Aldine's [Back Row]: Stacy Zepeda, Julie Banos, Samantha Ruiz, Daniella Aleman, [Front Row]: Marineia Vargas and Jennifer Pham
Ja'Koby Banks
"Last year, they ran me a lot," said Banks, who threw for 182 yards and four touchdowns last year and rushed for 298 yards and four touchdowns. "Coming into this season, with a year under me, I feel like I'll be able to control the game way better than I did last year. I'll be able to show people I can throw the ball, not just run it."
This season, Banks has been impressive, drawing an offer from Texas A&M after the first game of the season. He has completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 1,167 yards ad 22 touchdowns to two interceptions, while rushing for 747 yards and 12 touchdowns on 42 carries for an unreal 17.8 yards per carry.
While Banks certainly has the talent and skills for the job, it's his intangibles that impress.
He is a leader at heart, learning from his late uncle Johnathan about being outspoken and holding others accountable.
"I feel like I've been a leader on every team I've been on," Banks said. "If I'm working and I can see someone else on my team that I know can do better, I'm not going to let them not do better. I'm going to make sure they do their best to make the team better."
Marshall coach James Williams said his signal-caller is a "driven young man who does right from wrong".
"A great character kid," Williams said. "He wants to get the job done. He embraces being the leader and he just wants to develop."
Williams said Banks' determination is elite.
"He's always had the athletic ability and movement skills. He's always been fast because of track," Williams said. "But as far as throwing the ball and throwing routes, he's really committed to it and put in the extra time with our coaching staff to become more of a passer as well."
Banks admits there is considerable pressure that comes with quarterbacking one of the top teams in the state in Class 5A Division II.
One that has legitimate state championship aspirations.
"But," he added, "me and my team are built for this."
Of that, he is sure. It is upon his shoulders, by his own doing, that the Buffalos are built.
"I'm most excited for our team playing for each other and not themselves," Banks said. "Last year, we were separate. This year, we're more connected, and not even just on a teammate level, but a friendship level as well."
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Anthony Njoku
Njoku finds freedom in football. As a quarterback, with the ball always in hand, he's awarded some semblance of control. The brotherhood aspect of being a part of a football team has only fueled his love for the sport.
"Playing with my brothers every day and creating lifelong memories with teammates is something that has always kept me going," Njoku said.
Travis has one of the top offenses in District 20-6A this season, and Njoku is a big reason why.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder has completed 48.3 percent of his passes for 1,048 yards and 13 touchdowns to two interceptions in seven games this season. He's also rushed for 606 yards and eight touchdowns on 6.3 yards per carry.
In his first year of varsity last season, Njoku heeded the encouragement of seniors who gave him confidence and earned their trust.
His learning curve was expedited by coaches who simplified the game plan to accommodate his talent.
"To have a better year, I think I need to have more confidence in myself and take some more chances in the offense," said Njoku, who threw for 13 touchdowns and rushed for seven touchdowns last season. "I think doing that will generate some more points and success for not only myself but for the team."
Before games, Njoku gobbles down a handful of Skittles. He does so again at halftime. He likes the energy boost it gives.
The internal boost is always there. Njoku's family, particularly Dominic, is his biggest inspiration when on the field.
"In every aspect of our life, we (him and Dominic) compete," Njoku said. "Because he's literally been by my side every step of the way, we push each other in ways that others can't. We both want to be better than each other, but also want the best for each other. Josh played football throughout his childhood all the way to college. I've wanted to reach the heights that he got to, and to be even better than that. Zoe', my little sister, inspires me every day to be a better person.
"My parents have done a lot for me and sacrificed a lot to be where I am now. I feel I owe it to them to work as hard as I can to be as successful as possible."
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Julia Liang, Clements
"I think definitely just improving my defense so I could play at the varsity level," Liang said of the difference. "Anticipating
the ball better and reacting faster, throwing my body on the floor for balls. Not being as hesitant.
"As far as setting, I could've played varsity as a freshman. But in other aspects of the game, I was lacking. Becoming a more mature player and more aware in certain situations definitely helped me grow."
Liang was an honorable mention all-district selection last year. She led the team in assists (290) and aces (14) and added 79 digs and 16 kills.
This season, Liang leads the team in assists (741) with 33 kills, 36 aces and 199 digs.
"I've improved on a lot of aspects of my game," she said. "Now it's about using them and implementing them to help my team."
Liang credits her success to her teammates, who voted her as team MVP last season. After all, she said, a good setter is only as good as the hitters around her.
Clements has a nice mix of veterans in its attack in seniors Liang, outside hitter Kaylyn Taylor, middle Grace Cervenka
and middle/outside Elizabeth Onyekwere, and promising young talent in junior middle Kaylin Daniels and junior outside hitter Samantha Spitznagel.
"With these seniors, I've been with them for three years. Time is key," Liang said. "And there's a lot of new hitters that have improved a lot and making them a major part of our offense is something I really look forward to."
Liang is as comfortable as she has ever been on the court. She is confident in herself and trusts her ability. The work she's put in shows in her status as a program leader.
"I love this team," Liang said. "Having people around you who push you to do better definitely motivates me to do better."
This story appeared in the Inaugural VYPE Fort Bend ISD Fall Edition, which is now available to pick up at your local Fort Bend ISD High Schools.
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