Houston comes from behind to down San Jose Earthquakes

Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 29, 2018) Trailing 2-0 at halftime, the Houston Dynamo scored three unanswered points in the second half to down the San Jose Earthquakes by the score of 3-2 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston on Saturday evening. The win improved Houston's record to 9-13-8 on the season and improved their record against San Jose to 12-8-3 overall ad 8-2-1 in Houston.

The come-from-behind win, after being down 0-2, was the first time in club history. It was the fourth time in team history that they came back from a two-goal deficit to earn a positive result and the second time this season. They rallied from down 0-2 to tie Los Angeles FC 2-2 on July 3, 2018.

Forward Mauro Manotas established a new club single-season scoring record with his 15th of the year when he scored on a right-footed blast in the 57th minute. Midfielder Tomás Martínez scored his fifth goal of the season when he hit the back of the net to equalize the match in the 68th minute. Forward Romell Quioto scored his fifth goal of the season when he tapped home the game-winning goal in the 87th minute. It was his third career game-winning goal for the Dynamo and his first of this season. He stared after the game:

“I am very happy that we won and this was a game that was almost out of reach. I’m glad that I scored and was able to help this team. I want to acknowledge Mauro’s (Manotas) effort and he knew he could find me inside the box and he found did. I was there ready to score and glory to God I scored.”

With four games to play in the regular season, Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera was stated in the post-game press conference.

“Yes, we didn’t start slow. We started off good with the ball and moving the ball, but we weren’t as dangerous as usual. We made two changes up front— (FW) Memo (Rodriguez) and (FW) Ronaldo (Pena). I have to sacrifice Ronaldo and I put him on the right. He has played on the right side but he’s more comfortable in the center, but it wasn’t that we were playing bad the only thing is we made two mistakes, two mistakes and they capitalized on those two mistakes. So, at halftime I came over and we made the decision to change a little bit to give us energy and to move forward - be more dangerous and throughout the 45 minutes it paid off for us and coming from 2-0 to win the game 3-2 is very rewarding for a team who just played three days ago. We had to perform well. So, that shows that we have, we have that fire in us. The players were suffering at halftime down 2-0. It wasn’t good. It wasn’t good. So, they reacted well and I’m happy, I’m proud of their reactions, of their desire to come back and despite that we won, we scored three goals in the second half – the mentality, the intensity and the passion were how the guys came in, it was very good. I was pleased with that change of attitude and at the end the guys are right now, their confident and we enjoyed the outcome and we could reward the fans that came tonight and give them three more points and we’re still fighting for the playoffs.”

The Dynamo will travel Seattle on Monday, October 8 to face the Sounders.

Katy Paetow downs Ft. Bend Clemens in HS football action.

Story and photos by Francisco Castillo

Special for TexSport Publications

Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

SUGAR LAND, TEXAS (September 15, 2018) The Paetow Panthers edged host Fort Bend Clemens Rangers on Friday’s non-leagues debut at Mercer Stadium in Sugar Land, Texas. Paetow efforts kept them on the lead against the Rangers, making key plays that allowed the game’s momentum to steer into the Panthers’ favor.

One the first drive of the game, Paetow drew first blood when Paetow’s Harrison Sager connected with Alex Elko for a 48-yard touchdown.

Paetow wound up dominating for majority of the first half, but the Rangers weren’t about to let themselves be outgunned at home.

In the final seconds of the first half, Clemens got on the score after receiver, Chris Vann, threw to his quarterback, John Perry, for a touchdown pass to end the half.

Clemens felt confident at the start of the second half, but that confidence wound up deflating after Paetow’s, Dane Presto, intercepted Perry on Clemens’ first drive of the third quarter.

The second half was not much different from the first with Paetow dominating majority of the second half and keeping Fort Bend Clemens at bay defensively, allowing one touchdown in the third quarter.

The Panthers were leading the Rangers 27-14 at the of the third quarter.

Fort Bend Clemens picked up the pace at the fourth quarter after the Rangers scored their second touchdown of the second half, cutting the lead by six (27-21).

Clemens’ efforts of a comeback wound up becoming difficult after Paetow scored a field goal to lead the Rangers 30-21, forcing the Rangers score a touchdown.

The Rangers didn’t disappoint after Perry drove the Rangers down the field to throw long towards Van, keeping the Rangers in the game (30-28) in the final minutes of the game.

However the comeback wound up short with Paetow walking away with the victory.

Clemens’ Perry threw three touchdowns for 287 yards with one interception after 20 completions in 31 attempts.

Fort Bend Clemens takes on Fort Bend Bush in conference play in Richmond, TX Thursday night while Paetow goes to Cleveland, TX to face Cleveland.

Week Three: UIL District 22-6A Football Scores

From TexSport Publications Staff Reports

DEER PARK-PASADENA, TEXAS (September 15, 2018)

UIL District 22-6A Football Scores (ending week three)

South Houston Trojans 51 (3-0, 1-0)
Pasadena Eagles 14 (0-3, 0-1)

Humble Wildcats 58 (3-0, 1-0)
Sam Rayburn Texans 0 (0-3, 0-1)

Atascocita Eagles 27  (2-1, 1-0)
Kingwood Mustangs 20  (1-2, 0-1)

Summer Creek Bulldogs 54 (1-2, 1-0)
Pasadena Memorial Mavericks 13  (1-2, 0-1)

BYE: J. Frank Dobie Longhorns (2-0, 0-0)

HBU QB Bailey Zappe off to great start after two games

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 14, 2018) Following a 51-34 lost to the No. 14 McNeese State Cowboys this past Saturday, in which HBU quarterback Bailey Zappe (shown left) threw for 348 yards, the Huskies will face the Abilene Christian Cowboys at Husky Stadium on Saturday, September 15, 2018. The Husky take a 1-1 record into the game, having defeated Southwest Baptist 49-7 in their opening season game on September 1. The Cowboys also bring a 1-1 record into Houston; having dropped a 55-27 decision to the Baylor Bears on September 1 and downing Angelo State 41-24 this past Saturday.

Zappe, who is on track to having a banner sophomore season, has completed 39 passes on 66 attempts for 552 yards and six touchdowns. In 2017, he appeared in 10 games, starting in nine, and completed 150-of-266 passes for 1,548 yards, including five touchdowns. He also rushed for 50 yards and two touchdowns. He set school records, as a true freshman in passing completions, attempts, and yards. In high school, he was at three-year letterwinner at Victoria East High School, passing for 3,370 yards and 37 touchdowns along with rushing for 650 yards and 15 touchdowns.

He will be facing a Wildcat defense that has given up 79 points and 878 yards in two games. HBU has played Abilene Christian each of the past four seasons; posting a 1-3 record. The lone win was a 27-24 decision in 2016, at home. The dropped their initial meeting, in 2014, by the score of 59-14. They followed that up with another loss in 2015 (49-21), along with 2017 (24-3).

Saturday's game is "Family Weekend" at HBU, with the game to be broadcast on ESPN3. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CDT.

Week Two Rankings: UIL Class 6A Football

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA-DEER PARK, TEXAS (September 10, 2018) Below is our Week One (games played September 2-9, 2018) Top 10 Rankings for UIL Class 6A Football. Their previous rank is listed behind the school's name.

1. Allen  (1)
2. Galena Park North Shore  (2)
3. Austin Lake Travis (3)
4. Converse Judson (4)
5. Duncanville (6)
6.  Austin Westlake (5)
7. Cypress Fairbanks (7)
8. Longview (8)
9. Spring Westfield (10)
10. Southlake Carroll (9)

Questions remain after Houston falls to New England

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

File photo by
Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2018 Al Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 9, 2018) It was the first game of the 2018 season, and Houston Texans' fans were chomping at the bit. They had their franchise quarterback back on their field. They had their team leader and all-time fan favorite back leading the defense, and they were coming off a training camp that some said was the best they had in years. With all that, and even more in their favor, the Houston Texans looked like they were heading for their best season and an eventual trip to the playoffs.

They took the field at Gillette Stadium to face the New England Patriots, it became clear the Texans still have a great deal of work to do. The Texans fell to New England 27-20 in the first game of the season for both teams. On Houston's first offensive play of the game, quarterback Deshaun Watson (No. 4, shown right) fumbled the ball, which was recovered by New England. four plays later, the scored their first touchdown of the game. Watson went on to compete 17 passes on 34 attempts for 176 yards and one touchdown. He threw one interceptions, rushed for 40 yards on eight carries and was sacked three times. He finished the game with a 62.9 rating. 

Granted, Watson played only seven games last season before his season-ending injury. He had a good training camp but looked tentative and rusty early in the game. His play did improve late in the game, and began to direct the team to two second half scores. However, this was not the start the Texans had hoped for. A clear win over the Patriots would have been a good start for Houston, but it was not to be. Many have predicted the Texans winning at least 12 games and winning the AFC South, but if today's play was an indication of things to come, they still have a great deal of work to do, not just with Watson, but the entire offensive line. Only time will tell if they can get better as the season goes on, but they had better get back to work as soon as possible on Monday morning. They next play the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, September 16.

Uruguay dominates Mexico 4-1 in international friendly at NRG Stadium

Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 7, 2018) After completing in 103rd cap it the 2018 World Cup in Russia, striker Luis Suarez (No. 9, shown right) nailed two goals to lead No. 5 Uruguay to a 4-1 win over No. 16 Mexico in the final game of the 2018 Mexican National Team U.S. Tour on Friday evening, The 60,617 soccer fans at Houston's NRG Stadium witnessed a classic match of give-and-take between two national teams that have a long and stories history in international soccer.

Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

The first goal came 22 minutes into the match when defender Jose Maria Gimenez found himself in the right place at the right time, driving the ball pass Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa for the score. Forward Jonathan Urretaviscaya handled the assist. Mexico evened the score three minutes later on a penality kick by Raul Jimenez. Uruuay followed the Mexico goal with three unanswered socres of their own. Suarez nailed his first goal in the 32nd minute and added his penalty kick score nine minutes later. Forward Gaston Pererio secured the final score of the match, in thr 59th minute, with the assist coming from Suarez.

HBU drops hard-fought match to No. 14 McNeese State, 51-34

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 8, 2018) The HBU Huskies put 34 points on the scoreboard, but it was not enough to overcome the offensive punch of  McNeese State quarterback James Tabary. The 6-2, 251-pound senior was shooting bulls eyes; completing 25-of-32 passes for 355 yards and four touchdown as his No. 14 Cowboys downed the Huskies 51-34 at Husky Stadium in Houston,

In their second-ever meeting, HBU and McNeese battled thorough the game, which saw a few missteps, some amazing plays, and an all-out effort from both teams trying to win their second game of the season

The Cowboys were first to find the end zone at the 12:25 mark in the first quarter. The score came after a bizarre change of events that had both sides of the field cheering and moaning, abet at different times.

HBU receive the initial kickoff and were moving the ball well down the field. Husky quarterback Bailey Zappe threw a pass, intended for David Racine, down the field and was quickly picked off by McNeese cornerback Darion Dunn. Dunn returned the ball eight yards before fumbling the ball, which was recovered by Husky wide receiver Nick Sexton. HBU took possession of the ball at midfield and began a fresh set of downs. HBU attempted to rush the ball on first and ten, and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by freshmen defensive lineman Tyrique Gibson at the HBU 23-yard line. Four plays later, Tabary carried the ball the final one-yard of the 23-yard drive for the touchdown. Kicker Gunnar Raborn split the upright for his first extra point of the game; putting the Cowboys up 7-0.

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

They added two more scores in the first quarter to push their lead to 21-0 after only nine minutes, 24 seconds of play. Tabary completed two passes, one to Austin Nelson and another to Cyron Sutton for the two touchdowns. The Cowboys finished the first quarter with a 21-7 lead. HBU scored on a one-yard run by Dreshawn Minniweather (No. 28, shown above) and a Alec Chadwick extra points. The Huskies added four more touchdowns and three extra points to compelet their scoring for the evening. McNeese scored an additional 24 points after the first quarter to secure their win

Minniweather tallied 146 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns, while Zappe threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns. HBU put 493 yards of total offense on the field with David Racine catching three passes for 108 yards and one TD. Next up for the Huskies is a Saturday, September 15 home match up versus Southland Conference foe Abilene Christian. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CDT in Houston.

USA Gymnastics President and CEO Kerry Perry resigns

From USA Gymnastics Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (September 4, 2018)  USA Gymnastics President and CEO Kerry Perry last evening informed the Board of Directors that she will resign effectively immediately.  The board has immediately begun to identify an interim CEO and is in the process of establishing a search committee to find a permanent replacement. 

“On behalf of the Board of USA Gymnastics, I want to thank Kerry for her leadership under very difficult circumstances,” said Karen Golz, chair of the USA Gymnastics Board.

“In the wake of horrific events that have impacted our athletes and the entire gymnastics community, USA Gymnastics has made progress in stabilizing itself and setting a new path to ensure that the safety and interests of our athletes remains at the heart of our mission,” said Golz.

“Over the past nine months, USA Gymnastics has been in the midst of a major transition as it implements recommendations made by Deborah Daniels in her report, following her independent review of the organization’s safe sport policies and procedures, as well as directives of the USOC,” continued Golz. “These changes have included amending the organization’s by-laws and the appointment of an entirely new board of directors, made up of eight independent members and seven from within the gymnastics community.  Most importantly, USA Gymnastics has been focused on athlete safety and well-being and ensuring that programs and protocols are in place to prevent all forms of abuse and to encourage athletes to speak up.  This process has been challenging, and painful, but is a necessary step in moving the community forward.”

The Board of Directors also established a management committee to provide organizational oversight to maintain continuity in the day-to-day operations until an interim CEO is named.  The management committee members include Karen Golz, chair; David Rudd, vice chair and secretary, and board member, Kathryn Carson.

The board is in the process of forming a search committee of board members, as well as athletes and others from the gymnastics and NGB community to search for a permanent president and CEO. Board member and Olympian Brent Lang, president and CEO of Vocera, will chair the committee.  The committee has been charged with finding a leader who can help the organization build on the progress to date and achieve the fundamental cultural changes necessary to move the sport forward. 

NCAA College Football: Week One Rankings (for games ending September 3, 2018)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA-DEER PARK, TEXAS (September 3, 2018) Below is our Week One Rankings for the game ending on September 3, 2018 as determined by staff of TexSport Publications.

1. 1.       Alabama (1-0)
   2.       Clemson (1-0)
   3.       Georgia (1-0)
   4.       Ohio State (1-0)
   5.       Wisconsin (1-0)
   6.       Oklahoma (1-0)
   7.       Penn State (1-0)
   8.       Auburn (1-0)
   9.       Michigan State (1-0)
   10.   Notre Dame (1-0)
   11.   Washington (0-1)
   12.   Stanford (1-0)
   13.   Michigan (0-1)
   14.   USC (1-0)
   15.   LSU (1-0)
   16.   TCU (1-0)
   17.   Virginia Tech (1-0)
   18.   West Virginia (1-0)
   19.   Mississippi State (1-0)
   20.   UCF (1-0)
   21.   Boise State (1-0)
   22.   Miami (0-1)
   23.   Oregon (1-0)
   24.   South Carolina (1-0)
   25.   Florida (1-0)

Texas Southern downs UT-Permian Basin, 26-16

Story and photos by Kristina Gager and Tommy Boatman

Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 3, 2018) Saturday night the Texas Southern University Tigers defeated UT- Permian Basin 26-16 in the season opener for both teams at BBVA Compass Stadium after the opening kickoff was delayed 2½ hours due to severe weather. 

Texas Southern’s number 9, Glen Cuillette, passed for three touchdowns and was 19 of 33 passing for 235 yards, connecting with 11 receivers as the Tigers finished with 363 total yards. After getting held by the Tigers 23-2 the only highlight for UTPB was their first 2 points that came off a safety from an extra point kick blocked by TSU’s own defense and ran back from the 5 yard line. 



The Falcons did however finish with 297 total yards as quarterback Sam Allen accounted for 140 yards and two touchdowns rushing and passing. Unfortunately the bulk of the Falcon’s scoring didn’t happen till the fourth quarter. 

Next up for The Tigers is to travel to San Marcos, Texas on Saturday, Sept. 8 to face the Texas State Bobcats in what will be TSU's first road contest of the 2018 season.

Week One Rankings: UIL Class 6A Football

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA-DEER PARK, TEXAS (September 3, 2018) Below is our Week One (games played September 2-9, 2018) Top 10 Rankings for UIL Class 6A Football. Their previous rank is listed behind the school's name.

1. Allen  (1)
2. Galena Park North Shore  (8)
3. Austin Lake Travis (2)
4. Converse Judson (5)
5. Austin Westlake (4)
6. Duncanville (10)
7. Cypress Fairbanks (6)
8. Longview (7)
9. Southlake Carroll (9)
10. Spring Westfield (NR)

Dropped off the Top 10 Rankings
Katy (3)

Galena Park downs Pasadena 28-0

By Chris Price
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 31, 2018) The Galena Park Yellow Jackets downed the Pasadena Eagles by the score of 28-0 at Galena Park ISD Stadium on Friday evening. The Yellow Jackets left the field at halftime with an 8-0 lead; adding 21 points in the second half to secure the win.

Their first half score was on a two-yard run, along with a two-point conversion. Their two third quarters scored were a result of 13-yard pass completion and a 42-yard interceptions return. The kicking extra point failed on the first score and was good on the second touchdown. They added a third touchdown in the fourth quarter on an 18-yard run and successful extra point.

Next up for The Yellow Jackets will be a road game against Dayton with a 7 p.m. CDT kickoff on Friday, September 8. Pasadena will visit Houston Chavez on Thursday, September 6. Kickoff is sset for 7 p.m. at Barnett Stadium in Houston.

Ole Miss sends Texas Tech back to Lubbock with 47-27 loss

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 1, 2018) In a game that saw 1,031 yards of combined total offense, the Ole Miss Rebels sent Kliff Kingsburg and his Texas Tech Red Raiders back to Lubbock with a 47-27 loss in the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff Classic. The 50,000-plus football fans at Houston's NRG Stadium on Saturday afternoon witnessed a quarterback duel that will be remembered for years to come.

Red Raider quarterback Alan Bowman completed 29-of-49 passes 273 yards and one touchdown while Rebel quarterback Jordan Ta'amu was 22-of-32 for 336 yards and two touchdowns. In fact, the Ole Miss offense totally dominated Texas Tech, scoring for times in the first quarter and taking a 24-7 lead after 15 minutes of play. Running back Scottie Phillips carried the ball 16 times for 204 yards and two touchdowns, including the final first quarter TD for Ole Miss. His second score was at the 7:07 mark of the third quarter on a 65-yard run, his longest on the day. For the Red Raiders, running back Da'Leon Ward carried the ball 17 times for 90 yard and two touchdowns.

The Texas Tech loss snapped a 15-game winning streak in season openers. Ole Miss, on the other hand, won their 19th opening season match-up in the last the last 22 games. They are now 92-27-5 in season opening games, dating back to 1892. The Rebels did not field teams in 1897 due to an epidemic of yellow fever, and also in 1943, when football was abolished at all Mississippi state-supported instiutions by the Board of Trustees.

HBU Huskies dominate Southwest Baptist Bearcats 49-7 to kick off 2018 season

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 1, 2018) The Houston Baptist University Huskies football team posted their first touchdown of the 2018 season at the 8:44 mark in the first quarter, but would have to wait over three hours to add to their score, as the Huskies down the Southwest Baptist Bearcats by the score of 49-7 at Husky Stadium on Saturday night. The game lasted five hours, seven minutes, with a two-hour, 20-minute delay, due to severe weather moving through the Houston area.

Their initial touchdown, and kicking extra point, was a result of a 42-yard  run by Dreshawn Minnieweather with 6:18 remaining in the first quarter. The sophomore running back from Mesquite, rushed for XXX yard and XX carried in the Huskies' win. The next score for HBU was in the second quarter when sophomore Bailey Zappe connected with senior wide receiver David Racine on a six-yard pass, to cap a six-play, 62-yard drive with a bit over six minutes left in the first half. They added their third score of the half when HBU linebacker Kyle Bowling intercepted a Bryse Salik pass; returning it 24 yards to set up the score. Four plays later, Zappe found wide receiver Jeremy Smith open and connected with a three-yard pass for the score. Three minutes later, corner back Raphael Lewis picked off Salik; returning it 36 yards for the score. The AIRFAT (An Interception Returned For A Touchdown) was the first of the season for the Huskies. Due to the extreme weather delay, both head coaches agreed to a 10-minute halftime, with the second half resuming at 9:50 p.m.

The Huskies added seven more points to their total 7:55 into the third quarter, when Zappe capped a six-play, 42-yard drive with a 29-yard pass to running back LaDarius Dickins for HBU's fifth touchdown of the game. Freshman Ean Beek added to the scoring drive when he kicked up a Bearcat fumble with 1:19 remaining in the third quarter on a punt return and returned it ti yards for the score. The touchdown, and resulting Alec Chadwick extra point pushed the HBU lead to 42-0. Chadwick split the uprights seven times in seven extra point tries for the night.

The Bearcats finally got on the scoreboard when running back Eric Knight carried the ball the final one yard of a 70-yard drive for the score. Kicker Alec Gathright added the conversion to give Southwest Baptis their first score of the game with 9:47 remaining in the game.  Two-and-a-half minutes later, Zappe hit wide receiver Aaron Marquez with a 17-yard pass for the Huskies' seventh touchdown of the night.