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. 

Houston Dynamo FC face Vancouver Whitecaps FC in playoff push

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

VANCOUVER BC, CANADA (August 16, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC is gearing up for a big match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sunday, August 17, at 8:00 p.m. CT at BC Place. This is the last of two road games for the Dynamo, who are fighting to make the playoffs with only nine games left in the regular season.

Last time these teams met at BC Place, Houston won a thrilling 4-3 game. Defender Griffin Dorsey scored twice, including the winning goal in the 87th minute. Former Dynamo players Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla and Brad Smith also scored, and forward Ezequiel Ponce made his debut that night. The Dynamo hope to repeat that exciting performance.

Head coach Ben Olsen is close to a huge milestone. He needs just one more win to reach 150 career MLS regular season victories. 

After this road trip, Houston returns home to Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, August 23 to face the San Jose Earthquakes. 

Pasadena Volleyball places 6th overall at Jason Lander Invitational

By Chris Price

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 16, 2025) Playing their final three matches on Saturday at the Jason Lander Invitational, the Pasadena High School volleyball team went 1-2 in the finals of the Gold Bracket to secure their 6th place team finished in the 36-team field. The Gold Bracket was made up of the top eight teams, based on the won-lost record of Thursday and Friday's games of the 36-team field.

The Lady Eagles came into the finals seeded sixth; facing top-ranked Austin High School in the 9 a.m. match. The Maroons topped Pasadena 25-13, 25-18. After the loss, the Eagle volleyballers took on Trinity High School at 11 a.m. and quickly dispatched their opponent 25-23, 25-20.

In their final match, at 1 p.m. Pasadena took on Gatesville High School, with the match going to three games. The Hornets won the first game 25-23. The Lady Eagles bounced back in the second game with the score of 25-22. In the rubber game of the match; the battle was a back and fourth affair, with the Hornets taking the third game 25-22.

The Lady Eagles' sixth place finish was their best performance dating back to 2019. In that year, they placed 41st out of 47 teams. In 2022, they were 17th in the 32-team field. 2023 saw the Lady Eagles place 12th out of the 41 teams. Last year (2024), they finished 13 out of 35 teams.  

Pasadena will next hit the road for  a Tuesday, August 19 matchup against Angleton, with a 6:30 p.m. start for the varsity; preceded at 4:30 p.m. with the freshmen match and a 5:30 p.m. start for the junior varsity.

Pasadena Eagles advance to Gold Bracket Finals of Jason Lander Volleyball Invitational

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 15, 2025) After going 2-1 in their three matches on Friday at the Jason Landers Volleyball Invitational, the Pasadena High School volleyball team advanced to the Gold Bracket for Saturday's finals.

The Lady Eagles started the day with a 2-0 win over Austin LBJ Early College High School by the score of 25-20, 25-9. In their second match of the day, they overcame a game one loss (19-25) to take game two (25-22) and game three (25-19) to push their tournament record to 5-0. The final match of the day saw Pasadena facing Cedar Park Vista Ridge, with the Lady Eagles falling to the Lady Rangers 12-25 and 23-25. The Lady Rangers finished in first place in the bracket with Pasadena placing second.

Pasadena, who is ranked sixth going into Saturday's finals matches, will face top-seeded Austin High School with an 8 a.m. start at Bowie High School. 

The Jason Lander Invitational hosted 36 high school teams from around Texas in this year's tournament. 

Pasadena Eagles post 3-0 record in Day One of Jason Lander Volleyball Invitational

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 14, 2025)  Pasadena High School when into the first round of the Austin ISD Jason Lander Invitational Volleyball Tournament with a 1-0 record after defeating Galveston Ball 3-1 on Tuesday. After their matches on Thursday, they increased their 2025 season record to 4-0 after downing all three of their opponents. 

In their first match, they posted a 2-0 win (25-6, 25-15) over Austin Travis. The Lady Eagles followed with two 2-1 victories over El Paso  (25-18, 17-25, 29-27) and L.D. Bell (19-25, 25-18, 25-16). Pasadena placed first in Group 5 play.

As a results of their Thursday success, the Lady Eagles advanced to Day 2 play on Friday and are slated play Austin LBJ ECHS at 11 a.m. They will follow with a 1 p.m. match against SA Jefferson; closing the day with a 3 p.m. showdown with Vista Ridge.

Austin LBJ ECHS posted finished second in Group 4 with a 3-0 record. Jefferson also placed second in Group 2 with a 3-0 record, while Vista Ridge went 3-0, for a first-place finish in Group 6.

All Friday games will be played at Austin ISD's Burger Center.

Pasadena Volleyball heads to Austin for Jason Lander Invitational

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 14, 2025) Coming off their stunning win over the Galveston Ball Golden Tornadoes on Tuesday evening, the Pasadena High School varsity volleyball team heads to Austin to compete in the Austin ISD Jason Lander Invitational on Thursday through Saturday at various locations around Austin.

On Tuesday evening the Lady Eagles kicked off their 2025 season with a convincing 3-1 victory over Galveston Ball (25-7, 25-18, 23-25, 25-21) to earn their first win of 2025.

On Thursday, Pasadena, who posted a 21-14 record in 2024, will face Austin Travis (3-26 in 2024) in their first match of Group 5 at the Berger Center at 11 a.m. They will follow the Travis match with a 1 p.m. match with El Paso (28-9 in 2024) and close out the day with 3 p.m. showdown against L.D. Bell (19-21 in 2024).

Friday and Saturday's matches' will be determine from the results of Thursday's matches. The Eagles placed fourth in District 18-5A  in 2024.

Houston Dynamo FC secures draw against Austin FC

Photo courtesy of Houston Dynamo FC, Used with permission.

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 9, 2025)  Houston Dynamo FC showed true fight on Saturday night, coming back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against state rival Austin FC at Q2 Stadium. Midfielder Jack McGlynn was the hero for Houston, scoring both goals, while goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made big saves to keep Houston in the match.

Austin took the lead in the 31st minute after Bond made a quick save, but the rebound fell to Ilie Sanchez, who finished from close range. The home side doubled their advantage in the 41st minute when Guilherme Biro headed in a cross from Osman Bukari.

The Dynamo kept pushing and finally found a way back in the 80th minute. VAR confirmed a foul on defender Pablo Ortiz inside the box, and McGlynn stepped up to score the penalty with a left-footed shot to the right side of the net.

Houston’s persistence paid off again in the 89th minute. Forward Lawrence Ennali, making his first assist for the club, set up McGlynn at the top of the box. His shot deflected off an Austin defender and rolled into the net for his fifth goal of the season.

Defender Antonio Carlos made his Dynamo debut, coming on at halftime. The 32-year-old joined Houston last week from Brazilian club Fluminense FC and has years of MLS experience with Orlando City SC, including a key role in their 2022 U.S. Open Cup win.

Houston created chances throughout the match. In the 17th minute, McGlynn set up Felipe Andrade for a header that Brad Stuver saved. Andrade tried again from distance in the 21st minute but was stopped by the Austin goalkeeper. In the 73rd minute, Griffin Dorsey found Ondrej Lingr for a clever back-heel flick that forced another save.

Bond also came up big in the 85th minute, racing off his line to block a Bukari shot.

Sophie Schmidt strikes again in Houston Dash win over North Carolina Courage

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 (August 8, 2025) Sophie Schmidt (shown below) delivered yet another late-game heroics for the Houston Dash, scoring in the 95th minute to lift her team to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the North Carolina Courage on Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium.

The veteran midfielder, who also netted a stoppage-time winner in the Dash’s previous match, struck again when Yazmeen Ryan beat her defender along the endline and set up Schmidt for the decisive goal, her second of the season.

North Carolina grabbed the lead in the 32nd minute after a VAR review turned a free kick into a penalty, with Riley Jackson converting from the spot. The Dash responded quickly as Kiki Van Zanten unleashed a powerful strike from distance in the 39th minute, curling it into the top right corner. The goal marked Van Zanten’s second in as many games.

Photo courtesy of Houston Dash, Used with permission

Houston created several scoring chances throughout the match. Delanie Sheehan came close in the seventh minute, Evalina Duljan hit the crossbar in the 42nd, and Danny Colaprico nearly scored in the 82nd. Ryan continued to threaten late, but it was Schmidt’s clinical finish that sealed the win.

Goalkeeper Jane Campbell kept the Dash in the game with three key saves, including stops on Maliah Bell and Manaka Matsukubo in the first half and a late block on Ashley Sanchez in the 87th minute.

With the win, the Dash remain in strong form heading into their next match on August 17 against NJ/NY Gotham FC. They return home on August 24 to host Seattle Reign FC.

Houston Dynamo FC fall short in Leagues Cup finale against Pachuca

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

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 5, 2025) Houston Dynamo FC came up just short in their final Leagues Cup match on Tuesday night, falling 2-1 to C.F. Pachuca at Shell Energy Stadium.

Pachuca scored first in the 24th minute. Houston’s goalkeeper Jonathan Bond made a big save, but the rebound bounced off a defender and right to Pachuca’s Luis Quiñones, who knocked it in for a 1-0 lead.

The Dynamo fought back in the second half. Lawrence Ennali came in after halftime and brought energy to the attack. He helped create chances and kept the pressure on the Pachuca defense.

Houston finally broke through in the 82nd minute. Forward Toyosi Olusanya was taken down in the box, earning a penalty kick. Amine Bassi stepped up and calmly placed the ball into the net, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to tie the game at 1-1.

But the celebration didn’t last long. Just three minutes later, Pachuca’s Gastón Togni scored from a tough angle, slipping the ball past Bond and into the far corner for a 2-1 lead.

The Dynamo couldn’t find another equalizer and ended their Leagues Cup run with a tough loss.

Now, Houston shifts focus back to MLS play. They head to Austin this Saturday for a Texas Cup showdown with Austin FC. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. A win could put the Dynamo right back into the playoff hunt.

Pasadena area swimmers compete at TAAF Games of Texas Summer State Championships.

Story by Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

BRYAN, TEXAS (August 3, 2025) The South Belt Area "All Stars" Swimming Team (SBAS) competed in the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Games of Texas Summer State Championships and returned home with many accolades and honors, along with many lifetime best times. The championships were held at the Bryan Aquatic Center in Bryan, Texas.

In the 15-17 age group division, the top finisher was the SBAS Mixed 100-yard Freestyle Relay (shown above), consisting of Pasadena High School seniors Daniel Garza and Giovanni Lopez, who teamed up with Pasadena Memorial High School's junior Angelina Hernandez and senior Kailey Montoya to place fifth in the hotly contested race. The SBAS foursome posted the time of :59.37, which was faster that the time they recorded (1:02.18) in their gold medal performance at the TAAF Region 14 Championships two weeks earlier.

In the 15-17 age group individual events, Montoya placed 38th in the 50-yard Breaststroke and 45th in the 100-yard Individual Medley. Pasadena Memorial High School senior Gwendalynn Alvarado finished 29th in the 200-yard Freestyle and 45th in the 50-yard Butterfly. Hernandez competed in 100-yard Freestyle (49th place) and 100-yard Individual Medley (46th).

J. Frank Dobie High School senior Joel Chapa placed 58th in the 50-yard Butterfly, 58th in the 100-yard Freestyle and 73rd in the 50-yard Freestyle. Lopez placed 45th in the 50-yard Backstroke and 46th in the 50-yardd Breaststroke. with Garza placing 36th in th 50-yard Butterfly, 58th in the 100-yard Freestyle, and 62nd in thr 50-yard Freestyle.

In the girls 15-17 relay events, Hernandez, Montoya and Alvarado teamed up with Holly King to take 11th in the 200-yard Medley Relay and 12th in the 200-yard Freestyle Relay.

In the girls 13-14 division, Sam Rayburn High School sophomore Gabriella Olivo placed 28th in the 100-yard Individual Medley and 28th in the 50-yard Backstroke.

The South Belt Area "All Stars" Swimming Team is a select competitive swimming team, consisting of athletes from the Pasadena, South Houston, Deer Park and Texas Gulf Coast areas.