There is so much fun to be had at a VYPE Media Days!
From team and individual pictures, social media shout-outs and video interviews, it is all there for the student-athletes to feel like a superstar. VYPE traveled out to Crosby, Texas for the Crosby ISD Inaugural 2022 Fall Media Day!
It’s that time again. Texas high school football is sure to have a climactic finale this Saturday as the UIL State Championship game pits two of the best teams in the country.
North Shore football is familiar with the high-pressure atmosphere of the title game in AT&T Stadium, considering they’ve been there four times out of the last 6 years. Given that fact, the majority of this year's roster has experience in that big arena, including star RB Rashaad Johnson.
Bradley Coller (VYPE)
After winning the State Title last season, Johnson’s talent and will to win has only intensified. This was demonstrated by his three-touchdown performance against the undefeated Westlake (they were on a 54-game winning streak) in the State Semis. North Shore beat the Chaps, 49-34, to advance to the Finals.
“It was just business as usual [the win against Westlake],” said Johnson. “We’re excited that we get to play as a team for one more week. That’s all that really matters. Sure, we’re excited, but we still got a job to do on Saturday.”
North Shore’s final opponent is none other than Duncanville, which has been a recurring postseason matchup over the past six years. The Eastside has gone undefeated against D-Ville at State (2018, 2019 and 2021).
The Mustangs' undefeated campaign to arrive at this rematch can be accredited to several factors, including a top-ranked defense, experienced coaching staff, an explosive run game with Johnson and sophomore D’Andre Hardeman Jr., and the adaptability and leadership of dual-threat WR-turned-QB David Amador II.
North Shore QB David Amador IIBradley Collier (VYPE)
“He [Amador] can do anything,” Johnson said. “He’s very athletic and he’s been unstoppable. You can’t stop that man. That’s a bad man, right there. I appreciate him and I’m really impressed with how he’s stepped up as our QB.”
Speaking of an explosive run game, the importance of having not one, but two top-tier running backs cannot be overstated. With Johnson leading the rush as their power-back and Hardeman’s elusiveness to complement him, the pair has been invaluable.
“It’s a 50-50 effort,” said Johnson. “We [Hardeman and I] help each other out. That’s my ‘dawg’. He’s going to be something serious with the two years he has left, here. We just play our game. On the sidelines, we’ll communicate with each other, see what the defenses do and just correct it from there.”
RB D'Andre Hardeman Jr. scores on a 4th & 1 play against WestlakeStill image from Video captured by Jackson DiPasquale (VYPE)
The four years Johnson has spent at North Shore have brought his game to another level. He is committed to Central Arkansas with other schools showing interest in the durable senior.
“I’m really thankful for this [the opportunity to play for North Shore],” Johnson said. “There’s a lot of talent that has come out of North Shore. Like my bloodline, my Pops and my uncles, all played for North Shore. So, it really means a lot to me. Now that my name is getting out there more, people are recognizing me because I go to North Shore. It’s a big accomplishment.”
Johnson and Company are four-quarters away from winning another State Title. They’re hungry for the chance to go 4-for-6, when they play Duncanville on Saturday, at 7 p.m. in AT&T Stadium.
“It would mean a lot [to win State again],” said Johnson. “I need two rings. I need two more rings (including his graduation ring) before I graduate. I already have one. But, I need one more. That’s all I need.”
Welcome to our feature - the Klein ISD Athletes of the Month - highlighting some of the best student-athletes in one of the most proud districts in the state of Texas. One girl and one boy will be selected each month representing the independent school district.
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Aaron Perez, Klein Collins Basketball
Klein Collins combo guard Aaron Perez has had a brilliant tournament season over the holidays, scoring at will for the Tigers. The 6-foot-3 junior has shown leadership as well as a tremendous shooting touch from anywhere on the court. He is working into a mid-major college recruit as he continues to build his legacy at Klein Collins.
Nadazia Simien, Klein Forest Volleyball/Basketball
Senior Nadazia Simien is the “It Girl” inside the Golden Eagle nest as a star for the volleyball and basketball teams. The Eagles’ volleyball team struggled in the fall but Simien was a constant in the middle. She will draw double teams in the post for the basketball team, while protecting the paint.
THE PRIVATE SCHOOL BASKETBALL LANDSCAPE IS VIBRANT IN THE GREATER HOUSTON AREA. THE EPISCOPAL KNIGHTS WON THE SPC CHAMPIONSHIP, WHILE CONCORDIA LUTHERAN REACHED THE TAPPS STATE FINAL AND THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY AND WESTBURY CHRISTIAN ADVANCED TO THE SEMIS. HERE ARE THE TEAMS WHO WILL CHALLENGE FOR THE GOLD BALL.
#1 Houston Christian
CJ Barnes, Montana Wheeler and Chris Edlam are a solid trio for Ron Crandall to work with. Favorites for SPC Title.
#2 St. Francis Episcopal
New school making a huge splash in varsity sports under direction of Harold Baber. Nigel Walls is the headliner.
#3 Episcopal
SPC defending champs have Justin Begg, DaSean Brody, Breylan Thompson and Parker Manley back in the fold.
#4 Concordia Lutheran
TAPPS traditional power reloading with Jesse Fuller, Noah Dubrebil, Donovan Holcombe, Howie Keene and David Darko.
#5 St. Thomas
Balanced team with great guard play, rangy shooters and an inside presence with Michael Oaks and Jake Pike.
#6 St. John's
Sebastian Williams-Adams could be the biggest name since Justice Winslow to come out of St. John’s.
#7 Westbury Christian
Russell Carr is back in the coaching seat and will rely on transfers Justin and Jason Scott.
#8 Woodlands Christian Academy
Can coach Tanner Field continue dominance with Wyatt Boeker, Trez Luzey and Josh Bento leading the charge?
#9 St. Thomas Episcopal
The Law Brothers – Nathan and Aiden – make this team a TAPPS title contender.
#10 St. Pius X
Second-year coach Johnny Misleh hopes to get buy-in from transfers Kevin Range, Nathan Alvarez, Jordan Johnson and Wesley Stallings.