Chomp... chomp.
The Dickinson Gators knocked off Clear Brook 40-36 to remain in second place in District 24-6A play last week. The two face each other this up coming week as the playoff crystal ball comes in clearer focus.
All photos by Andy Tolbert
Chomp... chomp.
The Dickinson Gators knocked off Clear Brook 40-36 to remain in second place in District 24-6A play last week. The two face each other this up coming week as the playoff crystal ball comes in clearer focus.
All photos by Andy Tolbert
IN FOOTBALL, THE QUARTERBACK CALLS THE PLAYS. IN BASKETBALL, THE POINT GUARD SETS THE TONE. IN BASEBALL, THE CATCHER IS THE LEADER.
In soccer, the goalie is the alpha. Luckily for Northbrook soccer, they have Bryan Espinoza protecting the net. Playing in goal is an incredibly stressful position to be in. However, Espinoza has shown his penchant to rise to the challenge for the Raiders, making some clutch saves to keep his team in contention.
“Confidence plays a huge role in being a goalkeeper,” Espinoza said. “Without confidence, you won’ t be as sharp under the three posts. Most people don’ t know what it ’s like and will criticize you, but that ’s where your mindset has to be strong. Dedication, handling, footwork and having technical awareness are crucial for me to succeed.”
The Raiders had a solid district season last year, advancing to the postseason, where they were eliminated in the first round by Lamar. For the senior, he hopes this year will be even more successful.
“This year is definitely different for us Raiders,” said Espinoza. “Culture and discipline between the team have played a huge role in our strong start. Therapy and great recovery sessions after games, and communication within the team and with our coach on and off the field have been really great. The main thing that is working is the different skill sets on the training ground. Our coach has motivated us to work harder this year, and we’re staying focused on what ’s next every game.
“I expect every single one of us to give our all in every game. I intend for us to make a statement for ourselves, and our school, as we represent it. Some games will be tough but I expect us to work harder and play like it ’s always our last game. Making the playoffs last year was a huge memory of mine. That has pushed us to make that dream of going further a reality.”
Considering this is his senior season, Espinoza is looking to leave a legacy. “As a senior, it is very upsetting knowing that it ’s my last year,” he said. “But , I hope to accomplish leaving high school with a soccer scholarship and knowing my team and I accomplished something greater. As a team, I know we want to win district, and I hope to motivate and encourage the underclassmen by being a role model before I leave them.”
2022: 18-9-3 (2nd in District 16-6A/Bi-District Qualifiers)
HC: Phil Schwarz
The first-round upset in last year’s UIL postseason is not indicative of how good this team is. Furthermore, it was impressive how quickly Cy Woods adjusted to the new culture and leadership of their first-year head coach Phil Schwarz. Now, with another year under their belt, the level of competition they have faced will only make the Wildcats stronger.
Cy Woods will be bringing the heat this Spring, starting with senior CF Sam Myers. The TCU signee batted for .362 with 28 runs scored on top of a ridiculous 17 stolen bases.
Other next-level seniors, 3B Ethan Farris (Texas State), SS Tristan Russell (Houston), RF Brady Sullivan (Texas A&M), and LHP Chase Morgan (Louisiana-Lafayette) will provide plenty of reason to hype up the Wildcats.
2022: 27-7 (Area Round Finalist)
HC: Aaron Fuller
Barbers Hill entered the 2022 season as the defending Class 5A State Champions after winning the program’s first-ever crown in 2021 and was even crowned the National Champions by MaxPreps.
They have been to the State Tournament four times in program history and after exiting in the Area Round last year, the Eagles are looking to fly again in 2023.
The Eagles bring back TGCA All-State selection Hailey Nutter who quickly became the ace in the circle for Barbers Hill as a freshman in 2022. Nutter exploded onto the scene and was named the District MVP with a 19-4 record and 187 strikeouts in 119 innings pitched.
Peyton Helmly is back after being named the district’s Newcomer of the Year in 2022 hitting .378 at the dish.
Other key returners include Reagan Duty (LSU-Eunice), Katelynn Cooper (Navarro JC), Sophie Naivar (Boston University), Kaydey Rawlinson (Kilgore College), Brookelyn Livanec, Harper Gonzalez, and Emma Hargrave.
The motto for Aaron Fuller’s squad, which he is leading for a ninth season and who has 337 career wins in 12 years as a head coach, is “Take it Back."
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