Pasadena drops close match to Kingwood Park in UIL volleyball action

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By Chris Price

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (October 10, 2024) In a match that was closer than the scoreboard indicated, the No. 4 Pasadena Lady Eagles dropped a four-set match by the score of 3-1 to the No. 3 ranked Kingwood Park Panthers at Barfield Gymnasium in Pasadena.

The Lady Eagles (18-11) started the match with a 25-22 win before dropping the final three sets 21-25, 22-25, and 23-25. The loss dropped Pasadena to 3-4 in District 18-5A play but still retained their fourth place standings in district play; keeping the prospect of a 2024 playoff berth alive.

Previously this season, on September 17, the Lady Eagles faced off against the Panthers at Kingwood Park, falling in straight sets 25-27, 17-25, 18-25. The Panthers are 4-2 in district matches. Pasadena has a bye on October 15 before traveling to Crosby on Friday, October 18 with a 6:30 p.m. start. On September, the Eagles and Cougars faced off in district play in Pasadena. In the match, which went to five sets, the Lady Eagles posted a 3-2 win (26-24, 25-16, 19-25, 12-25, 15-10).

The remainder of the regular season will see Pasadena play West Fork on October 22 and Porter on October 29. In between those matches, they will travel to Dayton on October 25. UIL Playoffs will begin on November 1.

North Shore dominates Westfield with a 47-3 victory

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 13, 2024) In a lopsided game on Friday night, North Shore cruised to a commanding 47-3 victory over Spring Westfield. The Mustangs of North Shore were in control for most of the game, showing off their strong defense and explosive offense.

The game started slow with both teams struggling to find their rhythm on offense. North Shore's quarterback, Kaleb Bailey, completed a long pass early to Deion Deblanc, but the drive eventually stalled, and they had to punt. Westfield’s defense did its part too, forcing punts and keeping the score at 0-0 for most of the first quarter.

But with around four minutes left, North Shore’s special teams sparked the game. Quanell Farrakhan took a punt return 85 yards for a touchdown, putting North Shore on the board first. Jonathan Soto kicked the extra point, making it 7-0.

The second quarter is when North Shore began to take over. Chris Thomas scored on a 1-yard rushing touchdown early, pushing the lead to 14-0. Westfield managed to respond with a 25-yard field goal from Davon Smith, but it would be their only points of the game.

Before the half, North Shore’s D’Andre Hardeman broke free for a 32-yard rushing touchdown. After another successful extra point, the score was 21-3. A last-second 20-yard field goal by Jonathan Soto gave North Shore a comfortable 24-3 lead heading into halftime.

Westfield came out of the half hoping to turn things around, but North Shore's defense stayed tough. Kylan Darville had multiple sacks, and Westfield was forced to punt early in the third quarter.

North Shore continued to dominate on offense. Kaleb Bailey connected with Quanell XJr again, this time for a 34-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 31-3. Then, the Mustangs' defense added two more points with a safety, making it 33-3.

Shortly after, Avan Brown ran in an 11-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 40-3.

Westfield had some bright moments in the final quarter but couldn’t find the end zone. North Shore sealed the game with one last touchdown by Terence Blackshure, who scored from the 1-yard line to make it 47-3.

Despite Westfield’s efforts, they turned the ball over on downs late in the game, and North Shore ran out the clock to finish the dominant win.

North Shore’s defense was the star of the game, constantly pressuring Westfield and forcing them to punt on almost every drive. Their offense, led by Kaleb Bailey, made big plays when needed, and their special teams were a difference-maker.

With the win, North Shore improves to 3-0, while Westfield will look to bounce back next week.

Pasadena falls in close match to Splendora to kickoff district action

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By Chris Price

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (September 13, 2024) The Pasadena Lady Eagles and the Splendora Wildcats kicked off their UIL district schedule with a matchup at Pasadena High School's Bob Barfield Gymnasium. The game feature to two top ranked teams, according to MaxPreps.com, from District 18-5A.

The evenly-matched contest when to the maximum five sets, with Splendora coming out on top over Pasadena by the score of 3-2. The Wildcats took the first set, 25-23. The Lady Eagles bounced back in set two, by the score of 25-17 but dropped set three, 22-25. 

Set four saw Pasadena rebound 25-22, to even the match at 2-2. In the final set, Splendora edged out the Lady Eagles 15-11 to secure the win.

Pasadena pushed their season record to 15-7 and 0-1 in district play. Next up for Pasadena is a Tuesday, September  17 meeting against Kingwood Park (7-17, 0-0 district) on the road with a varsity start at 6:30 p.m. 

Texas 6A High School Football Rankings-Week 3

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (September 8, 2024) Below is listed the Week 3 rankings for UIL División 6A football by TexSport Publications. An updates listed will be posted weekly prior to the first game of each week.

1. Galena Park North Shore (2-0)

2. Duncanville (1-0)

3. Austin Westlake (2-0)

4. Humble Summer Creek (2-0)

5. North Crowley (2-0)

6. DeSoto (1-1)

7. Southlake Carroll (2-0)

8. Humble Atascocita (2-0)

9. Cibolo Steele (2-0)

10. Lake Travis (2-0)

11. Allen (2-0)

12. The Woodlands (2-0)

13. Cypress Bridgeland (2-0)

14. Coppell (2-0)

15. Lamar Fulshear (2-0)

16. Denton Guyer (2-0)

17  Fort Bend Hightower (2-0) 

18. Spring Westfield (1-1)

19. Fort Bend Ridge Point (1-1)

 20. Katy (1-1)

21. Rockwell (1-1)

22 Austin Vandegrift (1-1)

23. Cedar Hill (1-1)

24. San Antonio Reagan (1-1)

25. Willis (2-0)

HCU falls to #20 Tarleton State in home opener

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 7, 2024)  The Houston Christian University football team dropped their home opener to 20th-ranked Tarleton State, 35-18, on Saturday night at Husky Stadium. This was the Huskies' first-ever home game against a ranked non-conference opponent.

The Huskies (0-2) had a strong start, moving the ball 47 yards on their first drive. Quarterback Cutter Stewart (Alice HS, Alice, TX) completed passes to Calvin Wiggins (Byron Nelson HS, Roanoak, TX), and running back Champ Dozier (Royse City HS, Dallas, TX) had a 20-yard run. However, HCU couldn’t score as their fourth-down attempt failed.

Tarleton State (2-1) got on the board early in the second quarter with an 84-yard touchdown drive. Shortly after, Stewart threw an interception, and the Texans quickly scored again, making it 14-0. HCU responded with a 77-yard drive, capped by Dozier’s three-yard rushing touchdown, cutting the lead to 14-7.

Before halftime, Tarleton added another touchdown to take a 21-7 lead into the break.

In the second half, HCU’s defense made a big play when Xavier Toliver (Mansfield Summit HS, Arlington, TX) intercepted a pass and returned it to the Texans’ 15-yard line. However, the Huskies could only manage a field goal, closing the gap to 21-10. Tarleton extended their lead with another long drive, making it 28-10.

HCU’s AJ Wilson (Huntsville HS, Huntsville, TX) caught a 19-yard touchdown from Stewart late in the fourth quarter, followed by a successful two-point conversion, but it wasn’t enough to catch up.

Wilson led HCU with 51 yards receiving and a touchdown. Stewart passed for 201 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Defensively, Taylor Behl (Georgetown HS, Georgetown, TX) had 13 tackles, while D.J. Harris (Langham HS, Houston, TX) added 10.

HCU will host Louisiana Christian next Saturday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m. at Husky Stadium.

Pasadena Lady Eagles Volleyball down Ford Bend Marshall in three sets

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By Chris Price
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (September 6, 2024)  The Pasadena High School varsity volleyball team pushed their season record to 13-6 on Friday evening with a three-set victory over the Fort Bend Marshal Buffalos at Robert Barfield Gymnasium on the campus of Pasadena High School.

The Lady Eagles jumped out to a 25-16 win in the first set, followed up with a second-set victory by the score of 25-20. In the third set, the Eagle held a large margin early in the set, when Marshall mounted a comeback, cutting the Pasadena lead to two late in the match. The Lady Eagles responded with seven points to clinch the third set 25-17, dropping Marshall's season record to 4-7.

Next up for the Lady Eagles will be a Tuesday, September 10 road match against the Baytown Sterling Rangers. The Rangers possess a 6-10 record going into the match, after losing a two-set tournament match to Humble Atascocita by the scores of 13-25 and 11-25.

The matchup against Sterling will be the final non-district game for Pasadena, as they kickoff their District 18-5A schedule against Splendora (13-5) on Friday, September 13 at home.

Individual season stats, as provided by MaxPreps.com, can be viewed here.

Texas 6A High School Football Rankings-Week 2

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (September 4, 2024) Below is listed the Week 2 rankings for UIL División 6A football by TexSport Publications. An updates listed will be posted weekly prior to the first game of each week.

1. DeSoto (1-0) over Creekside (GA), 70-0 

2. Galena Park North Shore (1-0) over Dallas South Oak Cliff, 38-0 

3. Duncanville (0-0) Idle 

4. Austin Westlake (1-0) over Prosper, 35-14 

5. Humble Summer Creek (1-0) over Alvin Shadow Creek, 42-0 

6. North Crowley (1-0) over Lancaster, 29-21  

7. Southlake Carroll (1-0) over Midland, 48-24 

8. Humble Atascocita (1-0) over Houston Lamar, 35-7

9. Lake Travis (1-0) W: Arlington Martin, 51-12 

10. Katy (1-0) over Dickinson, 41-37 

11. Spring Westfield (1-0) over Sheldon King, 34-28

12. Cibolo Steele (1-0) over Liberty Hill, 49-26 

13. Fort Bend Ridge Point (1-0) over League City Clear Springs, 38-20 

14. Coppell (1-0) over Garland Sachse, 31-10

15. Allen (1-0) over Midland Legacy, 61-0

16. The Woodlands (1-0) over Katy Cinco Ranch, 49-22 

17. Cypress Bridgeland (1-0) over Pearland Dawson, 52-14 

18. Rockwell (1-0) over Richardson Berkner 38-27

19. Austin Vandegrift (1-0) over Dripping Springs, 31-14 

20. Lamar Fulshear (1-0) over Pearland, 19-12 

21. Dickinson (0-1) falls to Katy 37-41

22. Cedar Hill (1-0) over Midlothian 40-7

23. San Antonio Reagan (1-0) over San Antonio Brennan 31-9

24. Denton Guyer (1-0) over Aledo 35-30

25, Fort Bend Hightower (1-0)  over Clear Falls 19-14

Houston Dash Acquire Allocation Money, Intra-League Transfer Funds from Portland Thorns FC for Midfielder Sophie Hirst

Photo courtesy of Harvard Athletics

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 2, 2024) The Houston Dash acquired up to $35,000 from Portland Thorns FC for midfielder Sophie Hirst, both teams announced today. Houston will receive $25,000 in allocation money from Portland plus an additional $10,000 in intra-league transfer funds if certain performance metrics are achieved. 

  

Hirst was drafted by the Dash with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft from Harvard University. The midfielder appeared in 23 games for the team across all competitions. She made her professional debut on April 19 at Shell Energy Stadium against the Kansas City Current in the NWSL Challenge Cup. She scored her first goal for the team on June 3, 2023, in a 2-0 victory over the Orlando Pride at Shell Energy Stadium. 

  

The midfielder finished with 60 career appearances and 56 starts in four seasons at the collegiate level for Harvard. Hirst also tallied 10 goals and recorded 12 assists throughout her collegiate career and earned Academic All-Ivy honors in her final two seasons.

Houston Dash fall to Utah Royals FC, 3-1

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 31, 2024) The Houston Dash ended their four-game homestand with a tough 3-1 loss to Utah Royals FC at Shell Energy Stadium. This game marked the end of a six-game streak without a goal for the Dash in league play.

Utah took the lead just before halftime, in the 44th minute. Ana Tejada found herself in the right spot when the Dash defense failed to clear a loose ball. Although Houston defender Tarciane tried to block the shot at the goal line, the referee, Gerald Flores, awarded the goal to Utah.

In the 55th minute, Utah doubled their lead with a penalty kick. The referee reviewed a foul by Dash forward Bárbara Olivieri and awarded Utah the penalty. Claudia Zornoza stepped up and scored to make it 2-0. Shortly after, Paige Monaghan added another goal for Utah on a breakaway run.

The Dash fought back in the 73rd minute when Brazilian forward Andressa scored her first regular-season goal of 2024. Andressa found space behind Utah’s defense, dribbled past the goalkeeper, and calmly finished for her second goal of the year.

Houston had a few chances to score earlier in the game. In the fifth minute, midfielder Sophie Schmidt forced a save with a shot from outside the box. Then, in the 11th minute, midfielder Elin Rubensson’s cross almost led to an own goal by Utah, but it was ruled offside after a video review.

Despite some late opportunities, the Dash couldn’t close the gap. Tarciane’s free kick in stoppage time just missed the goal.

Next, the Dash will go on a two-game road trip, starting with a match against NJ/NY Gotham FC in New Jersey on Sept. 8. The game will be aired nationally on ESPN 2 at 12 p.m. CT.

North Shore dominates South Oak Cliff in home opener

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 30, 2024) The North Shore Mustangs kicked off their season with a commanding 38-0 victory over the South Oak Cliff Golden Bears on Friday night. The Mustangs, ranked 8th nationally by MaxPreps, proved why they are one of the top teams in the country.

Quarterback led the charge for North Shore, rushing for 74 yards and a touchdown on just five carries. He also threw for 143 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Cameron Smith for 113 of those yards and two scores.

North Shore's offense was unstoppable, racking up 427 total yards, while their defense held South Oak Cliff to just 238 yards. The Mustangs controlled the game from start to finish, showing their dominance on both sides of the ball.

Next, North Shore will face Crowley on Friday, while South Oak Cliff will look to bounce back against Duncanville.

Pasadena Eagles sweep Baytown Lee in straight sets in UIL volleyball

Story and photo by Chris Price
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (August 30, 2024) The Pasadena High School varsity girls volleyball team extended their record to 12-4 with a three-set sweep of the Baytown Lee Ganders on Friday evening. They kicked of the match with a first set win by the score of 25-17. They followed up with set two and set three win with the identical scores of 25-17.

On Saturday, The Lady Eagles will continue with day two of the J. Frank Dobie Lady Longhorn  Varsity Labor Day Classic. On day one of the tournament, on Thursday (August 29), they swept through their three pool matches, posting a 3-0 record.

In all three matches, they cruised to three straight 2-0 wins. In the first match of the day, they downed the North Shore Mustangs 25-8, 25-10. For their second match of the day, they rolled over the Cleveland Indians 25-15, 25-12. They closed out the day with a 25-19, 25-14 win over the Lamar Cardinals.

Game video, provided by MaxPreps, from the game can be viewed here.

Texas 6A High School Football Rankings-Week 1

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (August 28, 2024) Below is listed the pre-season (Week 1) rankings for UIL División 6A football by TexSport Publications. An updates listed will be posted weekly prior to the first game of each week.

1. DeSoto Eagles

2. North Shore Mustangs

3. Duncanville Panthers

4. Westlake Chaparrals

5. Humble Bulldogs

6. North Crowley Panthers

7. Southlake Carroll Dragons

8. Atascocita Eagles

9. Lake Travis Cavaliers

10. Katy Tigers

11. Spring Westfield Mustangs

12. Cibolo Steele Knights

13. Fort Bend Ridge Point Panthers

14. Coppell Cowboys

15. Klein Collins Tigers

16. Prosper Eagles

17. Allen Eagles

18. The Woodlands Highlanders

19. Cypress Bridgeland Bears

20. Alvin Shadow Creek Bulldogs

21. Dickinson Gators

22. Rockwell Yellowjackets

23. Houston Lamar Texans

24. Austin Vandegrift Vipers

25. Fort Bend Hightower

Houston Dynamo FC drops close match to Toronto FC

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 24, 2024)  Houston Dynamo FC lost a close game to Toronto FC, 1-0, at Shell Energy Stadium. Despite controlling the ball for most of the match and taking twice as many shots as Toronto, the Dynamo couldn't find the back of the net.

The game’s only goal came in the 54th minute when Toronto's Prince Owusu scored with a header that deflected off Dynamo defender Griffin Dorsey. The ball bounced into the goal, leaving Dynamo goalkeeper helpless.

The Dynamo started strong, creating their first big chance in the ninth minute. Héctor Herrera sent a through ball to forward Aliyu Ibrahim, who crossed it into the box. Unfortunately, Toronto’s defense blocked the chance.

Forward Ezequiel Ponce had Houston’s first shot on target after Herrera set him up from a set piece. Ponce’s quick shot forced Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson to make a tough save. Another good chance came in the 16th minute when Dorsey fired a powerful volley, but the ball went just wide of the post.

Houston’s defense also had a big moment when Erik Sviatchenko took a shot from outside the box in the 21st minute. His shot was heading for the top corner, but Johnson was there again to make a quick save.

The Dynamo almost tied the game in the 62nd minute. After a goal-line clearance by Toronto, the ball fell to defender Franco Escobar, who struck it hard, but it hit the crossbar.

Dynamo forward Lawrence Ennali made his debut in this game, marking an important moment for the team. Despite the loss, Houston remains in the playoff race with nine games left, five of which will be at home.

The Dynamo will next travel to Los Angeles to face LAFC on Saturday, August 31, before returning home for a rematch on September 7.

Pasadena Eagles fall in five sets to Galena Park Yellowjackets

Photo by Kristine Kelly, Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (August 24, 2024) The Pasadena High School varsity volleyball team season record dropped to 7-4 after a close five-set loss to the Galena Park Yellowjackets at Bob Barfield Gymnasium in Pasadena.

The match, which went to five sets, was very close with the Lady Eagles taking the first set 25-22. Galena Park came back to take the second set 25-22, with Pasadena rebounded in set three by the score 25-14, which was the largest point differential of the match. The Yellowjackets rallied to take the final two sets 26-24 and and 15-13 for the win.

The Lady Eagles will next face Goose Creek Memorial (6-5) on Tuesday, August 27 with the freshmen squad beginning at 4:30 p.m., followed by the junior varsity at 5:30 p.m. and the varsity at 6:30 p.m.

Pasadena Volleyball advances to Silver Bracket of Austin ISD Jason Landers Tourney

Photo by Kristine Kelly, Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 16, 2024) Going into day 2 of pool play at the Austin ISD Jason Landers Volleyball Tournament, the Pasadena Eagles were looking to build on their success in day 1 and improved their overall record. The Lady Eagles went up against three tough teams; posting a 1-2 records on Friday.

First up was a match against Juan Navarro (Austin) High School, which saw Pasadena down the Vikings in straight sets 25-7, 25-11. After a short rest, they took to the court, playing their fifth match in 27 hours, faced off against San Antonio Stephens. The Pasadena volleyballers took the match to three sets. They won the first set against the Vikings, 25-20. then dropped the final two sets of the match, 19-25, 18-25; dropping their tournament record to 4-1. 

In the final game of the day, the Lady Eagles took to the court to play the Austin High School Maroons, on the Maroons home court. The supportive Maroons' fans did not distract the Eagles, however the close and evenly matched teams battled back and forth, with the Lady Eagles coming up short 15-25, 17-25.

After two days of play, Pasadena posted a 4-2 record and as a result, will play in the Silver Bracket facing Trinity High School at 9 a.m. CDT at Austin High School on Championship Saturday.

Pasadena Lady Eagles sweep day one of Austin ISD Jason Landers Tournament

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By Chris Price

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 15, 2024) After winning their first match of the season against Galveston Ball on Tuesday evening (August 13), the Pasadena High School varsity volleyball team hit the road to compete in the Austin ISD Jason Landers Volleyball Tournament. The tournament, which is one of the most prestigious high school tournaments in Texas, features the top teams from around the state of Texas. The Lady Eagles entered the first day of the three-day tournament with a 1-0 season record. after downing Galveston Ball in five sets (19-25, 25-23, 21-25, 25-14, 15-12) on Tuesday.

Playing their Day 1 matches at Austin's Atkins High School gym, Pasadena took the match to three sets against the Waco University Trojans, winning the match two sets to one (25-15, 22-25, 25-22)  in Group 8 of pool play. The win pushed their season record to 2-0 and 1-0 in the tournament. After about one and one-half hour break, which saw El Paso Andress down the Trojans 25-19 and 25-14 the Lady Eagles took on Andress in their last match of the day.

They quickly dispatched the Golden Eagles in straight sets, 25-18, 25-23 to win the match and post a 2-0 record for the tournament and therefore placing at the top of group play.

Day two (Friday) will see the PHS volleyballers facing the Texas School for the Deaf (1-2) at 11 a.m., followed by a 1 p.m. match against Sam Antonio Stephens (2-1). In their final match of the day, they will face Austin High School (3-0) at 3 p.m. All Friday games will be played at Austin High School.