By Andy Tolbert
Channelview – home of Philadelphia Eagle Jalen Hurts – took care South Houston, 35-28, in an important district contest over the weekend.
VYPE’s Andy Tolbert was on the scene to see the action.
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Channelview – home of Philadelphia Eagle Jalen Hurts – took care South Houston, 35-28, in an important district contest over the weekend.
VYPE’s Andy Tolbert was on the scene to see the action.
The Raiders’ 35-0 victory over Sam Houston last Friday improved their District 10-5A Division I record to 5-3, effectively punching their ticket to the UIL playoffs.
However, the celebration that erupted on the field at the final whistle carried far greater significance, as Northbrook secured its first-ever playoff berth in the program’s 52-year history, dating back to the school’s opening in 1974.
In just his third season as head coach, Demond Stafford has guided his squad to the dance, a testament to how he and his staff have instilled a renewed sense of belief in their players.
The Raiders (6-4) have relied on a balanced offensive attack, spearheaded by senior quarterback Guillermo Macias, who has thrown four touchdown passes this fall — all to sophomore Rafael Grijalva — while rushing for nearly 500 yards and 14 more scores.
Senior tailbacks Flavio Zambrano and Isaias Tejada have also proven instrumental, combining for just under 1,100 yards and four trips to the end zone.
Defensively, Northbrook has established a formidable contingent of playmakers, beginning with senior defensive end Kenneth Paulk, who leads the team with four sacks and nine tackles for loss.
Linebacker Henry Alfaro has racked up a team-high 34 tackles, while fellow senior Brian Robinson has anchored the secondary with game-changing ability, tallying four interceptions, three forced fumbles and two passes defended.
After more than five decades of waiting, Northbrook has finally broken through. Now, Stafford and the Raiders have an opportunity to extend their historic season when they face La Porte in Thursday’s UIL playoff opener at 7:30 PM at La Porte ISD’s Bulldog Stadium.

2026–27 Cypress Springs Lady Panthers standouts and head coach Taneisha Rogers.
No. 3 — Cypress Springs Panthers
To put Cy Springs’ remarkable consistency into perspective, head coach Taneisha Rogers and company have advanced at least four rounds into the playoffs every year since the 2022-23 season. Last winter was no exception, as the Lady Panthers (24-9) captured their fourth consecutive district title before advancing to the Region II Final, where eventual state champion Lancaster brought their postseason exploits to a close.
All eyes are once again on the sensational Makenzie Jackson. Better known as “The Ansah,” she took the basketball world by storm during her freshman season. Averaging nearly 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals per contest, Jackson parlayed her remarkable debut into District MVP and TABC All-State accolades.
Seniors Daija Barrow and Milan Barnes — both first-team all-district selections — further reinforce the Lady Panthers’ collective firepower. Then there’s sophomore Maddison Madkins, another dynamic weapon at the forefront of Cy Springs’ youth movement alongside fellow sophomore Journei Williams, a second-team all-district pick.
The road through Region II won't get any easier, but if all goes according to plan, the Lady Panthers could punch their first ticket to the UIL State Tournament in 2027.
Featured standouts and coaching staff of the 2026–27 Barbers Hill Lady Eagles basketball team.
No. 4 — Barbers Hill Eagles
Barriers were shattered a season ago, as Barbers Hill not only made its second consecutive trip to the Final Four but advanced to the UIL State Championship for the first time since its 1996-97 title-winning season.
Though the Lady Eagles fell short of hoisting the trophy, losing to Argyle in the 5A Division II Final, their stellar 37-4 record sets a compelling precedent for what lies ahead as coach Bryan Harris and company make the leap to Class 6A this winter.
The transition should be relatively seamless, with combo guard Brooklynn Roberson still serving as the catalyst for Barbers Hill’s prolific attack. Now a senior, Roberson added District 19-5A MVP, TABC All-State and UIL All-Tournament Team honors to her growing list of accolades.
Joining her is fellow TABC All-State selection Jayci Lackey, a 6-foot-2 senior who committed to Arkansas Tech in October. The duo will have plenty of support from juniors Madyson Ladd and Reese Owens, as well as seniors Bailey Burns and Kaelyn Blanchard.
The mission? “Building Champions.” The mentality? As Harris puts it, “One Fly, We All Fly.”
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