing 1,000 career receiving yards.

Both teams started slow on offense before UTRGV struck first late in the first quarter. The Huskies answered midway through the second quarter with a 17-play, 75-yard drive capped off by a one-yard touchdown run from Edwards to tie the game at 7-7.

HCU’s defense came up big in the first half with two interceptions—one from DJ Roberts and another from Norey Johnson—to keep the score even heading into halftime.

The Vaqueros regained momentum after the break, scoring on their opening drive of the second half to take a 14-7 lead. UTRGV extended the margin with a field goal early in the fourth quarter and sealed the game with another touchdown and field goal late.

On defense, Darius Bean and Rodney Dansby led HCU with seven tackles each. Bean added a sack, while Dansby continued his climb up the program’s all-time tackles list—he now has 392, just 23 shy of second place. Trent Zappe recorded six tackles, and Mike Sylvalie earned his first career sack.

Edwards now has six rushing touchdowns this season, the second-most in a single season in HCU history, just one behind the program record.

The Huskies (1-4, 0-1 SLC) return home next Saturday, Oct. 11, for Family Weekend at Husky Stadium. Kickoff against Northwestern State is set for 7 p.m.

Houston Dash draw 1-1 with Orlando Pride behind Berkely’s first goal of season

Photo by Jennifer Edwards
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 3, 2025) The Houston Dash earned a 1-1 draw against the Orlando Pride on Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium. Defender Malia Berkely scored her first goal of the season to give Houston the lead in the second half.

The Dash went ahead in the 62nd minute after Michelle Alozie was fouled near the box, setting up a free kick. Avery Patterson sent the ball into the area, and Berkely finished from close range to put Houston in front. With her goal, Berkely became the 13th Dash player to score this season, setting a new club record for most individual goal scorers in one year.

Orlando tied the match in the 84th minute when Simone Charley scored on a header from a cross by Hayle McCutcheon.

Goalkeeper Abby Smith had a strong night for Houston, making five saves, including key stops early and late in the match.

Defender Allysha Chapman also reached a major milestone, playing her 10,000th minute in league play after coming on in the second half.

The Dash now head to Los Angeles to face Angel City FC on Sunday, Oct. 12, before returning home Oct. 18 to host the Kansas City Current for Fan Appreciation Night.

North Shore crushes Kingwood 71–7 in big district win

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 3, 2025) On Friday night, North Shore hosted Kingwood and dealt a heavy blow: the Mustangs won 71–7 in what turned into a lopsided district contest. 

North Shore started fast. In the first quarter, they scored two long passing touchdowns, including a 61-yard strike to Jaylen Bocard (No. 5 shown above right), to take an early lead. They added another touchdown and extra point before the period ended. 

In the second quarter, North Shore kept piling it on. Aubery Johnson hauled in a 43-yard pass for six points. They also got a pick-6 interception return.  Two-point conversions helped them stretch the lead even more. At halftime, North Shore led 35–0.

After the break, North Shore’s offense did not slow down. In the third quarter, they hit Kingwood with another big passing touchdown, followed by a ground score, plus a successful two-point pass. That gave them a comfortable margin going into the final quarter. 

In the fourth quarter, more points came. One highlight was a special teams play: a snap went over the punter's head, and North Shore turned that into a score. They added a 31-yard rushing touchdown, and capped it with a 35-yard rushing score by Isai Navarro.  Kingwood did avoid a shutout late, when Xzavier Montes ran in a touchdown.

This win brings North Shore’s record to 4–1 overall and 2–0 in district play. Kingwood falls to 3–2 and 1–1 in district with the loss. 

C.E. King downs Atascocita 70-55

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 26, 2025) On Friday night, the C.E. King Panthers downed the Atascocita Eagles in a dazzling shootout, 70-55, at Sheldon ISD Stadium. 

The game was fast, wild, and full of big plays. In the end, King’s offense was just too much for Atascocita to contain. King scored in all four quarters: 14 in the first, 21 in the second, 14 in the third, and 21 in the final quarter. Atascocita answered with points of its own; 14, 14, 13, and 14 across the quarters. 

One star of the night for the Panthers was Dionne Sims, who rushed for 435 yards on 32 carries, with an average of 13.6 yards per carry.  He also scored five rushing touchdowns.  Another key King player, Timothy Potts, completing nine of 13 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 49 yards on the ground. 

Even though King won, Atascocita kept fighting in the final minutes. Their quarterback Cardae Mack threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Arriaga, then connected again for a two-point conversion to close the gap, but it wasn’t enough. 

King’s defense also made plays. They recorded five sacks and forced a turnover. In total, King piled up 674 yards of offense, 582 rushing, 92 passing, while Atascocita couldn’t match the pace.

Ponce goal lifts Houston Dynamo FC to crucial win

The Houston Dynamo FC had a 1-0 lead at the half
and it held the remainder of the match to earn the win.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 20, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC earned one of their biggest victories of the season on Saturday night, defeating the Portland Timbers 1-0 at Shell Energy Stadium. Forward Ezequiel Ponce delivered the decisive moment in front of more than 18,000 fans, scoring his 10th goal of the season just before halftime.

The win came on Noche Latina and carried extra weight for Houston’s postseason hopes. With three games left in the regular season, the Dynamo are now just one place and one point shy of the playoff line, setting up a dramatic finish to the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs race.

The lone goal came in the 44th minute after midfielder Jack McGlynn swung in a curling corner kick. Ponce rose highest and headed the ball into the net, giving the Argentine forward double-digit goals for the campaign while McGlynn tallied his eighth assist.

Houston threatened early when Lawrence Ennali tested Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis just two minutes into the match, forcing a sharp save. Midfielder Júnior Urso also reached a personal milestone, making his 100th MLS regular season start. Meanwhile, new signing Diadié Samassékou made his league debut in second-half stoppage time.

Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond anchored Houston’s defense with a composed performance, earning his ninth clean sheet of the season. The veteran produced four saves, including a crucial stop in the 19th minute when Portland’s Antony broke into the box, as well as a strong catch on Kristoffer Velde’s free kick in the 59th minute.

The Dynamo created several chances to extend the lead. In the 32nd minute, McGlynn found Ennali in the box, but the forward’s shot rolled just wide. Later, Griffin Dorsey linked with Ponce and McGlynn in the 66th minute to set up a dangerous strike that Pantemis pushed aside with a diving effort. Defender Felipe Andrade nearly doubled the score late, volleying a ball narrowly over the crossbar in the 86th minute.

Still, Ponce’s first-half finish proved enough. The Dynamo’s effort reflected their urgency as they continue to fight for a playoff spot, backed by an energetic home crowd on a special night celebrating Houston’s Latino community.

Houston (9-13-9, 36 points) now turns its attention to a road test against Nashville SC on Saturday, September 27, at GEODIS Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT.

Ryan goal, Smith saves push Houston Dash closer to playoffs

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 19, 2025)  The Houston Dash took another step toward the playoffs Friday night with a 1-0 win over Chicago Stars FC at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.

Forward Yazmeen Ryan delivered the game’s only goal in the 28th minute. After forcing a Chicago turnover, Ryan sprinted into the box and calmly finished with her right foot into the bottom corner. The goal was her team-leading fourth of the season and her third since early August. She stated after the match:

“It’s always great to get three points, I’m super proud of the team for their defensive work and keeping a clean sheet. Everyone keeps us in games because we know that Chicago (Stars FC) has come back and had opportunities. I’m happy we got to shut them down.” 

Goalkeeper Abby Smith played a huge role in the win, making six saves to record Houston’s fourth shutout of the season. Smith denied several dangerous chances from Chicago, including a close-range shot early in the second half and a diving stop in the 76th minute. The night also highlighted Smith’s off-field impact, as the club recognized her as its nominee for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award for her work with Kids’ Meals Houston.

The match also marked the debut of defender Malia Berkely, who joined the Dash this week in a trade with North Carolina. Defender Anna Heilferty entered in the 80th minute for her first appearance since signing a short-term deal earlier this summer.

Houston created several chances to extend the lead, including a penalty kick in the 86th minute. Ryan stepped up to the spot, but U.S. national team keeper Alyssa Naeher guessed correctly and made the save.

With the victory, Houston improved to 7-9-5 (26 points) and now sits just two points below the playoff line with five games left in the regular season.

The Dash will travel to Washington, D.C. to face the Spirit on September 28 before returning home October 3 to host the Orlando Pride on Space City Night.

Deer Park wins 37-36 in thrilling battle over Barbers Hill

Photo by Robert H Kelly, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

MONT BELVIEU, TEXAS (September 18, 2025)  In a game full of twists and big plays, Deer Park escaped with a 37-36 victory over Barbers Hill on Friday night in Mt. Belvieu. It was a wild matchup that went back and forth until the very end. 

Both teams came out ready to play. Barbers Hill and Deer Park traded blows, with neither side able to pull away early. As the first half ended, the game was still very much up for grabs. s. They made several key plays that helped them take a lead. Barbers Hill kept fighting, though, matching every big moment with their own big plays.

The fourth quarter was intense. Barbers Hill had a chance to win it, but Deer Park made a crucial play late that swung the game in their favor. The final score was 37-36 as the clock ran out. Barbers Hill nearly pulled off the comeback, but they came up just short. 

Houston Dynamo FC settle for late match draw against LA Galaxy

, 

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La  Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 6, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC looked set for three points on Saturday night, but a late goal from the LA Galaxy forced a 1-1 draw at Shell Energy Stadium. The result leaves Houston just two points shy of the playoff line in the Western Conference.

The Dynamo grabbed the lead in the 35th minute thanks to a bit of class from Ezequiel Ponce (shown above right). Midfielder Ondřej Lingr floated a ball over the top, and the Argentine striker nodded it forward before calmly finishing into the bottom corner. The goal was Ponce’s ninth of the season and his second in back-to-back games.

Houston nearly doubled its advantage before halftime when Lawrence Ennali broke free in the box, but his two efforts were blocked by Galaxy defenders. After the break, Duane Holmes came close with a bending free kick from 30 yards that whistled just wide.

The Galaxy thought they had leveled late in the second half, but an offside flag canceled out Gabriel Pec’s finish. Houston’s defense held strong until stoppage time, when John Nelson met a cross at the far post and headed in the heartbreaking equalizer in the 99th minute.

Houston, now 8-12-9 (33 points), will look to rebound on the road next Saturday, September 13, against the Colorado Rapids. 

Pasadena wins Division 2 Gold Bracket of Longhorn Labor Day Classic

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (August 30, 2025) The Pasadena High School varsity volleyball team blasted through the Longhorn Labor Day Classic wining all six of their matches in route to the team championship of the Division 2 Gold Bracket.

Starting on Thursday, August 28, the Lady Eagles played three matches, winning each one by the score of 2-0. In their first contest, they downed Channelview by the scores of 25-11, 25-19. They followed that with a 26-9, 25-14 win over Klein Forest. They closed out their Thursday games by downing Angleton 25-15, 25-22.

After a one day break, the tournament resumed on Saturday, August 30 with three more matches at Pasadena High School. In the 9 a.m. game, they downed Galveston Ball 2-0 (25-23, 25-9), following up with another 2-0 win (25-12, 25-17) over Cypress Lakes.

In their final match of the tournament, the Lady Eagles were paired against Ft. Bend Crawford, who also came into the final game with a 5-0 record in their previous five matches in the tournament. After the match, which saw both trade the lead numerous time, Pasadena clinched the tournament title with a 2-0 win (25-19, 26-19). The Lady Eagles, after going 6-0 in the tournament pushed their season record to 14-5.

Pasadena was led by senior Caryma Molina, which leads the team in aces (40), junior Kirstin Kelly, who has 19 blocks for the season, and sophomore Alehtse Vela, who has posted 47 kills in 2025.

La Porte downs Deer Park 35-31 in first game in their new football stadium

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

LA PORTE, TEXAS (August 29, 2025) Deer Park jumped out to an early lead, but could not overcome the La Porte 21-point second quarter, as the Bulldogs downed their long-time rival by the score of 35-31 in front of a sellout crowd at La Porte Bulldog Stadium.

The $56-million stadium, which was completed this past spring, gave the Bulldogs their first win in their new home and their first win of the 2025 season.

Deer Park scored first at the 8:29 mark of the first quarter with a 71-yard pass to sophomore John Arthur French, scoring the first touchdown of the 2025 season for the Deer. They increased their lead with 3:45 left in the quarter when junior running back Trace Yates scampered in for the TD. Just prior to the end of the first quarter, senior Jose Garcia Mutate booted a 46-yard field to put the score at 17-0 after 12 minutes of play.

La Porte responded at the 11:45 mark in the second quarter with a 20-yard run by sophomore running back Sean Simon for the Bulldogs first score of the game. With the kicking conversion, La Porte cut the Deer lead to 10 points (7-17). Three and one-half minutes later (8:16-2nd quarter), Simon added a second TD for the Bulldogs with a 64-yard run. After the extra point, La Porte only trailed the Deer by three points (14-17). The Bulldogs kept their offensive push when senior Ashton Ruffin caught a Aiden Saenz pass for another TD for La Porte with 5:50 remaining the the first half. That score, along with the kicking conversion, allowed the Bulldogs to take the lead 21-17.

To not be fazed by the second quarter offensive juggernaut of the Bulldogs, the Deer responded 88 seconds into the third quarter, with an 84-yard pass run to enable Deer Park to regain the lead 24-21 at the half. 

La Porte scored a rushing TD early in the third quarter to give the Bulldogs a 28-24 lead. Deer Park regained the lead with seconds to go in the quarter, giving them a 31-28 lead with 12 minutes remaining in the game.

The Bulldogs punched in a rushing touchdown with less than four minutes remaining in the game to take back the lead 35-31. After kicking off to the Deer, they (Deer Park) matched down the field trying to take back the lead. In their final push with a first-and-ten from the Bulldog 10-yard line, the Deer received a 10-yard penalty for offensive holding, pushing them back to the La Porte 20-yard line. Four unsuccessful attempts to score enabled the Bulldogs to regain possession; allowing them to kneel and end the game with the win.

This year's contest was the 65th edition of the La Porte vs. Deer Park rivalry, dating back to 1946. The Deer has won the pass four years (2021-2024), with the Bulldogs win tonight kept La Porte with a slight edge in the overall history of the game.

South Oak Cliff shakes off North Shore comeback attempt in season opener for both teams

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

DALLAS, TEXAS (August 29, 2025) Friday night, Dallas South Oak Cliff faced off against Galena Park North Shore in a thrilling season opener. These two teams have a history of going deep into the state playoffs, so many fans were excited to see what would happen. After a very intense battle, North Shore fell to the Golden Bears by the score of 41-31.

After a slow start, South Oak Cliff led 7–0 after the first quarter. But things really picked up in the next three quarters. The teams poured on a combined 72 points showing this game was anything but boring.

Both teams had new starting quarterbacks  to begin the season. North Shore’s QB, Kaleb Maryland, starred by passing for 302 yards and three touchdowns, plus running for 170 yards and two more scores. He almost rallied North Shore from down by 21, helping them close the gap to just four points late in the game.

South Oak Cliff leaned on their strong running game. They rushed for a massive 378 yards, averaging over 10 yards per run. Mikail Trotter (shown above) ran for 194 yards and Levon Morton added 153 more, both crossing the 100‑yard mark easily.

North Shore showed grit too. They started the season with just a handful of returning starters and many were new faces. Still, in the second half, they played much better. They even pulled within four points in the fourth quarter after trailing big earlier.

But South Oak Cliff sealed the win with a powerful 50‑yard touchdown run by Trotter right after recovering an onside kick. That play put the game out of reach and brought a 41‑31 victory for the Golden Bears.

HCU starts season strong with 69-0 blowout win over Arkansas Baptist

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 28, 2025) – The HCU Huskies kicked off their 2025 football season in a  way, dominating Arkansas Baptist 69-0 in their home opener on Thursday night. This was not only the first game of the season, it was also the first-ever Thursday night home game in HCU football history' and the Huskies made it one to remember.

Leading the way was redshirt freshman Xai’Shaun Edwards (Clear Springs HS, League City, TX) who had a breakout performance. Edwards ran for 177 yards and scored four touchdowns, setting a new school record for most rushing touchdowns in a single game. His performance was the fourth-best rushing game in HCU history.

The Huskies were unstoppable on the ground. They finished with 401 rushing yards as a team, just one yard short of their all-time record. Senior Darryle Evans (Hahnville HS, Boutte, LA) added 88 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Freshman Sudais Arwosaye, Champ Dozier, and Jordan Montanez also chipped in with strong runs, with Montanez scoring in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Jake Weir started the game and threw for 84 yards and one touchdown. Fellow senior Maddox Kopp also added a passing touchdown in the fourth quarter, connecting with Ja’Ryan Wallace.

The Huskies wasted no time scoring. Evans ran in his first touchdown less than two minutes into the game. He added another before the first quarter ended. By halftime, HCU led 20-0. After that, they never looked back.

The defense was just as impressive. HCU held Arkansas Baptist to only 105 total yards and allowed just two first downs all game. Redshirt freshman Mike Sylvalie led the team with four tackles, while Tyran Chappell and Caleb King both had interceptions. Ravonte Blowe got his first sack as a Husky.

HCU (1-0) now looks ahead to week two, where they’ll travel to Eastern Kentucky for a Saturday night matchup on September 6 at 5 p.m. CT.

Dynamo Fall 2-1 to San Jose despite Antonio Carlos goal

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 23, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC came up short on Saturday night, falling 2-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes at Shell Energy Stadium. The match was themed "Kids Night" with the mascots of Houston-area professional sports teams (shown right) in attendance to entertain the fans and support the Dynamo.

Defender Antonio Carlos scored his first goal Houston, but it wasn’t enough to secure needed team points. San Jose struck first in the 28th minute when DeJuan Jones whipped a ball into the box. After a couple of quick touches, Cristian Arango guided it into the net to give the Quakes the lead. They doubled that advantage in the 64th minute. A corner kick found Daniel Munie, who headed the ball across the box. Ian Harkes met it with a clean strike from just outside the area, making it 2-0.

Houston pulled one back in the 72nd minute. Midfielder Jack McGlynn, who leads the team in assists, delivered a perfect corner kick from the right side. Carlos rose above the defense and powered a header past San Jose goalkeeper Daniel de Sousa Britto. The goal marked his first for Houston since joining this summer and his fifth career goal overall.

The Dynamo had several chances to tie the game late. Ezequiel Ponce thought he had equalized in first-half stoppage time, but his header was ruled offside. In the second half, Griffin Dorsey and Ponce pushed the attack, while goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made key saves to keep Houston within reach.

Despite heavy pressure in the final minutes, the Dynamo couldn’t break through again.

Houston now looks ahead to a road trip against St. Louis CITY SC on Saturday, August 30. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT at Energizer Park.

Pasadena Volleyball sweeps Randle at home

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (AUGUST 22, 2025) After suffering  a 3-1 defeat to Angleton High School on Tuesday evening, the Pasadena High School volleyball team rebounded with a decisive 3-0 win over Richmond Randle High School on Friday evening at Pasadena's Barfield Gym.

The Lady Eagles' straight set win (25-18, 25-23- and 25-22) pushed their season record to 9-4 while they remained undefeated at home. Randle dropped to a 5-8 record 

The Eagle volleyballers are led in the stats column by senior setter Caryme Molina, with 83 kills, 19 serving aces and 95 digs.  She is joined by junior Kirstin Kelly, who leads the team with 13 blocks, sophomore Alehtse Vela with 84 kills, and Marleen Chavez with 98 receptions. All mentioned statistics were a achieved prior to Friday night's contest

In sub-varsity action, the freshmen Lady Eagles beat Randle 25-22 and 25-12. The Pasadena junior varsity volleyballers fell to the Lions 17-25 and 21-25.

Looking ahead, the Lady Eagles stay at home for their next match. On Tuesday, August 26, they’ll face Goose Creek Memorial in another non-district game starting at 6:30 p.m.

Volleyball Preview: Pasadena Eagles vs. Angleton Wildcats

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the Pasadena High School varsity volleyball team will travel to Angleton for a next volleyball match of the 2025 season. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. at Angleton High School, the Wildcats’ home court. 

Pasadena comes into the match with a 7-3 record. They’ve played one game at home and nine on the road at the Austin ISD Jason Lander Tournament. Their team is strong and ready to compete after their sixth place finish in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Angleton is looking for its first win of the season. They are currently 0-2 in 2025. They lost both matches at home; a 3-2 decision to Second Baptist and a 3-0 decision to Sweeny.

Pasadena’s scoring has been solid. On average, they score between 22 and 25 points per set, while Angleton’s averages range from 19 to 26 points per set. 

This will be the first time the two teams face each other this season.