Fights breaks out between Mississippi State, Tulsa players after final whistle of 2020 Armed Forces Bowl

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 31, 2020) The Mississippi State Bulldogs downed No. 24 Tulsa Golden Hurricane by the score of 28-26 at the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl on Thursday. However, the action after the game garnered more attention and more media coverage than the actual game.

After the final whistle, the fans at TCU's Amon G. Carter Stadium saw a massive brawl break pout between players, managers and team support staff of both teams. While it is not clear what led to the incident, a number of players and coaches could be seen involved in the ugly scene along the sidelines. Tensions had been high during the entire game with both teams taunting each other before kickoff. It was not apparent what started the incident, but punches began flying and at that point, things got out of hands. 

A video clip (courtesy of CBS Sports)of the incident is posted above. Numerous players were invoo;led in the  melee and those involved surely will be identified. Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach was interviewed, and questioned about the fight, after the game. He stated, 

"It's dumb. The root of it's dumb, no matter what the root of it is. The root of it's dumb and the continuation of it's dumb. I would have that solidly in the category of dumb. Now where the dumb started, I'm not entirely sure."

Tulsa head coach Philip Montgomery stated he did not know what started the fight either, but did say his players were supporting each other. 

"The one thing I'll say is our program, our guys, we're a team that is going to stand up for each other and we're going to battle. We talked about faith, family, football and family is going to take care of family. We're a team that has battled all year long. We battled again today and from that standpoint our guys are going to continue to protect each other and go from there." 

Look for further details to emerge regatding this incident in the coming days. 

McNeese State tops Champion Christian College for second game in a row

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (December, 30, 2020) The McNeese State Cowboys took a 15-point lead into the locker room at halftime and expanded that lead to 91-76 to down the Champion Christian College Tigers on Wednesday evening. The win raised the Cowboys record to 6-3 leading up to beginning Southland Conference play of Saturday. The game was played at Burton Coliseum, the long-time home of the Cowboys, due to the unavailability of H&HP Complex as a results of damage sustained during Hurricane Laura.

On Tuesday. McNeese State downs the Tigers 94-36 in the first game of their double header. On Tuesday, Jeremy Harrell led the scoring for McNeese with 16 points. Five other players scored in double figures, while Carlos Rosario (shown right) led the way with nine rebounds. On Wednesday, A.J. Lawson tallied 24 points with Rosario again pulling down nine rebounds.

When the Cowboys begin Southland Conference play on Saturday, January 2, they will face a Central Arkansas team that has a 1-7 record in 2020-2021. Their lone victory this season, a 92-28 win, came against the same Champion Christian College that McNeese State faced the past two games. Last season, the Cowboys dropped both games to the Bears, by the scores of 79-69 on January 4, 2020 in Conway, Arkansas and 82-76 on February 8 in Lake Charles. The Bears were 9-11 in conference play on 2019-2020 and 10-21 overall. The Cowboys were 15-17 for their season and 10-10 in conference.

Game time on Saturday is set for 4 p.m. CST.

ESPN Events and Lone Star Sports & Entertainment Cancel Mercari Texas Bowl

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved 

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 29, 2020) ESPN Events and Lone Star Sports & Entertainment announced earlier today that due to an increased number of positive COVID-19 tests and other circumstances within the TCU football program, the 2020 Mercari Texas Bowl has been canceled.

“While we are disappointed in canceling this year’s game, we look forward to hosting both the Texas Kickoff and Texas Bowl next season,” said David Fletcher, executive director. “We appreciate everyone’s support, including our new title sponsor, Mercari.”

The 2020 edition, slated for December 31, was scheduled with the TCU Horned Frogs (6-4, 5-4 Big 12) facing the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-7, 3-7, SEC).

Alamo Bowl opponents have long history dating back to 1940.

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (December 29, 2020) When the No. 20 Texas Longhorns (6-3, 5-3 Big 12) take on the Colorado Buffaloes (4-1, 3-1 Pac-12) on Tuesday evening December 29, it will be the 19th time the two former Big 12 foes have faced off since 1940.

The Alamo Bowl will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2009. The Longhorns  holds an 11-7 record all-time against Colorado, including a 2-1 record in neutral-site meetings. 

Texas bested the Buffaloes in the 1975 Bluebonnet Bowl by the score of 38-21, and the 2005 Big 12 Championship Game, 70-3. The Buffaloes were victorious in the 2001 Big 12 Championship Game, winning by the score of 39-37. 

The Longhorns have won seven of the last eight meetings, including  the last five, when Colorado was still a member of the Big 12 Conference. Texas has scored at least 30 points in 13 of their 18 all-time meetings against the Buffaloes, including each of the last seven matchups. 

Alamo Bowl set for Big 12-Pac-12 matchup: Texas vs. Colorado

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (December 28, 2020) The 2020 edition of the Valero Alamo Bowl is set for an 8 p.m. CST kickoff at The Alamodome. The No. 20 Texas Longhorns (6-3, 5-3 Big 12) is led by heach coach Tom Herman will face the Colorado Buffaloes (4-1, 3-1 Pac-12), with first-year head coach Karl Dorrell.

 

Herman is in his sixth season overall as a head coach with a career record of 53-22 (.707). He is in his fourth season at Texas with a mark of 31-18 (.633). He won his 50th career game as a head coach in a 27-16 triumph over Baylor on Oct. 24, 2020 and his 30th game at Texas one week later, as the Longhorns bested West Virginia, 17-13, in Austin.

His 30 wins are the fourth-most by a UT coach during his first four seasons at the helm in Austin and has a career mark of 15-10 against top-25 opponents, 6-6 against top-10 foes and 3-3 versus teams ranked in the top five.  Including the 2020 season, Herman has spent 17 of his 23 seasons as a coach in the state of Texas on the collegiate level. 

The 27th head coach in CU history,  Dorrell started 4-0 in his CU coaching career; only Harry Heller (won his first seven in 1894), Willis Kleinholtz (six in 1905), T.W. Mortimer (five in 1900) and Rick Neuheisel (five in 1995) won as many or more to open their CU careers (and Dorrell was OC on Neuheisel’s staff). Dorrell was the sixth CU coach to open 3-0 in conference games, but the first since Jim Yeager in 1941. On Decemeber 22, he was named the Pac-12’s Coach of the Year (presented by Nextiva), the sixth coach to be recognized throughout CU’s history with the honor. 

 Of the 23 new head coaches in 2020, he was the last of the group who was undefeated come Dec. 6.  He is the third CU head coach to lead the Buffs to a bowl game in his first season, joining Neuheisel (’96 Cotton) and Gary Barnett (’99 Insight.com). In addition, he is the first CU coach in his first season to have his team go from unranked to ranked (No. 21 AP, No. 22 USAT/Coaches on Dec. 6; No. 21 CFP on Dec. 8).

Katy advances to UIL Region 3 Division 2 6A final with 49-24 win over Shadow Creek

 

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

ARCOLA, TEXAS (December 26, 2020) After giving up a 41-yard field goal four minutes into the game, the No. 9 Katy Tigers scored 21 unanswered points in just over six minutes to down the No. 21 Shadow Creek Sharks by the score of 49-24 at Freedom Field on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers took a 35-10 lead the locker room at halftime, in route to their win. They will face League City Clear Falls on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Katy ISD Legacy Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. CST.

Shadow Creek started off the scoring with a 41-yard field goal by Matt Allison at the 8:12 mark of the first quarter. Katy responded with three touchdowns before the Sharks were able to score again. Sophomore quarterback Caleb Koger threw two passes; one of 50 yards to Nic Anderson, and another of 41 yards to Fuller Shurtz, for the first two Tiger scores of the game. Katy followed that up with a one-yard run by Jalen Davis for a TD to cap their scoring before the Sharks were able to again get on the scoreboard. Shadow Creek was able to score their first touchdown when DeJuan Lewis recovered a blocked Katy punt, returning it for the score. Katy added seven more points with seven seconds remaining in the first half on a six-yard pass from Koger to Isaiah Smith and a Nemanja Lazic extra point. Lazic scored all seven of the Tigers' kicking conversions.

Shadow Creek was able to score two additional touchdowns in the game; the first with 21 seconds left in the third quarter, on a 16-yard pass from Kyron Drones to Carlton Guidry. The second came with 82 seconds left in the game on a pass from Drones to Greg Hancock. Katy added insurance scores at the 8:47 in the third quarter on a 55-yard pass from Koger to Taylor Saulsberry, along with a 29-yard pass from Aiden McKinney at the 5:44 mark of the fourth quarter.

Mercari Texas Bowl to feature Arkansas vs. TCU

By Chris Price
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved 

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 25, 2020) The 15th edition of the Texas Bowl will be held Thursday, December 31, 2020, with a new title sponsor. Mercari, a Japanese e-commerce company founded in February 2013 and currently operating in Japan and the United States, has signed on as the title sponsor of the game.

The New Year's Eve matchup will feature the Arkansas Razorbacks, representing the SEC and the TCU Horned Frogs, representing the Big 12. The former Southwest Conference foes have met 70 times previously, with Arkansas holding a 44–24–2 series lead, though this will be their first postseason meeting. The two teams last met in 2016 and 2017, as part of a home-and-home series, with each team winning their respective away contest.

Arkansas enters the game with a 3–7 record, having played an all-SEC schedule, under first-year head coach Sam Pittman. The Razorbacks are appearing in their first bowl game since the 2016 Belk Bowl. They are making their second Texas Bowl appearance, with the first coming in a win over Texas in 2014.

TCU enters the game with a 6–4 record, 5–4 in conference play, under 20th-year head coach Gary Patterson. The Horned Frogs are appearing in their first bowl game since the 2018 Cheez-It Bowl. They are making their second Texas Bowl appearance, with the first coming in a win over Houston in 2007.

North Shore Mustangs downs Katy Tompkins, 47-22 in UIL playoff action

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (December 24, 2020) The No. 1 North Shore Mustangs pushed their season record to 13-0 as they downed No. 6 Katy Tompkins by the score of 47-22 at Legacy Stadium in Katy. The win moved the Mustangs into the UIL Region 3 Division I finals against the winner of the Ft. Bend Ridge Point vs. Humble Atascocita game, which will be played on December 26 at TDECU Stadium. 

The Mustangs jumped out to a 20-0 lead before the Falcons could get on the scoreboard; holding them to a mire 192 yards of total offense. Auburn bound quarterback Dematrius Davis completed 14-of-18 passes for 302 yards and three touchdowns. In addition, he carried the ball 12 times for 84 yards and four rushing touchdowns. Shadrach Banks caught 11 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns.  Davis' rushing scores came on runs of nine yards (3:27-1st), 23 yards (5:21-3rd), three yards (8:31-4th), and seven yards (4:35-4th). Banks touchdowns were results of passes from Davis; 80 yards at the 1:50 mark in the first quarter and 28 yards with 5:13 remaining in the 2nd quarter. Charles King also caught a 41-yard pass from Davis for a touchdown.

Marquis Shoulders scored all three of Tompkins touchdowns. The first came at the 6:18 mark in the second quarter on an 18-yard pass from quarterback Jalen Milroe. His second score came in the third quarter as a result of a 76-yard kickoff return. The third was an 85-yard run with 10:07 remaining in the game.

The 22 points scored by Tompkins was the second most from a North Shore opponent this season. Klein Collins scored 23 points against the Mustangs on October 1.

North Shore Mustangs downs Pearland Dawson in UIL playoff action

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

WEBSTER, TEXAS (December 17, 2020) Scoring all of their points before their opponent could manage to reach the end zone, The No. 1 ranked North Shore Mustangs downed Pearland Dawson by the score of 38-7 at Challenger Columbia Stadium. The win raised the Mustangs record to 12-0 for the season.

Auburn Tigers' commit Dematrius Davis continued his record-setting senior season; completing 12-of-20 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown. In addition, he rushed for 63 yards on 10 carries for two touchdowns. The Mustangs tallied 417 yards of total offense, holding Dawson to 239 yards. Davis connected with Jhalyn Bailey with a 55-yard pass for another North Shore score.  Shadrach Banks scored on a 29-yard run at the 2:43 mark of the third quarter.  Jacoby Davis contributed to the Mustangs' scoring with a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown with 30 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Dawson's long touchdown came on a Ja'Den Stewart 14-yard run.

No. 1 North Shore downs No.12 Atascocita in District 21-6A matchup

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HUMBLE, TEXAS (November 27, 2020) The North Shore Mustangs jumped out to a 28-0 lead after 12 minutes of play, and increased their lead to 49-7 at the half in route to a 63-14 dismantling of the Atascocita Eagles at Turner Stadium on Friday evening. The No. 1 Mustangs were never challenged by the thirteen ranked Eagles; posting 718 yards of total offense while holding their District 21-6A rival to 174 total yards.

North Shore, who is ranked the number two team in the country, saw five players put points on the scoreboard, with senior quarterback Dematrius Davis (shown right) scoring three rushing touchdowns and kicking one extra point. Senior wide receiver Shadrach Banks scored also scored three rushing TDs, with junior wide receiver Jhalyn

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

Bailey scoring two on passes from Davis. Junior kicker Carlos Dominguez split the uprights eight times for extra points. Junior Ta'von Griffin (shown left) as a pick six at the 1:02 mark of the first quarter; returning the ball 30 yards for the score.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seemed not to slow down the Mustangs one bit as they clinched the District 21-6A title with a perfect 10-0 record. They will have a one week bye before entering the 6A playoffs as the odds on-favorite to repeat as state champions.

Atascocita first score came with 9:25 remaining in the second quarter when senior running back Quincy Thompson punched the ball into the end zone from one-yard out for the touchdown. Their second touchdown came at the 7:38 mark in the third quarter on a 40-yard pass from junior quarterback Gavin Sessions to junior wide receiver Keith Wheeler. sophomore kick Ian Ratliff added the extra points on both touchdowns.

Texas Southern University women's basketball game postponed

By Chris Price
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 26, 2020) It has been by the Texas Southern University Sports Information Department that the TSU women's basketball season opener at Tulane has been postponed. 

The game, scheduled for Friday, November 27, 2020, would have marked a rematch of last season's contest in New Orleans. Last year's game saw TSU down Tulane by the score of 72-62 on December 20, 2o019,

A make-up date was not been announced.

HBU Huskies fall to TCU 69-45 in season opener

Photo courtesy of
Blinn College Athletic Department
Media Relations
Used with permission

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (November 25,  2020) The HBU Huskies got off to a slow start and could not catch up to the TCU Horned Frogs late in the game; dropping their first game of the 2020-2021 season by the score of 69-45 at Schollmaier Arena. The Horned Frog jumped out to a 15-0 lead at the 13:58 mark of the first half before the Huskies could get on the scoreboard with a Zach Iyeyemi layup. From that point on, HBU battled the Horned Frogs tooth-and-nail, but it was not enough to overcome the early TCU lead.

HBU was led by Blinn Junior College transfer Pedro Castro (shown right), who shot 5-of-13 from the field, including one three-pointer, for 13 points. He also pulled down 10 rebounds for his first double-double as a Husky. Hunter Janacek also scored in double figures with 10 points.

The Huskies were 18-of-56 from the field, for 32% and were 6-of-7 from the free throw line. SMU, on the other hand, were 28-of-61 from the field for 46%.

SMU will next take to the road to face Tulsa in Kansas City, Missouri, at the Hall of Fame Classic. The Huskies will travel to Tempe, Arizona to take on No. 18 Arizona State on Sunday, November 29.

HBU Huskies women's basketball kicks off season with 83-54 loss to Rice Owls

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 25. 2020) The HBU Huskies women's basketball team led the Rice Owls after 10 minutes of play and trailed their cross-town opponents by four at the half, however a second half scoring drought left them short at the end of the game, as they dropped a 83-54 to the Owls at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston.

HBU jumped out to a 17-16 lead after the first quarter, with N'Denasija Collins accounting for seven of the Huskies' 1st quarter points. The Owls rebounded in the second quarter, outscoring the Huskies 14-9 to take a 30-26 lead at halftime. Then Rice got their bearings, outscoring the Huskies 20-18 in the third quarter and 24-10 in the final period in route to downing HBU.

The Huskies were led by Abbey Sutherland with 15 points, nine of them from three-point range. HBU head coach Donna Finnie stated after the game "I thought Abbey did pretty good defensively and offensively."

Sutherland was joined in double figures by Collins, with 10 points,. Marilyn Nzoiwu led HBU with seven rebounds.

Rice had four players in double figures; led by center Nancy Mulkey with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Also scoring in double figures for the Owls was Arianna McCurry (12 points), Katelyn Crosthwait (12 points) and Haylee Swayze (11 points).

Finnie added, "We knew these were going to be two tough games to open the season (Rice and Texas Tech). We know basically what  we have to work on after today so we got to do a better job and keep looking for improvement. We are not going to see anyone in our conference that looks like this (Rice) or Texas Tech."

The Huskies will next face Texas Tech on Saturday, November 28 in Lubbock with a 2 p.m. tipoff.

Houston Knocks Off Oklahoma in Season Opener

Photo courtesy of Oklahoma Athletics

Onyeje paces the Cougars with 23 points

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 25. 2020) The University of Houston Women’s Basketball team opened its season with an 97-85 win over Big 12 foe Oklahoma on Wednesday afternoon at the Lloyd Noble Center.

 

Four Cougars turned in double-figure scoring efforts led by redshirt sophomore, Britney Onyeje with a team-high 23 points in her collegiate debut. Julia Blackshell-Fair nearly had a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds, as Dymond Gladney (shown right) led UH in assists with seven.

 

Houston shot 43.6 percent from the field, including 31.1 percent from three-point range.

 

Oklahoma’s Madi Williams led all scorers with 25 points, as Mandy Simpson posted a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.

 

Houston set the the tone early via a 7-2 scoring run in the first two minutes of the game. Julia Blackshell-Fair scored the first Cougar basket of the 2020-21 season, driving through the lane after gaining control of the jump ball. Sharpshooting and tough defense helped Oklahoma even things up at the halfway point of the frame, 11-11. Both teams went back-and-forth for the remainder of the first quarter before a timely three-point basket from junior Ca’Leyah Burrell gave Houston a one-point advantage at the quarter break.

 

Leading 26-25, Houston turned things up defensively in the second quarter and ultimately outscored Oklahoma 20-19. Blackshell-Fair remained poised, but aggressive earning three trips to the free throw line where she knocked down 5-of-6 free throw attempts. UH forced four OU turnovers, outscoring the Sooners 7-3 off turnovers to close out the frame. As time dwindled down, Houston redshirt senior Eryka Sidney dribbled to the top of the key where she sank a jump shot with only second left on the clock to give UH a 46-44 lead at the half.

 

The third quarter would be the turning point for the Cougars as Houston outscored Oklahoma 27-17. UH got going from behind the three-point line, knocking down four of its seven attempts. Onyeje paced the Cougars, scoring 13 of her 23 points during the third quarter, including three made three-pointers. Houston held Oklahoma to 16.7 percent shooting from three-point range, outscoring OU 6-0 in transition.

 

The Houston defense kept things tight as time winded down, forcing six fourth quarter turnovers. Fouls plagued the Cougars as Oklahoma managed to chip away at UH’s lead with help from trips to the free throw line. Freshman, Laila Blair had the hot hand in the fourth quarter, scoring seven of Houston’s 24 fourth quarter points. The Cougars held on, late ultimately picking up its second straight win over the Sooners.

     

Houston will head to Tuscaloose to face Alabama on Nov. 29. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.

Soccer legend Diego Maradona dead at 60

(Video courtesy of SkyNews via YouTube.com)

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (November 25, 2020) It is being reported by numerous media outlets, including ESPN and Yahoo Sports that Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona has died in Buenos Aires, Argentina on this date. The cause of death has been reported as a heart attack. At the time of his passing, he was the head coach of Club de Gimnaasiz y Esgrima La Plata in La Plata. Argentina.

Considered by many as the greatest soccer player of all time, Maradona captained the Argentine national team to victory in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, winning the final in Mexico City against West Germany.

HBU Huskies to face TCU Horned Frogs in first game of college basketball season for both schools

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 24, 2020) The HBU Huskies men's basketball team kicks off their 2020-2021 season with a Wednesday, November 25 meeting against the TCU Horned Frogs at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST. The Huskies, who are led by head coach Ron Cottrell, are returned seven lettermen from the 2019-2020, where they posted a 4-25 record, along with a 4-16 mark in Southland Conference play.

TCU comes into the game with a 16-16 record last season, finishing in seventh place in the Big 12 Conference. The Huskies and Horned Frogs have faced off seven times previously, with TCU coming out on top in six of those games; including a 90-63 win on November 19, 2017 in Fort Worth.

The game will be televised on the Big 12 Now channel on ESPN+.  Audio can be heard on the Husky Sports Network ar  HBUHuskies.com/Husky Sports Network with Lonnie King behind the microphone. Live game stats can be followed at  GoFrogs.com.

HBU Huskies kick off 2020-2021 season against Rice Owls

File photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 23, 2020) The HBU Huskies women's basketball team kicks off their 2020-2021 schedule on Wednesday, November 25 against the Rice Owls. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. CST at Tudor Fieldhouse on the campus of Rice University.

The Huskies, who are picked 11th in the 13th member Southland Conference pre-season poll, have previously played the Owls four times, dating back to 2010.  In that year, they faced off on December 21, when Rice coming out on top by the score of 82-46 at Sharp Gymnasium. They next met on November 16, 2011 at Tudor Fieldhouse, with the Owls again coming out on top, 75-42. It would be five years until they played again. On November 19, 2016, Rice again came out on top, 79-53 at Sharp. The final meeting was November 18, 2017, with the Owls winning at home, 67-45.

The Huskies return eight letter winners from 2019-2020 including all five starters; Timia Jefferson, Julija Vujakovic,  Marilyn Nzoiwu,  Abbey Sutherland, and Kennedy Wilson. Also returning for the 2020-2021 season are Patience Idoko, N’Denasija Collins, and Megan Valdez-Crader. Newcomers include Anna Maguire, Enya Maguire, Linda Brueckner, Naomi Pierce, and Armani Reed.

The Huskies will again be led by head coach Donna Finnie, who is in her eighth season at the helm at HBU. She will be assisted by Becca Allison and Anna Strickland.

Deer Park 12U Cougars split double header in La Porte

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

LA PORTE, TEXAS (November 7, 2020) The Deer Park Cougars 12U softball team split a double header at the La Porte Softball Complex on Saturday, November 7, 2020. They started out the day by dropping an 8-3 decision to the Pasadena Element, following that up with a 10-2 win over Deepwater 12U.

In their game against Pasadena, catcher Kirstin Kelly led the Cougars; going 2-for-2, scoring two runs with one RBI. Second basewomen Hayley Poe and third basewoman Zayda Jauregui each had one hit for the Cougars with Poe scoring the third Cougar run in the game. Maddie Farmer faced 15 batters in one and one-third innings for Deer Park; striking out two without giving up any walks. She threw 49 pitches; with 30 of them being strikes,

In the second game against Deepwater, the Cougars tallied 10 runs off nine hits in their victory. First basewoman Keira Jennings, Kelly and Poe led the Cougars with two hits each; along with one hit each by center fielder Arianny Cantu, right fielder Paige Taylor, and Farmer. Farmer and Poe scored two runs, with shortstop Seslee Shreffler, Cantu, Jennings, Taylor, Kelly and Jauregui adding one run each to the Cougars’ total.

Jordyn Hailk saw two full innings in the circle, giving up only two runs, both of them earned. She faced nine batters; throwing 18 strikes on 30 pitches. She only walked one batter while striking out one.

Earlier this season, the Cougars took second place in the Deer Park Spooktacular Softball Tournament on the weekend prior to Halloween. It was their third top-three placing in tournament play in the team’s history.

The Cougars will close out their fall season with two games on Saturday, November 14, with location and opponents yet to be determined. Deer Park is coached by Larry King, Hillary Williams, and Dale Yurt.

Houston downs FC Dallas 2-0 in Texas Derby match

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 7, 2020) In a match which saw six yellow cards issued and the ejection of a key player, the Houston Dynamo fought to a 2-0 victory over FC Dallas at BBVA Stadium on Wednesday evening. In stoppage time of the first half, Houston forward Mauro Manotas was issued a yellow card, which was later changed to a red card, on a sliding tackle gone awry, which forced the Dynamo to play the second half a man down. After the game, in the post-game press conference, head coach Tab Ramos was questioned on how the red card against Manotas changed his strategy of the game. 

“It happened by chance. Mauro is not that kind of an aggressive player. He just tried to make a good effort, and unfortunately, he made a bad foul and we had to pay for that. It forcMariced us to go into a 4-4-1 with Darwin Quintero up top. Darwin showed that he can put this team on his shoulders, and he showed that today. I thought it was an amazing effort from him to keep us in the game.”

Houston's first goal came as the in the 20th minute when Quintero (shown above) fired a left-footed shot into the back of the net from 12 yards out. Forward Ari Lassiter set up the goal when he stripped a Dallas defender of the ball 25 yards from goal and quickly slipped a pass to Quintero in the middle of the area. Quintero took a touch to create a shooting angle and then tucked his shot just inside the far post.

As a result of a successful penalty kick, the Dynamo added the insurance goal when midfielder Darwin Cerén found the back of the net in the 83rd minute.  The win gave Houston their first win over Dallas this season and raised their all-time record against their Texas rival to 12-12-14. 

Ramos also commented on goalkeeper Marco Maric's performance. The Austrian recorded eight safe, whoi h earned him the "Man of the Match" honors

“Marco had a great game. He made a bunch of great saves and led the defense really well. He communicated well, and I think he’s starting to build on his experience well in the league. That’s a great thing considering he’s probably one of the youngest goalkeepers starting in the MLS. We’re really happy about that.”

Next up for the Dynamo is a first-ever matchup against Inter Miami CF on Saturday, October 10. The game will be broadcast on Univision/TUDN and is scheduled for a 4 p.m. CT start.

Houston Dynamo fall 2-1 to Sporting Kansas City

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (October 3, 2020) The Houston Dynamo fell behind in the first half and could not overcome the offense of Sporting Kansas City, dropping a 2-1 decision at BBVA Stadium on Saturday evening. Kansas City jumped out to and early 1-1 lead in the 34th minute and added a second goal late in the game. Houston found the back of the net in the 84th minute, but it was not enough; dropping their second game to KC in four matches this season.

Previously, Houston fell to their Western Conference opponent by the score of 4-0 on March 7; prior to the COVIOD-19 shutdown. Once Major League Soccer resumed play (Phase 1), Houston downed Kansas City 5-2 on August 25 (in Kansas City) and won by a 2-1 margin in Houston on September 9.

Houston head coach Tab Ramos stated after the match:

“I think for 60 to 65 minutes we played pretty well. Unfortunately, like its happened in the last few games, we can’t take advantage of the way we play and take that into a lead in the game. We’re falling behind. I think Kansas City scored their goal on their first shot on goal in the 30th minute. We had quite a few chances to be up in the game before that – we’re having a little trouble finishing right now. We just have to deal with that and be strong because we’re creating the opportunities, but not putting them away.”

 

Forward Alan Pulido struck paydirt in the 34th minute to give Kansas City the early 1-0 lead; with an assist credited midfielder Gianiuca Busio. They added their second goal of the match in the 73rd minute, when Pulido secured a brace; pushing their lead to 2-0. Houston responded 11 minutes later; on a solid pass from forward Darwin Quintero to defender Sam Junqua to finally get Houston on the scoreboard. Junqua stated:

“I just tried to do my best and worked as hard as I could, getting on the ball and trying to make something happen. I tried to run and give it all for my team, and I think I achieved most of that.”

Deer Park Cougars kickoff Gabby Romero Tournament with pool game win

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (October 3, 2020) The Deer Park Cougars 12U softball team kicked off the Gabby Romero Memorial Tournament with a 1-1 record in pool play at Burke Crenshaw Park in Pasadena, Texas with a 1-1 record in pool play. After dropping a 8-3 decision to the Pasadena Element in their first game of pool play, the Cougars rallied back to down the Deepwater Explosion by the score of 7-6.

Against Deepwater, the Cougars trailed after the first inning when the Explosion scored two runs in the bottom of the inning, after failing to score. Deer Park rallied back in the second inning, scoring five runs to take a 5-2 lead in the top of the second. Deepwater regained the lead in the bottom of the second; scoring four runs, with the Cougars trailing by one going into the third inning. Deer Park was able to score the tying and go ahead runs in the third inning to secure the win.

The Cougars bats were hot against Deepwater, with shortstop Keira Jennings and third baseman Kirstin Kelly connecting for thiples and right fielder Hayley Poe and pitcher Jordyn Halik hitting doubles. Catcher Maddie Farmer led Deer Park with two stolen bases, with Poe and MA Minor adding one each to the Cougars' total. Kelly recorded two RBI in the game, the most for both teams. 

Seven players scored single runs for the Cougars; including second baseman Zayda Jauregui, center fielder Arianny Cantu, Farmer, Minor, Jenkins, Halik, and Poe. Designated player/right field Paige Taylor reached base twice and advanced runners into scoring position to aid in the offensive effort for Deer Park. On the mound, Halik saw faced 14 batters, throwing 48 pitches, with 19 of them for strikes; in addition to striking out two and walking four.

The Cougars are coached by Larry King, Hillary Williams, and Dale Yurt.

 

Draw Delivers Preliminary Round and Round of 16 Matchups for 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf League

Photo by https://www.concacaf.com/Straffon
Used with permission
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

MIAMI, FLORIDA (September 21, 2020) Concacaf today conducted the official draw for Preliminary Round and Round of 16 matchups of the 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf League. The tournament is set to kick off on October 20.  

 
The draw, which was hosted by TV personalities Alejandro de la Rosa (TUDN) and Natalia Alvarez (ESPN), included appearances by Honduran football legend Amado Guevara and Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio. 
 
In order to fit the competition into a new schedule, the Preliminary Round and Round of 16 will be played as single game ties at the highest ranked club’s stadium. All other rounds will be played as two game ties (home and away).  
 
The 12 clubs participating in the Preliminary Round of the competition have been divided into six pairings as follows (home club listed first):  
 
Matchup #1: CD FAS (SLV) vs Managua FC (NCA) 
Matchup #2: LD Alajuelense (CRC) vs Cibao FC (DOM) 
Matchup #3: CD Municipal Limeño (SLV) vs Forge FC (CAN)  
Matchup #4: CA Independiente (PAN) vs Antigua GFC (GUA) 
Matchup #5: Arcahaie FC (HAI) vs Verdes FC (BLZ) 
Matchup #6: FC Motagua (HON) vs Comunicaciones FC (GUA) 
 
The six Preliminary Round matchups will be played October 20-22, as single game ties at the highest ranked club’s stadium.  
 
The ten clubs seeded into the Round of 16 and the six Preliminary Round winners have been divided into eight parings and will play as follows (home team listed first):  
   
Matchup #1: Deportivo Saprissa (CRC) vs CSD Municipal (GUA) 
Matchup #2: CD Marathon (HON) vs CA Independiente (PAN) or Antigua GFC (GUA) 
Matchup #3: Tauro FC (PAN) vs CD Municipal Limeño (SLV) or Forge FC (CAN) 
Matchup #4: Waterhouse FC (JAM) vs Arcahaie FC (HAI) or Verdes FC (BLZ) 
Matchup #5: Alianza FC (SLV) vs FC Motagua (HON) or Comunicaciones FC (GUA) 
Matchup #6: CD Olimpia (HON) vs CD FAS (SLV) or Managua FC (NCA) 
Matchup #7: San Francisco FC (PAN) vs LD Alajuelense (CRC) or Cibao FC (DOM) 
Matchup #8: CS Herediano (CRC) vs Real Esteli FC (NCA) 

The schedule for the all rounds of the competition is as follows: 
 
October 2020  
20-22 Preliminary Round (single leg match)  
 
November 2020  
3-5: Round of 16 (single leg match)  
 
December 2020  
1-3: Quarterfinals (first leg)  
8-10: Quarterfinals (second leg)  
 
January 2021  
5-7: Semifinals (first leg)  
12-14 Semifinals (second leg)  
19-21: Final (first leg)  
26-28: Final (second leg) 
 
Kick off times and venues, will be announced in the coming days. 

In addition to qualifying its champion to the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, the tournament now qualifies a further five teams. At the end of the Concacaf League , the champion and the next five best ranked will qualify to the 2021 edition of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League. 

Houston Texans ready to show improvement

Story and photo by Lou Roesch
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 20, 2020) It may not take much for the Houston Texans to show improvement following last week's season opening loss at Kansas City. Improvement comes in many forms and after six plus years of hearing general manager/head coach Bill O'Brien say we need to do better, it's time to see better.

What exactly is better for the Houston Texans? After all this is a team that averages nine wins a season so would we feel better with a 10 win team in 2020? This is a team that has won its fair share of AFC South titles, would another one make us think they are any better in 2020? This is a team that has stars at multiple positions and potential stars at others. Would one more star make us better or did trading away our star receiver make us better?

Better is a relative term and is of course in the eye of the beholder it is all about perspective. Come Sunday, the Texans will host a Baltimore Ravens team that has gotten better ever since Lamar Jackson lined up under center. Getting better doesn't necessarily mean more wins although that would be nice. Getting better on Sunday means your personnel show up in front of a nationally televised audience again and this time they play like they belong on national TV. Getting better means not coming out flat. Getting better means not sitting back after scoring the opening touchdown and thinking man we sure showed them. Getting better means manhandling the Baltimore offensive line and containing Lamar Jackson.

One aspect that will help the Houston Texans get better fast is to hand David Johnson the rock 25 times and let him prove he is still a stud runner. When your main man carries the ball for a 7 yard gain each time he touches it, the only thing you have to do is get better at handing him the ball. If Johnson runs for 100 plus yards and two scores on Sunday, the Texans will win, fans will feel better and no one will have to hear O'Brien say "we got outplayed, out coached, out executed, gotta do better."

If the offensive line is the unmovable wall on Sunday instead of the wall of play dough they were last Thursday in Kansas City, things will be better. Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson had all of 2.59 seconds to throw on average. Even another full second would be better. A more stout performance by the line, a steady diet of David Johnson and Watson plays lights out and all will be better in Texans world.

As long as JJ Watt is a member of the Houston defense, they can always become better. What does better look like. Better sees more JJ Watt through the middle and Jacob Martin playing more then 16 snaps a game. Better includes more tackles and less misses as in 20 at Kansas City. What if that had only been 10 missed tackles.

Getting better and winning at the game of football is about executing the fundamentals correctly. It's about coming out and playing a full four quarters of football. Houston has the talent to match up with the Baltimore Ravens. The question is whether or not they will play better as a team. If they do, a win is a possibility. If not, we will have the same old excuses regurgitated for yet another week.